Waterdance

[Mousetoescamper]

Last night at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.

In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, welcoming more than 1.5 million guests each year and encompassing 1,100 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and 4.5-acre conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by Mr. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education, and the performing arts, through programming that includes exhibitions, musical performances by leading artists, renowned horticulture education programs, horticulture research, environmental stewardship and community engagement. Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital.

[Diamond_Dog]

1. You took a beautiful assortment of photos, Mousetoescamper!

You’re very talented! That looks like a neat place for a summer evening stroll.

[Mousetoescamper]

2. Thanks!

[anciano]

3. Awesome! 👍

Great set of pics.

[Mousetoescamper]

8. Thanks!

[PJMcK]

4. Spectacular!

Thanks for posting these photos.

It looks as if some of the fountains were dynamic and moved the water jets around. With the colorful lighting, it must be special to behold.

[Mousetoescamper]

9. Thanks and you're welcome!

[usonian]

5. The exposures came out great. (besides being beautiful)

Did you rely on the camera's auto-exposure? Center-weighted?

I always wonder, because in ancient times, I used (and still use) an assortment of light meters, from wide angle to spot meter. (for the old film cameras).

I remember very long ago taking pictures of the Christmas lights on the Boston Common. No meter would handle that, so I used either the Kodak Master Photoguide, or "Adventures in Existing Light Photography". From my photographic museum. I try to keep that little museum small, but it has some cool memories.

Of course, things are easier nowadays. I don't argue with • Easy or • Successful.

[Mousetoescamper]

11. Thanks!

I used what is called flexible-priority mode, which allows me to begin with auto settings for shutter speed, aperture and ISO and then adjust them manually to my liking.

For most of the shots the auto-focus was set to 'whole area' but I used 'expand area', expanded from center focus, for the penultimate shot.

The first 35mm film cameras I used had a built-in light meter but there were no automatic settings. I'm not nostalgic for the days when everything had to be done manually, although there are things I miss about my old film cameras--the sound and tactile sensation of advancing the film lever, loading and rewinding film, and opening and closing the back panel.

[Deuxcents]

6. You find the most interesting places for a camera day trip.

I especially like the architecture because the fountains are more dramatic with that background.
The color added is a delightful touch.

[Mousetoescamper]

12. Thanks! Longwood Gardens is one of my favorite destinations.

[LoisB]

7. Awesome! Thank you.

[Mousetoescamper]

13. Thanks and you're welcome!

[brer cat]

10. Awesome shots!

[Mousetoescamper]

14. Thanks!

[HeartsCanHope]

15. Incredible pictures!

Thank you so much for sharing.

[Mousetoescamper]

16. Thanks and you're welcome!

[BobsYourUncle]

17. The first thing my failing eyes saw was

that first picture (no surprise there) and I thought “That could be Longwood Gardens.”
My dad took us there several times on family outings. One was to see the fountain show after sunset, around 70-75 years ago. Magical!
Thanks for stirring the memories.

[Mousetoescamper]

19. You are most welcome!

The fountains are now lighted with multicolored LEDs. Some of the outer fountains' jets can shoot gas flames (see photo I added, above) and the main fountain's jets move to create arcs and other patterns. The lights and jets are programmed by fountain choreographers to produce spectacular shows that are in synch with the featured music.

[2naSalit]

18. Wow!

What a place!

I have heard of this place but never saw any pictures, that I know of.

[Mousetoescamper]

20. I've posted several Longwood photo essays--

most recently in April.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1036130289

Thanks!

[2naSalit]

21. Well...

Okay, I have seen it in pictures!

[Mousetoescamper]

22. My posting history is rotten with Longwood pics

You've likely commented on and/or reced one or two, my friend.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. Omigod, my dear Mousetoescamper! How on earth did I miss these till now???

What a treat for the senses. Gorgeous, breathtaking, astonishing, etc. You get the idea.

You live in such a beautiful location. I almost can't stand how much beauty you're surrounded by.

Wow.

[Mousetoescamper]

24. Thanks! Longwood is a fairyland of flora, fountains and fabulous architecture.