[art and quiet]

PHOTOS: La Jolla; The Athenaeum, Religious Iconography, Art & Books On Girard

by Reviewer Rob

Yesterday I rescheduled some work for Tuesday and went for a little Memorial Day weekend afternoon walk in La Jolla after cashing a customer’s check at the Wells Fargo in-store branch at Ralphs on Girard and Pearl, gotta love that Sunday service.

I took my D5200 with the 50mm 1.4 intending to shoot down at the shore but changed my mind after stopping into a small art gallery and walking around a couple of block and having lunch. Most of these photos were shot at f1.4, between ISO 400 and 1000. I can open up the file info and verify on the shutter speed but most were shot at 200th or 250th, with some being way higher or a bit lower, probably down to 125th. Sorry for the vagueness, I should probably take the time to make notes while shooting this log shouldn’t I. I’ll make a note of that, haha. (See what I did there?)

I’m starting to really like using this antique retro 50mm again and getting back to being all-manual in my settings and focusing the way I did when I first began as a photographer in my early twenties. It feels more in tune with the creative environment. It’s almost like going barefoot or wearing flip flops. Okay not really, but the control and sensitivity to the photographic process makes one much more aware of exactly what’s going on in the frame being shot and builds quality.

The narrow depth of field shot at 1.4 is appealing too. Attention is closely drawn to that elements in the photo that are most sharply in focus and all the other details in soft focus become bit players, supporting characters in the composition. This is probably one reason why it’s a trick found in much high-end marketing of fashion photography. It commands ‘look at THIS’.

These pics were auto-uploaded by file number and posted in reverse order, last up top and then down to first. The photos started at The Athenaeum and then I moved south on Girard to the Catholic Church on the corner and then to the Shane Bowen gallery and the window of the fashion which preceded it. The final shot up front was at a used book store next to a coffee shop.

Enjoy.

~RR

photo log 5-29-16
Used book stores are the best for browsing, shopping, and spending idle time. They also make good photo subjects. Reviewer photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
In the alley behind the La Jolla Comedy Store on Pearl. This mini-bottle was on the windowsill. Wondered if it was a vagrant’s or from a previous night’s comedy show used by a performer to warm up before his act. Nah, they have a special room for that I’m sure. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
the old shoe repair shop in the alley behind the La Jolla Comedy Store. Not sure if it’s independently owned or a tenant of the venue’s. Charming remnant lingering of old La Jolla though. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
In the Shane Bowden gallery on Girard. I think the girl said this piece was called “I’m Catholic Bitch!” (Note the exclamation point.) photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
One of two remaining unsold porn-themed pieces in the gallery. There had been like four or six, I think the girl said. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Gril-on-girl action, with Bruce Lee standing by to keep the crowd polite. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Marilyn Monroe never died. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Eyes on fashion. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Plenty to window shop on Girard Avenue if fashion is your fix. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
The cultural significance of the catholic religion in Western art can not be overstated. That said, I love how my 50mm’s f1.4 setting draws attention to the pattern on the wall I had in focus and leaves the rest of the photo fuzzy. This will be useful… photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Games of chance? Playing cards at the feet of Jesus. It said that the Roman’s cast lots for his clothes while be hung on the cross. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
ART SCENE magazine is a great resource if you like that sort of scene. The skinny size is smart too. Stacks fit anywhere for distribution and you can throw it in your glove box or on your dashboard to peruse while at a light. (Not illegal like texting is.) photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
The La Jolla Athenaeum. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
The Athenaeum library is like a museum and has art shows and lots of books. It was and may still be the largest and/or oldest private library west of the Mississippi. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Bishop’s School display at The Athenaeum. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Page that the dictionary was open to on the Bishop’s School display shelf. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Mega-art-history in The La Jolla Athenaeum. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Big art books at The La Jolla Athenaeum. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Collage books on table display at The La Jolla Athenaeum. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Room at The La Jolla Athenaeum. photo log 5-29-16
photo log 5-29-16
Bicycle art display at The La Jolla Athenaeum. photo log 5-29-16

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