Cobalt Blue on the Hillside

Cobalt Blue on the Hillside
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Just outside the atrium with the persian lilies, we find some cobalt blue reeds perched on a hillside. The sun was cutting through the trees and lighting up the pieces very nicely. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/13
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Persian Lilies in the Windows

Persian Lilies in the Windows
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Passing through a building onto some more of the gardens and more Chihuly installations, we find these persian lilies in the atrium windows. They were just glowing in the sunlight and very enjoyable to take in. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/16
Shutter Speed: 1/30
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Staring into the Sun

Staring into the Sun
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

This is Dale Chihuly's Sun sculpture! This is the first time that I've ever seen this sculpture in person. I really enjoy how there is a variety of color that is in this piece. Not to mention the amount of individual pieces it takes to make this one sculpture. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/16
Shutter Speed: 1/30
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Yellow Herons in Fountain

Yellow Herons in Fountain
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

At the top of the stone staircase, we find another small fountain with some yellow heron pieces in it. This whole area was very quiet and peaceful which made this particular installation quite enjoyable. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/16
Shutter Speed: 1/20
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Blue Marlins Enjoying the Water

Blue Marlins Enjoying the Water
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

These pieces are called blue marlins. They were sitting in a small pond that was adjacent a stone stair case that went up to the next installation. They almost seem as though the are there to bath in the water on a great day. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 0.5 seconds
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Mille Fiori Reflections Panoramic

Mille Fiori Reflections Panoramic
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

And finally we have a panoramic of all three installations. It actually took about ten minutes of waiting for others to move in order to get all the shots. This is a 3 HDR pano (9 shots). Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/15
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Blue and Purple Reflections

Blue and Purple Reflections
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Finally, on the left side of the reflection pool, we find these beautiful pieces. I was really upset that there was that light on the right side. I mean, who has a light on during the day! Really? :) Other than that it seemed to turn out pretty well. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/40
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Exploding Reflection

Exploding Reflection
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

The next set of pieces in the pool are here in the center and I was really taken by the selection and color combination. There were the creamy oranges mixed with the yellows and greens. It's almost as though these pieces exploded out of the water to bloom in the sun. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/25
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Glassy Water Reflection

Glassy Water Reflection
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

The next stop on the photo walk takes us to another set of Mille Fiori pieces inside a very glassy reflection pool. The first set of pieces are these purple reeds with the yellow and green sea forms. We spent a lot of time in this area since there were three different installations in this water. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/15
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Select Pieces

Select Pieces
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Just a couple of select pieces from the boat installation at Chihuly at Cheekwood. It really highlights the variety of pieces found here in this boat. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/18
Shutter Speed: 1/25
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Contrasting Installation

Contrasting Installation
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

My favorite part about this boat installation was the turquoise color of the boat itself. It really contrasted the warm colors of the glass very well. The lighting and weather that day were absolutely perfect so that definitely helped. So now I'll put it up to you guys. Do you want to see another shot of the boat? Or do you want to move to the next spot? Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/18
Shutter Speed: 1/8
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Red Boat Reflection

Red Boat Reflection
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

And here we are at the top pool with this wonderful boat installation. These have to be my favorite installations that Chihuly does. He just has different wooden boats, then he fills then with random varieties of pieces in a certain color scheme. I took many shots of detail here that I will share in the next couple days and over a bit of time. I really enjoyed how this particular boat contrasted the surrounding landscape so nicely. And again, we will be getting closer to this one too. :) Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/25
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Warm Walla Walla Onions

Warm Walla Walla Onions
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Look what they have! It's a Walla Walla Onion pool kind of like the one that's at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. The difference with this particular pool is that all of the colors are warm tones. This is because of the Chihuly boat installation in the pool at the top of the waterfall in the background. Don't worry, we'll get to that soon. :) Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/13
Shutter Speed: 1/40
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Red Reed Bamboo Forest

Red Reed Bamboo Forest
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Down a walled in path leading to the next part of the garden, we walk through the bamboo forest. Mixed in with the bamboo are these Chihuly red bamboo reeds. The filter the little bit of light that got through quite nicely. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/13
Shutter Speed: 1/13
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

The Rising Moon

The Rising Moon
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Sitting on the far side of the niijima float garden up on a hill, is a sculpture called the moon. It's a collection of disc shaped pieces organized in a sphere making the moon. This particular shot makes it look like the moon was rising over the hill. I have a couple different shots with this in it that I of course will share. :) Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/20
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Niijima Floats in the Japanese Garden

Niijima Floats in the Japanese Garden
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Moving on to the Japanese garden at Cheekwood, we see the combed gravel garden graced by this large and beautiful Niijima Floats. These things range in size a get very large very quickly. The varying colors make it so you can stare at these for a long time. Such is why I took so many shots here. :) Enjoy!

I've never done anything like the Floats. They are probably the most monumental-looking, since there's no reminiscence of a container shape. Just because they are so big, the Floats are technically, or let's say physically, the most difficult things that we have ever done. Even though a sphere or a ball is about the easiest form you can make in glass, when you get to this scale, up to forty inches in diameter, it becomes extremely difficult.
— Dale Chihuly

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/13
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Green & Purple Fiori

Green & Purple Fiori
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

A bit of a smaller installation that's called "Fiori" was off the path right in front of the sun when we were there. Of course I couldn't help laying down on the ground and getting some close shots of this one. One of my favorite things about the Chihuly glass sculptures in the gardens is that they can look different at different points during the day. Just the direction of the sun or lack of sun really changes the look and feel of these pieces. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/25
Shutter Speed: 1/15
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Dancing Cattails

Dancing Cattails
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Turning directly around from yesterday's shot, I got this one of some other cattails in the sunlight. They almost seemed like they were dancing in the sun. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/100
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Dancing Cattails

Dancing Cattails
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

You know I couldn't go any further without getting some close ups of the red cattails. The great thing about these pieces is that they are all a bit different. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/125
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

A Towering Saffron Tower

A Towering Saffron Tower
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Everyone knows I had to get closer to the Saffron Tower to shoot it from down low. The sky had a perfect blue for the warm colors of many of the installations. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/100
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Saffron Tower and Cattails

Saffron Tower and Cattails
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Cheekwood Botanical Garden is set up to lead you from garden to garden via a paved path which transitions quite nicely. At the entrance to the first garden, we see these beautiful Chihuly pieces. We have the Saffron Tower in the center, comprised of yellow and white neon. On each side and around the surrounding path, are the red cattails. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/20
Shutter Speed: 1/20
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Macchia Forrest Greeting at Cheekwood

Macchia Forrest Greeting at Cheekwood
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

As we first enter the lobby of the Cheekwood Botanical Garden we are greeted by what is called a Macchia Forrest. These large bowl liken Chihuly pieces are called Macchia. It seems that they are always arranged in a group or "forrest." I really enjoy that the lips on each one are a different color than the rest of the piece. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/5
Shutter Speed: 1/8
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

About the series
This series of shots were taken on 10-22-2010 at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Dale Chihuly, world renowned glass artist, was having a garden exhibition where he installs pieces into the gardens to enhance the appeal of both the gardens and his work. This is the fifth Chihuly exhibition that I've gone to and the fourth that I've been able to shoot. I really enjoy the mixture of the glass and the gardens, and it makes for great photo opportunities.

"I love to juxtapose the manmade and the natural to sort of make people wonder, is it manmade or did it come from nature? That's a very important part of my work."
Dale Chihuly

Newfound Gap Panoramic

Newfound Gap Panoramic
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Here we are, finally at Newfound Gap. Sitting around 5,000 feet, it is a sight to behold. I took this in a 2 HDR shot Panoramic (6 shots total). Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/15
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

Focus On Movement

Focus On Movement
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

This shot really amazed me when I went to review my shots from this day from our vacation. It's almost as if I've in a way focused on the movement of water in this shot. The ND filter really does some magical things to moving water. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/14
Shutter Speed: 2.5 seconds
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

Convergence

Convergence
Originally uploaded by DisHippy

Down in the same river as yesterdays shot, I found this small spot and starred at it for quite a while. The amount of water passing through this spot and the intense energy emitting from it. It was a very good experience seeing for one, how clear the mountain water was, and two, how much water flow into and through this one spot. Enjoy!

Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1.3 seconds
ISO: 100
Auto Bracket: +2 0 –2

Trying to Get Back to Blogging

Hey there everyone, at least everyone that has stuck it out this long to still follow my blog. I'd like to do a couple things to get back on a semi regular posting schedule. I'd like to begin sharing my photography posting from Flickr. A lot of my shots won't have anything to do with Disney but I think you all may enjoy. Comments and feedback are more than welcome as always. I would still like to throw in a Disney based post as much as I can or have time to get done. :) I leave on Friday, February 25th to drive all night to arrive at Port Orleans French Quarter Resort on the 26th. We will be enjoying free dining with our party of nine! We also catch the beginning of the Flower and Garden Festival half way through our week long trip. Our last day is the next Saturday, May 5th. Should be tons of fun. It will be my sister's first time there in ten years and gets to bring her family this time. And my cousin turns 30 in January next year and this will be his first time! Can't wait to get there and unleash the fury with my Nikon D90 DSLR. I will be posting on twitter throughout the trip of course (@dishippy). Enjoy!