As last Friday’s mystery slide got a very positive response, I figured that I’d post another one from quite a while ago. This time, the slide didn’t have the answer marked on it, as it just said “#2”, but I think some smart readers can tell me a little about the following image:
Where are we?
This image is another slide scan from the collection of slides that I received from my father-in-law. Clearly, his father did a bit of traveling, as there are airplanes in the image.
This location has some interesting features, such as the fish pond and the pagoda and looks rather peaceful.
I am looking forward to what you can tell me about this location and its history.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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15 thoughts on “Friday’s Mystery Slide – vol 2”
How interesting I’m just off to catch some haddock for lunch. From the fishmonger of course!
The “baggage claim” sign over the bridge in the left of the photo is in English and at least one of the females over there is Caucasian. I’m guessing it’s not actually in Asia…
I love calachuchi and the tropical scenery of Hawaii!! I have a friend who lives there.
Crossing my fingers..I bet on Hawaii (Honolulu Japanese Garden)
A statue of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, founder of the Republic of China, was donated by the Chinese community to the garden. There is an arched bridge symbolic of the hope of spanning the seas to achieve world peace. Goldfish splash about in the man-made lakes amidst lotus and lily pads. Pine and bamboo trees along with other native Chinese flowering trees are strategically placed among craggy rock formations.
What’s fascinating about this garden is its Zigzag Bridge, which believed to drives out Evil.
Tell me if I get it right or no? 🙂
Very good investigating! Yes, you are correct. This slide is from the late 1960s, when the airport was still relatively new.
One of the interesting things is that people are relatively close to the airplanes to view them and watch the activity. That is something that has changed nowadays.
Now its time for you to give us readers a more difficult mystery..something that we won’t be sleeping until we find out! LOL
Be careful what you wish for! I still have plenty of slides to scan, including bunches of my own from the 70s and 80s. There are some mysteries in there….
Love this challenge. Although the mystery is solved I wouldn’t have known the answer. 🙂
We are of like mind, as I enjoy it as weel. Also, I agree that that would be the best part yet! So, if anyone knows someone on Oahu, this would be a great blog post for them to write!
How interesting I’m just off to catch some haddock for lunch. From the fishmonger of course!
Thank you! Koi would be easier to catch in the pond. Catching haddock is hard work 🙂
Well there is an airport off to one side and the pagoda is interesting . . .China?
Certainly a good guess. What other hints do you see in the image?
The “baggage claim” sign over the bridge in the left of the photo is in English and at least one of the females over there is Caucasian. I’m guessing it’s not actually in Asia…
Your powers of observation serve you well. You are correct.
I love calachuchi and the tropical scenery of Hawaii!! I have a friend who lives there.
Crossing my fingers..I bet on Hawaii (Honolulu Japanese Garden)
A statue of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, founder of the Republic of China, was donated by the Chinese community to the garden. There is an arched bridge symbolic of the hope of spanning the seas to achieve world peace. Goldfish splash about in the man-made lakes amidst lotus and lily pads. Pine and bamboo trees along with other native Chinese flowering trees are strategically placed among craggy rock formations.
What’s fascinating about this garden is its Zigzag Bridge, which believed to drives out Evil.
Tell me if I get it right or no? 🙂
Very good investigating! Yes, you are correct. This slide is from the late 1960s, when the airport was still relatively new.
One of the interesting things is that people are relatively close to the airplanes to view them and watch the activity. That is something that has changed nowadays.
Excellent job!
Now its time for you to give us readers a more difficult mystery..something that we won’t be sleeping until we find out! LOL
Be careful what you wish for! I still have plenty of slides to scan, including bunches of my own from the 70s and 80s. There are some mysteries in there….
Love this challenge. Although the mystery is solved I wouldn’t have known the answer. 🙂
Thank you. It is an interesting process to look for clues and piece together the components that provide the location. Glad you enjoy this.
I enjoy these exchanges. It would be fun for someone who lives there, to post a modern picture of that site.
We are of like mind, as I enjoy it as weel. Also, I agree that that would be the best part yet! So, if anyone knows someone on Oahu, this would be a great blog post for them to write!