University of California San Diego

[Darren Bradley]

The university near my house has some interesting concrete brutalist architecture from the 70s. I was there to shoot some photos of some new buildings for an assignment and took some of these just for fun, while I was there.

 

[Brian Moore]

Amazing architecture, especially in those first two images. Nice shots too. What equipment were you using to capture these, Darren?

 

[Hamish Gill]

That is not a subtle structure
Spot on shots as usual mate
Have you made the halo type glow on the first one on purpose? I really like it! In fact for one reason or another i really like that shot! With the couple of people you really get a sense of scale...
The building its self makes e think of a vision of the future from the past ... if that makes sense? like it could be part of failed utopia ... Ira levin's 'this perfect day' popped into my head for some reason ...

 

[Darren Bradley]

Thanks, Brian. In all three cases, I was using a Canon 5DMkII with a TS-E 17mm f4L lens. They were all hand-held because I was too lazy to set up my tripod and level. So I just eyeballed it, tried to hold still, and hoped for the best.

 

[Darren Bradley]

Thanks, Hamish. I know what you mean. I call it "Yesterday's Vision for Tomorrow" . But as you probably know by now, I'm a bit obsessed with architecture and design that reflects that retro-future modernism that was so popular in the 50s and 60s.

I think the halo comes the mirror reflection of the light off those glass panels. I emphasized it in PP because I liked the effect, too.

 

[Alastair Cummins]

Wow, what stunning buildings, the first almost looks like a fortress with the big drops around it!

 

[Hamish Gill]

Have a look at this thread of Brians http://www.realphotographersforum.com/threads/2092-Canon-F1
Halo, for a very different reason .. but i like it there too

 

[Darren Bradley]

Thanks, that is interesting. I really like the shot and I know that area well, too. It's not far from my house (at least not be Southern California standards - about an hour and a half by car).

 

[Brian Moore]

Thanks Hamish and Darren. That halo effect in my picture is a side-effect of the "stand" development in Rodinal.

Those TS lenses are very interesting by the way, Darren.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Love that first one Darren - stunner!

I always think the building looks like two hands, fingers pointing out in a cupped shape, joined at the thumbs.

 

[Darren Bradley]

Thanks, Chris. Yes, Pereira (the architect) described this building as hands holding up the building so you're seeing what you're supposed to!