Modern Time
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
f/6.3 – 1/400 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 35 mm
For fans of modern and funky architecture, the Chandler-Gilbert Community College campus is ideal. Many of the buildings on campus have a modern design. Steel, glass and concrete are the predominant materials in most of the buildings. For me, being a fan of modern architecture, this makes it an ideal place to photograph.
I did have a brief “encounter” with a campus security guard while I was shooting there one Sunday. It was during the winter break so I guess the campus was officially closed (although the gates were open and there were no signs). As I was photographing the deserted campus a guard in his golf cart came up to me and said “And you are?” I was not sure how to respond so I very politely gave my name. He then asked who I was with. Still not entirely sure what he was getting at, I just explained I was photographing the buildings for personal use and asked if that was OK. Probably seeing that I was not a threat, he said that it was not a problem and left. The best way to handle those kinds of “encounters” is to just be polite with no attitude and be honest.
Lone Skyscraper
f/5.0 – 1/800 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 18 mm
This building is Viad Tower and is in the “uptown” section of Phoenix. Unlike cities such as New York or Chicago the skyscrapers here have some space between them. This follows the pattern of the city as a whole, rather spread out and sprawling. The open space around the base of Viad Tower is used as a park. Interestingly, there is a sign at the entrance of the park forbidding one from entering it or photographing it. Look, but don’t touch.
Sony has announced the upcoming February 2010 release of yet another DSLR camera in their already impressive line up. The A450 is touted as an ideal camera for photographers new to digital SLRs. But it is an introductory camera with all the bells and whistles including a 14.2 effective MP sensor, up to 12800 ISO, a 2.7″ LCD screen, HDR mode and much more.
I have been using a Sony Alpha (the first generation 100) for a couple of years now and have been very satisfied with the features and performance. I’m sure the A450 will not disappoint.
Read more about the new Sony A450 to be released in February 2010 at Photography Monthly.