This photo was taken on a cold dreary winter’s day in Atlanta during my recent road trip up and down the eastern USA. I think it adds a certain drama to the photo and really accentuates the monument of the gymnast. Working in the cold is nothing new for a Canadian like me, but in this case I was not just working, I was also enjoying the company of a good friend. My buddy Carl and I had worked on some VERY cold shoots together a few years back, when he was the senior creative manager at the Weather Channel. I had worked with the Weather Channel on several shoots in Montreal on some insanely cold days. This was back in the days of shooting film, and I remember that the polaroids that we shot for lighting tests would actually freeze, batteries would die in a couple of hours, and the gears of the cameras would jam. When we would shoot in the morning near sunrise, the temperature would hover around -25°C/-13°F. Compared to what we are used to when working together, this day in Atlanta, Georgia was a bit like a walk on the beach for Carl and I.
On this day, I was fortunate to have Carl take me on a tour of the Olympic park and areas surrounding CNN, the football stadium, and hockey/basketball arena. I’m so used to traveling alone, and being on my own when I’m shooting, that it was a great pleasure to be able to hang out with a great guy like Carl all day. The stop in Atlanta brings back great memories of special times with Carl and his wife Jaime. I was treated like a king in their home, and even contemplated kidnapping Jaime just so that she could continue cooking for me. I don’t know how Carl remains so thin with all that insanely good cooking and baking going on in their home. To quote Carl on Jaime’s cooking: Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn that’s good!
Getting a chance to spend time with friends that I haven’t seen in years is very special, particularly around the Christmas holidays. I was too busy enjoying their company to get much shooting done so, hopefully that will give me good cause to return one day soon. Thanks Carl & Jaime for making my time in Atlanta so memorable!
This statue of the gymnast looks incredibly like me, especially the rippled muscles. Ok, ok… The only thing that resembles anything about me in this photo is the ring that the athlete is holding on to. It kinda looks like the doughnut I just ate, except smaller. The artist who created this very cool sculpture is Richard Macdonald. Check out the amazing art that he has created on his website, the intricacy and detail is incredible. I’m a big fan of his work now that I did some research on his stunning sculptures. If his sculptures were not enough to marvel at, Macdonald is also a talented painter.
To me this is one of the great joys of travel. Learning about new places and people, discovering talented artists, eating in some great restaurants and learning about local dishes, listening to cool new music, making new friends and seeing old ones. Life really is a trip.
Enjoy more travel photos and stories:
Mmmm… doughnuts! You are quite the trooper Ken. -13 degrees! I wouldn’t last long in those temps!
in three words: lovely, lovely, lovely
Next time you’re in Atlanta, you HAVE to go to the Georgia Aquarium (biggest in the world!) and also head over to Flip Burger, started by former Top Chef contestant Richard Blaise. Not only are the burgers and vodka-battered onion rings delicious, but they have a Krispy Kreme shake in which they blend up FOUR doughnuts and “light” it with liquid nitrogen after. Mind=Blown.
Awesome pic as usual :)
Nice capture and processing. I can do what that statue is doing… I just don’t want to :)
Christy, Mmmmm indeed! (actually I kinda loathe doughnuts) But I sure did love Jaime’s cooking! oh my!!
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Gaby, in 4 words… thank you very much!
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Kristin, I would have gone to the aquarium, but I would not have been able to use a tripod. Next time I’ll contact the proper people to see about special permission. As for that shake, I put on 5lbs just reading about it ;)
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Siddhartha, thank you…. as usual!
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Carlos, not only am I convinced that you CAN do that, I could have sworn that you were the model and inspiration behind the sculpture ;)
Wonderful photo’s I agree the cold stormy clouds add so much to
the drama of the photo..thks for sending it on your blog.
Everything about this photo is just downright epic. I especially love how the contrast of the sky really brings out that of the statue and the shape of the statue fits between the verticals. Is the Olympic Park still worth visiting? Or has it become neglected and forgotten with the passing of time?
Well,
Next time we will get him into the Aquarium, rather get you an off hr. private tour where you could get some un-obstructed shots. Its a madhouse in there always and I have even have a membership.
-Great food fest at ECCO’s our favorite place. We also need to go visit chef Kevin at Rathbun’s (now that’a a steak) Bring him a bottle of wine and he will come sit with you. We have a few we want to share next time.
But, I have to say Jaime did show off a bit for you. Nothing like having your own private chef at your disposal. When we come up just show us to an open air market and we both will cook for you buddy. And when we publish the cookbook later in the year youll get copy number one.
Love yah miss yah!
Carl and Jaime
Awesome photo – the stormy clouds give it a really cool vibe.
So many people have told us how great Atlanta is, but we’ve never actually gone. I’ll have to add it to our list, though… :)
Another great shot, Ken. You’re the Man :)
First saw your photographs on the contest. This is an excellent photograph!
New subscriber!
Great photo! You should have a whole ‘looks like a donut’ series…:>)
Wow, beautiful shot! The way you’ve captured the colours and clouds in this make it somewhat haunting, but in a good way! : )
The clouds actually sort of compliment the expression on the gymnast’s face. Grim and serious, but like a having a great achievement with all the drama and effects. =)
“My love affair with train travel is now over. Thanks a lot Artesia.”
LOL! I always tell people that come to visit Italy not to take trains… They always think I’m crazy and that’s the way to travel here… Well, lucky you that there weren’t fleas, ticks or other parasites!
“My love affair with train travel is now over. Thanks a lot Artesia.”
LOL! I always tell people I know who come to visit Italy not to take trains.
They always think I’m crazy and that’s the way to travel here.
Well lucky you that there weren’t leas, ticks or other parasites!
In my experience the worst was on summertime… Air conditioned not working, sealed windows, about 105F outside the train car…
This blog never ceases to amaze me. The imagery and content is excellent. This blog is the standard that others should measure themselves by, raising the bar. Not to mention the helpful insight and advice. Thanks
Hello, I was wondering where exactly in Atlanta is this statue located. I am doing a project on this piece for my Art History final project and I am required to go see it in person. Can anyone help me out! Thanks :)