This is the courtyard of the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. Designed in 1965 by the world-renown Amercian architect Louis Kahn, it is considered to be one of his greatest works. Reportedly, the concept of this open, contemplative space overlooking the Pacific ocean, was conceived in many long and inspiring conversations between Kahn and the founder of the Institute, the inventor of the polio vaccine, Jonas Salk.
Robert Bear_Music told me that he shot an almost identical image on assignment from the Salk Institute in 1974, with none other than Jacob Bronowski posing for him in the same spot as my lonely figure (in my case it was a lucky candid). Interesting, huh?
...the vertical lines are not parallel, I know. It was impossible to keep them parallel and have the same composition without a tilt-shift lens... would've been trivial to fix in advanced...
p.s. Thank your very much!
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Well done Lev! Wasn't this an oh by the way? "I think I'll stop of at the Salk for tonight's challenge." Ha!
almost like this, Ben. Was not planning to enter this challenge, but on Monday went to a seminar at Salk, and there in the courtyard it struck me that this view would be perfect for Leading lines. So I came back on Tuesday evening (yes, on the way from work :)) to take this photo. Barely made it, because they close the institute for visitors at 6pm
I'm looking at the ribbons winners and finding good photographs from old friends (you and Bear)! What a nice surprise. I must look again sometime. Congratulations Lev. It's a very fine tribute to what must be a thrilling structure.
Kahn himself counted on this photo being taken over and over again. This was his dream for his design. There are numerous pictures shot exactly from the same vintage point etc. - there is the beautiful 2003 movie also "My Architect". And your photo stands proud among all of the other ones. You captured beautifully this impeccable calmness. Some photos had the sun at the exact vanishing point. I like very much your off centered person and the guiled timelessness of your photo. Thanks.
Fantastic location, and not less fantastic photo! Congrats Lev, another ribbon for your collection :-) Also, you've convinced me, I'm ordering a tilt-shift lens!
Wow, perfect. A little bit of distortion correction would help? the buildings on the either sides are leaning (or is that the way they are..), and little rotation too.
Sigh... I shot that identical picture back in 1974 or so :-) With the big view camera. It's unfortunate that you misspelled Louis Kahn's name :-( I sent a request to SC to see if they can change it, you might try the same.
Fabulous leading lines shot, wonderful image of this iconic architecture. Feel free to PM me if you wish re: the name.
Just finished voting and going back for a few comments. I'll be surprised if you don't finish in the top three with this engaging symmetric composition.
I'm gonna guess LevT :-) And even if it isn't, I'm gonna guess ribbon. Been to this incredible place, and have a picture of me straddling the "stream".
Salk I Kahn
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