Dexter Mausoleum
The largest and most photographed mausoleum at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The Dexter family were beer barons in the city's golden age....
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The largest and most photographed mausoleum at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The Dexter family were beer barons in the city's golden age.
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Jan, 2015Views
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Awards
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Peer Award
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on November 13, 2014 at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati Ohio. The building is called the Dexter Mausoleum and was built in the 1880s.Time
It was probably about four o'clock in the afternoon. I would have preferred to shoot at the Golden Hour, but the cemetery closes at 5:00 during the week.Lighting
The sun was still kind of high in the sky, but was just coming out from behind a cloud. Had it been completely out I don't think I would have had the detail on the building since this is the shady side. As it was, The sky was still pretty blown out, but I reduced the highlights in post processing.Equipment
I used a Pentax K100D (its all I have) with the Pentax DA 18-55mm AF lens. I shot it at 18mm and the shutter speed was 1/90th. The ISO was 400. I held the camera by hand, but had the anti-shake option turned on.Inspiration
Spring Grove Cemetery was the first of its kind in the world. Established in 1845, it was landscaped like a beautiful park. In fact, through the turn of the twentieth century, residents of Cincinnati would come out by the thousands on weekends to enjoy the scenic vistas and the beautiful scenery. Cemetery planners from all over the world visited and some of the most beautiful cemeteries anywhere were modeled after Spring Grove. This cemetery is the second largest in the United States. Cincinnati was famous for meat products and beer. The Dexter Mausoleum was built for one of the major beer barons and is a massive, baroque monument and a favorite of visitors to the cemetery. Of course Cincinnati is also famous for Proctor and Gamble, both of whom are buried here as well. But their grave markers are small and unimpressive in comparison to this.Editing
Yes, I used Macphun's Intensify Pro to process this image. I had to reduce the highlights in the sky as it was blown out by the sun. The shady side of the monument was dark, so I brought up the shadows. Then I used their mid-tones preset to bring out a lot of the details and color. Something you might find interesting is the stained glass window furthest to the right. In it you may see the image of a man wearing a cap. Usually you wouldn't see that. My wife believes it may be Dexter's ghost. It is eerie, though.In my camera bag
I usually carry my Pentax K100D, the Pentax DA 18-55mm AF lens, a Sigma 70-300mm AF lens, a Katana 28mm macro lens and a Pentax 50mm macro lens. I also carry a full sized tripod and a mini tripod. Of course you always need to make sure you have extra batteries and I like to have my remote control for long exposures and not having to even touch the camera to eliminate any chance of shake. Additionally I carry lens wipes and my Sunpak Thyristor flash unit.Feedback
If I had it to do again, I would shoot during golden hour (that time from 1 hour before sunset until its down). Usually there will be a lot more drama in the sky, the colors will be better and you'll have a much better picture. I would be reluctant to give advice to anyone other than those just starting as I am learning as I go as well. Take lots of pictures and experiment and have fun!
