3/7/11 - "(Looking) Up the Down Staircase"

"(Looking) Up the Down Staircase" Fine Art Prints, matting and framing.

          This image, as well as the original full-color version posted below, was photographed inside the Glen Iris inn at Letchworth State Park in Castile, New York.

         

                                                                      Photo of the Glen Iris Inn from its website.

          "William P. Letchworth was looking for the perfect site for a country retreat where he could entertain his family and friends. One morning in the spring of 1858 he stepped off a train as it slowly approached a bridge high above the Genesee River . Standing on the bridge, he was touched by the natural beauty of the powerful river rushing below. Gazing at the falls, he noticed that the sun shining on the spray below formed a perfect rainbow."

This is the beginning of the story about how the Glen Iris Inn came to be. Click the link above for more information, if you're interested.

"Up the Down Staircase 2" Fine Art Prints and framing.



          This is the original full-color version I posted on deviantART, back in June of 2009. It's cropped differently than the re-edited b&w version I uploaded here today, and the color version highlights the mix of light sources: There's bluish daylight, from windows on three different levels; and yellow and green incandescent light - emanating from the glowing chandelier, hanging below the intricately patterned and highly-crafted ceiling - which reflects off the well-maintained antique woodwork.

          This photo received my first-ever critique - one of the finest I've ever received:

Critique by ~Danaan-Lugh May 18, 2009, 11:43:26 AM

There is an interesting crispness to your photo that is intriguing. The small splash of color from the ceiling lamp excites the earth tones of the surrounding wood tone. I prefer this shot to your black and white version. I am a huge fan of lines and intersection, and while there is an angular feel to the photo (mostly 90 degree angles), there is an occasional curve or alternate angle to keep things interesting.

I would also add that it's a wise choice to offset the lamp, rather than making it the central focus. Outside of a minor barrel distortion (very minor), this is delightful!

Here's a little info about, and a link to, Letchworth State Park, where the inn is located:

"Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests." 



Camera Data:

Make:Canon
Model:Canon PowerShot SD1000
Shutter Speed:1/40 second
Aperture:F/2.8
Focal Length:6 mm
ISO Speed:200
Date Taken:May 15, 2009, 6:33:12 PM
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS Windows
Sensor Size:15mm