Scenes Around Town

When in Staunton, I always like to visit the train station and have a look at the fences that keep people out of the path of the train. While these are not ornate, they are interesting and, combined with the afternoon shadows, they make nice compositions. the partially open gate seems to suggest that it is time to board and adventure lies ahead.

Across the street from the station is the row of buildings collectively called the "Wharf" by the locals. One this afternoon, I found a curious things happening. With the sun low and at the right angle, there are refections on the building in the shade from the windows of the buildings facing the sun. this gives abstract splashes of light in random places on the building. Kinda cool, eh?

But out in the sun, there is a different sort of composition to chase. These lights on the side of the building bring a shabby-chic vibe to the place. The combination of the weathering of the light that has darkened the spots on the top, the general un-shiny-ness of the whole lamp and the crackle paint in the background suggests that this once new cascade is now sliding into disrepair. Yet, it feels as through there is some strength to the composition that merely shooting the building would not express. the lamps seems to say, "I am worn from my labors, but I still stand strong and bring light to those who pass." 

In the golden rays of the afternoon, the courthouse shows off its decorated capitals on the columns and around the roof. The brick columns tell us that the spirit was willing but the bank account was weak, so we got a pretty good imitation of the neo-classical style.