
No, I’m not trying to say that Calvert Vaux, the co-designer of Central Park, was foolish; perish the thought!
In architecture, a folly is a building designed and constructed purely for the delight of those who behold it. Belvedere Castle is exactly that, and has delighted visitors to the Park since 1869.
Strictly speaking, an architectural folly is built for no practical purpose, but since 1919, the National Weather Service has operated a weather station at Belvedere Castle. You can just about make out some of the instruments, above the peak of the main turret, in this photo. So next time you’re in New York City and here a radio weatherperson says, “… and the temperature in Central Park is…”, you’ll know where it comes from.
Belvedere Castle is a major stop on my
Central Park photo safaris, as the view from its ramparts is stunning. Also, the Castle itself, perched high on Vista Rock, is photo-worthy both from below and close-up.
This post is in honor of our friend and blog founder Warren, whose "everyone check in" email reminded me I haven't posted here for a while. Thanks, Warren!
Labels: Architecture, Central Park, Folly, Jacob Wrey Mould, Manhattan, New York, New York City, NYC, Photo Instruction, Photo Safaris, Photo Tour, Photo Tours, Reflections, Turtle Pond, Victorian, Vista Rock
4 Comments:
Warren, I like each equally. Your use of foreground highlights for me makes these images. They draw you into the image and bring you into the moment you captured. I find that often the foreground is not exploited and is often wasted space within the image, but these are beautiful in that they significantly contribute to the overall composition.
Dan
I like the first one for its abstract qualities. The clouds are full of daydreaming shapes, and the waves seem to have made a face there staring off to the left. It has a very timeless appeal.
Beautiful View. Amazing scene at Ocean Beach, nice composition, great B/W, excellent capture...:-)
Lena
I like both photos but the top one is my favorite. The tones are more even while still holding that complete black to light composition.
And now after Lea pointing it out. I see the face in the beach.
So now you have a face in a beautiful place. Cant beat that. =)
~Carl~
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