Symmetry

Last night I typed out quick notes on approaching this week's Lens-Artists Photo Challenge. I did some reading on the three types of symmetry; translation, rotation, reflection, and glide reflection.

Symmetry is "the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis" or "correct or pleasing proportion of the parts of a thing".

This afternoon, I was inspired to visit the Princeton University campus, specifically, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, which is now called the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

Green Hall | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 400

In 1963, the psychology and sociology departments were relocated to Green Hall on the corner of Washington St. and William St. The building had been previously occupied by the School of Engineering. In 2013, the Princeton University psychology department moved again to Peretsman-Scully Hall. I parked on William Street, stopping to photograph the Washinton Road entrance to Green Hall. It took a lot of work to position the camera to ensure that the scene was evenly balanced.

Princeton School of Public and International Affairs | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 400
Princeton School of Public and International Affairs | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 400
Princeton School of Public and International Affairs | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 400
Princeton School of Public and International Affairs | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 200

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is a short walk from Green Hall. I'd like you to please read my previous post to learn more about how the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs became the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

Department of History, Dickinson Hall | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 200
Department of History, Dickinson Hall, | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 200

Having photographed what I wanted, I walked around the Princeton University campus, observing other examples of symmetry at the Princeton University Chapel and East Pyne Hall. There are numerous doors to the Chapel, so many that one wonders if they are escape hatches for some purpose.

I looked down the middle between the east and west entrances of Pyne Hall, taking pains to line up the arches to showcase the symmetry. Inside the archway, the ceiling details continue the gothic style of architecture found at the University, one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution.

Princeton University Chapel | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 200
East Pyne Hall | Monday 28 September, 2020 | Day 190 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | f/11 | ISO 200

It was submitted for the 100DaysToOffload project.

Princeton University Chapel

Last week I tried, unsuccessfully, to get a set of brackets photos for some HDR photography of the inside of the Princeton University Chapel. Yesterday I tried once again with limited success. This time I planned better. I went early a Saturday and fortunately had another sunny day. Did I get the photos I wanted? Yes, but ... no. When planning a photo shoot it is a good idea to create a checklist of the equipment you will need. I was well prepared this time. Or so I thought. I forgot my tripod at home. For HDR photography, it is important that the camera stay stationary between the bracketed shots. Even the slightest movement can cause the image to be misaligned when they are combined in Photomatix Pro. A tripod is essential. I forgot mine at home so I had to improvise. I found a chair and placed it down the middle aisle. I propped the camera up on my hat and used Sofortbild to capture three bracketed images about +/-2 EV apart.

It's not what I had hoped for. Without the tripod, I was limited in where I could place the camera. I think I need another trip.