It’s time for A Personal Photo Challenge! “Shadow Play” is the theme this month.
In the northern hemisphere, it is a great time of the year to look for distinct shadows during the early morning and late afternoon. The sun is lower on the horizon then, and the shadows are long and well defined with a bright sun. When we were visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, last month, I was on the hunt for some subject matter that emphasized beautiful shadows. And I found some! Don't forget to click on the photos below to see them bigger.
There is a pair of ornate lamp posts that flanks the front door of the grand estate home. I focused in on one of them and admired its aged copper patina and distinct shadow cast on the hand-cut stone behind it. A whimsical gargoyle has an optimum view of the overall scene. I applied some extra post-processing steps to the image to bring out the detail of the stonework.
Biltmore House lamp post and shadow
f/11, 1/500 second, ISO 320
I was really excited to see this metal stair railing that leads down toward the garden area of the estate. The time of day was perfect for the appearance of patterned shadows to the right and left of the railing.
Of course, we made a dutiful stop at the ice cream shop in shopping complex that used to house the estate’s stable. Yum! With the “shadow play” theme still playing in my head, I remembered to photograph one of the fanciful dormer windows on the stable building’s roof. The shadow of the ornate copper cap rests along the slate roof. Note the "GV" initials on the flashing at the top of the frame, which stands for George Vanderbilt, the original owner. The copper used to be covered with 24-k gold leafing.
stable building’s dormer window
Now that you’ve seen my photos and read my post, I hope you will visit A Personal Photo Challenge blog and check out the creative efforts of other participants. Thank you so much!
shadow play on Biltmore House exterior stairs
f/11, 1/500 second, ISO 320
Of course, we made a dutiful stop at the ice cream shop in shopping complex that used to house the estate’s stable. Yum! With the “shadow play” theme still playing in my head, I remembered to photograph one of the fanciful dormer windows on the stable building’s roof. The shadow of the ornate copper cap rests along the slate roof. Note the "GV" initials on the flashing at the top of the frame, which stands for George Vanderbilt, the original owner. The copper used to be covered with 24-k gold leafing.
stable building’s dormer window
f/11, 1/250 second, ISO 320
Now that you’ve seen my photos and read my post, I hope you will visit A Personal Photo Challenge blog and check out the creative efforts of other participants. Thank you so much!
the stairs are awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd this is why you're the expert! Incredible, distinct, sharp contrasts and exquisite shadows of interesting things. I think I like the shadow more than the "real" thing here.
ReplyDeleteDidn't have any luck posting my comment so am trying again. I love your photos for this meme today. The second one is really nice with the 'Z' repetition in the shadows of the railing and steps. Thanks for hosting Donna. I'll be linking up soon.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos Donna! I love the second one with the stairs and railing and all the 'Z' shapes in the shadows. Thanks for hosting. I'll be linking later.
ReplyDeleteI'd love an ornate lamppost like that, heck I'd settle for the shadow! You certainly had this meme in mind while at the estate and have shared some unique examples.
ReplyDeleteJudith
Oh, I love the railing....a beautiful work of art right on the steps! You have such a good eye for photography. Thanks for the challenge! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteNot sure which would be my favorite--maybe the first one as the shadow is so clearly visualized and sharp in detail as if it had been cut out with craft scissors! The stairway is intriguing as well. And a good catch with the dormer! And nice to see the Biltmore! Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteAll so beautiful, Donna. I like how the shadow in your first photo presents a simpler echo of that very ornate lamppost.
ReplyDeleteGreat shadow pictures! Those are my favorite kinds of pictures!
ReplyDeleteLove these!
ReplyDelete(Sorry can't participate; Patti's been ill all week & now in hosp tonight. She's gonna be okay though.)
xoxo
fabulous as always.
ReplyDeleteI really like the shadows on the stairs. It is perfectly captured to look like modern art!
ReplyDeleteThe Biltmore steps shadow shot is amazing Donna - I keep looking and trying to figure out the way you caught them - a real puzzle!
ReplyDeleteLove the others also - the window is really ornate, and that flashing is so beautiful - imagine a stable roof being gold leafed at one time! But then, Biltmore has beauty and surprises at each turn doesn't it?
Glad the challenge pushed us all again this month - love seeing the different photos from the participants - all so great.
Happy weekend to you both - Mary X
These are fabulous shots! Besides the shadows, I love the colors and textures you captured. We were at the Biltmore last October, isn't it an amazing estate?!
ReplyDeleteI think the stairs are my favorite. Right after I saw your lamp post I remembered one of mine that I meant to use in this challenge too. Oh well...
ReplyDeleteI hope to be able to get to Biltmore one of these days. Looks amazing!
Your photos are always so wonderful Donna.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing ..
Not sure I am going to have time to join in..
;-(
Great subject though...will see how I go, have been a little busy with visitors etc.
Three amazing shots Donna - all stand out examples!
ReplyDeleteYou're a dab hand at giving your images life with your processing too.
Biltmore Estate provided a marvellous photo shoot opportunity - I have a feeling we could see more from this visit in the future!
Wishing you and Mr Jim an enjoyable weekend.
Hugs
Shane
You found a super place to look for shadows! Very well spotted and photographed!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shadow shots, Donna….
ReplyDeleteRainy here --but warmer!
Hugs,
Betsy
Love the shot of the lamp post. I love The Biltmore too. Such an interesting and beautiful place to visit. I was there in the Spring for the early bloom time.
ReplyDeleteThey are all so pretty! I especially love the first one. The textures and clean lines make them seem touchable.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shadow shots. I love all the intricate detail that shows up in the lamp's shadow. The staircase is marvel of shadows. What a great shot. The light must have been just right.
ReplyDeleteWhat great shots! I love taking photos of shadows but these put most of mine to shame :D I guess my favorite is either the lamp post or perhaps the stairs but they are all wonderful!!! Great job girlfriend! :D
ReplyDeleteHugs and stay warm...
All of these are wonderful but I think the first is my favorite. I love that lamp post
ReplyDeleteAll three photos are stunning, but the one of the stairs is quite a work of art. The shadows are so perfectly aligned, making it look like someone drew them that way. You captured that shot at the perfect time of day. Your photos are always so full and rich...how do you do it??
ReplyDeleteJust joined up for the challenge! I live in East Tennessee and visit Biltmore often. Your beautiful photos help me see it in a different, shadowy light. LOL
ReplyDelete24K gold leafing???? Really? I'm stunned! They had more money than they knew what to do with, didn't they....just wow....
ReplyDeleteOh...by the way...Your photos are Beautiful!Hahaaa....I was just so stunned to learn about the leafing....I should try to take more time on my shots to enhance things like walls, brick, etc...Your photos are magazine quality! Love how there is an optical illusion on the stairs!
Happy Sunday friend...Tell Jim hello and know I'm always praying...
hughugs
Great photos Donna!! I'm hoping to go and see the Biltmore next month when I visit my niece next month. She moved to Asheville & I'm heading down to Hilton Hea for a few weeks to get out of this weather..LOL I sure hope you and Mr. Jim have a healthy, happy and much traveled 2014. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the shadow photos, Donna.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place to visit!