Geisel Library
The Geisel Library on the UCSD (University of California – San Diego) campus has been on my photo wish list for some time. Since my daughter lives in San Diego and we occasionally visit her, I figured I’d be able to visit the library on one of our trips.
Our most recent visit was over a long Easter weekend. It really wasn’t going to be a photo trip so I only took my camera and 1 extra lens. All my other equipment stayed home. I really hadn’t thought much about photography during the trip until I saw the name “Geisel Pavilion” on Scripps Clinic in Torrey Pines. This was an instant reminder about the Geisel Library. A quick check on Google Maps revealed we were only about a 1/4 mile away. Of course, we had to go.
At this point you might be thinking that the name Geisel sounds somewhat familiar. Well, here’s a clue. The library is named in honor of Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel. That’s right, Seuss as in Dr. Seuss. According to Wikipedia, the Geisel Library is home to the Dr. Seuss Collection, which contains original drawings, sketches, proofs, notebooks, manuscript drafts, books, audio and videotapes, photographs, and memorabilia. The approximately 8,500 items in the collection document the full range of Dr. Seuss’s creative achievements.
What Makes The Geisel Library So Special
For architecture fans the Geisel Library is special. Its unique “lantern” design is eye-catching and beautiful. Additionally, the building fits wonderfully into its setting. The reflective glass highlights the sky and the beautiful trees that surround the building. As a result, it makes it one with its environment. An added benefit is that there are stunning views from all sides.
I found it be an architectural photographer’s paradise. Unfortunately, as I was traveling light in terms of photography, I didn’t have a tripod or my tilt-shift lens. Hopefully, I’ll be able to bring the for my next visit. To overcome this, I used a 24-105 lens and took care to shoot the scenes wide to make it possible to correct the perspective without losing important elements of the scene.
You could rightfully argue that I got things backwards. Without a tripod and tilt-shift lens perhaps the logical action would have been to concentrate on detail shots, leaving the full scene shots for another time. Well, as they say hindsight is 20/20. Hopefully on my next visit I’ll be able to do both.
The Shots
My favorite shot is of the front of the building. It has staircases on each side taking you to the upper level while the center walk funnels you into the entrance between two wings of the building. Immediately in front of the center walk stands a lonely dead tree. It is only on closer examination that you realize it is an art installation. Known as the “Silent Tree”. Its simple beauty has made it a campus landmark.
Two views of the eastern side. Here, you will find another wonderful piece of art, the Snake Path (which I didn’t photograph). This is a serpentine path that leads you up the hill to the library. The patterned tile work make it look like you are walking on the back of snake. Befitting a library, midway up the hill is a sculpture of a book; John Milton’s Paradise Lost. On the cover is a quote:
“Then wilt thou not be loath
To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
A Paradise within thee, happier far.”
To be honest, as my limited time there was coming to an end I did try some detail shots. Of these there was only one I like. I already have some in mind for the next visit.
Leave A Comment And Share
How have you photographed unplanned scene with limited equipment choices? I’d love to hear your comments and feedback. Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
