Day 29: NC State’s Memorial Bell Tower & Holladay Hall
Well, I said yesterday that Memorial Bell Tower is NC State’s iconic image, so how could I not include it in this photo project? This morning’s ominous sky was perfect for adding drama to the images.
Just across from the Bell Tower is Holladay Hall, the oldest building on NC State’s Campus. It is now home to the Chancellor’s Office.
Day 22: View of Downtown Raleigh
Looking through photos from last spring, I found this shot of downtown Raleigh from March 22 of last year.
I thought it might be fun to go back on the same day one year later to see how the view has changed. I hadn’t intended on this result, but the two shots also show how the time of day and lighting affect the color of a scene. The first shot was taken about 4:30 in the afternoon. I took today’s photo at 10:00 this morning. Now I’m wishing I had taken today’s photo at the same time, so I could have had a true comparison. I think I have a downtown shot taken last April, so maybe I can try that project next month.
Day 8: Oaky Grove Methodist
A few weeks ago, I was visiting student teachers who are placed in Johnston County middle schools, and I took a different route through eastern Wake County along Smithfield Road. Just after crossing Poole Road, I noticed this picturesque scene. After a bit of research, I found out that this church is Oaky Grove Methodist Church, built around 1876. The church sits along a gravel section of Mial Plantation Road, but I love the view from across the field.
I did not have my camera with me that day, so I knew I would be returning to photograph the scene. Today after visiting with the Goldbergs, I wasn’t in a great hurry to return home, so I thought it might be a good time for another drive along Smithfield Road. I’m not satisfied with this photo. I was there through the middle of the day, and the angle of the sun made it hard for me to capture the vivid blue of today’s sky. The sun also reflected harshly from the church’s metal roof, so that area of the photo is blown out. But while an imperfect photo, it still conveys a lovely country scene.
March Project: A Photo a Day
A little more than a week ago, I spent some time visiting with a friend who has recently began studying photography. It was so energizing to see his enthusiasm, but it also made me reflect on how little time I am giving to my photography. I have a reason — or at least a fairly decent excuse. As a full-time graduate student and the manager of a historic property, my days are far busier than I would like. I take those responsibilities seriously and, therefore, tend to let them dominate my time. There just doesn’t seem to be much left for other interests.
Rather than lament my lack of time for fun, I’m choosing to focus on finding ways to make time for photography. I have decided to begin with an abbreviated version of the popular Project 365, in which photographers commit to taking at least one photo each day for a year. I’m going to begin with a one-month project. Each day in March, I must take at least one photo. I’ll post the photos on this blog, so everyone can see how the project progresses.
I considered possible themes for the project but ultimately decided to keep it open. Just a photo, that’s my only requirement. At this point, my goal is simply to challenge myself to make photography part of my daily life.
So here’s the photo for Day 1, March 1, 2009:
It’s been a cold, rainy first day of March, and I’ve stayed inside as much as possible. For today’s photo, I did not venture any farther than the back porch. This photo shows the view from the west entrance to the porch. It is the rear of the Bailey Apartment Building. I do not know much about the history of this building. Although it shows its age, I think it is a building with great character. I would love to see what it looked like in its heyday.
Snow Day in Raleigh!
Finally! After eight winters in Raleigh (nonconsecutive winters, that is), I have finally seen a real snow. While I was at Meredith, we had one ice storm but no snow. Two years ago, we had enough snow to cancel school, yet it didn’t completely cover the ground. Today was the real deal — or as real as you can expect for our area of North Carolina.
When I woke this morning, here was the view outside my door.
The snow continued until just after lunch. When I later ventured out with the camera, it was amazing to see how the snow had transformed Raleigh.
Warrenton, NC
Last Saturday’s outing took me to Warren County. Warrenton, the county seat, is a beautiful town. I spent most of my time visiting the downtown antique shops, and I hope to go back one day soon to complete their walking tour of historic homes.
The Courthouse is located in the middle of the downtonwn area and like many towns in the South, the grounds include a Confederate memorial.
As I was walking through downtown, I saw this lovely Nativity scene in one of the shop windows.
I’m not sure why, but I’m drawn to abandoned buildings. I tried to compose this shot to focus on the two empty stores, but I think the HI Fi sign makes for a nice contrast.
The Columbus County Courthouse
Although I wasn’t able to go home for the 4th of July, I did make an overnight trip yesterday. As I drove through Whiteville, it occurred to me that Sunday morning would be the perfect time to get a few shots of the Columbus County Courthouse. During the weekdays, dodging cars can be more than a slight hindrance.
Columbus County’s most recognized landmark, the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As might be expected, it presents the types of challenges common to older buildings. It is currently in desperate need of updates and repairs, and I understand that conditions are less than ideal for our county employees. As I stood yesterday and admired the building’s impressive exterior, I could only hope that our county commissioners will commit to maintaining the interior in a manner that demonstrates respect for the building and the history of Columbus County.
Southport
I absolultely love Southport! The downtown waterfront area is one of the more peaceful places I know, and I sincerely hope Southport succeeds in keeping its small-town charm. When I visited last week, I had planned to photograph the waterfront park, but those shots didn’t hold my attention quite the way this abandoned building did.
One shot — Three Images
The digital darkroom has given photographers incredible control over post processing and thus allows for great experimentation. Today I’m including an example to show how one simple shot can be edited to produce three rather different results. I took this photograph in New Hill, a community just outside of Apex, NC.
Image #1: In this color version, I’ve saturated the colors to emphasize the contrast between the red bricks and shingles and the blue sky.
Image #2: Notice how the lighter areas sweep upward across the sky in this black and white version. If you look at the color version, you can see that the contrast was already there, but this black and white edit really draws your attention to it.
Image #3: This edit is not my favorite. I tend not to like photographs that are this soft. However, I have a friend who prefers it for the eerie mood it creates. Interestingly, this version draws the eye to the house in the background more than the other two edits do.
A Certain Quality of Spirit 