library

Point of View

One of the first things I try to instill in my photography students is to change up the stereotypical way that they take a photograph.  Most people view the world from essentially the same vantage point, but as a photographer you need to break that mold of seeing “as usual.”  Some of the most interesting images (at least IMHO) are ones that take full advantage of a different point of view.  Go ahead, take that picture you were going to take from the standard photography stance (standing, feet slightly wider than shoulder width with one in front of the other for more stability, camera level, SNAP!).  Now that the obligatory image is out of the way, move around and get into some unconventional positions and take the more interesting images.  It’s always cool to see a familiar scene from a different point of view, isn’t it?

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The flagship buidling of the Handley Reginoal Library in Winchester, VA

Recipe

Look through your fridge/pantry and find all the leftovers, open bags of unused veggies, miscellaneous cans of soup and meat that needs to be used soon and just throw it in the crock pot.  Turn it on high and you’ve made yourself a meal, right?  Yeah, I just did that with this photo.  Ha!

By the way, I’d throw that meal out and order a pizza…

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In The Name

Another awesome place to shoot – must be something to do with the name Handley…

Handley Regional Library

Handley Regional Library

Architecture

I’m so amazed at the new perspective of architecture that I can get with this new technology.  Some things look much more majestic from above and others tend to lose a little something with the elevated perspective.  I think the Handley Library actually loses that majestic edge when it’s shot from above.  Maybe I’m too high.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing building, but it’s just not the same from above.  Certain things are meant to be shot from below, specifically subjects that you want to appear more powerful.  I’ve posted images of this building from the ground (and, of course, from inside) on this blog.  What do you think?

Order a print of this image.

Order a print of this image.

Stairway

Another take on the incredible architecture inside the Handley Regional Library in Winchester.  My next project is going to be shooting the inside of Handley High School.  That place has got some architectural awesomeness and I’ve wanted to shoot it forever.  Stay tuned…

The main staircase that leads to the second and third levels at the Handley Library. | Order a print of this image.

The main staircase that leads to the second and third levels at the Handley Library. | Order a print of this image.

Library

I was near the Handley Library as the sun was setting and as luck (or design) would have it, I had my camera with me.  I just wish there was a more interesting cloud cover this evening.  Ah, well.  Not bad for an impromptu shoot.

The Handley Library was constructed in 1913 with a major renovation in 2001. It's apparently also featured in a photography book about libraries that was just published, but I'm unsure of the title.

The Handley Library was constructed in 1913 with a major renovation in 2001. It’s apparently also featured in a photography book about libraries that was just published, but I’m unsure of the title.

Reading Room

I’ve always loved the novelty of this floor and figured I’d shoot some images while I was there last week.

Winchester has gone through many changes, but a lot of the current city has been the way it is ever since I moved here.  For instance, I don’t remember Handley High School before the current renovations (I think I went into the school one time – not enough to remember what it was like).  I also don’t know what the Handley Library looked like before it’s most current round of updates in 2001.  But I do know that this room is the coolest in the library – if I were a kid now, I’d be hanging out in here.

This is the "Teen" section of the Handley regional Library in Winchester. I love all the textures in here.

This is the “Teen” section of the Handley regional Library in Winchester. I love all the textures in here.  Order a print of this image.

Stacks

The word “stacks” just reminds me of a library.  I literally could have spent another couple hours in this building (and will probably go back just to shoot).  I’m having fun going all “Right-Brain” on these images!