Day 18- Intersections

This morning I took this photo of a quilt as it sat on my lap- thinking it an okay choice for the topic of intersection, the topic of my daily challenge Flickr group.

But I was really counting on getting some good architectural photos for my other Flickr group when I went to Petaluma today.  After having lunch with my friends, I wandered downtown for awhile.  Petaluma is full of beautiful old buildings, and I allowed myself twenty minutes in the freezing cold- at an INTERSECTION- to take some photos.

I found myself second-guessing every shot, knowing that it would be critiqued.  Until I joined this group, I was taking photos because I wanted to- not to measure up to a certain standard.  I haven’t taken photography classes (except one in college), and I find myself a little sensitive to constructive criticism (even of others!). No one has been unkind; most of the criticism is in my own head. Guess I need to grow up!

So, here is the quilt. . .

And here are some shots of Petaluma. . .

Rooftop of the old Masonic Hall- notice the eye in the triangle!

Detail of the windows of the IOOF building across the street and down (taken from the same vantage point- just facing right, instead of left).

And finally- closer to the waterfront- the restaurant where I had lunch with Joan a few months ago. I love the contrast of the bright paint against the gray sky, but this was the shot that I had concerns about submitting to my Flickr group.  I personally don’t mind the distortion of perspective here, but know that it is an issue that has been mentioned in critiques.  I actually have taken many architectural shots previously at wide angle, looking up- to emphasize the distortion. I like that look in photography.  But I also understand that there are techniques to remedy the distortion- if that’s not the look you want. I did use a wide angle in order to get the entire building in view.

f/9, 1/500, ISO 800 18mm