A Gamble

St. Louis factoid: this place is awash with casinos. There are three in sight of the Arch. This billboard rises from the parking lot of one of them in Illinois opposite the monument. It advertises that it has the loosest slot machines in the whole country (that is, the highest payout percentage) but it's still a bad bet.

Lightening

This is an old photo, taken almost four years ago. I was just starting to explore the monument, trying to find different ways to look at it. This is the north leg reflecting the afternoon sun, creating a streak down the stainless steel.

OOPS - Thursday mid-morning: I just noticed that I posted this picture in March. Oh, well. Better get some new material this weekend.

Long Time No See

I'm sorry that posts here have been so infrequent. There are a dwindling number of Arch photos in the inventory and I haven't had time to shoot there in weeks. Finally got by last Saturday.

Another problem is finding a fresh approach. Thousands of snaps over the last few years, a hundred and something posted here and on St. Louis Daily Photo Blog and what's new to say? Photographic technique offers options. The original of this image, shot from Eads Bridge, looked pretty mundane. With a little Photoshop razzmatazz, there's something worth looking at.

Sci Fi Arch

Yes, another silly HDR, shot just before sunset. I should have Photoshopped two moons into the sky. Take me to your leader.

Shooter

Team member ShadowyOne shoots the monument. I'm learning to make better use of my wide angle lens. The Arch is so big that you need one if you want anything in the foreground. Hooray for digital cameras with full-sized light sensors.

Low Rider

I think I used this photo on my St. Louis Daily Photo Blog way back when. It didn't get a lot of response but I like it a lot. People will pose for you if you are polite and friendly. Love his eyes and low rider jeans.

Elements

This photo of the Arch was taken three and a half years ago, around the time my obsession began. Compare it to today's picture on St. Louis Daily Photo, shot earlier this month. This shows the reflection of the afternoon sun streaming down the plates of the north leg. There is some simplicity and purity that I've lost in recent pictures of the monument. Let us know what you think.

The Basics

A shot that couldn't be simpler or more straightforward (except it's an HDR - not immediately evident). Just an illustration of why I love it so much.

Apotheosis

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. There is way too much on my plate. This photo is a companion to today's picture on the St. Louis Daily Photo Blog. shot moments earlier. It's grandiose, I admit that. I have a soft spot for high quality bombast. For example: the Dies Irae from Hector Berlioz's Requiem (start this track at 5 minutes 30 seconds and crank it up). When I was young and stupid, I liked to make a tent out of two loudspeakers, put this track on a full volume and stick my head in the middle. Bliss. Now I make pictures like this.

Barely There

Sorry no posts here in so long - just too much on my plate. This picture was shot on January 3, 2009, in fog with a Lensbaby.