Jan 27 2010
Photochrome Goes to Yerba Buena Gardens
By Garrett Griffin
Sixteen Photochromers braved lowering skies and met at the Esplanade in Yerba Buena Gardens on a gray, soggy Saturday morning in mid-January. Their assignment: capture images of the environs a bit differently from what a casual observer sees. After a short briefing by our intrepid leader, Gary Larsen, we agreed on a meeting place for our post-assignment de-briefing, a key element of these trips.
The weather cleared and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds as if on cue when the Photochromers began their work by splitting into small groups of twos and threes. Some chose to explore alone. Either way individuals proceeded to the task that best befit their own preferences. Some worked alone for the ultimate in concentration, some with a partner or two following the theory that four eyes, or six, are better than two. Either method appears to work well for the members involved. This Photochromer prefers both, hooking up with another for a while, then going off alone then back with another member and so forth throughout the morning.
The gardens offer endless images and subjects, be they people on benches or strolling or the fascinating architecture of the many interesting buildings surrounding the green belt. Unique statues dot the two square blocks in addition to the gardens, greenery and a playground with frolicking children. A lovely Merry-Go-Round also graces the place. Unfortunately, it was not operating. Fountains and falls strategically placed introduce the element of water not often found in the downtown of a city. Reflections are a bonus for the photographers’ discerning eye as is the motion of water.
The morning passed too quickly as always. So much to photograph, so little time. The members will put an extension on their hours at YBG when they sit in front of their screens and re-visit and “re-photograph” the park, creating even more interesting images of this pleasant downtown refuge.
Just before the noon hour members re-convened at the coffee shop in the Jewish Heritage Museum across the street from where they first assembled. The coffee was hot, the pastries delightful and the conversation lively. Members passed a pleasant hour re-hashing their adventures and telling tall tales of the “big one” that managed to get away because somebody walked into frame or bumped the tripod or an earthquake struck just as the shutter popped or whatever. Rarely satisfied with his work, the photographer returns and re-shoots over and over until perfection is within his grasp. At times like these, he feels he may depart this mortal coil before perfection comes. But maybe not.
Roll call: Bob Nelson, Willis Zhoe, Martin Taylor, Jim Elliot, Chris Kibre, Deborah Hall, Steve Lee, Gary Larsen, Christian Viller, Susan Higgins, Joe Higgins, Arthur King, Natasha Nielsen, Alan Heald, Weronika Patena, Garrett Griffin
