Tag Archives: architecture

reflections

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lake with mountain reflectionThis week while reflecting on some past photos, the idea to explore reflections struck.
Reflections can be created by many different shiny surfaces.  Water, is a natural.

harbor, Gwynedd, Wales

Buildings can be reflective as well. In this instance, in Chicago, the reflection of the older intricate architecture in the sleek more modern building is a nice study in contrasts.

Chicago buildings reflected in side of building

 

The building at 333 W. Wacker in Chicago’s riverside facade is curved to mirror the shape of the bend in the river. The surface is highly reflective which showcases the river, surrounding buildings and sky.

Chicago skyline reflected in buildings

 

Glass, of course, is another reflective surface which can be used very creatively because you get a picture within a picture effect.

gorilla with child's reflectionThe children here are reflected in the glass of the gorilla’s enclosure.

A shiny counter top serves as an interesting reflective subject also.

tomatoes reflected in counter top  One of the funnest places I have found for reflective pictures is the Cloud Gate sculpture, aka the bean, in Chicago.

Chicago, the bean
The skyline and sky are reflected as are the many people enjoying their reflections and the city’s too.

chicago bean and sky

The shape of the bean can distort the images creating a fun house mirror effect. Go inside the structure and you will be treated to an abstract reflective delight.

inside the Chicago bean

This week I encourage you to look to the reflections presenting themselves in your daily life and maybe snap a photo of a few.

~Sue

The View from Up Here is Great

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The Getty Center in Los Angeles is one of my favorite places to visit — not only for the art exhibits, which are reason enough, but also for the architecture and the photo opportunities. A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Klimt exhibit and after emerging from the second floor of the pavilion, took a few moments to admire the view. The gardens are spectacular.

I was particularly fond of the the aerial view from my perch on the balcony. It was the middle of the day, making the light a bit harsh, but sometimes you just have to go with what you are presented with. The moon’s presence at this hour was a little gift I took and tried to make the most of.

The textures produced by the travertine stones present another interesting element on the Richard Meier designed buildings. I switched to my zoom lens and brought the view a bit closer.

It’s fun to see how people choose to enjoy their time at the Getty Center. I chose to “reflect” on it.


The view of the city and a bit of the cactus garden are visible through this passageway.

The beautiful curved lines of the buildings against the blue sky caught my attention.


The possibilities for capturing moments at the Getty Center are endless and that’s why I never tire of making the trip up the hill. If you go, be sure to check out the Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden on the lower tram station level.  It is often overlooked by visitors but, in my opinion, is a good starting point for one’s visit. Maybe I’ll see you there!

~ Sue