The Lights of Grand Central - Desktop Images

There are things in our lives which we feel strangely connected to, perhaps it's fashion from a certain point in history or vistas in another city, or we might favor certain arts and sports while considering others to be boring.  We know it when we see it because it enchants and fascinates us like a lover we can't take our eyes off of.  For me, certain styles of architecture and design make me swoon, especially when it's evident that a great deal of consideration was put not just into the function of a space or fixture, but into the aesthetic quality and craftsmanship as well.  Grand Central has it all for me- a public palace full of smart design and artisan indulgence with no detail left unconsidered.

Chandelier embellishments of acorns and leaves created by Parisian sculptor Sylvain Saliéres to represent the Vanderbuilt family crest
technical detail: iso 800, 38mm, f/9.0, 1/60s, handheld, ambient light

The lights of Grand Central are particularly iconic, from the finely crafted chandeliers to the planetarium-style painted ceiling with tiny lights representing stars, not only serving a function, but also becoming their own visual works of art that act as fine jewelry and a special embroidered scarf over an exquisitely tailored dress. With so much detail, it's a luxury to find yourself stopping just to stare at the ceiling while everyone whizzes by you to catch their next connection.

Bronze chandeliers created by Sterling Bronze Company
technical detail: iso 800, 24mm, f/14, 1/8s, handheld, ambient light

Will there ever be another time when such care, detail, and flourish is incorporated into such a large public space again? Until that time comes, at least we can adorn our computers with such artful creations. Click any image to download a copy for your desktop, and please contact me directly for additional use or publication of these images.  More information on the Grand Central architecture and design can be found at http://www.gcthistory.com/#s2.

Sky ceiling painted by French artist Paul Helleu, friend of architect Whitney Warren as a budget replacement for skylights
technical photo detail: iso 800, 25mm, f/5.6, 1/4s, handheld, ambient light

Travel Log: Stepped Gables in Brugge, Belgium

 Shadows and reflections of 17th century renaissance architecture is preserved with such beauty and detail in Brugge.  In my walk into town one morning, the light reflecting off the buildings and the still water of the canal was just too breathtaking to simply walk by without documenting the fleeting moment of bright light against contrasting against a dark and cloudy sky....

Travel Log: Biodegradable Dirt Painting in Cambridge, England

It was almost too easy to ignore this little work of dirt art while walking along the Cam in Cambridge, England, but as I stepped closer I gained a new appreciation for the time and effort it must have taken someone to etch this from soil. Or had they used some other type of substance which attracted the soil?  It definitely wasn't charcoal.  In any case, it made me stop to consider the possibilities and implications of biodegradable art and their fleeting nature.  Only a photo has the ability to make this art work live on indefinitely.

Design Find: Indoor Garden Picnic in Dublin, Ireland

On the rooftop of a little-known art space in Dublin, Ireland, lives a fantastic faux-outdoor space for the young at heart to play and be creative no matter how rainy or damp the weather is outside.  I'm looking forward to a return trip to Ireland next week, and I definitely plan to bring the "big camera" this time!  Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the space pictured below, which leads to my travel photo tip: always take pictures of building signage so you don't forget where you found such awesomeness!  Anyone from Dublin able to help me out with what this space is called?


I recently rediscovered the name of this space: "The Ark!"

Travel Log: Vlatadon Monestary in Thessaloniki, Greece

The Vlatadon Monestary in Thessaloniki is a quiet space at the top of the mount, overlooking the city and sea.  It has a unique combination of ancient and renaissance architecture with some interestingly crafted surprises like this field stone mosaic, and the two hand painted glazed plates set into the wall.

The view stretching over the city... ... and out to the sea...

Design Find: Concentric Paving in Dublin, Ireland

Each piece laid by hand, one circle after another, perfectly surrounding the trunks of trees and filling the space between.  Dublin, Ireland.

Design Find: Retro Heathrow

While exiting the terminal at London's Heathrow Airport, the googley eyes and gold tooth of this vacant waiting area made me smile and pause my hurried rush out of the terminal.

Wedding Rings

I can pretty much guarantee that at some point on your wedding day, someone is going to ask to see your wedding ring (because I'm usually there when they ask!) This is true for both the bride and the groom. I used to think it was so gauche- like they were sizing up the rock or something. But now I understand that it's really more about how people make their rings unique and personal. I know I love seeing everyone's wedding rings because I just love design!! It's one of those little things that you can really customize to represent who you are and what you love- like a little symbolic gift that you get to enjoy every day. I don't always get a chance to photograph the wedding rings off the couple's hand (especially when couples are having such a great time partying), but when I do get the chance, I try to pair rings up with things that really represent the uniqueness of the wedding. So, here are some of my favorite ring shots so far and if you're just dying to see tons of cool wedding rings, or if you need jewelry design inspiration, definitely check out http://www.rocktographers.com which is an entire blog dedicated to wedding ring awesomeness. Seeing some of the unique rings out there totally makes me want to redesign mine for my next anniversary!!

Kristin & Tyson Engagement

Kristin & Tyson, sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G....








First comes LOVE...










Then comes MARRIAGE (proposal)...










Then comes the AWESOME invitation in the mail!!! Designed by Kathleen!!


I absolutely loved the concept that Kristin had for their engagement shoot. She knew she wanted to do a movie poster invitation, incorporating the idea of kissing in a tree. Of course, because I looooooove trees, I was thrilled and had so much fun incorporating the various ideas and phrases of the childhood chant. ;-) When it comes to engagement sessions, I'm up for anything!! Give me a theme or some sort of inspiration and I'm off and running with it!!! I can NOT wait for Kristin & Tyson's wedding!! It's going to be F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!

LOVE IT: Busted Tees

You know how one cool thing usually leads to another? Well, as I was putting together my LOVE IT: MOO post, I explored some of the MOO approved designers and fell in love with Busted Tees (among others!) I haven't been able to get their humorous phrases and designs out of my head ever since!! The beauty of their work is that much of it is so subtle that some of the humor may take a while to sink in, but that's what makes it so awesome. The best part is that you can either purchase MOO stuff with their designs, or you can head to their regular website and get your hands on some Busted Tees and Hoodies. Holiday gifts anyone?!