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~TRANQUILITY~

© Debbie E. Payne

~TRANQUILITY~

Uploaded: June 25, 2011 10:45:13

Description

Chicago Botanical Gardens -- The Japanese Garden is truly a magical and in every sense of the word, a tranquil place to visit early in the morning before the crowds form. I was able to take in the peaceful beauty quietly and thoughtfully. I have lived in both rural and urban areas in Japan and this is about as authentic as it gets in capturing the beauty and serenity of a true Japanese garden.

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: -1.00, ExposureTime: 1/125 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 58.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Dale Hardin June 25, 2011

I like your POV on this Debbie. The leading foreground works beautifully. The entire comp works well and the reflection is icing on the cake. If I didn't know better I would think this was taken at the Huntington Library. Where is it? #1388114

Debbie E. Payne June 25, 2011

Thank u Dale. Am on my iPhone so I am likely to make some typos. This is in the Chicago Botanical Garden in Deerfield -- north of town. Was visiting My son , Mike who is in town on a four month internsihip at corporate Discovercard.

CBG Is only a couple of miles from where he is staying so I was able to go there 2x while he worked. Chicago was amazing. LOL -- I have @ 990 pics to sort thru to prove it.
#9485979

Jeff E Jensen June 26, 2011

Very nice indeed. Well done, Debbie! #9486598

Leslie D. Regal June 26, 2011

This is so well balanced, it completely gives the feeling of "tranquility". #9487328

Debbie E. Payne June 26, 2011

Thank you for all your comments, everyone. Yes balance, tranquility are key components of what is important to the Japanese culture. This is especially true of the people who live in big cities like Tokyo. They strive to have those qualities within themselves because their urban landscape cannot translate those qualities into the big city of tall crowded buildings and busy city streets; not to mention the mass of humanty. I have been lucky enough to experience both the rural and urban side of this amazing country.

I truly felt as if I were back in rural Japan instead of the suburbs of Chicago when I experienced this amazing place that took me back nearly 30 years ago when I was lucky enough to live in Japan; both rural Misawa and urban Tokyo just outside Yokota AFB.

I was also lucky enough to visit this area early in the morning before anyone else was there. It was a wonderful experience and it was well worth it to get up early to do so. Here are a few other favorites of mine from gardens. #9487451

Dale Hardin June 26, 2011

Very envious of you Debbie for being able to enjoy the tranquility of the place without crowds. That is one reason predawn is my favorite time of day. You've done your usual great job of conveying the essence of your location. Love 'em. #9487498

Stephen Shoff June 26, 2011

Very nice, Debbie. #9487868

Michael Kelly level-classic June 26, 2011

My aunt Irene used to live in Deerfield so I have been there a number of times as a kid. I think my last visit was around 1963. Never saw any of this as we always went into Chicago.

These are all beautiful and absolutely convey that sense of tranquility everyone has mentioned. Very well done on all of them! #9488252

Rita K. Connell level-classic June 26, 2011

looks like you had a great spot to visit and enjoy the tranquility and well as get some great shots. I love the splash of color. very nice composed. nice job! #9488474

Teresa H. Hunt June 27, 2011

These are all wonderful shots. I especially love Tranquility. I feel peacefull just looking at it. :) #9489933

Deborah C. Lewinson level-addict July 28, 2011

Gorgeous finalist, Debbie!

Congratulations! #9561570

Dale Hardin July 28, 2011

Debbie, congratulations on the finalist award. #9561954

Debbie E. Payne July 28, 2011

Thank you, Dale and Deborah. This is my favorite picture from the Chicago Botanic Gardens and I took a LOT! This is definitely a place I would like to return to in each season. #9561980

Rita K. Connell level-classic July 29, 2011

congratulation its a great shot, well worth it #9563017

Lindley Johnson level-classic July 29, 2011

I love the Chicago Botanic Garden, and go there fairly regularly to take pictures. The Japanese Garden is such a serene spot and you've captured it perfectly in this image. Excellent composition and light - congratulations on your wonderful finalist, Debbie! #9563595

Debbie E. Payne July 29, 2011

Lindley - Going through your gallery was like giving me "Where to Go" directions for the next time I get there. My son is considering a move to Chicago and if that happens (I'm keeping my fingers crossed) I will have a lot more opportunity to go to the Gardens and shoot in all seasons.

Thank you for your kind comments. Being there alone was very special. #9564105

Teresa H. Hunt July 29, 2011

Congrats Debbie! #9564579

Michael Kelly level-classic August 03, 2011

Congratulations Debbie. This one was a beauty. #9579328

Debbie E. Payne August 03, 2011

Thank you, MIchael. I have a horizontal that is very similar and wonder if I ought to submit that one or not. I like the vertical one much better. I definitely want to go back there early some fall morning. I would also like to see it in the winter #9579695

Merna L. Nobile August 04, 2011

Imagine it. Feel it. Receive it. Congratulations, your entry was very special and thanks for sharing it with all of us. Merna Nobile

#9582769


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