exploring civilization's landscape · by James Smith
Watching people can be fun. Especially in tourist spots. In this case, folks are making pictures of each other at the “I heart Aruba” display. Everyone stops while the person poses. The private event of one person making a photo…
Modern office buildings aren’t always photogenic, but in the right light, their linear patterns can stand out. Their regularity shines in black and white. In this case, an office building in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. Rather than hide the…
The Washington Metro is a mix of architectural styles. The kind seen here in the U Street Metro is probably most recognizable. Especially by anyone who has seen metro stations in movies or television shows. It’s mesmerizing lines radiate from…
Public transportation is great, but it does mean that you end up waiting. It might be on a street corner for a bus, or on a platform for a train. It could be in a nice, cosy airport. But in…
Bonsai are a great way to experience the forest in an intimate setting. At least, between you and the trees. They can come in many different forms. From groups of trees, as in this photograph, to single trees. They can…
Various musicians share their talents outside the U Street Metro as well as other street corners and venues. On this day, a drummer was going to town on a pad atop the newspaper stand. The focus is on the rhythm,…
Color is everywhere in the Caribbean. From the water to the sky and everything in between, including buildings. Pastels are better at reflecting sunlight and keeping them cooler. Old San Juan is on hills that run down to the water, interrupted only by…
On its own, the administration building at the University of Victoria is impressive. The entrance awning’s largely wooden construction soars at least two stories overhead. Capturing it as a reflection combines it with the equally impressive window. Many of the…
Sligo Creek is an urban stream returning to a natural state. At least to the extent it can surrounded by homes and offices. Even though it has paved paths, bridges, and parallel drives, it still has places that look fairly…
The sun sets on the other side of the island, but the pinks and purples follow behind. The pastels trace out the distant Cascades in Washington. The Cadboro Gyro Park beach faces roughly southeast, so it looks out to an area…
The main National Presbyterian Church sanctuary is a modernist, neo-gothic construction. It’s tall windows and arches recall the gothic cathedrals of Europe, but with the brutal minimalism of concrete. Except that there are small details that bring it one step back…
Harbors are safe places. For large boats. Small boats. Sailing boats. Anchored boats. All relaxing in the blue waters of the Caribbean. Many of the harbors are small enough that boats of all sizes and shapes mix together. From cruise…