Sweeney’s Seven Super Shots

Seven photos that I think are super shots

Here’s a photo that ….

Takes my breath away

Badlands, South Dakota

The surreal vistas of the Badlands in South Dakota elicit strong reactions. I was struck by the beauty of the vast desolation. The warm wind blowing on that hot summer day intensified the effect.

Makes me smile

Policeman and Holiday Horse, Chicago

Ho! Ho! Ho! I loved seeing this policeman and his festive horse in front of the Wrigley Building on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. It helped to put me in the Christmas spirit and looking at the photo always puts a smile on my face.

Makes me dream

Double Rainbow, South Dakota

Oh, how I wish I had tried to find that pot of gold! It might have been there at the end of this double rainbow, but we just kept driving. The photo does make me dream about good things to come in life.

Makes me think

Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

The Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jew of Europe) in Berlin, Germany is stark and powerful.
The intent of the design was to evoke the sense of hopelessness and disorientation that the Jews felt during the Holocaust. I was absorbed in thoughts of this tragic part of history as I walked through the rows of 2,711 uneven concrete slabs.

Makes my mouth water

Cheeseburger and Sweet Potato Fries – Half Moon Bay, California

I usually forget to take photos of food until I’ve already started to eat, resulting in an unappetizing picture. But this one I shot right after it was served at San Benito House in Half Moon Bay, California. It wasn’t a fancy or exotic dish, but it was certainly delicious. Looking at the photo makes me crave a cheeseburger and fries.

Tells a story

Ludlow, California

This photo tells a tale of old Route 66 through the Mojave Desert in California. The highway was a major route from Chicago to Los Angeles until the interstate highway system made it obsolete. Motels, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses once flourished along the way. Now empty, boarded up buildings like these in Ludlow, CA along lonely stretches of highway tell stories of changing times and travelers throughout the years. Among those stories are a few of my own. I remember traveling from Chicago to California as a kid with my family, excited to be headed for Disneyland and Hollywood.

Photo I’m most proud of — (aka My worthy of National Geographic shot)

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

I didn’t follow the rules in this category because I see it as two separate topics. A “National Geographic photo” brings to my mind scenic landscapes, space and sea exploration, and cultural photo essays. Going by that definition, I submit the photo above taken at Glacier National Park. It was quite hazy that day, but I don’t think it takes away from the beauty of the mountains and reflections in the water.

The photo that I’m actually the most proud of is the one below taken in Antwerp Belgium’s Central Station which is called “The Railway Cathedral”. I like how the lighting and angles give it an edgy, yet elegant look that captures the ambiance of this grand railway station. The photo was very well received when I published it in a previous blog post.

The Railway Cathedral

 

 

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44 thoughts on “Sweeney’s Seven Super Shots

  1. Annie - FootTracker

    I love the double rainbow shot! Not many people can say they saw that before, and not many took good photos of it when it happens! Good job ^^

    The Railway Cathedral also stands out =) Black and white photo fits that place well ~

  2. Sherry

    Ah, thanks for tagging me 🙂 I remember that photo from the badlands and it is your photos that actually made me want to go to S.D. It’s a great compliment to you when your photos inspire. And you certainly deserve it.

  3. Craig

    OK, so you have some great pictures and the one of Glacier National Park is stunning.

    But for some reason the most “Dang, I wish I’d been there” moment is the picture of the police horse with the Santa Hat. I think I would have laughed for a half hour.

  4. Julie McNamee

    Hi Cathy – I love that one of the Badlands in Dakota. I haven’t been there, but I’m now putting it on my list of places to see. I’ve seen the memorial in Berlin and I found it a bit odd – it was being used as a sort of playground – people sitting on the blocks drinking and having picnics and suchlike. I guess that’s a way to celebrate life as well but, as I said, I found it a bit odd.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Someone else told me that the day they visited the Holocaust Memorial, it seemed that it was like that when they visited. I know that the architect wanted it to be a place that became part of daily life. But I think he meant more as a place they would walk through every day. When I was there it was pretty quiet. People were very respectful.

  5. jade

    Great pics! Love the double rainbow… I’ve never seen one in real life!! I will be busy tonight picking out our top pics, thanks for thinking and including us!

  6. Pingback: 7 Super Shots | Dobbo's travel bloggery

    1. Cathy Post author

      Just took a look at your 7 photos, too. Well done! It is interesting that we chose the same subject. The Holocaust Memorial is certainly worthy of the recognition, I think.

  7. Courtney Mroch

    Awesome images!!! I just now found this, because I was going to tag you. Glad I did my research ahead of time. I see someone else already knew to nab you for it. LOVED your images! Glad I came across it this way.

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