Pennies for Sully
Sul Ross statue at Texas A&M University.
Looks as if plenty of folks needed good luck for final exams.
Sul Ross statue at Texas A&M University.
Looks as if plenty of folks needed good luck for final exams.
Read less
Looks as if plenty of folks needed good luck for final exams.
Read less
Nov, 2015Views
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Staff Winter Selection 2015
Superb Composition
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Outstanding Creativity
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Peer Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo during a return trip to my alma mater: Texas A&M University. There is a statue located in the middle of the Academic Plaza of Lawrence Sullivan Ross (a.k.a. Sully), a Texas native that grew up in Waco. Ross was the 19th Governor of Texas, serving from 1887 to 1891, and left the Governor's Mansion to serve as the President of the struggling Agriculture & Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). Ross is credited with saving the university, and establishing many of the revered traditions at Texas A&M (e.g. establishing the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, and the Aggie Ring). Folklore states that Ross mentored students, and charged them a penny for their thoughts, but he was always engaged in the welfare of the university. The statue was erected in 1917, and for as long as anyone can remember- students have been placing pennies at the foot of Sully for good luck during exams. I know I placed my fare share of pennies during my tenure at A&M, and this photo is evidence of the influence his still has on the student body. The following is an excerpt, written by Dominic Hernandez ('15), and it sums it up better than I can... "How much is a penny worth? The obvious answer is one cent, but ask any studious, stressed and possibly sleep-deprived Aggie, and they’ll say a penny can be worth more than its weight in gold. In Aggieland, it is tradition to drop a penny at the foot of Lawrence Sullivan Ross’, or "Sully’s," statue before tests, serving as a good luck charm for hopeful students."Time
Mid-morning, before a 3 pm football game.Lighting
Soft sunlight on an overcast day.Equipment
I used my Canon Rebel T3i, and the basic EF-S 15-55mm lens that came in the kit.Inspiration
See the story above: It's all about Sully and the students' hope and willingness to do something for a little extra help.Editing
Lightroom 5, using the auto tune setting.In my camera bag
That time it was the Canon Rebel T3i, EF-S 15-55mm and the 75-300mm lens that comes in a kit.Feedback
I knew the basic rules of photography, and knew the story I wanted to tell. It was at the beginning of my photography journey but I have learned so much since then. Basic rules of photography is paramount, followed by falling in love with and learning about light. It's important to understand the story you want to tell, and to select a focal point that draws the viewer's eye to the point you intended. Ensure you check your viewfinder to eliminate unwanted objects in your background, and let your mind's eye tell your story.
