100 Day Project 2021

Thursday, May 2, 2013

A Sense of Place ~ Icons

In the class "A Sense Of Place" that I'm taking with Kat Sloma, we've been exploring ways to take photos of icons. The definition of an icon is "a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol of something."  I began to think of an iconic image that would represent central Arkansas, where I live. I thought about the State Capitol, the Clinton Presidential Library, the River Market, the Old State House, the Federal and County Courthouses, but I just couldn't settle on any of them. None of them held much appeal.  I finally realized what was bothering me; I'm not much of a structure photographer. I prefer nature, being outside, and fresh air. Finding an icon in nature was not a problem, we are after all called "The Natural State."  I decided I would photograph the Arkansas River which is an important resource of the state as well as being beautiful. I went to our downtown area, which sits on the south bank of the river, and walked along the  River Trail. It's a beautiful trail winding through parks, sculpture gardens, and even a Medical Mile with healthy exhibits.
 
 
 
 
There are several bridges that cross the river; three for vehicles, one for trains, and two are walking bridges. One of the bridges I wanted to be sure and take pictures of is the Broadway Bridge which was built in 1923. Due to structural failure it is scheduled to be torn down.  As you can imagine it has been quite the topic around central Arkansas; those that wanted it repaired and those that want a new bridge. The new bridge won out.
 
 
 
 
This is one of my favorite sections of the River Walk. I love being right on the water's level and seeing down the river. The last bridge is the railroad bridge with a section that raises and lowers to accommodate river boats, tugboats, and barges.
 
 
 
 
Speaking of tugboats...I saw two going up river while I was walking the trails. I find it fascinating that tugboats can push so much weight.  This turned out to be my favorite image of the day. I know, I didn't just focus on the river like I had planned.  How do you stop once you get started?  There's just so much to see down on the river.
 
 
 
 
I grabbed some of the local cuisine for lunch and ate outside near the river. The River Market area is know for it's good food; another example of an icon!! This is a very delicious chicken guacamole sandwich.
 
 
I hope you've enjoyed seeing these a little more of where I wander with my camera.
 

15 comments:

  1. It's so neat that you have such fabulous places to walk! Enjoyed walking "with" you.

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  2. I love how you turned this icon topic to fit you. Being close to water seems to be calming and offer renewal, no matter it's source. And then you included that yummy sandwich. Ain't time for my lunch yet....you're killing me here. : )

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  3. Man, does that chicken guacamole sandwich look good!! You did a great job of translating the idea of icons into something that works for you. I especially love that image of the fence detail with the bridges in the background. Fantastic use of the icon (river/bridges) as the background in the image!

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  4. I think that tugboat doing its job on the river is an icon, too. I love these walks you've been taking us on around your home, Cathy. I've never been to that part of the country and I'm really enjoying seeing it through your eyes and camera. And yes, now you've made me hungry, too!

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  5. I'm glad you made your icon SO personal! Represents your willingness to be vulnerable...

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  6. I think everyone gets better photos when they make it personal to them - and this fits you. I think they do all speak of the river life, but my favourite is the one with the stone pillars running along and the bridges blurred with DofF. A great set.

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  7. This looks like a beautiful place to wander. I really like the shot of the fence with the bridge in the background.

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  8. Cathy - I love this series! The architectural beauty of the bridges over the flowing water - stunning. You really made me feel and experience the River Walk - I love it when communities create places like this where residents can enjoy the beauty of their city. My favorite shot is the wonderful perspective of the pilings with the bridges in the background - very creative and unique composition - love it!

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  9. I have to agree with everybody the pilings with bridge blurred in the background is fabulous. For not being a structure taking you did awesome with some structures :) Looks like such a beautiful area. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. I love river walks, and this has been a fun one, Cathy! You really did give us a wonderful sense of place. I like the way you framed the bridge with the trees in your first photo.

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  11. I love the history lesson. The bridges have played such an important part in making the Arkansas River a vital part of the industry for Little Rock and North Little Rock. The food looks delicious what a way to spend the afternoon. I liked the photo of the post. Sharp contrast.

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  12. I love the shot of the bridge and the dock. Great perspectives and depth of field with arcing lines to draw the eye across the whole image. Very nice! Icons everywhere!

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  13. gorgeous photos cathy!! what an awesome place! we have something similar along the portion of the arkansas river that runs through my neck of hte woods. to me there is nothing better than being able to enjoy nature in the heart of the ciyt.

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  14. I LOVE the walkway with concrete stanchions and the rope on the water's edge, Cathy. The dof is wonderful. Nice captures of the bridges too. And a mouth-watering sandwich!!

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Thanks so much for stopping by!!