Olbrich Gardens GLEAM Installation

Last night I took advantage of the pleasant evening to attend the photographer's session for the GLEAM exhibit. This exhibition features illuminated installations in Madison's excellent Olbrich Gardens. The exhibit is a collaboration between local artists and regional lighting designers.

Some of the installations incorporated existing structures such as this one at the Rose Garden Pool, entitled "Yahara Waters: Yahara Clouds." 

Entitled "Ignis Fatuus," this sculpture incorporates glowing orbs, some of which were embellished with crocheted patterns made from recycled plastic shopping bags.

A star casts its illuminated colors on a small pond.

The sculpture "Portal" by the Sunken Gardens echos the sapphire blue twilight sky.

This was my venture into doing some night photography using manual exposure.

Tweet

The Sun Sets in the East

The apartment is as bare as it was when I arrived. My belongings are in the suitcases, ready for tomorrow's long journey back to Wisconsin. After four years in Korea and sixteen years overseas, it's time to say goodbye. Lots of hugs, some tears, and plenty of dinner gatherings have taken place these last few weeks. Packers have quickly wrapped up and boxed the many mementos I have carefully collected during my many travels to over 32 countries.  The numerous to-do lists have been completed and the art room is all tidy, ready for the next art teacher to inspire creative minds at SFS. 

The last sunset I will see at SFS has come and gone. This beautiful campus has been such an inspiration for so many photos, transformed in the change of seasons. I will forever cherish the memories that I have of the splendid people and places at SFS, Seoul, and South Korea. I hope to return someday. For now, the sun has set in the East of my world.

Tweet

In One Photo

This is one of those quick photo shots, prompted by spotting the elderly red-robed Chinese medicine man. It wasn't until afterwards that I realized that a whole other story was emerging further down the lane. The young wedding couple donning a very Western bridal gown and suit are quite engaged in their own important day. The traditional architecture and stone street  along with the mountain would indeed make a scenic wedding photo.
What would attract your attention?

Tweet

Shuhe Reflections

Early morning is a great time to get out there and photograph. It's quieter and the lighting is often dramatic. Thus it was in Shuhe.  

On the morning after my arrival in Yunnan, I was greeted with a tranquil morning. 

With no breeze, the many waterways of Shuhe became like mirrors, echoing its full willow trees, traditional architecture, and clouds. 

Very few people were up yet, enabling me to capture the architecture and streets without contending with people (tourists or locals) in the scene. Typical of the streets in the Yunnan province, Shuhe is paved by rather smooth flagstones.

Due to its proximity to the very popular UNESCO city of Lijiang, Shuhe is also experiencing an uptick in visitors. (Only about 5 km from the old city of Lijiang, Shune is considered part of this UNESCO heritage city). Construction could be seen in several locations, with the new buildings being designed to blend in with the older-style architecture.

Murals graced the walls of some buildings, something I'd see more of in subsequent villages. These reminded me of the Bai-styled murals in Shaxi.

Tweet

Japanese Maples - Fall Variations

The Japanese maple trees are one of my favorite autumn trees in Seoul. Every year I look forward to the time when these tiny leaves transform into blazing beauties. The intensity of the reds is particularly notable. They beg to be photographed and provide excellent practice at shooting the same subject with variation. These were photographed on campus at Seoul Foreign School

Tweet

Visit to Kumamoto Castle

I enjoying traveling to different places and photographing what "speaks to me" at the scene, but admittedly I am not much for having my own photo taken. After taking a few photos for a fellow traveler, I took up the offer to also have my photo taken with these folks dressed in traditional costumes and corresponding props. Combined with the backdrop of the commanding castle in Kumamoto in Japan, it made for a compelling scene. So yes, I was there! 

Tweet

Wiggling and Rotating

The inner part of this lotus just beginning to open seemed to be wiggling, as if the still-furled petals were worm-like creatures. Cropped, this image was a lot more interesting than the full flower.

Tweet

Petals from Above and the Side

It's fun to photograph flowers from various views, generating such different images of the same subject. The lower photo was a bit more challenging, as I had to hold my camera way above my head in order to capture the full radial shot of such tall lotuses.

Tweet

Photos on Getty Images

On invitation from Getty, I have upload some of the photos of Seoul that they requested to be placed on the Getty Images site. Not all have appeared here yet, but it's an initial foray into the world of royalty free photographic images, in which contributors receive payment for images purchased. Visit my Getty Images page. I don't expect to make many (if any) sales, but if Getty thinks they're worth it, I'll give it a try.
Below are two of the images selected.

Tweet

Blog article: 20 things I've learned from traveling around the world for 3 1/2 years

One of the blogs I follow daily is by Gary Arndt, a travel photographer from Wisconsin who has been spanning the globe for the past several years. He covers the things he's learned from the experience, including addressing some stereotypes he's heard. Having lived overseas now for 11 years, I would have to say that my feelings & experiences echo his. Wouldn't that be an awesome job, traveling the world and photographing its people and places?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-arndt/20-thing-ive-learned-from_b_673264.html

Tweet

Smilin' Sisters

Even older residents like their photos taken. Here we find two sisters in front of their simple home in the slum area of Gandhi Nagar. I love the toothless smile of the older sister - so natural and warm. 

Tweet

Digital Draw

Bring your camera along in India (particularly a SLR which "looks" like a camera) and you'll likely attract curious onlookers. They are all too eager to have their photo taken. Shoot one photo and show them their picture, and you've become the Pied Piper, with a draw of kids (and some adults) following you, eager to have their photo taken as well. 

This photo was taken in my Adyar neighborhood in Chennai, with my friend Pat being the photographer.

Tweet

More photos Fishing Harbor

For those interested in seeing more photos I took of the people at the Fishing Harbor in Vizag, visit my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/melissaenderle/sets/72157622563843157/

Lots of great faces. I can't wait to have some time to paint them!

Tweet