Puerto Rico: Part Two

In one of my previous blogs, I discussed my love of architecture and in another post I discussed my trip to Puerto Rico; so today, it's all about Puerto Rican Architecture!  The reason I chose this topic today is because of the rich history of the architecture.  It is difficult to find examples of truly historic architecture in the United States because we are a truly young country in comparison to many others.  My dream trip is visiting up and down Italy (the architecture and history being the main reason) and Paris, France (for the same reasons).  Soon one day.... soon!  Okay back to Puerto Rico.  We stayed in San Juan and there's a section called "Old San Juan" because it has all of the older buildings and structures, cobblestone streets and antiques.  What was truly unique is that you had modern conveniences and stores built into these aged structures.  Another beautiful trait is the wondrous colors of the buildings all around you.  They would just pop up out of nowhere and stand out like a true piece of art.  I was simply drawn to the beauty of these buildings and below you will see why.  The following four images are typical, yet beautifully stunning examples of Puerto Rican architecture and the two images following these examples are two pieces that I created from some the images that I happened to capture during my visit to beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"Aqua House" (c) 2011

"One Zero One" (c) 2011

Abstract Winter...

What I enjoy so much about the kind of work that I do, is when a piece can actually surprise you.  I had recently snapped some images of the lovely snow that had fallen and began editing a couple of images when I decided to really play and stretch the boundaries of one image in particular.  On its own, it was a simple image of snow softly laying on the branches of a pine tree, nothing too spectacular.  Once I finished editing the image, there lay a beautiful abstract image of snow that puts a creative spin on this subject matter.  I was pretty thrilled with the end result of my work and wanted to share it with you!  This image along with all of my work is available via my website www.simonehester.com (if you have an opportunity please visit and leave a comment) and if you or someone you know are interested in purchasing, please visit www.simone-hester.artistwebsites.com. Thanks a bunch!

"Abstract Winter" (c) 2012

A Change In The Weather...

Living in the city of Chicago, the weather can change in a moment.  The city is actually known for it, a joke amongst fellow Chicagoans is that we truly can experience all four seasons in one day.  Recently we have had a wonderful start to winter, meaning Winter has not really shown it's head.... until this week.  Welcome to Winter! For me, it is not one of my favorite seasons by far (and if you are a friend of mine on Facebook, this is the only thing I actually complain about).  The ONLY benefit of Winter for me, is a change in scenery and a chance to shoot new pictures.  Snow can really change a landscape and create that special "postcard" moment.  I was home when the first snow hit last week and captured some great shots, there is nothing like snow when it first falls, it looks like sparkly cotton candy.  It's just wonderful fluffy, beautiful stuff.  Afterwards, it turns into salty, dirty mush.  Today, we got hit with a pretty big winter storm, with a bone chilling cold.  It was a perfect day to edit some of my new shots and drip a rather large mug of steaming hot green tea.

  "First Snow" (c) 2012

A Passion For It...

I absolutely love shooting architecture.  I vary from subject matters because I also love to shoot anything that captures my eye.  It could be a beautiful flower, a sunset, shadows, people in their everyday life, and so on.  But there is one thing that I still turn to because I adore the subject matter.  It is architecture.  The way a building is made is an astounding process.  But as an architect, how fulfilling to know that your masterpiece will stand the test of time, that it can be filled of life with people going to their corner office or grabbing a cup of coffee.  It can bustle with the latest fashions or help heal the sick.  The buildings in any major metropolis defines their skyline.  How many movies have you seen where the opening is a skyline and you instantly know the city and you haven't even had the opportunity to visit? Skylines are iconic, and there are those buildings that help define the city.  My beloved city of Chicago has the Willis Tower (Sears Tower for true Chicagoans), New York has the Empire State Building, San Francisco has the Transamerica and the list can go on. 

Yes I love these iconic structures, but what makes me a true lover of architecture, is that I love all buildings, old and new, crumbling and remodeled, historic and modern, simple and abstract, rusty and pristine.  So the next time you walk around a city, no matter how large, just take a moment and look at the structures around you, the impact on the community and the history that they hold.  I am certain that you too will become a fan of the wonderful architecture around us and the pieces of art that they truly are.  The image below is of the Chicago Riverwalk with the Butler Brothers Warehouse in the background.  It is an iconic building because of the history and that it just pops with the beautiful red brick.  The first shot is the original image and the second is the one I grunged up a bit creating a gritty and abstract image, because I just love to do so. 

 "River Walk" (c) 2012

Isn't She Lovely?

As I had mentioned in a previous blog, I recently vacationed in Puerto Rico while attending my best friends wedding.  In addition to enjoying a little R & R, I had the perfect opportunity to take tons of pictures.  I would have taken a bunch more, but this wasn't a working vacation and my heart was with my bestie while she prepared to walk down the aisle.  It was also a great time to play catch up with her because she lives in the DC area and I am in the Windy City. I also wanted to capture memories for her and her hubby to be while they enjoyed the beauty, sights and sounds of San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The shot I captured of my best friend (featured below) turned into a piece that I am very proud of.  It is one of those shots that you get just right.  The original image was so great and when I looked at my screen on the camera I told her that she could be a model.  Once home, I did my usual, using Photoshop as my digital paintbrush and truly turned it into a true piece of art.  The actual scene we were waiting for our husbands who both were on the phone at the time of the shot, their image follows.  It amazes me to see what I was able to capture on a simple afternoon while we were walking around Old San Juan's City Square. 

"The Tourist" (c) 2011

What I captured while....

...waiting for the husbands!

Upcoming Changes...

It's January and what does that mean? Time for resolutions and promises that you make to yourself that you try with all your might not to break. This is the year that I turn 40 years old and the one promise that I made to myself on my 39th was to put more focus on my artwork and promoting my art as a business. Taking that step and push myself out to the public eye. Sometimes I can fall into the category of the reluctant artist. I can be a bit shy, until that magic ice is broken. So I have decided to get out of my comfort zone (my home... I am such a homebody) and put myself out there in the world. Simply because no one will find out about my art unless I point them in the right direction. So like I said... It's January and with the change in the year comes change all around. Visibly, I will update my website (www.simonehester.com), my Twitter page (www.twitter.com/shcreativephoto)and my lovely blog to reflect the notion that they are a part of the same family. Right now they are great resources for me, but do they play off of one another and look like it is all from the same person? I think not. I also plan on blogging more frequently based on my other promise to myself to get out and shoot some more to perfect my craft and continue to develop my photography skills. I will also blog on items and subjects that I find creative, innovative and that basically strikes a certain chord from deep within me. So stay tuned for a new look and feel to all things SHCreativePhoto and Simone Hester Creative Photography. I appreciate all of you who have supported me thus far.

Puerto Rico: Part One

This past October I had a wonderful opportunity to visit the historic city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Any opportunity to visit a new location is a prime opportunity to snap a few shots. My favorite subject matter to shoot is by far architecture. One of the great things about San Juan is the wonderful mix of old and new within the city. The hotel we stayed at and called our home for five days was modern and sophisticated. Just ten minutes away was the historic Old San Juan with it's beautiful cobblestone streets and pathways, the inviting town square and the quaintness of the cages, restaurants and shops. I will touch on my love of Puerto Rico from time to time, hence giving this blog a part one status. Below is a shot of the town square and one of my new pieces.

"Around The Corner" (c) 2011