The Lyric Theatre Series III - Former Glam

Perhaps these photographs today will give you an idea of the former grandeur of this wonderful place.

Here are two excellent videos that you will enjoy here and here.

The Lyric Theatre Series II - The Details

Many of you who  have followed my blogs for a while,  know that it's all in the details for me. My camera is drawn to them every time.  This day, I wandered alone to the balcony of the Lyric.  What a wonderful find....these two strips of molding by the window with the noonday sun streaming in.  I know the renovation will be a blessing, but somehow I hope they hang onto these treasures, on this wonderful old plaster wall with its layers of (peeling) painted history.

Here are two fine videos that you will enjoy here and here.

The Lyric Theatre Part I- Stage Door Johnny

The only Stagedoor Johnnies these days, are the pigeons that have made their home in the balconies for years.  

This week I'm heading into uncharted territory. For the first time on BADP, I will be featuring a weeklong series of photographs from Birmingham's historic Lyric Theater.  I've featured photos from previous photo shoots. Recently my friend and Alabama Theater volunteer Tom Cronier, was able to help me and my fellow shooters, Mike, LaTrelle, and Rip have a chance to get in and have a look around. The Lyric was built in 1913 and for many years was a grand vaudeville house.   The years have not been kind, but it is in the slow and laborious process of being restored by Birmingham Landmarks Inc., and we in Birmingham have high hopes.  In the meantime, the disrepair makes for some interesting shots.  I hope you enjoy the series.

Here are two very nice videos that you will enjoy here and here.

Botero Meets Urban Art...

in the Sculpture Garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  The graffiti was museum sanctioned and created by local artists as part of the tribute to the present photo exhibit - Who Shot Rock and Roll!  The exhibit will run through September 18th. Don't miss it.

Pepper Place Dogs - Guaranteed........

to make you laugh out loud!  Is there a canine orthodontist in the house???

Eye Catching

Birmingham artist Meredith Keith is opening her own gallery in English Village,  and this striking portrait caught my eye as I was having coffee with a friend across the street this week.  I've been a big fan of Meredith's work for a long time.  Her Paris street scenes are of course my favorites, but you will want to see her horse series and these bold black and white portraits as well.

Meredith Keith Gallery 

1930 Cahaba Road

English Village

The Jordan Home

This beautifully restored neo-classical home was built in 1908 by Dr. Mortimer Jordan.   Located on Highland Avenue, it was one of the stops we made when I showed my NYC blog friend Daryl, around town last June.

His Nose in a Good Book

"Teaching reading IS rocket science."

                                 Louisa Moats

Remember to thank a teacher!

Chess in the Park II - Railroad Park

The new Pavilion at Railroad Park provides tables and chairs for an friendly but intense game of chess.

Spikes

“You put high heels on and you change.”

-                                                             Manolo Blahnik 

Last View

Last Sunday, the members of my church, Independent Presbyterian,  had this last view from our Great Hall during church services.  Today, we will gather again in our newly renovated Sanctuary.  Since January, much needed repairs and lighting issues have now completed ( ahead of schedule!!!).  We look forward to the installation of our new organ in the months to come.  While we have all enjoyed the more intimate setting of the Great Hall, I think the cushioned pews in the Sanctuary will be most welcome, not to mention the more robust AC!

Drum Roll Please

Timpani

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Looks Like...

push has come to shove!

I've pushed one of these many, many times, have you?

On a Shoestring Antiques and Collectibles

Some Days...

you just get lucky!

Kayser Lily Pool - Birmingham Botanical Gardens

"Deep in the sun-searched growths the dragonfly 

Hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky." 

                                                               Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Silent Noon

Know the Ropes

The Historic Alabama Theatre

Thank you again Tom Cronier, excellent Alabama Theatre volunteer, for another great tour of this
Birmingham landmark last Saturday.

Art Folk Gallery at Young & Vann

1731 1st Avenue North

Birmingham, AL 35203

From Snapshots to Photographs 

Virginia Jones 

Join us for 5 lively sessions that have been designed for anyone who is eager to learn how to take better photographs.


You'll learn the basics of:
composition
,using available light
, photographing friends & family, the secrets of terrific vacation photographs, and basic editing on the computer. All that is required is working knowledge of your digital camera! 

5 Classes for *$140

Tuesdays from August 30th - September 27th

Space is limited, so registration is strongly encouraged!  Call 205-716-1665 or email to director@artfolkgallery.org to reserve your spot today.

Morning at the Courthouse

Jefferson County Courthouse

Yesterday I had to tackle a job I've put off for too long. I needed a tag for my new car.  Jefferson County has experienced some "unfortunate cutbacks" so that means *long waits.  I decided that I'd make the best of it and packed my iPod and camera and set off at daybust.  As I exited the building, the guards graciously allowed me a few quick shots!

* On good advice from my daughter Melissa, I was there at 8:00 when they opened and it went surprisingly well!

100+ Strangers Challenge - The Barber Shop

Stranger # 108

Last Saturday I was downtown for a shoot with some photographer buddies at the Alabama Theater.  When we were done there, our intrepid guide Tom Cronier lead us across the street to the Lyric.   LaTrelle Grayson, one of my former photography students extraordinaire, spotted this barber shop and headed right in. I did teach that man a thing or two!  I threw down my camera bag and tripod and marched in behind  him.  Oh now this was a grand opportunity.  This nice gentleman was getting his beard trimmed and didn't mind a bit having his photo taken. The barbers obliged as well.  I will perhaps share more photos but intend to make another trip downtown to this place!

Tom's Chapeau

  My friend Tom is one of the few men I know who still wears a hat.  No, he's the ONLY man I know that still wears a hat.   He left his here on the table Saturday at the Pepper Place, while he went in search of iced coffee for Carol and her dad. They gather religiously in the same spot,  and I love stopping by for a chat while I'm shooting and shopping.  Later I begged him to pose for me.  He consented. Très debonair...as always!

Glider Love

" Give me a hug, Darlin'"

I am certain there are sweet stories to be told here.

On a Shoestring Antiques, Bluff Park

Dog Days of Summer 2011 - Chase

Meet Chase.  Chase is my friend Beff's new love.  Just a few months ago he was a chubby little puppy with very big paws chewing everything sight.  Now he's a big boy but is still chewing everything in sight from what I hear.  He posed for me at Pepper Place last Saturday.....but not for long!

From Snapshots to Photographs  Virginia Jones  Join us for 5 lively sessions that have been designed for anyone who is eager to learn how to take better photographs. You'll learn the basics of: -composition -using available light -photographing friends & family -the secrets of terrific vacation photographs. All that is required is working knowledge of your digital camera!  5 Classes for *$140 Tuesdays from August 30th - September 27th

Space is limited, so registration is strongly encouraged!  Call 205-716-1665 or email todirector@artfolkgallery.org to reserve your spot today.

I Get Misty

Charlie Thigpen has it figured out at The Garden Gallery at the Pepper Place.  He's found this great fan with a mister that is not only good for his outdoor garden plants,  but it cools off the grateful patrons.  If I didn't have a camera to keep dry, I'd be hogging it myself every Saturday morning.  This cute group was all about it!

Ella Fitzgerald croons Misty  just for you today!


Check out the Magic City Manifesto here.  A terrific B'ham blog.  We collided when I featured her here this week.  Small world, new blog friend!!

Time to Start Cracking the Books!

Can you believe it?  Here in Birmingham and around the state, school is starting already!  I always had this quote posted in my room on the first day of school.

"New class, new friends, a new beginning!"

Color Wheel

Birmingham Museum of Art

"Colors must fit together like pieces in a puzzle or cogs in a wheel."

Hans  Hofman

A Taste of France

You know where we are......Chez Fonfon on Birmingham's southside.  We've been here before, but I had lunch there again last week and couldn't resist a quick camera shoot before my friends arrived. Today, the view from the back hallway, looking into the dining room.  I have some outside shots I will share soon.

And merci beaucoup to Chef Mark ( a dear former student) who sent out a delicious appetizer of moules with a wonderful buttery crumb topping!

Some Shady Business

I've noticed some very chic parasols around here lately. I think it's great way to escape the sun on these scorching hot days.

I'm pleased to announce that a few of my Paris Rouge photographs are now being featured on My French Life!  Please go have a look.

Bare Footin'

It's hot down here. So hot that now we're even kicking off our flip flops!

Today meet Peanut.  If you're lucky, you will find her at the Pepper Place Market some Saturday.  This day, I caught her with her flip flops tossed aside.  Doesn't she have a great smile? Oh and she can sing too!!!

A tune for you today right here.

Look Familiar?

Well maybe not as grand as the one in Paris, but still...............

Birmingham Glam II - The Alabama Theatre

Last Easter, my church, Independent Presbyterian, worshipped at the Alabama Theatre while our sanctuary was under renovation.  I took the opportunity to have another photo shoot there.  I grew up going downtown on Saturdays and watching so many wonderful movies in this historic theater.  Now as a photographer, I delight in capturing the details I took for granted as a teenager.  Today, one of the many amazing lights that grace the sides of the theatre.  

Moonlit

"Night walked down the sky with the moon in her hand."

Frederick L. Knowles

For quite sometime I have followed my dear Brattcat at Brattleboro Brief ( Brattleboro, VT).  I admire her excellent photographs but perhaps even more, her gift with the written word, which she shares with us daily.  Today, a photograph that I think she might like and a quote I have borrowed because I don't have her wondrous gift.  Brattcat.......pour toi mon chère amie.

Feeling Blue ???

No way was this little guy feeling blue.  He'd just finished a blue snow cone at the Pepper Place last Saturday.  Your just got your smile for the day!

CDP Theme Day - Postcard-worthy

Japanese Bridge

Japanese Garden, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

It's the first of month already and you know what that means by now....City Daily Photo's Theme Day!
This month's theme is Postcard-worthy.  This was a no brainer.  The bridge in the serene Japanese Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a show stopper.

There are almost a thousand CDP bloggers from right here in Alabama ( have a look at Selma's DP here) and around the world.  They will have some fabulous photos to share of their fair cities.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants