Lately, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with taking “place” photos — looking at angles, symmetry, proportions, etc in capturing the essence of a place. I’m not sure I’m being successful, but I’m having fun looking through the lens. I recently took one of my Friday field trips back to the Mississippi State University campus to get some images of the Chapel of Memories. [I’ve field-tripped there before.] It’s one of the most-loved places on campus, and I especially love the courtyard beside it. Enjoy!
As promised, the other half of my photos from University Drive in Starkville. Enjoy!
I thought I would share the results of another “field trip” this Friday. This time where field trip equals driving home from getting a frappuccino. I saw some vibrant cannas standing out against a cloudy sky in what comes close to a plaza on University Drive in Starkville. I was shooting myself for not having my Canon SLR in the car, but I decided to pull over for a little more experimentation with the iPhone Hipstamatic app. I love how some of the filters just help me see a familiar place in a new way. I’ll share part two next week. Meanwhile, enjoy your day (and the photos), and take some time to pull over.
A few Fridays ago I took another field trip to the Cotton District in Starkville. There is so much to explore there and I have been interested in finding architectural elements lately. I was also interested in framing some images that were distinctly Southern in flavor. I took my last trip through the new urbanist development in late winter before the lush greenery was really in bloom. This time, you could almost drink the pure growth in some places. [And my apologies to the owner of the properties on which I probably trespassed. Oops.]
A few weeks ago I took a field trip to the MSU Campus again. I’ve already shared the early blooming magnolia varieties that inspired me, but I also enjoyed a visit to the Chapel of Memories. The building is a campus landmark built from the bricks of the Old Main Dormitory that burned many, many years ago. I’ve always loved the quiet of that place and courtyard adjacent to it. With this trip, what captured me was the light and color displayed in the structure. Enjoy.
Hello & welcome! I’m Haley Montgomery, and I’m the designer and owner of Small Pond Graphics. I sometimes fancy myself a frog kisser— a documentarian coaxing poignant moments from unexpected places. This blog has evolved from those moments.
The small Pond FIELD GUIDE is part diary, part sketchbook, and part wish list – an archive of ordinary wonders. For years, this space has housed my stories – creative ideas, vintage inspiration, our forays into curious places, and the simple artifacts of quiet of conscious living. Through watercolor, photography, and illustrated tales, these pages uncover the blessing of ordinary days and the wonder found in authentic places and pursuits.
I invite you to open the boxes.
Peek into the drawers.
Rustle through the pages.
I’m honored to have you here.
NEED A FROG KISSER?
Phone: 662.312.4001
Contact Haley to dive in
