After last week’s visit to Scotland’s border abbeys, which was recognized correctly by ZeroCreativity0 as Melrose Abbey, we’re looking for the location of a castle this week.
This castle is seen from across the river on a cloudless day about 9 years ago, when I took this shot.
A Castle in the Trees
This location has its own unusual history and might not be exactly what you expect! Where is it?
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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31 thoughts on “Friday Mystery Place – vol 18”
Gorgeous, Frank! I’m really looking forward to seeing where and what this castle is. Thanks for posting. Have a wonderful weekend to you and your family.
Uch! I just don’t recognize it. 🙂 The only castle that’s coming to mind near a lake is the famous one near Loch Ness, and I’m pretty sure that’s not it. Thanks for the prompt, it made me smile.
You may be on the wrong continent…
Ha ha! I had a feeling. Is it in North America?
It is indeed. 19 questions left 🙂
Ha ha! OK how about either the Northeast US or western Canada (like Vancouver area)?
That is not a yes/no question 🙂
Uh oh – I hope I can retract it. OK, is it in the Northeast? 🙂
OK, my last guess of a state: Maine.
If this isn’t it, sigh I think I’ll raise the white flag of surrender. 🙂
Maine’s not either. I haven’t heard of any castles in Maine, although most of the other New England states have some.
Ha ha! New York? (OK I couldn’t help myself – one more guess)
I think it’s time for a more scientific approach, as guessing is not getting you any closer 🙂
Hmmm… how would you suggest I proceed? (Questions are a key tool for the scientist, Frank) 🙂 Too funny.
Hmm…
The scientific method is to establish a hypothesis and then test that hypothesis against acquired data without any bias. Methinks, you want to establish the hypothesis that there may be castles in New England, which should provide you a data set to test 🙂
You must be a professor (as well as an excellent photographer). Too funny, Frank! Yes, I’m familiar with a hypothesis (I actually have a doctorate and did a Practical Treatise – can you believe it?) OK, I’m not going to give up. Will be back soon. 🙂
A degree in Physics, although I don’t do Physics on a daily basis, does help 🙂
Congratulations, Debbie! Yes, you found it, as this is Gillette castle seen from across the might Connecticut river by the ferry in Deep River. Well done!
Gorgeous, Frank! I’m really looking forward to seeing where and what this castle is. Thanks for posting. Have a wonderful weekend to you and your family.
No guess? 🙂
Uch! I just don’t recognize it. 🙂 The only castle that’s coming to mind near a lake is the famous one near Loch Ness, and I’m pretty sure that’s not it. Thanks for the prompt, it made me smile.
You may be on the wrong continent…
Ha ha! I had a feeling. Is it in North America?
It is indeed. 19 questions left 🙂
Ha ha! OK how about either the Northeast US or western Canada (like Vancouver area)?
That is not a yes/no question 🙂
Uh oh – I hope I can retract it. OK, is it in the Northeast? 🙂
Yes indeed!
OK, cool. Is it in Massachusetts?
Nope 🙂
ps – someone feel free to put me out of my misery anytime 🙂
Lol!
OK. I have a second wind. Is it in Vermont? 🙂
BTW I did a search for castles and also for castle ruins in the Northeast US, and no luck.
Not Vermont 🙂
OK, my last guess of a state: Maine.
If this isn’t it, sigh I think I’ll raise the white flag of surrender. 🙂
Maine’s not either. I haven’t heard of any castles in Maine, although most of the other New England states have some.
Ha ha! New York? (OK I couldn’t help myself – one more guess)
I think it’s time for a more scientific approach, as guessing is not getting you any closer 🙂
Hmmm… how would you suggest I proceed? (Questions are a key tool for the scientist, Frank) 🙂 Too funny.
Hmm…
The scientific method is to establish a hypothesis and then test that hypothesis against acquired data without any bias. Methinks, you want to establish the hypothesis that there may be castles in New England, which should provide you a data set to test 🙂
You must be a professor (as well as an excellent photographer). Too funny, Frank! Yes, I’m familiar with a hypothesis (I actually have a doctorate and did a Practical Treatise – can you believe it?) OK, I’m not going to give up. Will be back soon. 🙂
A degree in Physics, although I don’t do Physics on a daily basis, does help 🙂
Ha ha! I knew it.
Sigh. I’ve poked around (my second time doing this, actually), and I still don’t have it. Found a few neat sites though, in case you’re interested:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_castles_in_the_United_States
https://www.google.com/search?q=castles+near+a+lake+in+northeast+united+states&espv=2&biw=1422&bih=687&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi74vPXk73NAhVDwWMKHSNACwoQsAQIGw&dpr=1.35
Wait I just came across this site – is it Gillette Castle in Connecticut?
http://mashable.com/2014/07/06/american-castles/#Vo2soNEkYPqz
Blessings, Frank. Love this — our back and forth really makes me smile (just reread it). 🙂
Congratulations, Debbie! Yes, you found it, as this is Gillette castle seen from across the might Connecticut river by the ferry in Deep River. Well done!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I’m so excited. Thanks for sticking with me, Frank. I feel like I won a reward. ☺
Knowledge is the reward 🙂
And a whole lot of lightheartedness. 🙂 Thanks, Frank. Good work we did!