Helen Sweet
October 2020 - Looking up at the Rookery Skylight
About the Image(s)
We went to Chicago two years ago specifically to photograph its outstanding, diverse architecture. The Rookery Building, 1888, is one of Burnham and Root's finest. The sky-lit lobby is a 1905 redesign by a young Frank Lloyd Wright. In Chicago's Loop, the Rookery is on the National Registry of Historic places. Sony 6300, Sony 4/10-18mm lens, f/5, 1/20 sec. We had planned to return this month for more photography during The Chicago Architecture Center's Open House Chicago. Hopefully, we will be able to travel again next year.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
16 comments posted
Helen, This is a well conceived, viewed, framed, and structured image. The depth of field is quite good and the tonal balance is excellent. I really like how you show us texture, pattern and depth.
This image bring back fond memories for me. When I was a senior property manager at Continental Bank in the late 80s and early 90s (the adjacent building), we owned the Rookery before it was sold to a developer. My staff acted in a caretaker role (keeping things from deteriorating more) during that time and I can tell you, it was always a delight to walk through the building. I was exceedingly pleased to find it restored so nicely in subsequent years when it was sold turned into a fine example of one of the great architectural properties in downtown Chicago. Posted: 10/10/2020 07:35:35
This image bring back fond memories for me. When I was a senior property manager at Continental Bank in the late 80s and early 90s (the adjacent building), we owned the Rookery before it was sold to a developer. My staff acted in a caretaker role (keeping things from deteriorating more) during that time and I can tell you, it was always a delight to walk through the building. I was exceedingly pleased to find it restored so nicely in subsequent years when it was sold turned into a fine example of one of the great architectural properties in downtown Chicago. Posted: 10/10/2020 07:35:35
Thank you, John. Small World, isn't it? Posted: 10/10/2020 21:35:08
I think the sense of depth is outstanding and the image is nicely composed. It reminds me of repeating images in two facing mirrors. I wondered if the D-shaped staircases could be centered more concentrically, but realize that you would probably end up cutting off detail in the stairs and window in the lower portion of the photograph. Very nice image. Posted: 10/10/2020 15:28:03
Jerry, re your mention of mirrors, I did create a mirrored image of this. Submitted it to my club as a Creative, and got not even an HM. Being at the Masters level, I think it didn't show enough creativity. Trying again, then I'll just enter it as a Pictorial. Posted: 10/13/2020 19:42:46
Just entered this at my club. Will see whether it fares better as a monochrome. Posted: 10/15/2020 04:09:18
Got a first in pictorial from the next judge. It's SO objective. Entered it for monochrome next month. And it will appear here in Nov as an entirely morphed iteration. Getting a lotta milage out of one Rookery image. Posted: 10/24/2020 19:27:40
SUBjective Posted: 10/25/2020 02:21:58
I wish I had found this view when I was there! Excellent!
I flipped it vertically and like it even more. Posted: 10/11/2020 05:41:49
I flipped it vertically and like it even more. Posted: 10/11/2020 05:41:49
Thanks, Jerry. I did it vertically, too, doubled. Posted: 10/13/2020 19:46:12
Suddenly, it's even symmetrical. Wonderful!
I like that too Posted: 10/14/2020 05:04:45
I like that too Posted: 10/14/2020 05:04:45
Helen what a great find. Your image has captured it very well.The heavy shadow in the left bottom is a bit distracting. If you cropped up from bottom you could still have an interesting panorama. Posted: 10/11/2020 14:32:42
I agree about the shadow, Don, likely mine as I leaned in to photograph. If I submit it to my club, I will darken that entire corner up to the woodwork. Posted: 10/11/2020 16:19:33
I think I like this image just the way you have it. Jerry's comment made me look back, but this image is inherently not symmetric so I think keeping what you have of the surrounding windows is a plus. Just goes to show, everything we say is just our opinion. The monochrome conversion results in very strong lines with lots of contrast. In my opinion, this makes a very strong monochrome. Posted: 10/11/2020 15:52:16
Thanks, Stan. See above. I'll see whether the judges like it as a monochrome. Posted: 10/15/2020 04:12:06
(Groups 83 & 87)
Hello, Helen! Gee! I am getting dizzy looking at this photograph! Wonderful perspective! Quite amazing the clarity for a shot triggered at 1/20sec! Tripod? Or are you that steady!? :) I was years ago...(decades ago), now I can only keep a steady hand using my film camera. Posted: 10/24/2020 17:44:43
(Groups 83 & 87)
Hello, Helen! Gee! I am getting dizzy looking at this photograph! Wonderful perspective! Quite amazing the clarity for a shot triggered at 1/20sec! Tripod? Or are you that steady!? :) I was years ago...(decades ago), now I can only keep a steady hand using my film camera. Posted: 10/24/2020 17:46:52