The National Park Service hosts a Civil War Encampment re-enactment each year at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio. It's a great event for photography. I enjoy using tools to process the photos to bring out the character of the event. Although not truly accurate to the time, I process the photos to have a vintage appearance.
A couple weeks ago I had an event to attend in Northwestern Ohio. Normally a 3 hour trip, I decided to take the long way and wander through some of the small Ohio towns. I saw some beautiful murals in Bucyrus. In Findlay I obeyed the "No Trespassing" signs and photographed the Ghost Town from the road. And I made a few other miscellaneous stops along the way.
My blog has been stagnant with no excuse other than lack of motivation. I've got a few photo sets to upload and some other updates to fill in.
Happy 1 year anniversary to the Instagrammers of Cleveland group. We met at the Italian Cultural Garden in Rockefeller Park. Matching the theme of the World Wide InstaMeet we brought red balloons to use our photographs. Around sunset time we travelled to East 55th Street Marina and took pictures out there. This is where I took my more creative and interesting shots.
A couple weeks ago I took a trip to Seattle for a conference. I spent an extra day walking around a with friend. We spent time at the Pike Place Public Market, Chihuly Glass Museum and Garden, Seattle Public Library, and Kerry Park. Below is a collection of photos from the trip.
In early November I took my first vacation (full week) in many years. Thanks to friends in Truckee, California and Reno, Nevada I had excellent tour guides and places to stay. I spent time at various parks around Lake Tahoe and took some drives up into the Sierra Mountains. Here are photos from the trip.
A panorama from Holden Arboretum yesterday. The colors are fading fast.
I participated in the Kelby World Wide Photo Walk 2014 in Cleveland. Our group was at Lakeview Cemetery. The conditions were not ideal, as the sun was fairly bright. With Halloween just around the corner, I processed my cemetery photos to look as spooky as possible.
This was the prime week for Autumn leaves. Here's my favorite panorama from Squires Castle in North Chagrin Reservation.
Recently I've made a few attempts at panoramic shots using my Canon dSLR. I'm quite happy with the way this shot(s) turned out. This was taken during the Kelbyone World Wide Photo Walk on Saturday, Oct. 11. Three shots taken from the outdoor balcony of Garfield's Monument at Lakeview Cemetery.
Cleveland Skyline
is saying goodbye.
Today I said goodbye to Chloe, my 12 year old Boxer. She's been with me for the last 7 years, after being rescued from the Lake County Humane Society.
Chloe was a wonderful dog from the start. She was always happy and well behaved. She stayed in the yard, never chewed furniture or other stuff. She was protective of her yard, but was very friendly to people who were invited in.
For the past 6 years Chloe has been taking medication to treat a heart condition common to Boxers. The meds worked well keeping her heart in check. About 6 months ago she started showing symptoms of Cushings Disease which was treated fairly successfully with meds. About 3 weeks ago she got a severe bacterial infection under her skin. Sadly it is highly resistant to drugs, and the meds were not working. I think her immune system was too compromised to fight.
The infection got so bad, and was so uncomfortable, I felt it was time to let her go. Now she's more comfortable and in a better place resting peacefully.
“DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE is Historic Milwaukee’s most ambitious project. As a nonprofit organization, Historic Milwaukee, Inc. has been dedicated to increasing awareness of and commitment to Milwaukee’s history, architecture, and the preservation of our built environment through education and advocacy since 1974.
The fourth annual Doors Open Milwaukee event will open the doors to over 150 wonderful buildings free-of-charge to the public –buildings that hold hidden treasures and special stories – from churches to office buildings, theaters to work sites, museums to hotels, clubs to universities; all sites of historic, architectural, cultural, or commercial interest.”
The weekend of September 19-22 I flew up to Milwaukee to visit my sister, Kerri, who has been living there for just over a year. I was planning the trip and she suggested that weekend because of the event, Doors Open Milwaukee.
I picked an ambitious 24 buildings from the list, with a few recommended by Kerri. We had spreadsheets and maps, making a plan that would give us a good opportunity to see all the buildings we selected. As we walked and drove the city, we caught a few buildings not originally on the list, but they happened to be next to or across the street from buildings we had planned to see.
The architecture in Milwaukee, especially the old buildings, is phenomenal. They do such a great job of maintaining or restoring the historical buildings. The buildings we saw were so different, it's difficult to pick favorites. There are some I definitely got better pictures of due to smaller crowds of people.
Kerri was very patient with me while I walked around to photograph the buildings. Several of the buildings she enjoyed the tours being provided. And other buildings she kept the Docent company, while I moved around.
Below are the galleries of photos I took at each of the buildings we made it to. The descriptions are from the DoorsOpenMilwaukee.org website. Click the pictures for the high resolution, non-cropped image.
Ambassador Hotel
Address: 2308 W. Wisconsin Avenue
A shining example of true Art Deco style, the Ambassador Hotel provides an urban oasis near the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Discover a remarkable blend of modern amenities and 1920s Art Deco design. From the original marble floors and bronze elevator doors to the ornate plasterwork, every detail of the Ambassador Hotel is a testament to the bold beauty of Art Deco. Guests will receive guided tours each hour at the top of the hour, with the last tour beginning at 4pm. Tours will include public areas of the hotel, as well as guest room accommodations offered at the Ambassador. Learn about the unique history of the ambassador and see the original Art Deco details throughout the property.
Basilica of St. Josaphat
Address: 601 W. Lincoln Avenue
The Basilica stands alone. The year was 1896. Polish immigrants were pouring into the southside of Milwaukee. Parishioners numbered more than 12,000. Rev. Wilhelm Grutza had a vision – build a grand church, one the community would be proud of, would honor the Polish heritage and be a destination by people from around the world. Visitors to the Basilica will experience inspiration beyond their imaginations. A chance to step back to a time and learn how the energy and passion of our founding brothers and sisters erected an “ignored wonder of the world.”
Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 2419 E. Kenwood Boulevard
The Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts (commonly referred to as the "Zelazo Center") is a state-of-the art venue for events ranging from the most intimate meeting to the grandest wedding. Originally used as a synagogue by Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun since 1922, the building boasts a grand entrance, two elaborate stained glass displays, as well as exquisite molding, arches, and decorative elements. The Zelazo Center includes the 758-seat Helen Bader Concert Hall, two conference facilities, six new warm-up/practice spaces and two dining and/or ballrooms. The space includes a molded parabolic dome and is flanked by twelve 20-foot transept stained glass windows designed by the Congregation’s Rabbi Joseph El L. Baron. The building will be open to the public to explore. There will most likely be open rehearsals going on in the concert hall.
Hotel Metro
Address: 411 E. Mason Street
Time stands still on the corner of Milwaukee and Mason Streets. Walk through the doors of Hotel Metro and return to an era where the spirit of hospitality thrived. A hotel where the mood is full of charm and character. Where luxury has been achieved through attention to detail and courteous, unobtrusive service. The hotel is located in a historic neighborhood and was designed by Eschweiler & Eschweiler to complement and stand out in the neighborhood while offering stylish and trendy options for the time period. Locally, the Art Deco movement was at its peak and the architecture of the building reflects that via the high ceilings and curvature found throughout the building. It was built as an office building in 1937 and was the first to have central air conditioning throughout.
BMO Harris Bradley Center
Address: 1001 N. 4th Street — Potawatomi Gate
One of the top favorite stops during the Doors Open Milwaukee! Get the ‘back of house,’ behind the scenes tour of the Milwaukee Bucks team locker room, building operations, Premium Suite, Club and Theater Box spaces. See the arena from the camera’s vantage point from the Video suite. Visit the Star dressing rooms and view performer memorabilia. Learn how hockey ice is made. Bring your camera for photo ops up-close and personal with the 31’x33’ Scoreboard.
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 929 N. Water Street
The Marcus Center has been a premier entertainment destination for Milwaukee and Wisconsin since 1969. Located in the heart of the Downtown Theater District, the Marcus Center is a community facility that offers live performance of opera, ballet, children’s theater, symphony, Off Broadway, one night performances and first-class national touring productions of Broadway. Tours of Uihlein Hall and the Todd Wehr Theater, including backstage tours when possible. Public reception and meeting spaces will also be visited. Guests will be familiarized with the history of the Marcus Center and the it’s occupants. They will also gain insight into how the Center is able to provide a wide variety of entertainment and reception offerings in it’s multiple venues.
McIntosh | Goodrich Mansion (home of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music)
Address: 1548 N. Prospect Avenue
This Neo-Classical Revival style mansion, built in 1903, was home to industrialist Charles L. McIntosh; then linseed oil businessman William Osborne Goodrich and his wife, a daughter of brewing magnate Captain Frederick Pabst; and finally the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in 1934. The McIntosh|Goodrich Mansion exterior features dark red Galesburg paving brick, a monumental four column Corinthian portico, Michigan raindrop brownstone trim, and copper cornices. Interior highlights include stained glass attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany, mahogany trimmed fireplaces, and grand curved glass bay windows overlooking the lake, among many others. Take a guided ‘highlights’ tour, offered every hour on the hour, or explore the building at your leisure with a self-guided tour pamphlet. Live performances will be presented throughout the day by the Conservatory’s students.
Mackie Building / The Grain Exchange Room
Address: 225 E. Michigan Street
The three-story Grain Exchange Room (trading room) is the awesome showcase of the interior of the Mackie Building. Flanked by murals, marble columns, and gold leaf, the new trading room when built was replacing what may have been the first trading pit in the world. The vast trading room stretches to roughly 10,000 square feet, with colossal columns dividing the room into three sections. At the center, a skylight surrounded by frescos of wheat sheave medallions and Wisconsin wild flowers caps the room. The murals, painted by John S. Conway, have an especially noteworthy history.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Address: 700 N. Art Museum Drive
The graceful Quadracci Pavilion is a sculptural, postmodern addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum completed in 2001, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The 142,050 square-foot Quadracci Pavilion was planned to primarily contain public spaces. Drop-in architectural tours of the Quadracci Pavilion (Calatrava addition) from noon-4pm every hour on both days. Admission charge for art museum galleries.
Plymouth Church UCC
Address: 2717 E. Hampshire Street
Hundred year old gem: Alexander Eschweiler designed the original Plymouth Church (1913). Later additions included a gymnasium (1919) and school building (1928). Eight romanticized images of the life of Jesus by the Tiffany Studio adorn the sanctuary. A dramatic west window by Tiffany depicts the “Angel of Peace.” Visitors will be able to chose either guided or self-guided tours of the building. Tours will explain the unique elements of the building and the stories behind the Tiffany windows.
Milwaukee Theatre / UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Address: 490 W. Kilbourn Avenue
Opened in 1950, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena has been a cornerstone to the Downtown Entertainment District. A home to sports teams, concerts, ice shows, circuses, graduations, assemblies, and competitions, the Arena seats up to 12,700 people. One of the first TV-friendly venues in the nation, the then-"Milwaukee Arena" came of age with rock & roll and later gained fame as "MECCA," a house of champions with a reputation for unparalleled fan intensity and an audacious Pop Art basketball floor. A major 1998 renovation readied the building for the 21st century with new technology and enhanced accommodations for both patrons and productions, while retaining its fervor-inducing geometry and super-strong, ready-to-rig ceiling. Visitors will be welcomed to the Annex, located between the U.S. Cellular Arena and the Milwaukee Theatre, which will be the meeting place for tours of either building; but wait, there's more! Displays and recordings taking you back through each buildings' history of public shows and events.
Milwaukee City Hall
Address: 200 E. Wells Street
When built in 1895, City Hall was the third-tallest building in the country. Explore our most iconic landmark’s 10-story rotunda throughout the event. The Flemish Renaissance structure consists of a basement and eight stories of city offices. Take a 30-minute, guided tour of the largest common council chambers in the U.S.
Modjeska Theatre
Address: 1134 West Mitchell Street
The Modjeska Theatre was originally built in the 1920s as a vaudeville and movie palace, and had various other uses throughout the years following until it closed in 2010. The Modjeska Theatre will be officially reopening as a theatre on Saturday, October 25, 2014, but will be offering Doors Open Milwaukee visitors a sneak peek exclusively during the event! Larry Widen, Managing Director of the Modjeska Theatre and author of ‘Milwaukee Movie Palaces,” will offer visitors an open-house tour on the half hour during the event, which will consist of Modjeska history, the theatre’s plans for 2014 and beyond and tours of the stage area, dressing rooms and projection booth.
Pfister Hotel
Address: 424 E. Wisconsin Avenue
The Pfister Hotel, built in 1893 has been the premier downtown Milwaukee hotel for over a century and continues to celebrate a tradition of gracious service and impeccable style. Guido Pfister, a local tanner owner, wanted to build a "palace for the people" in Milwaukee, especially after the city's most renowned hotel, The Newhall House, burned down in 1883. From the moment you arrive you will notice the extraordinary architecture and welcoming ambiance marked by a priceless Victorian Art collection, which rivals that of any hotel in the world. Begin your visit in The Rouge where Peter Mortensen will share a brief history of The Pfister Hotel. Subject to availability, you are invited to explore the mezzanine level of this grand hotel.
Safe House
Address: 779 N. Front Street
This spy museum/restaurant is a favorite Milwaukee attraction, created in 1966 by designer David Baldwin. Yes, you need the password. No, we can’t divulge it. But be assured you’ll get in as soon as you pass your (fun) spy clearance test to prove you’re a friendly. The Safe House is divided into international sectors – look for the Swiss Chalet, the Hong Kong section, the Paris Café, the Mediterranean Room, The English room. Find the hidden spy devices like the crafty instant alibis phone booth, the escape route. Can’t tell you much more or … well, you know.
Tripoli Shrine Center
Address: 3000 W. Wisconsin Avenue
The Tripoli Shrine Center was constructed in 1925 and completed in 1928 and was patterned after the Taj Mahal. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic sites. Visitors will step back in time to take a look at Milwaukee's historic treasure.
Miscellaneous pictures from around Milwaukee.
A few weeks back I visited the Historic Kirtland Village and posted photos in an earlier blog entry. Yesterday I met up with my friend, Jen, and we walked around the village taking more photos. Jen has an interest in photography and we were able to spend some time checking out the interesting subjects inside and surrounding the buildings. Below is my gallery from this second visit which includes the inside of the single-room schoolhouse (replica), and the ash-mill.
Historic Kirtland, a small settlement in northern Ohio where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered shortly after the Church was founded. Between 1831 and 1838, Joseph Smith and early members of the Church established Church headquarters in Kirtland, built a temple*, and laid a foundation of strength for the future. More information is available at https://www.lds.org/locations/historic-kirtland-visitors-center
I went to my favorite local beach (for photography) tonight and thought about some of the things I've learned with my camera in the last few years. 1) The best camera is the one you have with you. We all carry our smartphones (most of us). So we've got the tools. 2) Sometimes you need to change your perspective. Although I had my big Canon camera, the first shot I took was with my iPhone - edited in Instagram. I haven't looked at the shots from the Canon yet. On perspective, Lake Erie Bluffs is actually not an attractive beach at first glance. I like it because it has a nice view of the sunsets and few people go there. In order to find the interesting views, I have to move around - usually closer to the ground.
Image shot and edited on iPhone5s/Instagram
The beach from a distance. Shot with iPhone5s, unedited.
My walk back to the car got me thinking, these two things can be applied to more than photography - they can be applied to work, hobbies, and life in general. 1) we all have to the tools to succeed, we just need to learn how to use them. 2) Sometimes a change of perspective is necessary to get inspired or motivated.
So, learn your tools and find your perspective.
Minimalism
Last Sunday was the fourth installment of the IGers Cleveland Meetup. The group met outside of MOCA Cleveland and started with a private tour and rooftop excursion in a new Uptown building. Then we moved onto Wade Lagoon and finally Lakeview Cemetery.
I don't know if I was just tired, or what, but I was not very inspired on this meetup. I only ended up with a few photos.
A few weeks back I visited a local historic site that is so close, but this was my first time visiting. There were so many cool things to photograph. I spent a couple hours, and didn't see everything. I'm planning another trip over there soon.
Historic Kirtland, a small settlement in northern Ohio where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered shortly after the Church was founded. Between 1831 and 1838, Joseph Smith and early members of the Church established Church headquarters in Kirtland, built a temple*, and laid a foundation of strength for the future. More information is available at https://www.lds.org/locations/historic-kirtland-visitors-center
Last weekend the National Park Service hosted a Civil War Encampment Reenactment at the James A. Garfield Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio. Sunday morning I took my camera to the grounds and photographed as much as I could.
I chose to process most of these photos in a way to artificially age them, giving them more of an authentic feel. I left a slight bit of color in the images, realizing photos at that time would likely be monochrome in black and white or sepia tone. But I like having a bit of color.
I've organized the photos below into loose groups. The first few shots are of soldiers. Followed by famous faces - Frederick Douglass and the Lincolns. President Garfield's house is the main building on the property and has been restored to it's original condition. The next group of photos focuses on life at the encampment. And last, some detailed photos of items in and around the encampment.
My favorite shot of the night was a posed shot with Jessica of http://www.jessicasgallery.com/ in Cleveland. She happened to be standing on a wall as the full moon was rising. I asked her to position her hand to look like she was holding the moon. The shot needed a little post-processing for exposure, and a little photoshop to remove other people and gear.
It's cool when you can be at the right place at the right time.
The final image.
Friday night was the third Instagram Meetup here in Cleveland. There was a group of about 20 photographers walking between East 4th Street and Voinovich Park. I got a wide variety of pictures including cityscapes, architectural, detail shots and few people pictures (not my strength).
