View From Above
Although it felt like it was taking years to climb all those steps, once at the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral it was definitely worth the effort. Once at the top the view was breathless. It seemed like London went on and on and off the countries borders. I am still astonished at how sunny and bright it was on that day in London. Also, I find it amusing that the first thing that pops out at me in this picture is the green grass within the confines of the park. It is the only bit of vibrant color throughout this landscape of London which makes it a jewel in the depths of sand.
Ben Scratching the Sky
Although I too feel that pictures of Big Ben and other worldly attractions are over done, I had to throw one in myself. One cannot experience London without going to see Big Ben. Until I stood under it myself, I never realized how large and towering the clock tower is. In this picture it seems as if Big Ben is reaching up into the (rarely) blue sky for a breath of fresh air.
Fierceness
Within the walls of Parliament there are many royal coats of arms including the one in this picture. I chose the title “Fierceness” for this photograph because of the snarling expressions of the lion and the unicorn. They seem about to pounce at any moment. I also chose it because of the fierce detail of the royal coat of arms. The stone is so intricately carved I cannot imagine the type of person that it took to have the patience to carve that entire sculpture.
Blast from the Past
At Hampton Court Palace our group was told to go about on our own and tour the place accordingly. I did not know that there were going to be people dressed up in 15th century clothing pretending to be stuck in that time period. In this picture one of these actors can be seen in her red traditional clothing. It is very obvious how the time periods have changed when comparing her style to those of the children surrounding her. Her head piece is also very stylish blowing in the wind.
Wildlife: According to Africa
While touring an African zoo I came across the traditional African animals: elephants, tigers, lions, zebras. However, as I walked further along I noticed little fury animals that seemed very familiar. As I got closer I realized there was an area designated to guinea pigs. This is a picture of one of the more solitary guinea pigs enjoying a little “me-time” with its stark black and white fur contrasting with the neutral tones of the rock and straw surrounding it.
Blurbs of Color
My night picture this week was chosen because of the two solitary blurbs of color that stand out against the mysterious black depths of the surrounding areas. The belief is that street lamps should appear to make an area brighter and allow people to feel safer, but from this picture I feel differently. There are two street lamps within a few yards from one another yet the light that is given off is miniscule.
Electric Fire
I took this picture at night and accidentally moved the camera while the picture was still being taken. Originally I was going to delete the picture until I gave it a closer look. To me it represents a new age. Fire was given to the humans by the gods thousands of years ago, and now that our intellect and knowledge have blossomed into what it is today it seems like a new form of fire: an electric fire.
Flock of Sheep
While walking back from the priory in Hulne Park a small group of us came across a herd of sheep that were following an ATV with two sheep dogs holding up the caboose. It was startling at first because the sheep came at us full throttle from around a corner and swept past us in a rush. One aspect that I have grown to appreciate in this picture is the sun shining down upon the frolicking sheep because it is not very often that the sun can be seen in Alnwick.
The Giant Shovel
This giant shovel found in the priory in Hulne Park appears to be the same height as the scaffolding on the right hand side picture. It also appears to be the same size as the ancient brick wall of the priory in the background. In actuality, this shovel did not reach my own hip. It has to be one of the smallest shovels I have ever seen with my own two eyes. This is the reason why I like this picture so much: the camera can make you believe things that are not true.
Shadows of Death
This picture was taken in of old gravestones that I also found in Hulne Park near the priory. The reason why I chose this picture was because I liked the elongated shadows that the gravestones cast upon the dart dirt. I also enjoyed the aspect of life toughing death in the way that the new green grass borders the gravestones and dirt that cover the elderly caskets below.
