Reflective Cloud

The Cloud Gate at Millennium Park, Chicago.

It was during a June evening when the heavy scent of fresh-cut grass and blooming flowers mingled in the air of Millennium Park. The gentle breeze whispered through the trees, rustling leaves in their wake, while distant laughter and chirping birds created a peaceful ambiance.

The sky was painted with shades of gray and washed-off colors, covered by a blanket of clouds. The air was cool and refreshing, carrying the scent of the nearby lake, invigorating my senses.

As I approached the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, I noticed the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. The polished surface of the sculpture reflected the activity around it, creating a dynamic contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of the rest of the park. The evening light casts a warm glow on everything, softening the hustle and bustle and adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the park.

It was a moment of stillness amidst the chaos of the city, a fleeting moment of beauty that I couldn't help but appreciate.

Amid the vibrant congregation surrounding the metallic landmark, I experienced a moment of stillness and beauty that left me in awe. The serene surroundings and the play of lights and reflections against the sculpture created a mesmerizing experience that left a deep sense of relaxation and peace. It felts almost ephemeral, like a bubble of calm in the middle of the chaos, providing a momentary respite from the rush of everyday life.

I sought to capture this mirage, so I mounted my camera on a tripod and took almost a hundred shots. These shots were later digitally blended to create an image that would conceal any activity surrounding the Cloud Gate and preserve the moment's stillness.

This mercury-mirage-orb-like is a breathtaking creation that reflects the world with unparalleled clarity. Its smooth, shining surface captures the details of the surroundings, creating a stunning image of the space within its form. By shooting the busy crowd reflected in the orb dozens of times and fusing all shots into one, the resulting picture became a compendium of time in a single image. It is as if the Cloud Gate exists in its own dimension, simultaneously containing an endless expanse of time-space.

When I realized the resulting photo-mirage served perfectly as a visual representation of the space-time continuum, I felt compelled to color grade it in black and white; since the shades of grey result from averaging out the color spectrum.

Through this image, I intend to expose how we (our planet, environment, and society) result from the average of our acts throughout history. In other words, we must take action and positively impact our world and communities. If willing to try, we can create a world filled with magnificence and clear skies.

May this photograph inspire us to appreciate our planet's beauty and take action to enhance, conserve, and improve it. We have the power to make a positive impact on the earth. So let's work together to create a better future for ourselves and future generations.