DENNIS RIDGE
With the Nikon D3200, I was able to test the slow shutter speed with my neighborhood as my subject.
I took this photograph outside my airplane window as I’m flying back into the U.S. I felt really sad, I almost cried even. I had a life-changing experience while studying abroad, and I would love nothing more than to go back. I missed a couple sights to see while in Rome and Florence, so at least I can look forward to going back someday. When I looked out my window, I began to appreciate the opportunity that I was given to have such a great time and learning about different cultures.
Throughout my stay in Italy, I wanted to get a perfect of the Italian flag. Many times I’ve tried, but they always came out wrong; blurry, weak winds, no sunlight, or something obstructed my view. I felt desperate wanting to get a perfect shot, my last chance to get a photo of the flag while I was in Rome. After I took my shot, I was definitely happy with the result.
I found this particular sign for the Metro train station in Rome. I felt very amused by the “TV” sticker placed over the M. It quickly reminded me of home, and the American music I missed listening to. I felt slightly homesick, and yet entertained just like the “pac-man” sign I came across earlier in my trip. As if the same clever artist came by this sign and placed the sticker there.
Farther down the block, as I’m waiting for the light to change. I wanted to capture the emptiness of this particular intersection, but of course this car comes out of nowhere and it ruined the concept of it being empty. I couldn’t redo the shot afterwards because of the unexpected line of traffic that came in later. I remember feeling hopeful then a little upset that I could have gotten a better shot. Seeing a paved, asphalted road felt like rarity in most of Italy.
On our way to see the Pope, the class and I walked casually through the town. Throughout most of Italy, the only breed of dog I’ve seen were Datsuns. Seeing this handsome bulldog was definitely a change of scenery for me. I always feel happy whenever I’m around dogs, I guess because they have more personality than a cat or a goldfish.
With the sun being out, everyone mainly the girls took the opportunity to get some sun. I wanted to get a shot of their point of view, and caught this beautiful sight. I remember feeling small. I felt like this was the very definition of relaxation; back against the grass, watching the clouds fly by, and the sun kissing the skin.
Later on, while leaving the Bhorgese museum, a small group of us took a small stroll through the park. The way the sun hit this area, created a dream-like quality for this photo. I remember feeling happy for being in the moment. I rarely ever get those type of moments.
Once again, I came to a barred off area. Where would it have led to? I felt desperate wanting to know what was being kept from me, but being a law abiding citizen, I had no choice but to keep walking.
My group was quickly dividing, going off in different directions so I figured I’d catch up with my two friends who already made it to the end of the archway path. When I took this picture, I felt like I just took a romantic wedding picture. A man and a woman walking through every chapter of their life together. Italy definitely brought out the romantic side of me, and I never knew it until later.
My friend Rebekah and I were walking around the grounds when I came upon this forested path. I wanted to go down that path because I could faintly hear a man singing “Ave Maria” so wonderfully (possibly coming from the other side of the wall). I never did walk down there because I didn’t want to get lost wherever the path led me to. Being new to this country, it let me experience new things, met new people…but I was still fearful of the unknown that I couldn't go down that dirt path.
The smell of the poppies were getting stronger. I remember feeling like my sinuses were clearing up when the flowers’ scent was in the air. I don’t see many poppies growing so wildly in the States, like I did here. What I experienced visually was; there was so many greens and reds that it really brings about the “natural” look of Italy.
As my friends and I were wandering the grounds, I saw this underground walkway that was apparently barricaded from the public. I can smell nearby poppies. I felt curious, and nervous wondering what could be down there. Everywhere I went in Italy always had chained off hallways, locked doors, and rooms that were roped off. I’m a tourist in this country, why can’t I see what they’re hiding?
As my class and I were walking through Rome, I saw these ancient pillars among the ruins. Seeing these pillars so closely for the first time, I felt shocked and amazed that these were built back then with such precision and skill. The Romans were very brilliant creating such beauty. I love how the blue skies give the pillars such contrast.
After a long first day in Rome, one of the professors took us out to dinner. I was feeling tired of eating mainly pasta, and I needed to have some meats for a change. As I was practically inhaling my dinner, I noticed a dish one of my classmates ordered. It sort of disgusted me a little seeing a dead, spice seasoned fish head staring right at me. I understand that other countries have different cultural dishes they cook for their customers, but I still find lone fish heads disgusting.
Everybody decided to take a break from walking and get a bite to eat. I happened to look down the block, and noticed half of the mannequin is missing. Was this intentional? Maybe. I’ve seen some peculiar things in Italy so far. I’m not entirely sure what the message it was trying to convey, but I was sort of puzzled and intrigued at the same time.
As my class and I walked into town, I came upon this interesting scene. I assume it was a way of saying “I love money” ?(since the arrow is pointing towards an ATM machine). I remember feeling like I can relate to this message, who doesn’t love money?
This was one of my favorite shots I took. I remember feeling awestruck as I took this shot. I never really consider myself as a religious man, but I interpreted this as the “entrance to Heaven”. I loved how the glow from the sunlight outside flooded the dark church, and people (young and old) were walking towards it.
While inside the world’s largest church, I saw this cherry picker vehicle. I found it a little funny for it being inside the building and also roped off like it was an ancient relic inside a museum. I remember calling it “The Holy Cherry Picker” at one point.
Came into Vatican City as the sun came up. I can smell the nice, warm fresh air as I’m walking across the grounds. I remember feeling happy and amazed that I was able to see St. Peter’s Basilica pretty soon. I’ve always known that all of Italy take religion very seriously, and how they treat the Pope like God himself, no disrespect given.
My group and I made to the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Once again, I was feeling the full effect of the wine I previously drank. I set my camera to Flash mode, and took this surreal, paranormal shot of the Fountain. I was so amazed capturing the, what appears to be the mist coming from the water. However, it almost looks like ghostly orbs hovering over me and the rest of the audience.
Now I was with a smaller group of people that wanted to go see the Trevi Fountain. We were all walking alongside this bridge, and I remembered how fascinated I was seeing all the lights reflecting onto the water.
On my way out of the restaurant, head full of wine, I saw this creative roadside stand. When I was checking out this display, I remember feeling very amused by it, as well as amazed by its craftsmanship. I feel like people in the States should do more of things like this to attract customers.
Since I was hoping I’d sober up from all of the drinking I did in Florence and Tuscany, it looks like I was going to have to gear up for “round 3” of more drinking. I felt a sense of indirect peer pressure to keep drinking, even when my glass was being poured at every turn. By the end, once again I was feeling loose, uncaring, and whatever else alcoholics are characterized as.
During my travels, I took this great shot of a castle belonging to Rome’s first king. Walking through the back alleys, and seeing this out in the open made me feel like I found a “shiny beacon of light” guiding me home. I was absolutely thrilled seeing this for the first and last time.
As we were being led through Rome, I happened to have noticed this dumpster with the words “MORE DRUGS” spray painted all over the lid. Seeing this, and seeing the beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings (not pictured here) gave me this conflicting feeling of wonderment and alertness, as if Rome is not as beautiful as one might think.
As I was waiting for the train to arrive, I saw the cutest little girl walking with her family holding on to her “Hello Kitty” suitcase. She looked like a little grown up, as if she’s traveled so many times before. I remember feeling delighted capturing this moment. Besides the little girl, everyone who walked in and out of the station always had a fast and steady pace, like they always had somewhere to be and needed to be there on time.