The vernal equinox (+1 month)
Chasing Light: Capturing the Essence of the Vernal Equinox
This is my favorite time of year. The vernal equinox season (+/- 1 month) provides some of the most exciting light for a photographer. The early evenings, the long light, and the brilliant colors are amazing. The challenge for a photographer is to capture this essence, and almost all efforts fall flat. There is no substitute for the real deal.
The photos above were taken from the 'baldy' of Maiden Rock. This is the exposed rock at the bluff top that is very obvious when looking up from the ground. The leaf colors were at full peak, and my intention was to collect some seasonal stock photos. I went just before sunset (6:24pm on 10-16-2008) and started shooting. I wasn't really capturing anything inspired (above left) and soon lost all my light (note to self: bring a flashlight next time).
Then it dawned on me to try some long-exposure shots. The shot on the right was taken at 6:54pm, and in about 5 minutes it was too dark to focus. It took about 20 shots before I captured the effect I wanted. This shot was captured at 100 ISO, a 30-second exposure at f/7.1, and a -1 EV exposure. The light blur in the lake is The Port of Lake City paddlewheel boat on its way home.
I think I actually missed one of the best photo opportunities. As soon as I completely lost my light, I headed back to my truck about 1.5 miles away. It was pitch black, and I was using the silhouette of a tree as a homing beacon. When I finally got back to my truck, I noticed a full moon had risen, presenting an entirely different light, mood, and shadow. I didn't feel like falling off a cliff, so I summed it up to a learned lesson.
The new axis of evil
The Battle with Squirrels: My Rooftop Encounter
As is my want when the weather is nice, I like to sit outside and watch the traffic go by. It's a terrific opportunity to meet people, discuss daily topics, and watch the seasons change.
This past week, I was outside reading an advance copy of my brother's book, The Wakota Incident (shameless plug), when suddenly a piece of wood fell to the ground. I looked up and saw a gray squirrel busy chewing away at the apex of my building roof. He was trying to get behind the spokes and knobs to create a winter nest. Despite the heavy-duty screening behind the woodwork, the determined squirrel wasn't slowed down in his efforts to damage the woodwork.
I had hoped to repaint the spokes, knobs, and balls with a Queen Anne painted lady effect, but if I have to deal with a determined nest of squirrels every year, I'll need to take pre-emptive measures. Forget any earlier implications I may have made about how mischievous and cute squirrels behave. The squirrels must go.
The neighborhood
Introducing My Wonderful Neighborhood
I absolutely love this neighborhood. It's incredibly diverse—young and old, rich and poor, with people of all different backgrounds. It's also very pedestrian-friendly, with parks, churches, stores, homes, and libraries.
Clockwise from the upper left:
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church is just to the south of our shop, and we share an alley. This massive brick building has had several additions over the years. It's one of only three Reconciled in Christ (RIC) Lutheran congregations in Southern Minnesota, welcoming everyone regardless of sexual orientation. Way cool.
Directly across the street is Christ Episcopal Church, one of the oldest churches in Red Wing (150 years!) and also one of the most active. I've come to know several members and am very impressed with their activism and community involvement. Again, another open-minded congregation. Honk when you see Lottie tending the lawn.
The Sheldon Theatre is just on the other side of the Episcopal lawn. The Sheldon is the jewel of Red Wing—a city-owned live theater built in 1904. Our building was originally located where the Sheldon stands now and was moved to accommodate its construction (it was Charlie Wah's Chinese laundry at the time...more about that in a future post). The Sheldon is a vital part of Red Wing's cultural core.
Across from the Sheldon is the Red Wing Public Library (kitty-corner from us). This place is buzzing with activity. While Red Wing old-timers long for the old Red Wing Carnegie-Lawther Free Library, which was a grand marble pillar building of only 3,500 square feet, the current library, built in 1969, is over 27,000 square feet. Its architecture—horizontal limestone with a copper top weathered to a beautiful patina—is very 1969 but perhaps not as beloved as it deserves to be because of the building it replaced.
Right next door to us is a commercial building with rental apartments above (our building is on the extreme left in the photo). Dirk Griffin runs an insurance agency on the corner and is also into the saltwater fish business. Chris's Cuts is a single-chair barbershop offering $14 haircuts. Chris has a very loyal clientele with people flowing in and out all day long. Kent Laugen, an attorney focusing on family law, is next to Chris.
Finally, I need to acknowledge the neighbors directly above us—the squirrels who live in the black walnut tree towering over our shop. They were here before us and make sure I know it. They enjoy dropping things on my head when I'm outside the shop and then taunting me.
Leah Lundgaard
Introducing 'Art al fresco' Artist: Leah Lundgaard
Leah Lundgaard is the latest 'Art al fresco' artist. We have had the pleasure of knowing Leah for several years and have enjoyed watching her grow as an artist. Leah is a full-time artist, both a painter and a potter.
She typically paints with either a watercolor pencil or oils. A common element in her paintings is a burst of color and activity, such as fall leaves or waves crashing on beach rocks.
Her pottery features an interesting pattern of geometry. I see a Fibonacci sequence in her patterns, a common sequence found in nature. Sunflower heads, honeybee combs, and artichoke flowers are all examples of Fibonacci patterns.
Leah is modest, soft-spoken, and a very genuine person. She clearly has an inner voice that she expresses through her art.
Red Wing Photography Club
This past February, the Red Wing Photography Club kicked off its first meeting. This grassroots organization is driven by a shared passion for photography. All skill levels are represented, and there are several sub-groups focused on wildlife, strobists, and special events.
It's fun to be involved with these lively enthusiasts. Several contests are underway, and several photography outings are in the works. Mary Ouret and Jeff Marcus provide the energy, and the growth of the group is impressive. One of the aspects I enjoy the most is how grounded the group is. There is no sense of elitism, and all of the support is positive.
Several local businesses have taken note of how popular the photography club is. These businesses are clever enough to understand that by providing a venue for the photos, they are ensuring foot traffic for themselves. Smart.
See for yourself. The main group meets once a month (3rd Monday of the month) at the St. James Hotel.
Snow in July?
Interestingly, July is the only month in Minnesota to never have recorded snow. The earliest recorded snowfall in Minnesota was on August 31, 1949, in Duluth, and the latest was on June 4, 1935, in Mizpath, MN—which is interestingly named after the Hebrew word for watchtower.
The photo on the left was taken on March 31 from the front shop window, the day before the new shop opened. It was one of those last-gasp March snowfalls that we get every year. They may be sloppy, but they have a certain charm. The photo on the right was taken just moments ago from the same vantage point. The view from the shop alone is worth the visit.
It's fascinating to see the difference in just three months. Tomorrow, I'll start taking exterior and interior shots.
Save The Chief, re-revisited...
Snapshots from The Chief Theater Walking Tour
Here are some snapshots from last week's walking tour of The Chief Theater. The first shot is from the lobby looking back towards the street (updated restrooms are on the right, and the kitchen is on the left). The second shot is from the balcony looking towards the original screen. The third shot showcases the kitchen galley. The pizza ovens are gone, and the walk-in meat cooler is behind me. The fourth shot is from the screen stage looking back towards the theater. While I have more photos, these give a good sense of the interior's condition.
In summary, the theater looks almost exactly as it did a year ago when I last walked through it. The general condition is very good, with some beautiful wood appointments and nearly new mechanicals (plumbing, HVAC, and roof). The kitchen is nearly new, and there are three walk-in refrigerated rooms/coolers. The bar takes up a significant part of the main floor, and the basement could use a good bleach scrub.
The owner is asking for $1.3MM but is open to offers. The basic footprint is about 5,000 square feet, with multiple interior levels.
For the Red Wing community, this represents a unique opportunity, as The Chief Theater is one of the last authentic downtown single-screen movie theaters in the area. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.