Massachusetts State House 1, a photo from Massachusetts, Northeast

Photographer's Note

Back in August, when I visited New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, we visited all three states' capital cities and made it a point to go to all three capitol buildings. At some point after that, I got it into my head that it would be an interesting project to attempt to visit and photograph all 50 state capitols. So I started closest to home, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts State House, with its red brick exterior and impressive gold dome, stands out among state captiol buildings in the US. It is one of the country's oldest, built in 1798 by noted architect Charles Bulfinch. Bulfinch's other works include the original design for the US Capitol in Washington, DC (since significantly altered), the old Connecticut State House, the Maine State House (again, since significantly altered) and many noted buildings around Boston, including Fanueil Hall. The Massachusetts State House was built on a piece of land that had once been grazing land owned by John Hancock, famous revolutionary agitator, smuggler, signed of the Declaration of Independence, and first Massachusetts Governor.

Today, the State House sits on busy Beacon Street, just across from the Boston Common. Of all the state capitols it has perhaps the least amount of land dedicated to it specifically; this poses a challenge for the photographer, as it makes it difficult to get a full, head on shot of the building, unlike many other capitols. This shot was taken from Beacon Street, at the front steps of the building itself, near dusk.

A larger version can be seen here.
My Massachusetts State House set on Flickr can be seen here.

serp2000, npecanhuk, delpeoples, SnapRJW, jhm, Miguel82, Miguel82, marabu61 oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

mauro61 (53411) 2012-11-03 6:14

ciao Andrew,
inquadratura frontale che concentra l'attenzione sull'edificio ma che forse schiaccia un po' l'immagine.
Buona la resa dei colori nel contrasto tra la tonalitŕ dei mattoni e il nero della cancellata,
saluti
maurizio

serp2000 (47063) 2012-11-03 6:16

Hi, Andrew,
Clever point of view and attractive composition as a result! Excellent colours, fine details.
Have a great weekend!
Serghei

npecanhuk (79329) 2012-11-03 6:49

Hi Andrew!
I love those capitol buildings and when visiting the States I also tried to take a picture (pictures) of them (not always possible though)!
I really like this one! Wonderful details!
I truly enjoyed this picture too!
Sharpness, exposure, colors, vertical format, chosen pov and composition are all excellent!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

delpeoples (60342) 2012-11-03 6:51

Hi Andrew

A stupid question, but is a "state house" a parliament house? Anyway, a beautiful and impressive building and an equally impressive photo. I like the tight vertical framing and the rich colours. The golden dome is a spectacle in itself. Thanks for sharing, have a great day.

Warm regards
Lisa

holmertz (102104) 2012-11-03 7:34

Hello Andrew,
Quite an interesting building, shot from a good POV. The golden dome has caught the mild light very nicely. I love that soft yellow tone next to the mild blue sky. I wish you good luck on your long journey through 50 state capitols.
All the best,
Gert

SnapRJW (31631) 2012-11-03 7:35

Hello Andrew - What a perfectly balanced and symmetrical shot and very good quality too! The upward thrust created by the lamp, roof apex and bell tower on top of the dome is really good. I like the hint of warm sunlight reflecting off the dome. Very good work and a fine building.... is this number 1 then? Quite a lot to go! Warm regards rosmary

mesutilgim (0) 2012-11-03 9:46

Hello Andrew,
Nice frontal view of Massachusetts State House.
Very good pov and perfect layout. Many interesting and usefull notes.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

lousat (138703) 2012-11-03 16:26

Hi Andrew,a beautiful point of view to create this imposing perspective,i like the perfect simmetry and the very good details and colors,magnificent golden cupola! Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

jhm (211734) 2012-11-04 3:30

Hello Andrew,

You took a very nice image of the extraordinarily nice from Massachusetts State House.
Sharpness and clarity are pleasant for look at.
Excellent composition and nice presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice sunday,
John.

Miguel82 (47110) 2012-11-04 4:00

Andrew,
An interesting note providing information and good picture of that state house
Nice pov, a superb architecture
Sharp photo, fine colors
Good We

marabu61 (11587) 2012-11-04 10:44

Hello Andrew
impressive caption of the MA state house. Your framing in this one is well thought trough with the lamp as a good eye catcher and the letters nicely framed by the arch.
Very nice indeed.
have a good start in the new week
Daniel

siudzi (34141) 2012-11-04 13:06

Hi Andrew,
A very interesting study of this great and beautiful architecture. You had a really fantastic concept for taking that composition with a wonderful lamp captured in the foreground. Like it a lot!

Warm regards,
Malgorzata

emka (157292) 2012-11-17 23:46

Hi andrew, Excellent shot mof the Massachusetts State House. Fantastic symmetry - the composition is perfect. I like inclusion of this lamp. beautiful golden dome, quite unusual. Great sharpness and colours. I remember this beautiful building from my visit in Boston.

Warm regrads

malgo