UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY

Sometimes when I don’t think I’m going to find anything to shoot, the beauty of a scene jumps out at me in such unexpected places – like the mall!  But, not just any mall.  This was South Coast Plaza, arguably the most prestigious mall in all of Orange County.  And today was part of a special celebration!

Fourteen teams, made up of local architects, designers, engineers and related industry professionals, had worked feverishly throughout the night on Friday, September 3, 2010, after the close of business at the South Coast Plaza, to assemble elaborate structures that are constructed entirely out of canned food items as part of the third annual Orange County Canstruction® design competition and event. Creative and often quite complex, these canned food structures can be as tall as eight feet and as wide as 10 feet. The event, which is being held in conjunction with the ninth annual Festival of Children®, also serves as a food drive for the Orange County Food Bank so the teams are motivated to create sizeable structures that, when de-canstructed on September 26th, will feed as many people as possible.

I thought this exhibit might produce some amazing photographic opportunities.  Suffice it to say, the displays were pretty amazing.  But due to the crowds of people and temporary restraining barriers, the opportunities for photography never materialized.  Don’t worry, I’m heading back for another attempt this week.

All was not lost, however.  By simply turning my attention elsewhere, I discovered a whole new opportunity.  South Coast Plaza is known for their beautiful flower beds and floral arrangements throughout the mall – and particularly on the skywalk.

I love to shoot floras from a low perspective to capture their color against a vibrant blue background.

This is a unique Kangaroo Plant flower bud.  I thought the detail of the tiny ray of sun shining directly on this bud was captivating.

White on black with a full-frame bloom.  I loved the contrast.

Color, color, color!

And when you’re in such a beautiful environment as this mall provides, always remember to look up for your most memorable shot may be just waiting for your attention – as was this mosaic cut-glass dome, located high above the main staging area.

I love shooting flowers, but haven’t really done any for a few months.  It was nice to go back down this path.

Thanks for stopping by.  I’ll see you tomorrow.

~ by photographyfree4all on September 13, 2010.