Black and White

I believe that black and white photography can be much more powerful than color images. That's not to say that color images aren't powerful, but to me there is more to take artistically from black and white photos. For example, the above image depicting a very natural setting show just how much texture there can be found on the surface of the trees and rocks, etc... There is also a very clear distinction between light and dark, such as shadows. There is even a distinguishable difference between the lichen and the bare surface of the rocks.

Angle

This piece of modern art from the Pomidou Centre was meant to be experienced in the round. Depending on where you stand the translucency of the glass changes. The tinting, along with overhead and natural light, changed how light penetrated the material.

Flow

The Musee du Orsay was constructed inside of an old train station. The above image is of one of the walkways that traveled the width of the building. The lights behind the frosted glass are embedded in the bridges that circulate the patrons to the museum. It seemed to me that the importance of those lights were to give a sense of how the building works, not necessarily to illuminate a pathway. They draw your eyes from one end to the other. It establishes flow, an architectural decision. Also, as people walk along the bridges their shadows can be seen from behind the glass.

Glowing

Photo courtesy of Loren Watson

This was probably one of my favorite lighting events in Caucasian Chalk Circle. I liked the glow that emanated from behind the screens. The chalk circle itself looks like it is glowing as well. It served as one last reminder to the audience as they exited the theatre.

Calatrava

One thing I like about Calatrava's MAM expansion is the starkness of it all. Most of the structure is white, and there is a repetitive nature to much of the design. Though the surfaces are all one color there is a clear noticeable difference in the quality of the light as it shines into the space. The beams in the above photo are a good example of this. There is a sharp shadow on the bottom of the supports.

Caucasian Chalk Circle Reaction

I have a love hate relationship with Brecht. However, I did enjoy how everything in this production came together. The footlights gave a great effect, especially when used for the chorus and storyteller. The depth of the shadows on the actors' faces was eerie.

But, in my opinion, the best production element was the bamboo. Especially when the templates were shone onto the surface. Lighting the panels from all angles was also very effective.

I didn't really see a problem with using the diamond pattern both indoors and out. The outdoor sequence was for such a short period of time that it didn't really seem confusing.

I had seen early photos of the shows rehearsal and my attention was immediately drawn to the costumes. I thought the fabric looked too washed out, and a little on the pastel side. However, a photo does not capture stage light properly. So, once I actually saw the show I started to agree with the choices a little more.

More Eiffel Tower

Here are some photos that I took while waiting in line to go to the top of the tower. In my opinion, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most breathtaking structures when it is lit like this. These pictures don't do it justice. Just about every square inch of the tower radiated with an amber glow. The shadows were very dramatic. It really spoke to the technological advances of the past century or so.