Opulence Within Galleria degli Uffizi

Posted on February 11th, 2016 by

Over the Top Wealth

Most of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is understated…as far as former mansions of UBER-wealthy Renaissance loving Italians go. I have a feeling this is to highlight the collocation of masterpieces housed in this former Palace/Administrative complex. This room, however, was another story…the wealth and opulence displayed is a bit more in the character of what I would expect the original display might have felt like.

Opulence Within Galleria degli Uffizi
Opulence Within Galleria degli Uffizi

Photo Technical Info

The Library of Congress Skylight

Posted on February 8th, 2016 by

Color Troubles

I took this photo of the grandiose skylight at the U.S. Library of Congress years ago, but because of the difficult lighting conditions, its been in a folder on my computer called “Needs More Work”. Inside and outside color temperature ends up with a mess of tones, so as I was looking around this weekend I finally figured I should do what I almost always do in these situations and work in black and white! Amazing!

The Library of Congress Skylight
The Library of Congress Skylight

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 28 May, 2012
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 400
  • Shutter speed: 1/50s

The First Time I Saw the Colosseum of Rome

Posted on February 4th, 2016 by

My First Time

It was a crisp winter morning in Rome. Cold by Mediterranean standards, but not by middle American. As a passed through a park that contained some ancient baths, I stopped just the top of my destination, one of the New7Wonders of the World, the Colosseum of Ancient Rome! I finished my way around the streets losing view of this mammoth structure, but there she was, enshrouded by trees. As I rounded the small stair, this was my first view of the Colosseo.

The First Time I Saw the Colosseum of Rome
The First Time I Saw the Colosseum of Rome

Photo Technical Info

Gold Votive Holder at Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy

Posted on February 1st, 2016 by

In the Great Church

The greater insides of Santa Maria del Fiore is a bit on the sparse side…boring even. The facade and the dome are really the highlight while the nave is completely open and drab. One very interesting exception was the votive holders. Often in Catholic churches these are quite beautiful when lit, but a generally boring affair, but at Santa Maria del Fiore, they are a golden flowering plant bringing light to a drab world.

Gold Votive Holder at Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy
Gold Votive Holder at Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 14 January, 2016
  • Focal length: 21mm
  • ISO: 1600
  • Location: 43° 46.3822′ 0″ N 11° 15.369′ 0″ E
  • Shutter speed: 1/125s
  • Title: Gold Votive Holder at Duomo in Florence, Italy

Thai Buddhist Temple Offering Pots

Posted on January 28th, 2016 by

Offerings and Meditation

These pots lined the exit of the Reclining Buddha. What struck me was their dual purpose. First they solicit donations for the temple. As you pass each one a small denomination coin is dropped in as an offering. Second, they are yet another form of meditation…a walking meditation, rhythmic…full of thoughts of charity.

Thai Buddhist Temple Offering Pots
Thai Buddhist Temple Offering Pots

Photo Technical Info

Villa Balbianello from Lake Como

Posted on January 25th, 2016 by

Beauty and Beyond

There is a beauty on Lake Come that is quite unlike anywhere else I have been. The small lake front towns (Como, Varenna, Lenno) are far too crowded with tourists looking to get away from the city for the day. April when I visited, the wind was still biting and the temperature too cold for my taste, but still the beauty is there. There is a stillness and a calmness to these waters. I am all too happy to one day return and spend more time.

Villa Balbianello from Lake Como
Villa Balbianello from Lake Como

Photo Technical Info

Chinese Astrology Rabbit Statue in Kowloon, Hong Kong

Posted on January 21st, 2016 by

What is Your Sign?

I can’t say I fully understand the intricacies of Chinese Astrology. I think I know two things:

  1. It seems to have little in common with Western Astrology.
  2. I am the Rabbit.

When I visited Kowloon’s Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple the place was packed…I walked in shoulder to shoulder with other tourists and worshipers. There wasn’t a clear shot of much so I focused on close-up work. You know…creativity is an attribute of both the Rabbit AND Pisces!

Chinese Astrology Rabbit Statue in Kowloon, Hong Kong
Chinese Astrology Rabbit Statue in Kowloon, Hong Kong

Photo Technical Info

Spiral Incense in Hong Kong

Posted on January 18th, 2016 by

Which Buddhist Temple?

I have visited quite a number of temples, shrines, churches and other holy places around the globe. This is amazing as I get to see how people from different places and walks of life experience religion. The problem is sometimes these sites can run together! Some places like La Sagrada Familia are unmistakable, but this shot…might be a few places! I think, given the prominent spiral incense, its Man Mo Temple, but honestly I am only about 75% sure!

Spiral Incense in Hong Kong
Spiral Incense in Hong Kong

Photo Technical Info

On the Beach in Kauai

Posted on January 14th, 2016 by

Crazy Sunset Tones

I have been experimenting again. I almost didn’t share this photo. It seemed too extreme to me when I processes it. I have been playing with some of Trey’s Lightroom Presets. They are surprisingly fun and I love deconstructing them to find new techniques in Lightroom!

Pro Tip…never use any preset on its default values, but rather as a starting point (wedding photographers, feel free to ignore that completely).

On the Beach in Kauai
On the Beach in Kauai

Photo Technical Info

Twilight Falls on Venice Italy

Posted on January 11th, 2016 by

Twilight

If ever there were a place for the Vampire to roam, it would be Venice. I constantly think of returning here, but have held off this year in favor of Florence and Rome (I have not YET visited these two cities). The thing is, there is so much motion and tone in Venice. It can be a bit TOO easy to find something to photograph, but honestly that is nothing to complain about!

Twilight Falls on Venice Italy
Twilight Falls on Venice Italy

Photo Technical Info