Light, shadow, shape and texture, overwhelmingly surrounded by the sights of Rome. Architecture, people, ruins and religion. I am not so naive as to think that I could see it all in one day. Having spent one day in Rome, I am not so naive as to think that I could see it all in a week, or a month, or even a year. Rome has been around for a very long time. It would take a long time to see it, really see it. It would take longer to photograph it, really capture the essence of it. Yet, while I was there, with my camera, I stopped time. I saw things others have photographed with much more skill than I possess. Yet, I saw things others may have missed. This series is the first of four galleries of stuff–cool stuff–you may see in rome, if you are looking.
The sun was getting low, the shadows long. My own shadow was unrecognizable; however, this shadow reminded me of me, when my head gets too big.
I may have an obsession with cobblestones, their shape, their patterns and the stories they could tell of who passed their way.
Perhaps the same stones, yet viewed a different way–even the streets in Rome resonate with antiquity.
Unveiled in 1667 in the Piazza della Minerva, the Elephant and Obelisk was a commissioned work designed by Bernini outside the Santa Marie Sopra Minerva church and is the shortest of eleven Egyptian Obelisks in Rome.
In the Piazza della Minerva in Rome, round steel balls and barriers with chains protect the Elephant and Obelisk by Bernini.
Barriers, shadows and chains bar entry to the piazza.
Even with 2000 years of decay, Roman architecture still makes a bold statement, influencing much of the world.
Whether you are looking in or looking out, the setting sun emphasizes the color, contrast and climb to the sacred heights of the Eternal City.
Throughout Rome on many buildings and walls, if you look up, you can see detailed artwork of the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus, usually illuminated by a lamp or lantern.
Another example of framed wall art in the style of the Masters. This portrait of Mary is about 15 feet off the ground. Someone has to maintain the flower box.
The stone shelf was empty, except for the bottle which was also empty.
Not sure which language or which beverage, but the empty bottle could be a metaphor for the effects of alcohol.
On a narrow Roman side street, this drinking fountain or water spout had so much character I couldn’t resist the photo. What I couldn’t figure out was if the water was safe for drinking.
From this angle, the water looks pretty good. Throughout Rome, there are water fountains readily available so the weary wanderer should never get dehydrated.
From this angle I’m not sure I would drink the water. However, the fountain is still pretty interesting.
At one point in the distant past it may have been a carriage outside the door, and, the barber may have offered blood letting. Somehow I found my way into the shot.
Brass doorknockers may aid admission through these old oak doors.
This stone lion stands guard on a bridge cross the Tiber River near the Castel Saint’Angelo.
We wandered down a narrow alley in the bleached out color of night, looking for the Spanish Steps. The Graphiti said we were lost.
In one man’s Roman trash, you might find a designer zebra stripped suitcase for a reasonable price.
Cell phone service in Rome was frustratingly inconsistent. When we saw this icon for the local provider, I realized why. Their phones are rotary.
We had just come out of the Pantheon. People were everywhere. As we rounded a corner, the music that was blending with the noisy ambiance suddenly became clear. Two guys, street performers, had set up their gear and drawn a crowd. We had places to go, so much to see. No time to stop. But the music. It was Incredible. We could see it in their faces, the guitarist and the cellist. We could see it in the faces of the crowd, trance-like. Time stopped with us. We listened, a blend of new-age classical with a hint of Italian oregano. The spell broke when the music stopped. A breeze rustled our clothes. Time to go. More to see. As we wandered away, the music resumed. Even now, the siren’s song remains in our ears, calling us back to Rome.
As the sun was setting on the Pantheon, this talented duo drew a crowd to their street concert.
For this couple, an evening street concert near the Pantheon was deeply personal.
On the street near the Pantheon, this talented guitarist entertains with a mix of new-age music and classical covers.
With the sun setting, shades were accessories more than necessities, but the cello was way cool.
The music was good from both angles and the moment was worth listening too, eyes open or closed.
If you want to maximize your time in Rome, a guidebook, good shoes and a place to rest are essential.
There are stories written in her flesh.
Life is Beautiful for a young boy learning to ride a bicycle on the side streets of Rome.
The water tastes sweeter when the drinking fountain is 500 years old.
Ethnic patterns find their way into the cloth of this master weaver.
Nothing better than shooting the breeze on a warm afternoon in the piazza.
A mother and daughter pause before entering a clothing shop with a very old door.
I couldn’t stop at them all, but the ones I did stop at were delicious, and, you can find one on nearly every corner.
In the heart of Catholicism, Nuns typically live under vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Tasked with keeping the steps of the cathedral clean after weddings, this woman has her work cut out for her.
This Roman carries the weight of the world under his argyle sweater.
With a whistle and glove, this motor cycle cop directs traffic from the seat of his sweet Italian ride.
High blood pressure and cholesterol meds inform her religious icons of the specific boon she hopes God will grant, along with a few coins in her dish.
On the street in Rome, in the same position for hours, this woman petitions the Eternal Judge through prostrate perseverance.
People, places, things–I think I’ve pretty much covered it. This will be my last post from Paris–a collection of random stuff–shapes, lines, designs, stuff–much of it transportation related–since we were running, literally, around the city. The city of lights, the city of love, good food, great architecture, interesting people–Paris has it all. Some may wonder, then, why shoot this–stuff? Storytelling, for me, begins with the wide shot and gets more specific. I am fascinated by shapes, lines, interesting stuff. It is so easy to miss the interesting stuff. It is even more difficult to see the interesting stuff, in interesting ways. The story of my visit to Paris–a story I will never forget–and, one I hope to visit again–concludes with the specific, yet random–from my treasure box of stuff.
Notre Dame Cathedral is rich in sacred imagery carved with intricate detail.
Intricate carved stone detail above the entrance to the cathedral of Notre Dame.
Intricate design and inlaid gold accent gates at the Château du Louvre.
Intricate design and inlaid gold accent gates at the Château du Louvre.
Blue granite monuments, symbols of eternity, perfection and earth, near Paris monuments.
Red granite monuments, symbols of eternity, perfection and earth, near Paris monuments.
One of the friendliest gargoyles I’ve seen.
Aging cobblestones on an aging Paris street.
Stone Newels cast interesting shadows at the Château du Louvre.
Rusted chains, set in stone, convey a sense of decaying permanence.
Angels, even dusty ones, above your threshold must be a good thing–right?
Tie up your bike, or your boat.
Nice house, nice ride.
They’re everywhere–a great, green method of transportation.
Perhaps a place to chain your bike?
They’re everywhere.
My reflection in the cracked mirror of a Vespa.
In spite of the ubiquitous logo network, my cellphone reception in Paris was terrible.
Interesting designs and colors on the covering above our outdoor cafe stop.
Bright colors, garish perhaps, liven the underground realms of the Paris Metro.
Which line, which direction? This is how you find your way on the Paris Metro
Ropes and horn cleats on the docks of the River Seine.
On a bridge above the Seine, trash finds a home on the seldom seen and unnoticed river side of the wall.
Fall leaves adorn the streets of Paris in September.
They're Calling To Me 