Cleve Flats - Bridges 1

[sapearl]

As we get into October, I am now losing the last of the early morning light on my way to work... that is, if I still want to get there on time ;). I shot this one late last week as I was walking over one of the numerous bridges that span the Cleveland Flats.

I still reminds me of when I used to play with Tonka trucks in the dirt, with pretend wooden bridges, many years ago - perhaps that's why I really love this sort of photography. - Stu

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[airfrogusmc]

Stu, I really like the monochrome feel of that one. Nice image...

[sapearl]

Thank you - I'd hoped for more of a sunny day which would have given it a warmer feel, but I like this effect much better. The colors are pretty true to how it actually was.

Stu, I really like the monochrome feel of that one. Nice image...

[BottomBracket]

Stu, I agree with airfrog, the monochromatic effect ties up the elements of the photo nicely. The photo seems to be divided into levels, and all are related to each other. Thanks for sharing.

[sapearl]

You know, I didn't think about it when I shot it, but you are absolutely right :D. Maybe subconsciously I may have felt that way - but when I was looking through the 'finder, it just seemed like the right thing to do. Appreciate the comments.

Stu, I agree with airfrog, the monochromatic effect ties up the elements of the photo nicely. The photo seems to be divided into levels, and all are related to each other. Thanks for sharing.

[airfrogusmc]

Stu you have a great series of industrial images from that area and the images I've seen are outstanding. I agree that the dingy feel to this image is amazing. The light is just perfect and really supports the visual statement perfectly. You need to get a show of this work.

[sapearl]

Again thinks - you make my day :D. I actually am thinking of a show at some point. I've already started printing and matting a number of the "industrial (http://www.pbase.com/sapearl/)" works in my online galleries. I'm really pleased with the color ouput I'm getting from my Epson R1800, but I'm holding out on the B/W for their Pro 3800 model.

Stu you have a great series of industrial images from that area and the images I've seen are outstanding. I agree that the dingy feel to this image is amazing. The light is just perfect and really supports the visual statement perfectly. You need to get a show of this work.

[namasste]

Stu, it's becoming redundant for me to say I love your stuff. First, I've said it many times and second, I shoot the same stuff (imitation being the sincerest form of flattery or whatever). Still, I love this! I tend to prefer "darker" images for some reason (many of mine are shot darker). This shot is right on the money!

BTW, how do you manage to get on those bridges? I know some have ped walkways but not most of them. You're not out there risking life and limb for these shots are you?

[sapearl]

Hey there Scott - good hearing from you. First, no - I'm pretty paranoid, conservative and abosolutely TERRIFIED of heights - I'm NO risk taker in my old age, no Margaret Bourke-White climbing out of a 61st story window on top of the Chrysler building gargoyles (http://vpphotogallery.com/photog_graubner_mbwatopchrysler.htm)to get the shot no matter how good I think it might be.

I like the darker visuals myself too - there's a more palpable mood to it that suits my tastes. The deeper tones give a better contrast in my view.

You're right about the diffulty with rails on some of the bridges as well as easy access - or not :rolleyes:. This shot was done from the Lorain Carnegie bridge, about halfway across the span or so. I'd parked my car over around W. 20 and then just started hiking out over the span. The bridge has a high concrete wall that you can easily aim the lens over.

By contrast there is the Detroit-Superior bridge which had tall black ironwork added onto it's "wall" maybe about 10 years or so ago, making it impossible to shoot over. I haven't figured out how to deal with that yet because there are some nice views to be had. I know, because I took some shots from there back in the mid '70's with my MF film gear.

Perhaps I could carry a short ladder out there... hmmm.... but then there'd probably be the police and homeland security again :rolleyes:.... durn!

[sapearl]

I forgot to mention Scott, while traipsing about with my camera earlier this summer I discovered a wonderful restaurant in the Flats. It's called Ponte Vecchio and it's actually located on the Superior Viaduct, nearby the County Engineer's Office. I took my wife there for her birthday last Saturday and it was a big hit with her. (Got about 10 attaboys for THAT one :lol:).

We enjoyed the experience so much, and I just happened to have my camera with me, that I ended up writing a BLOG (http://www.pearlphoto.blogspot.com/)article about complete with some night time pics of the skyline. It's a bit of a pricey place, but she's worth it ;). I can't wait to see what that area looks like in the winter.....

[namasste]

I've considered that Detroit bridge a hundred times and still don't know what to do about it. I'll let you know if I do. I need to get out and shoot. I've been so wrapped up with these shows lately that I spent little time shooting (other than soccer which I am finally getting the hang of despite my slow lens).

Nice job and let me know if you'll be out this week. With the front coming through, we might get something nice!

[sapearl]

I think part of the issue is boredom with my job. It's OK and the paycheck is fine, but I really love photography and would rather be doing that.

I've got the 5D and CPL with me today, and if it's not raining I'm going to try and visit the Lorain Carnegie on the way home. Actually, a mix of clouds and sun would make it quite interesting. Depending upon traffic I may get there around 4:30 or so.

I understand how the shows can take up your time. People don't appreciate what goes into them. But soccer with the kids is very important too - you can always shoot when you're older :D. I suppose I just feel pressure from the impending weather to get out and do as much as I can before the snow flies.

I've considered that Detroit bridge a hundred times and still don't know what to do about it. I'll let you know if I do. I need to get out and shoot. I've been so wrapped up with these shows lately that I spent little time shooting (other than soccer which I am finally getting the hang of despite my slow lens).

Nice job and let me know if you'll be out this week. With the front coming through, we might get something nice!

[pakomo]

I really like the upper part, but the foreground doesn't really do it for me. I'm not saying it shouldn't be there at all, but there's just something about it...

[namasste]

you're right about the kids and the snow!

nice work on the Ponte Vecchio call! I have heard great things about that spot (we almost opened our office right up the street on the Viaduct). Hmmm, maybe that's where I'll head on my way home.....

[airfrogusmc]

I think the foreground just adds to overall feel of the image. I think its 100% necessary.

[sapearl]

"And now for something completely different" as Monte Python would say. Ok, I'm using the same bridge as my shooting platform, the Lorain-Carnegie (actually Hope Memorial) but this time I've included part of the bridge itself. This is one of eight "Guardians of Traffic" sandstone sculptures that looks on from either end of the span.

I originally had this image in color but felt it was just so-so. To me the sculpture looking out at the skyline, illuminated by the intense late afternoon sun, should be a high contrast B/W rendering. The sky was completely cloudless and darkenned nicely with the CPL.

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[airfrogusmc]

Nice B&W. Looks like you got very nice white with detail and rich blacks. Very NICE. I also really like the repeating shapes of the rectangles on the bridge railing? and the windows on the skyscrapers. I really like these images Stu.

[sapearl]

Thanks - I had to play around with the tonal range before I got something that was really satisfying to my tastes. This was done around 5:15 PM with the full blast of the setting sun hitting the "Guardians" broadside. It was easy to lose some of the highlight detail, so I had to make a few captures first and then play around in ACR before I was happy.

I've seen other people do this shot in color - which is very nice - but to me these are strong powerful shapes that should be portrayed in a simple and straightforward manner. I love color when it's appropriate; this is one of those shots where I feel it would only distract from the main essence.

If I get a chance this weekend I want to post another shot - this one taken from the bridge, looking down on the Cuyahoga river as a tug was assisting the freighter Alcoway negotiate the convoluted turns.

Nice B&W. Looks like you got very nice white with detail and rich blacks. Very NICE. I also really like the repeating shapes of the rectangles on the bridge railing? and the windows on the skyscrapers. I really like these images Stu.

[sapearl]

Well, I changed my mind ;) - rather than post the shipping photo here, I decided to begin a new thread over here if you're interested:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=4114214#post4114214

I hope you enjoy this new shot which follows my old theme.