As a little kid, whenever I watched a movie, there was always that one scene: someone watching from above, perched in a stairwell, window or a rooftop —and the person below never noticed. That baffled me. Honestly, it may have scarred me. Because ever since then, I’m never not looking up.
What started as paranoia, thankfully, turned into something else entirely. Over time, it became a practice… a habit. Eventually, it became a kind of meditation: searching for light, odd shapes and the unnoticed things above.
My photographic interests are wildly varied, but skyward shots and tiny close ups have held a front row seat in my mind for years.
So here’s a small reminder from me to you: slow down & look up. Search for the unusual, the overhead, the thing no one else sees. If it feels right, snap a photo. Start your own odd collection. Here’s one of mine:
1. Bentonville, Arkansas — Crystal Bridges Museum
This museum is built over a pond. It sits on stilts, suspended above the water and it might be my favorite museum. Even more surprising, is that it’s not in a city you’d expect, but tucked away in Bentonville, Arkansas.
I’m a big believer that you shouldn’t have your camera out constantly when you are exploring somewhere new. Sometimes, you should just be there, especially if someone is walking with you.
But this moment couldn’t be denied.
In the middle of a glass walkway, stretching over the water, with all the art lining the center lane — was this chandelier. Threatening and thrilling.
I circled underneath it more than once, taking shot after shot until one just… fit. And to this day, it remains one of my favorite skyward views.
Other Things to do in Northwest Arkansas
While still in Bentonville — Visit the first Walmart and enjoy the tiny museum in about 25 minutes. Super quick and really interesting.
105 N Main StBentonville, AR 72712
Get lost in Dickson Street Bookstore — aka Heaven.
325 W Dickson StFayetteville, AR 72701
2. Atlanta, Georgia — High Museum of Art
If you can’t handle the heat (which I can’t) go indoors! On this particularly hot day in Atlanta, I retreated into the museum and ended up having the High almost entirely to myself.
Wandering around a museum when your only company is the occasional art guard could be unnerving, but on this day, I loved it.
It was here I found the largest indoor art installation I’ve ever seen: a four-story mural, winding its way up the walls toward a skylight.
Places in Atlanta I Never Skip
Atlanta Botanical Gardens — worth suffering the heat. Visit Alice!
1345 Piedmont AveAtlanta, GA 30309
Georgia Aquarium — one of the first audible gasps I’ve ever uttered.
225 Baker Street NorthwestAtlanta, GA 30313
Distillery of Modern Art — Just trust me. Go.
2197 Irvindale Dr.Chamblee, GA 30341
3. Downtown Omaha, Nebraska — Lauritzen Gardens
I didn’t even make it through the doors before I had to stop. I looked up as I approached — and froze.
That botanical chandelier…. I remember it better than the rest of the gardens. The leafy lines above my head made my shutter finger dizzy.
No other photos were taken that day. I knew I’d be back the next day, and I wanted this visit to belong to just one image.
Day two, I returned with my macro lens, but that’s a story for another time.
4. Central Omaha, Nebraska — Public Library Lobby
Whenever I travel, I always visit the public libraries if I have a little free time. Why? Because they often sell books for a dollar or less. And I… well, I have a problem. There are a few things I'll always collect: whisks, whiskey, rolling pins and books.
In this small Omaha branch, I found this. What is it? I haven’t the faintest… but it caught my eye and made me pause. That qualifies it for my wandering camera collections, yet another thing I collect.
That’s part of the joy in photography like this. The subject doesn’t have to be grand or even recognizable. Just something that interrupts your stride long enough to make you look again.
Spots Worth Visiting While in Omaha
Gene Leahy Mall — Omaha’s tiny version of Central Park
Insider tip: circle the park a few times for great parking.
1110 Farnam StOmaha, NE 68102
Grab a reservation downtown at Gather in the Old Market. Don’t forget to visit their basement to be amazed. Just ask about it before you leave.
1108 Howard StOmaha, NE 68102
If you’re up for a drive and crossing from Nebraska to Iowa several times in one trip — check out De Soto National Wildlife Refuge
1434 316th Lane
Missouri Valley, IA 51555
5. Upper East Side, New York — The Guggenheim
I’d waited years to see these spirals myself. Having seen a few of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings before, it’s impossible for this one to not soar to the top, in terms of notoriety.
I thought the art collection is what would blow my hair back, but it wasn’t. It was the spiral. I stood at the base and just watched it rise. It was like the building was inhaling and stretching to the sky.
No lens could properly do it justice, but I tried anyway.
6. Financial District, New York — Trinity Church
In the middle of all that steel, finance, bustle — there it was: stone, weathered and unmoved. A quiet holdover from another time, standing strong amongst the modern giants.
I wandered the graveyard and stopped at Hamilton’s grave, where everyone leaves a scattering of pennies.
There’s Too Much in New York - But Here’s What I Liked
Fraunces Tavern — Historic, Interesting, Incredible Food.
54 Pearl StNew York, NY 10004
Mercer Labs — Feel like existing in a painting? Do it here.
21 Dey StNew York, NY 10007
Kitchen Arts & Letters Bookstore — Told you I had a book problem.
1435 Lexington AveNew York, NY 10128
7. Door County, Wisconsin — A Quiet Beach
I don’t remember the name of the park. Just that it was near the water, and mostly empty.
I found a big rock and sat for a while, listening to the soft, steady rhythm of waves against the shore. Until it started raining. In looking for shelter I also found something my camera could linger on.
The underside of the gazebo was simple, nothing grand. But I liked it.
8. Green Bay, Wisconsin — Botanical Gardens
Gardens are another place I often visit in new cities. Here, in Titletown, I found a stone ring of seats and a wrought iron dome overhead — part sculpture, part shelter.
I looked up. The lines were clean and weightless. How could I not?
Titletown Treasures
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary — Walking Trails and Friendly Otters
1660 E Shore DrGreen Bay, WI 54302
Joe Rouer’s for a burger and onion petals that will haunt. your. dreams.
E1098 CTH-XLuxemburg, WI 54217
Grab your morning coffee at Copper State Brewing Company
313 Dousman StGreen Bay, WI 54303
Eight places where I looked up and found something worth keeping.
Your turn. Look for the unusual & the overlooked.
A Keepsake for You
If this collection of skyward moments made you pause, here’s a way to linger a little longer. I’ve turned four of my photographs into coloring pages, a small token for you to print and enjoy.
Make sure to select “Scale to Fit” when you go to print it out.
