Intelligent Travel

Global Eye: Washington, D.C.

"Jefferson Surrounded at Night"

Photographer: Philip Yabut, Arlington, Virginia

Getting the Shot: Despite having had this camera for more than a year at that point, I was still learning how to shoot with it. I had taken many daylight cherry blossom photos over the years, and I decided to experiment with nighttime shots with the flash. I played with the aperture and exposure settings all evening and got a mix of good and bad results. Luckily, I picked a calm night, which gave me motionless cherry trees and still water in the Tidal Basin. A few cherry trees lining the walkway have branches that lean over the guardrail, allowing for nice photo-ops with the Jefferson Memorial.

The Details: Pentax *ist DL set at ISO 200, f/13, 10 second exposure.

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing, we couldn't resist featuring a local photo. And although the festival ends April 13, you can always find more ways to seek out Japan in D.C.

Photo: Philip Yabut via Flickr

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Global Eye: Coney Island, New York

Photographer: Jenene Chesbrough, Brooklyn, New York

Getting the shot: This shot was taken on opening day of Astroland/Coney Island 2006. Every year my friends and I bike down to hang out, put our feet in the sand, ride the Cyclone, and eat some Nathan's Famous cheese fries. There were organ grinders and lots of Coney Island regulars hanging in front of the Sideshow when all of a sudden The Pontani Sisters ran by in matching outfits... and I grabbed this shot. I realized afterwards they were shooting a silent video (I think) and that's why there was a gorilla there that day as well! This picture really captures the spirit of a disappearing Coney Island. Lots of changes are in place now, and this year looks like it will be the last year of Astroland and maybe the Sideshow too. I hope the freaks and fun stay in Coney and that this new wave of "improvements" retains some of the original flavor.

The Details: I was shooting film with my Seagull TLR medium format camera (a cheap version of the old Rolleiflex twin lens Diane Arbus used). 

Taste more of New York’s authentic flavor with the April issue of Traveler, on newsstands now, and right here at IT, where we’ve got the Big Apple for brains this month. Think you captured a “New York moment” on film (or, ahem, memory card)? Add it to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Batu Caves, Malaysia

"Descend," Batu Caves, Malaysia

Photographer: Nisa' Haron, Portland, Oregon.

Details: I photographed the image using my Canon EOS 30D. Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500), Aperture: f/5 , Focal Length: 60 mm.

Getting the shot: As I was leaving the temple and descending down the 272 steps, I spotted this East Indian girl behind me holding on to her beautiful sari and a flower. I quickly photographed her but decided that an image of her from the back would be beautiful. I started climbing back up and did just that. I was lucky . . . the tourists were not anywhere in sight within those few moments!

We like the details of the flowers and how the bright colors of the dress pop out against the gray stone. Have you got a photo you think is worthy of Global Eye? Add it to our Flickr pool.

Photo: Nisa' Haron via Flickr

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Global Eye: South Korea

Photographer: Nancie McKinnon, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I currently live and work in Daejeon, South Korea.

Getting the shot: June 10th, 2007, at Nuns Temple, Daejeon, South Korea.

The Details: I was a participant in a temple stay program at Jakwangsa Temple (which I highly recommend), and we did a walk to other temples in the area. The Nun's Temple is used by female Buddhist nuns, and as you can see from the photo is beautifully painted and well maintained.

We like the extreme colors in the picture, and wouldn't mind having one of those dragon heads on our wall.

Is your picture worthy of making it to Global Eye? Send your pics to the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool!

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Global Eye: Hapert, Netherlands

De Hapertse Molen, Hapert, Netherlands

Photographer: Arnoud Augustinus, Eersel, Netherlands

Details: One of my hobbies is Kite Areal Photography (KAP). The picture shows the corn mill ("de Hapertse Molen") in Hapert and is made with a camera lofted from a kite.

Getting the shot: At the end of this winter period, we had a couple of days almost wind free. Only this weekend in February, the wind was just enough to lift my camera about 100 meters (328 feet) above the mill.  In these conditions I used an eight-foot Rokkaku kite, a reliable lifter for low winds. The camera is mounted in a construction giving it the ability to shoot images in different angles, controlled from the ground.

We like the unusual view of the Netherlands' landscape. Have your own bird's-eye, Global Eye view of the world? Share your photos in our Flickr group.

Photo: Arnoud Augustinus

Global Eye: Moyka River, St. Petersburg

Moyka River, St. Petersburg, Russia

Photographer: L. Toshio Kishiyama, Maryland, USA

Getting the Shot: I used a Canon EOS 30D digital camera for this high dynamic range (HDR) image.

Details: I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, for work when I walked over to this bridge, not far from my hotel room, on a foggy morning. The river was so peaceful and the colors of the amazingly beautiful buildings seemed to really stand out in the fog. St. Petersburg is a fascinating city with so much to see and do.

We like the way the bright colors bounce off the gray water. Think you've got a picture with a story to tell? Submit your best photos to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Jerusalem

Photographer: Sonya Brewer of Peoria, Arizona (grew up mostly in California and has lived in Canada as well as Japan for four years).

Getting the Shot: In November 2006, I traveled to Israel with my church. At the time I only had a point and shoot Kodak DX4330.

The Details: We had just gone to the Mount of Olives that morning and were walking down the roads of Jerusalem. As we started down the narrow road of the Via Dolorosa, to my delight was a street vendor selling olives. The colors caught my eye, as freshly picked olives filled the bright white bags.

IT likes the way the olive bags billow larger than life in this shot. Want your own photos featured on IT? Add them to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Bandiagara, Mali

Bandiagara, Mali

Photographer: Romel Jacinto, San Francisco, California

Getting the Shot: I used a basic, but very capable point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot A460. Although I had another SLR-like camera on this trip, the smaller point-and-shot camera was far less intimidating to people and was easier to use to capture candid shots.

The Details: I was in Bandiagara on a bicycle tour with a small group. Bandiagara is a sleepy town and most travelers only stay in briefly to arrange trekking into Dogon country, but our small group stayed an extra day since someone got sick. That extra day gave a chance to meander and soak up the rhythm of local life. I walked around town slowly, just observing and taking photos when I could.

Most people did not want to be photographed. The others cherished it, particularly young children, and they hammed it up for the camera. This girl fell into neither of those categories and seemed completely at ease with the camera. She just seemed so content, strong and serene all at once, so I took the shot quickly and continued my slow stroll through town.

We love the vibrant colors and the way Romel captured the girl's expression. Think you've got a photo that is worthy of Global Eye? Add them to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Hearts in Nevada

"Sky Heart" by Mary Hockenbery

Photographer: Mary Hockenbery, Dixon, New Mexico.

Getting the Shot: We were road tripping last summer and decided to stay the night in Baker, Nevada and tour Lehman Caves, then visit Great Basin National Park in the morning. After we got to the motel and checked out the visitor center, we took a little drive around the area and spotted this wonderful horseshoe heart on a rancher's fence.

The Details: I love my Nikon D200. I shot B&W film and had a darkroom for years - but now it's pretty much digital all the way.

IT loves our readers and sends them this heart for Valentine's Day! Love photography and want your own shot in Global Eye? Add your pics to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Arequipa, Peru

"Swoosh" Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru

Photographer: Nick Amis, London, UK

Getting the shot: I was in Arequipa, Peru, and had spent the afternoon looking around the city. My companions and I then went to the main plaza, ordered a beer in a nearby café, and waited until the light became golden and perfect for photography. I was taking shots of the cathedral from the center of the plaza when someone disturbed a huge flock of pigeons: I immediately swung my camera up (I use a Nikon D80 and, on this trip, a Tamron 17-50mm lens) and took about five shots; this one had the best composition.

The details: Arequipa is one of the oldest cities in Peru, from both the native inhabitants' and the settlers' perspective, and its well-preserved old city has been named a World Heritage site. Arequipa is also fortunate to have one of the best climates in Peru. Warm sunny days combine with the picturesque streets to make it a treat for photographers. The Plaza de Armas, where I took the photo, is in the very center of the old city and even pigeon-haters (I was traveling with one) agree that it is one of the loveliest public spaces they've seen. The Arequipeños are immensely proud of their city and kept asking me whether I liked it, so I'm pleased to have an opportunity to show it off and tell people how lovely it is!

Apparently, here at IT we have a thing for pigeons. But that doesn't change the fact that this is quite a lovely shot indeed.

Wanna see your photo on our website? Add your best travel pics to our Flickr pool.

Photo: Nick Amis via Flickr

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