Ritan Park Walk Around
A good friend of mine had mentioned to me that Ritan Park was his favorite park to go to during his years in Beijing. I told him that I’d check it out if I was in the area. A few months later, I was in the area for an event. It was a gorgeous day and I went early so I could walk around taking photos of the park. I really love taking photos of a flag in the wind. Just the ripple effect on a flag is something that moves me. Maybe that’s why that shot is so popular in movies?
I also enjoy getting unique angles on a flag with other elements that can represent where we are. I had a ton of fun taking shots here. I do wish the flowers weren’t wilting a bit but I’m still glad I got this shot.
One of the things that stood out to me about Ritan were these nooks of color. I love finding these kinds of shots that can create a mood. This area feels timeless to me. You could almost see this at various times in history. Though, I did make sure to frame the shot to not have a trash bin in it. Gotta keep it timeless!
Another thing I noticed with Ritan was how you could see the whole park in a few hours. Now, you could probably walk through it in less than an hour, but I kept getting distracted by the beautiful scenes I saw. By the end of the walk around, I felt like I had seen everything I wanted to see at the park. It was a very satisfying feeling that I don’t always get at the end of a walk around. Often times I’m wishing that I had had time to go to another place before the lighting changed. Or that there weren’t so many people in this spot. Ritan Park was highly satisfying as a place to spend a few hours in the afternoon.
But that wasn’t it! As I was finishing up, I heard music from somewhere nearby. I decided I’d check it out and man was I glad I did. I love when older people come to the park to play music! Its one of those elements to a park that you miss if it isn’t there. Its almost like you haven’t been to the park if you didn’t hear the music.
While the style isn’t what I would listen to, I loved how they went all out. They were so fun to watch. I was switching lenses and moving around like I was at a concert. Though, I’d probably have two cameras if I was at a “real” concert.
I must have stayed here through 3-5 songs. I was just so caught up in it all. Very nostalgic for me to see. I think that is one of the many things I’ve come to enjoy about these walk arounds. Being reminded of how much I love about this city and the people in it. Some things never change.
Like the joy on this guy’s face as he claps along to the music. It was obvious he was a friend of the band. He kept calling things out to them while he clapped along. Just… precious to me. Man I love this city and it’s people!
During a set change, I noticed this guy’s music book. Oh man did I just take as many shots as I could while he turned pages looking for the next song to do! Don’t let me get started on my love for well worn pages with beautiful text!
Though, I decided he needed a shot at an angle that showed the book with him. Which isn’t as easy at it looks due to the randomness of the rock formations here.
After that, I knew it was time to head out. So that meant I needed to get to the pond before I left. I don’t usually like algae in water but there was an element to it that made me want to get a shot of it with the beautiful clouds reflecting in the water. Maybe its that I don’t like algae in what I have to go into. Yeah, that must be it!
I also knew I wasn’t leaving till I got a long exposure here. I just love how solid this building looks in contrast to the smooth water and waving trees. I got pleasantly surprised when I looked at my camera that people in the background didn’t move for this shot. So kind of them!
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