Fisk Memorial Chapel

Just another shot from my afternoon at Fisk University.  While walking around campus, I spotted this old building and was immediately drawn towards it.  I think I’m definitely going back for some more shots this weekend!

The Fisk Memorial Chapel, with a seating capacity of approximately eight hundred, was designed by William B. Bigelow of New York City and completed in 1892. General Clinton B. Fisk, a founder of the University, left funds for construction to the University in the form of railroad stock. The interior has a high domed ceiling exposing the appealing support structures. A balcony extends on three sides. The Chapel houses an extraordinary 40 rank Holtkamp pipe organ, which is one of the finest examples in the United States of the work of organ-builder, Walter Holtkamp Sr. The organ has an estimated value of over $2.5 million. It was built especially for the University to be housed in the Chapel. Over the entrance doors is the stirring legend: “Arise shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” The Chapel is the primary assembly area on campus and is rich in intellectual and cultural traditions. Outstanding international concert artists, musical organizations, drama and dance performances, lecturers, ministers and political figures have also appeared in the Chapel. Included among those who have visited the Chapel, given addresses, performed for students and community members are The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Duke Ellington, Thurgood Marshall, Booker T. Washington, Louis Armstrong, W. C. Handy, Jesse Jackson, Nat King Cole, Eubie Black, Merle Haggard, Robert Altman, John Hope Franklin and Bell Hooks. The Chapel is the home performance site for the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers. Information obtained from the following web site; The Fisk Memorial Chapel

Until next time…

What is composition?

Evidently something I lack, that’s for sure!

Have you ever seen something that you think would make a good image?  Yea, you probably have.  It’s those moments or objects that you just need to capture for eternity.  Well, Cravoth Hall on the campus of Fisk University is an example of what I’m talking about.  I drive by this building at least 3 times a week, and I truly love the character and statement it makes.

The above image is 3 shots bracketed using a 10 stop filter, and I love it!  The movement of the clouds, the vibrancy that a nice sunny day can provide.  I know it’s not for everybody, but for me it does the trick!

Now I moved around quite a bit, trying to capture the building from several different angles.  I took several different shots and chimped on each one, making sure it was what I was trying to capture.  The one above is the view I see from my car on those days I drive by.  So I knew this was one of my favorites.  I even took several captures from this vantage point.  Not once did I see the distraction in the photo.  Do you see it?  If not, click here to see what I was talking about!

It seems I was so caught up in the beauty of the building and what I was trying to say, that I totally missed the stupid tree at the fork of the sidewalk!  As much as I tried to take the tree out, I could not do it.  So, I’m stuck with it until the next time I get over to Fisk University.  Maybe I should think about taking Kent Weakley’s Composition E-Class . . . AGAIN!

Until next time…

Cravoth Hall Fisk University

When I pick up my son from school, we always drive by this building.  I’ve always loved the look, shape and boxiness of it, and on numerous times I’ve threatened to pull over and take some photos of it. 

This past week, I had the opportunity to do just that!

This neo-Gothic structure first served as the Erastus M. Cravath Memorial Library. Named for Cravath, the university's first president (1875-1900), it was designed by Nashville architect Henry Hibbs and built in 1929-30. The interior walls depict several murals by Aaron Douglas, the leading Harlem or Negro Renaissance painter and founder of the Fisk Art Department.

I guess the thing that really got me about this campus in the heart of downtown Nashville is, I never knew the history of Fisk University.  Sure, I’ve grown up right here in Nashville and have lived here my entire life, but I never knew the history that surrounds this great school.  As I was walking around campus this past week something really jumped out at me…the number of historical markers.  It seems as if there was one for every building on campus.   

I guess I need to get out a little more :~)

Lets Hear It For The Boys

OK, so I’m gonna get in so much trouble for this one, but here goes! This is my Dad, a man that truly I love more than anyone will ever know.  He’s the best person to go to when you need a laugh.  His willingness to help you out comes straight from the heart.  His dedication and love for his family is without measure.  He’s the most supportive person you will ever meet.  He never meets a stranger.  He greets new people as if he’s known them his entire life.  He’s my Dad and that’s about all I can say ! At 52 years of age, I’ve finally realized I’m not afraid to say I Love the old man, and when I grow up, that’s who I want to be! Happy Father’s Day Dad! BTW Dad, when you read this, and I’m sure you will, please understand I’m sharing this out of love over at the I ♥ Faces Photo challenge this week! So head on over to I ♥ Faces and check out the other entries this week :~)

Pretty In Pink

 Pretty in Pink?  I guess I could be called that...LOL!  Well, this one is from the recent Breast Cancer Awareness Walk that I participated in.  Just me, my camera and my pink beard.  And yes, it did wash out…eventually :~) Make sure you head over to Love That Shot  and check out the other entries this week.   

 Well, that’s it for this today, until next time…

sweet shot tuesday

Didn't get out much this weekend, so I had to play around the house with my camera.  These lilies are from bulbs my wife planted when we moved in the house 15 years ago.  The really unique thing, at least to me…they are transplanted from Texas and were originally planted my wife’s grandmother 25 years ago!  How in the world does this work?

Anyway I tend to ramble at 2:00 a.m. in the morning.  Have a wonderful week, and take a moment to stop and smell the flowers in your life! Or at least head on over to Sweet Shot Tuesday and check out the other gorgeousness that abounds in our lives!

 

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge From A Distance

Been  a while since I’ve participated in one of the challenges over here at I ♥ Faces, but the theme this week really hit home. 

A couple of weeks ago, my wife decided to follow along on one of my weekly trips to catch a sunrise.  While I was traipsing around looking for that certain vantage point, I noticed she had disappeared.  When I found her, she was relishing in the warmth that only the sun can give.  I wondered what she was thinking, or if she was thinking at all.  I wondered if she was enjoying herself, or if she thought I was abandoning her for my hobby.  I wondered if she was having fun or was just plain bored.  From a distance I wondered …

After I finished the sunrise shoot, we stopped for a cup of coffee and my wife hugged me.  She looked deep in my eyes and told me that this was one of the most relaxing mornings she has had in quite a while. Then she did something unexpected…she kissed me right there in Starbux, told me she loved me and that she understood the passion I had for photography.  She said she understood a little more the process I go through and why I come home from those early morning shoots more relaxed.

I believe Bette Midler says it best…

 

From a distance the world looks blue and green, and the snow-capped mountains white. From a distance the ocean meets the stream, and the eagle takes to flight. From a distance, there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace, it's the voice of every man. From a distance we all have enough, and no one is in need. And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease, no hungry mouths to feed. From a distance we are instruments marching in a common band. Playing songs of hope, playing songs of peace. They're the songs of every man. God is watching us. God is watching us. God is watching us from a distance. From a distance you look like my friend, even though we are at war. From a distance I just cannot comprehend what all this fighting is for. From a distance there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. And it's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves, it's the heart of every man. It's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves. This is the song of every man. And God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us from a distance. Oh, God is watching us, God is watching. God is watching us from a distance

 

DCA Class of 2018

To purchase any of the photos (Or all of them!) from the DCA Class of 2018 School’s End of Year Party:


1) Click on the link for the DCA Class of 2018 Gallery  and use the password provided in the email that was sent to you.  (It is case sensitive)


2) Individual purchase availability will end on Saturday, July 9, 2011, and may be purchased and printed through the DCA Class of 2018 Gallery . Purchase and print options for this choice are provided by Zenfolio.  (After July 9, please contact Bald Is Beautiful Photography)


3) To purchase a compact disc of all edited photos for $25.00 (as seen in the online gallery); please use the “Buy Now” button located below.  CD's will be shipped to the address provided within 3-4 weeks of receipt of payment.  The CD includes a permission to print letter (required for printing at your local photo printing sites; Wal-Mart, Walgreens etc.) and 2 folders of photos.  Folder 1 contains full resolution photos suitable for printing.  Folder 2 will be filled with web ready photos to share on your favorite social media sites (Face book, Twitter, My Space)


I have truly enjoyed working on these photos, and hope they bring you as much pleasure as they have me.  If I can ever be of any assistance to you or your family, please contact me at the number or email address below.
Once again, Thank You!


Scott O’Neal
Bald Is Beautiful Photography
BIBPhotography@comcast.net
615-484-5506