I finally made it up to the roof top deck on my recent visit to the library. Of course, I took more photos of the interior too. Every time I go, I see new angles and admire the architecture even more. There’s enough complexity that it reveals itself in stages. No doubt, I see more photo-worthy views in the future.
The type of camera and lens also affects how you see. In my first two visits, I was reveling in wide-angle, first with the Olympus and next with the even wider Fuji. Today, something a little different.
I was using my Olympus XZ-1 point and shoot with its svelte body, which allows me even more freedom. That, and the fact that I wasn’t creating extreme wide-angles, and with the different color profile, makes for yet another view of this dynamic library.
My true reason for visiting downtown and the library was to test my new camera, however. The one I talked about yesterday, at the end of the post. This camera is one of the most difficult I own. It’s slow, exacting, and often fails to create nice images.
It’s really the opposite of my quick digital point and shoots. And that’s precisely why I bought it. I wanted a camera that really tested me and my skills as a photographer; it has not disappointed in this regard. The images, on the other hand, have been mostly subpar. It’s going to take a lot of practice.

The Library with My New Camera
The film I use is tough to get right, and the conditions need to be perfect to make great exposures. This scene from the library is one of my best, believe it or not. I know people who get my Newsletter have already seen this image. For the rest of you, I’ll show you more from downtown and do the big camera reveal tomorrow.