“Arch, Stairs, and Plants” — Plants line stairs leading to a doorway above an arch, Trogir, Croatia.
Trogir is an intense and fascinating place. The historic old town is on an island that sits in a narrow passage between the Croatian mainland and a much larger island. It was quite crowded during the days and evenings when we visited, not only with those of us who drove (or walked) in but also those who anchored their boats right next the town.
It seems like the whole place is built of stone. The sidewalks/streets are cobblestone, walls are made of stone, and it is by far the most common construction material for buildings. I made this photograph on one of the occasions where we were able to escape the crowds (hint: go in the very early morning) and photograph with fewer distractions.
“A Trogir Street” — A person sits at outdoor tables along an empty street in Trogir, Croatia.
During the summer of 2023 we took a 10-week looping trip through parts of Europe. We concluded the trip with about a week and a half in Croatia. The first few days were spent in Dubrovnik, and then we moved on to the vicity of Trogir, not far from Split, where we joined a big group of extended family members. Being so close to historic Trogir, we spent a good amount of time there.
The old town of Trogir is picturesque enough that it is now very popular with tourists, for better or for worse. Much of the construction is of these very light colored stones — they are found in the buildings, the walls, and the streets and sidewalks. I photographed this scene while out on a little photo walk with my friend Franka M. Gabler who knows this area well.
“Oh See O.C.” — The O.C. McDonald sign in San Jose, California
This is not the first time I have photographed this sign. I walk a lot, and one of my routes takes me past this place, the site of a venerable light industrial business in San Jose. The accidental abstraction of the shadows from the neon light always gets my attention, and I can barely see the actual sign now that this comes to the foreground of my attention.
This place is located in an area that is rapidly changing. Years ago it was filled with small businesses and light industrial sites, the latter likely because of its proximity to a rail hub. Over time, like so many similar areas, it began to decay — there are now many abandoned buildings and closed businesses. However, this area that was formerly considered to be far enough from the city center to house less attractive businesses now feels like it is in the center of town. It is rapidly become a development site with new apartments and businesses. It won’t be long before places like “O.C. McDonald” are lost to memory.
“Dubrovnik Rooftops” — Tile rooftops of old Dubrovnik seen from the city walls in early evening light.
Dubrovnik is a remarkable city — very old, very beautiful, and today a sophisticated center of tourism. The age of the place becomes more obvious the further you get away from the central tourist areas. Out around the furthest fringes, on very narrow walkways, you can find places that seem almost… unspoiled.
The old city is almost completely ringed by an ancient wall — the only gap is near the small harbor. On this evening I set out to walk the perimeter of the town along the wall. I made the photograph early on my walk as the light was just beginning to take on the colors of early evening as I looked across a sea of red rooftops.
Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.
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