Bryant Payden

Many people start their tour of Colonial Williamsburg at the wonderful and interactive Visitor Center, or if you are more adventurous, like myself and already have a background in history, try driving directly into Historic Williamsburg and do some exploring on your own. Be prepared for large groups most times of the year including LARGE groups of children. Below are a few images taken on a recent excursion to Williamsburg.

Below is The Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds. This building was the first devoted solely to the treatment of mental illness in the new world. The first patient was admitted October 12, 1773. The architecture of the building matches closely the Wren Building at the nearby College of William and Mary.

Among the many period reproductions of 18th century colonial transportation is the example below of a traveling coach used by wealthy residents of Williamsburg.

Upon it's completion in 1722, The Governor's Palace was considered one of the finest homes in Colonial America. It has been home to seven Royal Governor's, Patrick Henry and also Thomas Jefferson until the Capitol was moved to Richmond. The Palace has also served as a hospital twice during The Revolutionary War. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1781. The Restoration below was completed in 1934.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Colonial Williamsburg, wood smoke is in the air, the leaves are changing and you can almost picture what our nation must have been like some 300 years ago.

Skyline drive is a 105 mile scenic drive that runs the length of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. The road runs generally along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains within the park. The drive is particularly popular in the fall leading to congestion most weekends. Annually over two million people visit the park.

Personally I have seen countless deer along the drive as well as wild turkeys, several large black bears and cubs and even a bobcat. I visit Big Meadows every summer as the Fawns generally foal the last week of May through the first week of June, making for some memorable early morning photography.

Rich in history, the Georgian colonial estate known as Raspberry Plain, since 1731, is set on fifty rolling green acres overlooking the Catoctin Mountains. Brick pathways surrounded by herbs and wildflower gardens nestled between ancient trees, wind through the sun-filtered grounds leading to the mansion and formal gardens. The mansion's portico offers a spectacular backdrop for any event on the South Lawn. The North Lawn boasts a breathtaking, majestic view of the mountains, pastures and pond. The hall's sparkling chandeliers, detailed archway and dramatic staircase, announce the elegance of the mansion's rooms. All the mansion rooms have glass paneled, double pocket doors, fireplaces and original detailed ceiling molding.

One of the highlights at Raspberry Plain is the spectacular Grand Conservatory. This two-story high room features walls of glass arching in the gables and French doors leading to the formal gardens and walkways. The stone walls, large columns and massive cherry-trimmed windows compliment the surrounding panoramic views of the formal gardens, pond field and distant mountains. The Grand Conservatory has the capacity of 200 seated guest with room for musicians and dancing.
Whether it's summer, winter, spring or fall, Raspberry Plain offers a worry-free plan for your next special event.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

On Saturday October 11, 2008 the city of VA Beach, Virginia sponsored a skateboarding competition at Mt Trashmore Park. Big airs, board grabs and other raw tricks were on order for this amateur skateboard contest. The skate complex at Mt Trashmore features a competition-sized vert ramp that is a massive 13.5 feet tall and 40 feet wide, and a freestyle street course that also features an above ground 7 foot deep bowl. The complex is open to skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bikers alike. If you have never been do yourself a favor a visit someday for an awesome display of gravity defying tricks.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

This image was recorded July, 2008 in La Jolla California. Image was captured with a tripod mounted Canon EOS 5d and EF 17-40mm F/4 USM lens. Image metadata is as follows: ISO 200, 40mm, f/4.0, 1/13 sec.

My wife and I went to La Jolla for a Photography Vacation and to Visit my Father and Step-Mother who stay in La Jolla for the summers. I have been to LA and Orange Counties numerous times but have never made it to San Diego County before. We both fell in love with the beauty of La Jolla and plan to continue to make Photography excursions to this beautiful part of our country.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com