Light and Layering

Layering in photography adds depth and subtle intensity to a picture.  As a photographer, I am constantly chasing the light.  This shot depicts the multiplication of layers, drawing you inward, almost as if you were walking down the fractured trail yourself.

On a recent trip, our son Bryan surprised us with a scenic drive towards a prime spot for layering:  Angeles Crest Highway [SR2] from Pasadena, CA.  It is evident in this picture that there has been a dusting of snow, that adds contrast to the shale rock, scrub and pine trees.  [of note, this is the location of the hellish Station Fire, which charred 160,000+ acres, lasting from August-Oct, 2009 - the result of arson).

Within the layers you can find the sound of peace.  The winds soars through the chasms, and echoes of a pristine dance upon the shale serenade you.  Suddenly, you are lost within the moment, the light, layers and melodic string sounds of the air around you.

Every picture tells a story, but when the photographer can seek and find dancing light, the picture comes alive.

"... A likeness of the light in the ground of the soul flows over into the body, which is then filled with radiance. ..." Meister Eckhart, poem no.3534 Dominican Preacher

Loving Lattice and Staircases of Beauty

Vacations are an adventure.

Whether traveling to a familiar place or spinning the globe and allowing it to plot your journey; something unusual piques your interest and imagination.  Pasadena, CA in December was a warm and pleasant reprieve from the bitter cold of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  

The Pasadena Courthouse grounds and courtyard are fantastic.  Within the white pillar sentries, rose gardens and large trees allow for an abundance of eye candy.  I was drawn to the whimsical and delicate lattice work of the winding staircase within the courthouse grounds.  While photographed from the bottom to the top and the opposite, as is shown above, I preferred the lighting of going from bright to dark, giving the illusion of a magical trip to destinations unknown.  

Dr. Thomas Elliott, the man who coined the name Pasadena, a partial translation of "of the Valley" [1878 Wheeler Land Survey] was spot on with the name, as with one glance from atop Angeles Crest Highway [Hwy 2] Pasadena truly is "of the valley".

 ...up and down, all around, the steps lead you where you need.  One at a time, step by step,  destinations are discovered and stumbled upon... ann c. mcarthur 1/14/14