Week Five

The African Mile

In Tunisia, Africa the buildings do not stand very tall. This is the reasoning behind the title for this photograph. Because of the shorter buildings it feels as if you can see the landscape for miles. I also noticed how many of the buildings are which seem to add to the expansion of the town.

Hallway Spectacular

This was taken at the top of the unfinished amphitheatre, hence the spontaneous sightings of sky and sunlight. Along with the open ceiling, there is open flooring which I find odd and intriguing. Another enjoyable part of this picture, I believe, is how the hallway seems to continue around the bend.

A Feather Amongst Leaves

This was taken in the middle of the woods, which is why it was so surprising to find a peacock feather amongst the leaves. The dullness of the leaves make the vibrant colours of the feather stand out. I like the sudden splotch of colour amongst the dull brown leaves and twigs.

People vs. Mountain

Mountains can be very intimidation, especially if you are standing in the groove between two very large mountain peaks. I like this photo because of its ability to display the vastness of the mountain’s size. The people seem somewhat miniscule compared to the massiveness of the tan mountain.

Lonely Monkey

After taking this photo I realized how alone and sad this monkey seemed to be. There were many other monkeys milling about and playing with their friends, but for some reason this monkey had only himself. My heart went out to this monkey in his moment of need.

Alnwick @ Night

This is a depiction of the serene streets of Alnwick at night. Everything seems still and tired from a long day’s work. This picture also brings to my mind the famous singing scene from “Singing in the Rain” because of the way the street light reflects off the wet tar road.

A Little Piece of Heaven

This picture was taken in a very dark corridor of a building and suddenly I came across a hole in the roof. This seemed to be the only form of light around; a little piece of heaven in the center of darkness.

Stampede of Calves

While walking to Hulne Park I came across three calves that were running around and playing games with one another. This picture was taken when the calves decided to rejoin the older bulls and cast play time aside.

Northumbria Tower

Although there are much larger towers throughout England, the angle that this photograph was taken at makes the Northumbria tower loom above like none of the rest. This picture is also interesting because of the start contrast of the light blue sky above to the dark brick of the tower.

Stone Flower

The downward angle of this photograph shows the depth of the stone sculpture. I chose to put this picture in my blog because of the intricate detail that can be seen I also liked how the flower seems so delicate in the rigid stone.

Week Four

The Love of Landscape

Landscape has the ability to make people feel free. There are no boundaries and some feel as if they could run forever with no end. It is a revitalizing feeling that inspires and infuses a new aspect of life within each of us. That is what this picture does for me. The landscape seems to offer a perfect world with the green grass, blue sky, and vast mountains. The lack of industrialization is also emphasizes the feeling of being free.

Old vs. New

The Romans occupied Tunisia for several years and while there they were able to build an amphitheatre similar to that of the Coliseum in Rome. This is a picture of the very top of the amphitheatre in Tunisia which was never completed. I chose the title Old vs. New because of the contrast between the old structure and the new sky. The building is in the process of deteriorating while the sky is young with colour with few clouds in the sky.

Warrior Strength

The strength of a warrior is an essential aspect to the victory of a tribe. They must be relentless, confident, and captivating. The sculpture of a warrior emanates these qualities. It has fierce facial expressions as well as a strong stance. It helps me to imagine what the warriors were like. The weapon that the still life is holding also helps us to imagine the fighting styles that may have been practiced. I included this photograph into my blog because of its ability to transport us back into history while also bring history into the present.

Zulu Dancing

The traditional dance in Tunisia, Africa is that of the Zulu Dancers. The sing, dance, and play instruments. This picture is of the traditional clothing of the Tunisians and the way that they celebrate with guests. The colours are brilliant with intrinsic details. The lighting was also essential for the display of the people, the colours, and the traditions.

The Roar of the Wild

While observing the many tigers in the area, this one in particular caught my eye. Its strong pose, riveting colour, and outstanding mass stood out from the others. It seemed as if this tiger was the boss of all the others. This picture displays these feelings to the exact. I am intrigued by the confidence that surrounds such a dangerous animal

Desert for Dessert

While travelling throughout Tunisia, Africa we came across an amazing sunset. This was taken of the Sahara Desert sun after a long day of warming the light sand. To me, this was a form of dessert to end the day. A little treat for a hard day’s travel.

Warped Metal

Metal can be transformed into various shapes. One shape that is commonly seen is a metal chair. This happens to be a picture of just that. However, due to the coloration and angle of the camera, this may not be instantly apparent which is why I decided to include this picture in my blog. Some may have to look longer and more carefully in order to identify the true object.

Cascading into the Blue

Water is an amazing property of this world. It is made up of millions of tiny, individual particles that travel as one body. In this picture, I was able to capture the brilliant blue of the water as well as its agility and ability to combine back into a single body of water.

Giant Mushroom

Although this is not a giant mushroom, it appears that is it. In reality, this is a water sculpture that I found in the Alnwick Gardens. If you look closely, you can see the water cascading down the stem. I was inspired to include this in my blog because of how the sun illuminates the top of overwhelming sculpture while the brush shades the bottom stem of it.

Rickety Door

This picture demonstrates the effect that time has on material. The downward effect that I used on this picture helps to emphasize the fragility of the deteriorating door. Time has the ability to ware down everything from inanimate objects to mortal souls. The door in this picture shows how time, wind and rain can be exhausting.

Week Three

The Aln at a Glance

Right outside the castle grounds runs the river Aln. To the right of the river is the domesticated grounds of the castle which are always nicely mowed and kept up. To the left is the pasture which has sheep, mud, and feces strewn about. The river is what divides the two different atmospheres. The differences between the two sides is shown in this picture. Even the greeness of the grass is different on one side versus the other. This picture represents the class divisions that have cultivated this country since the beginning of time.

Old Yet Strong

When compared to the York Minster, the Durham Minster seems much more sturdy. It is not crumbling with time and still seems to hold its ground. I feel this picture shows the immense strength of the cathedral and how it still overwhelms the town to this day. It towers above the tallest trees and makes other still life figures appear miniscule.

Whisps of Color

While touring the university in Durham Roy took us down into an underground chapel. This chapel happens to be the oldest part of the university, dating back to the 11th century, but still remains fully intact. Looking at the pillar within the chapel, I realized the delicacy of the ancient stone. The soft, red whisps flowing so delicatley within and around the stone. It seems as if the pillars were just erected in order to support the weight of the ceiling when compared to the back wall which seems old, decrepid, and rough.

The Bagpipe Man

On the way to the game on Shrove Tuesday a man, followed by many others, exited the castle through the barbican while playing a bagpipe. I enjoyed this picture because of the solemn expression on the man's face. This was supposed to be a joyous time with excitment surmounting for the game that is about to be played. Apparently, this man was not as excited. It may have had something to do with the drizzly rain damaging his bagpipe.

Silence of the Sheep

Sheep are everywhere in the country of England. It does not matter where you travel. I decided to capture this fact and in attempt I was given this look by a sheep. The sheep, it seems, is telling me to "back off lady" because I was chasing them around the pasture. The entire time I was following these sheep, this was the only one that would turn in my direction. At that moment I formed a connection, a bond if you will, with that sheep. If only I could tell which sheep it was.

The Bright Light of Faith

I chose the title because of how the light shines on the cathedral in such a way that it is hard to even recognize the small cemetary surrounding it. Everything other than the cathedral of Durham is blackened, except for the bright green color of the blossoming grass which is also a symbol of life.

The Eye of God

This is not an actual picture of the eye of God. It is actually a picture of a dome window in Durham. I still believe that it appears to be an eye, and only the eye of God could be that large and domineering. I was able to adjust the coloring in order for the blue to contrast with the white in a more abstract manner.

The Art of the Shrove

On Fat Tuseday the British participate in a soccer game for the masses. Many people showed up to play and this was an action shot of the locals dueling it out. I was able to capture a brief moment in time where the water in the puddle to the right was splashing over opponents and the boys to the left are becoming parallel to the ground in attempts to gain control of the ball.

Suspended

This picture was taken looking directly up into the tallest towers of a cathedral. I thought the ceiling looked more overwhelming in the picture than it felt in real life. It seems to be suspended in mid-air. I also liked the contrast of the white ceiling of the tower and the dark nave of the cathedral because I thought it brought out the drama of such a building.

Wooden Comfort

This picture depicts a row of identical chairs within a cathedral. I liked this picture because of the symmetry and extending lines. The chairs may look small because of the downward angle the picture was taken at, but in fact they were the size of an average dinner table chair.

Week Two

Dreary Day

This photo depicts a dreary day in Scottland. One cannot tell by the picture, but this was taken in the late morning. The pale sky is an interesting back-drop for such old gothic buildings. Also, as I look closer at the picture, past the hustle and bustle of the roadway, I saw the peaceful rolling mountains in the distant background which gives a different feeling to the photo.

Cascading Light

York Minster is a beautiful cathedral with an even more amazing history. I was inspired to take this picture when we were on our tour and I peered up at the ceiling. I noticed the way the sunlight from outside shone through the medival windows and illuminated the golden trimming of the ceiling. It creates a very calm and comfortable atmosphere.

Royalty

These statues depict different kings that reigned durring the time that it took for York Minster to be erected. I was inspired by the stark difference between the cold cement of the figures and the rich gold and red coloring that surrounded them.

Transportation

I liked the contrast of wheeled vehicles that is apparent in this photo. They are two completely different machinces that serve the same purpose. I also found it shocking how close the bicycler was to the car.

Death

This group of berries looked very lonesome amongst the lifeless color of the concrete that the plant has attached itself to. It seems that the plant is barely holding on to the last bit of life that it can, but yet it still thrives.

Life

On my way to the bus, I walked past a fountain with flowing water and colorful lighting. It reminded me of how I was taught that stagnant water does not provide life. This moving water has the ability of providing life and the color excentuates that fact.

Abstract Rose

Originally, this picture was of a green light that I found within a fountain. However, while taking the picture I decided to try something new and shake the camera while the picture was being taken. The results are what you see above. Then through editing I was able to retrieve the abstract outline of the light. During the editing process I noticed that the shape simulated that of a rose and changed the green coloring to a pink coloring.

Flight

In York we went for a walk as near to the flooded river as we could get. While we were on our way down to the river there was a bundle of pigeons feeding off of the grass. I suddenly had an urge to run through the grouping of feathered friends, and while doing so, was able to take a picture of some of them during take-off.

Power

While touring York Minster, I came across a still life of William the Conquerer. Viewing his statue I noticed his vicious facial expression and the way in which he held sword. I also felt as if he looked down upon me like he would have to the commoners of his time which inspired me to take a picture from a low camera angle.

Clean and Tidy

The part that I liked about this picture was the depth of field. Although the plates aren't entirely lined up exactly the same, I thought that it added a corky sense of being clean and orderly. The contrast of black and white is also pleasing to the eye in this photo and I like how those are the only colors that are captured.

Week One

Distances

This picture displays the immense amount of buildings in the town of Edinburgh. The landscape seems as if it goes on forever, even through the haze. I also liked this scene because of the more modern buildings that contrast the one Gothic style building in the center. It attempts to mix the old with the new.

Gothic Archway

Looking throughout history, I have come to the conclusion that my favorite time period for architecture is during the Gothic period. I wanted to use this picture because it shows the art work and technique needed in Gothic work such as the points and distinct lines.

Still

I enjoyed this picture because of how still everything seems. Although it is gazing through two door ways, it appears that there is no commotion inside or out. It allows whoever is looking at the sculpture at the other end to be able to enjoy it from a distance.

Lonely

While being in England, I have noticed that many people walk alone. This woman looked lonely on her way home from work, yet very peaceful. It was a strange contrast of feelings that I wanted to convey.

Denseness

I found a beautiful green bush and I loved the true greenness of this dense bush. It seems as if the plant is never ending and that sunlight is always available, although it rarely is in this part of the country.

Street Savvy

This is a picture of the street life in Alnwick at night. The driving in this country is very key to experiencing the area. I thought it was needed to describe the whole experience.

Finding One's Roots

This picture inspired me because of the thickness and strength of the roots of the tree. It makes me think of all the people that travel abroad to get into touch with their ancestry.

Edinburgh in Motion

I chose this picture because I liked how the wet sidewalk looked against the dark clothing of the walking people and the wet pavement. The pace of Europe seems so much faster than that of

America.

Unfinished Project

This is a picture of the disgrace of Edinburgh. This stone sculpture was to be finished many years ago, however the funds dried out. I was inspired by this because it looked very dismal on that day, just as the people of Scotland must look at it everyday.

Signs of Alnwick

This picture was taken because of the unique ways that the street signs are posted in England. I enjoy how they are posted on the walls of different types of structures. I also enjoyed the contrast between the sign and the brick.