Inspiration Found

In last Saturday's post I discussed how I am looking for a different approach to photographing Charleston on this year's trip. I had considered that I would focus more on detail shots than the overall views that dominated my attempts on our first trip last April. After making that post I found a book at the library that clarified my thinking, Paris, Portrait Of A City, by photographer Matthew Weinreb.

In this book, Weinreb concentrated on the architectural details that make Paris buildings unique. In Weinreb's own words from the Forward, "As in the book on London, I was not concerned with producing a categorical document of the city. I wanted to immerse myself in Paris' grandeur, to spy out details which are so often missed by the passerby."

As I thumbed through the book in the library I knew this was exactly the approach I wanted to take this year's trip. Since Saturday, I have given the book a more studied viewing, and I am getting fired up about making photos again. Not that Charleston can compare with Paris, but the two cities do share a wealth of fascinating architectural details for any who will take the time to look for them.

I did do some detail photography on last year's trip, as in this photo of the balcony railing at the Nathaniel-Russell House, but I was more captivated by the overall views. This year I will spend more time looking for the details that I overlooked before, inspired by Mr. Weinreb's approach.

Balcony Detail, Nathaniel Russell House, Charleston, SC  -  2012

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For My Aunt Margie

For my Aunt Margie, my Mother's sister, who passed away Sunday afternoon.

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Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live"  (John 11:25)

What's next?

I'm a fan of the now defunct TV show, "The West Wing". Although I generally loathe the political agenda the show tried to promote, the writing and story lines were always top notch, the characters well conceived and played, and I never get tired of watching reruns. One of President Bartlet's catch phrases from the show is, "What's next?", a line he uses when he's through with the current topic of discussion and is ready to move on to something else. That's my attitude toward winter right now, "What's next?"

As winter drags on, I'm contemplating a planned return visit to Charleston in April. Last year was our first trip there, and I fell in love with this city. It reminds me quite a bit of New Orleans, only much cleaner and safer. Of course, I spent a great deal of time making photos of all the sights - one could wear out several cameras in Charleston. I don't want to re-photograph what I already shot last year, so I've been contemplating what I will do differently on this year's visit.

Last year I shot mostly "macro" views of the city's architectural features. I've got scores of overall shots of buildings, churches, fountains, etc. Maybe this year I'll focus more on the details that make Charleston's buildings special. I did a little of that last year as seen in the photo below, but I think I'll make that even more of a focus this trip.

Wrought Iron Detail, Charleston, SC  -  2012

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I think I'd also like to photograph more Charleston people this year, although this is more of a struggle for me. After all, it's the shop owners, waiters, street vendors, and "characters" that give a town its personality. Taking pictures of strangers on the street is hard for me to do, but maybe in the role of a tourist I'll feel less self-conscious about doing it. I've read that dressing like the stereotypical tourist will often buy you some slack with your subject when pointing a camera in their direction. We'll see.

Anyway, winter has worn out its welcome with me. I'm ready for "What's next?"

Pickin' And (not) Grinnin'

Porch Music, Swain County, NC  -  2007

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I like to listen to bluegrass music, but my wife says so much of it is just too sad sounding for her. I don't remember what song these women were playing back in 2007, but from the looks on their faces, it probably wasn't one that was helping to win my wife as a fan.

Spinning

Spinning, Swain County, NC  -  2007

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Right For All The Wrong Reasons

Steeple Silhouette, Charleston, SC  -  2012

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A long time ago I worked as a numerical control programmer at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans. One of my supervisors sometimes said when reviewing my work, "You are right for all the wrong reasons." In other words, my result was correct, but looking at my process, he couldn't understand how I got there.

I think that accurately describes how this photo came about. It wasn't originally intended to be a silhouette. To be honest, I blew it, I screwed up, I significantly underexposed the shot. The sky was OK, but the church steeple was way too dark. Not dark enough to be a true silhouette, but too dark to see much detail on the steeple. However, being almost a silhouette gave me the idea to make it a true silhouette. So I darkened the building and steeple even more, while retaining enough brightness in the sky to hold detail in the clouds. And I could have kept this all a secret and let you think that I have the silhouette shooting technique nailed down. No, once again I was simply right for all the wrong reasons.

What's in a name?

Hood Law Firm, Charleston, SC  -  2012

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I have no reason not to believe that the Hood Law Firm is composed of qualified, honest, and reputable attorneys. I'm sure this firm represents some of Charleston's finest citizens. Still, I can't believe that someone didn't suggest at least considering a different name for the firm when it got started. I'm sure the Hood family is as proud of their name as I am of mine, but why encourage the jokes and puns? On the other hand, it is an attention getting name. After all, I didn't make a photo of any other law firm's sign while I was in Charleston.