I constantly am trying to improve my photographic skills. Early this morning I was re-reviewing an on-line class from David duChemin titled “The Decisive Moment.” It was dark outside when I started the session. After I finished, I looked outside and saw that our garden was encased in fog. The decisive moment was at hand. I quickly slipped on my shoes and grabbed my camera. It was mysterical and magical outside. I enjoyed this moment and many more.
I have been in the Capitol several times. Each time I enter is a new experience. I don’t know how to explain the feeling that engulfs me. It’s a combination of wonder, awe, respect, excitement, humility, pride, and much more. The above two images were taken looking directly up from near the center of the Capitol Rotunda. I was shivering with awe when I took these images and had a very difficult time trying to be steady enough to get a decent shot.
The Apotheosis of Washington was painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865. It depicts George Washington rising to the heavens in glory. The fresco is 180 feet above the Rotunda floor.
‘Washington, Liberty, and Victory/Fame’
George Washington is flanked by two female figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame. Thirteen maidens, symbolizing the 13 original states, surround the three main figures. Six groups of figures are painted around Washington, Liberty, Victory/Fame, and the thirteen maidens. These represent war, science, marine, commerce, mechanics, and agriculture.
‘War’
‘War’ is depicted by Armed Freedom and Eagle defeating Tyranny and Kingly Power.
Walking around the Capitol, one receives different beautiful vignettes. These two were taken five years apart, about 20 feet from each other. Maybe this summer we will get the chance to return and get another perspective from this spot.
The Capitol is the house of the United States Government. We elect our government; therefore, it is our house too. It deserves all of our respect!
This image was taken in mid morning on a beautiful and warm summer day. There weren’t many people wandering about. Most were looking for a little shade.
The following is from a little different perspective. I stand in awe every time I get close.
The siege of our Capitol yesterday by the Trump-incited mob is a travesty of respect for our democracy. For me, it will never be forgotten.
I reflect on more sane times like this image taken on a warm summer late afternoon around a decade ago. I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to be able to freely walk around the various sections and chambers of the Capitol back in the Reagan administration. It made me proud to watch open Congressional sessions. I gained an insight and appreciation of our Democracy in progress. Those opportunities are no longer available to the general public.
Many have not had the opportunity to visit the Capitol. My aunt, who was a retired school teacher, saw the Capitol for her first time in her late years. Tears came to her eyes, and she exclaimed that every young student should have the opportunity to visit the Capitol to understand how our nation is governed.
For the next several posts, I will share images of the experiences I have had working in and visiting our Capitol.
The entrance path to our Japanese garden is in the shade in the early morning. I walked around the corner of the house and got a blast of sun rays shining through the crabapple and Japanese maples. Frost crystals reflected tiny speckles of light back at me. I stopped … and just took in the light and the abundance of early winter color.
I appreciate the light that surrounds us. It may be physical light, or it may be the light of a new thought, or even may be the light of a smile. I try to keep my mind clear and search out the light that each day brings. Something always appears!
As I was reviewing some of my past images, I saw this one and immediate thought of an Impressionistic painting. Topaz Impression and Cezanne came to my aid. Magic happens.
Below is the original image straight out of the camera.
Yesterday I woke up to a bright and brilliant early winter day. The skies were bright blue without a cloud. Sun was streaming down on our Heatherwood meadow. I grabbed my camera and went exploring. Many times when I wander through the garden I pick a certain photographic aspect that I want to practice. Yesterday I chose close-up isolation using depth of field. I chose a 100-400mm lens as my tool.
So off I went looking for a spent flower highlighted by the beautiful early morning sunlight with an interesting background. This is one of the “beauties” I found. It was a wonderful way to start my day.
December 31 was a beautiful winter day and a great way to end the year in the garden. The temperature was in the mid-40’s and the sky was bright blue. Mary and I took a walk around the neighborhood and then settled into our Adirondack rockers or our lower patio. We closed our eyes and cherished the warm sun as it beamed down on our cheeks. It was a time for quiet and a little reflection on things that we were thankful for during the past year.
Peacefully sitting in our garden enjoying the warmth and beauty of nature, it just doesn’t get any better.
The last day of 2020 was a beautiful sunny winter day. Mary and I decided to take a little walk around the neighborhood and say goodbye to 2020. The walk felt very good … we should do it every day!
The above image will record the progress of Heatherwood as of the end of 2020. The property has changed considerably since I moved in at the beginning of 2016. For reference, below is an image that I took in March 2016.
