October 04

I had to do a little shopping today, and since it was such a pretty day I grabbed my camera to make the walk to the store a photo walk. It was my only opportunity, since I completely forgot that today was the Roslindale Day Parade, and thus, while the fabulous parade in the beautiful weather went by the Square, mere blocks from my house, I was sitting in my living room watching television.

Wow. That was an unexpected stream of consciousness.

This photo caught my attention because of the textures. The bricks look like they haven't been repointed since the building was built in 1926, though the sign has to be somewhat newer. Still, a very pretty example of textures.

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September 14

In my photography workshops, I discuss composition at length, and usually start off by talking about the importance of seeing what you're photographing. In other words, you should be able to look through the viewfinder (or at your screen) and take note of everything in your image -- both the good and the bad.

I snapped this photo on one of my breaks from work, and I thought (scoping out the shot beforehand) that it was a pretty scene, one that looked almost European. I moved a bit, found the right framing devices to give the shot some depth (trees and the picturesque lamppost), then got the shot, all the while completely ignoring the glaring distraction smack in the middle of the photo -- that cinder block wall. It's decidedly unromantic.

While not an epic fail by any means, today's photo still reminds me of the importance of seeing -- and of paying attention. I think I'll add it to my presentation.

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August 28

I thought I should call this one "Urban Escher."

I got this shot while it was still a little sunny out, before the clouds came in and it began to drizzle. I park near this building two or three times a week, but had never noticed this courtyard with its maze of fire escapes before. Shows what happens when I actually bother to look around.

Unfortunately this framing doesn't show the maze of stairs to best effect. The trees block a lot of the view; the fire escapes ride for four or five stories on either side. It's almost too urban a scene to fit in Boston's chi-chi Back Bay.

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