Bob Rickert
October 2025 - Fox Theater Staircase
About the Image(s)
I took this image during a two hour photo shoot in the Fox Theater in St Louis. Lots of dark red carpets and wallpaper which I think took the viewer's eyes away from the design of the staircase.
This was a very dark area. I made a three shot HDR exposure at 15, 8 and 4 seconds at f/13 in order to capture the bright lights and the shadows.
Nikon 850 ISO 64, 30 mm lens setting on a Nikkor 16-35 mm f/4.0
Post processing for Monochrome treatment in Lightroom Classic (including the HDR)
11 comments posted
The first thing that hits me is the great composition, you have captured the flow of the stairs well. The second thing is to see someone doing it the old way, Low ISO, Long exposures, three into one. Now we do it in one with high ISO or mobiles that just doing it with ease. The slashes of light are caught just right with the glow coming off that Tiffany light shade. I love that inlay into the ceiling, Very fascinating.
You do get the feeling of a dark Stairwell with subtle lighting and a Victorian/Edwardian feel. Posted: 10/13/2025 10:56:03
You do get the feeling of a dark Stairwell with subtle lighting and a Victorian/Edwardian feel. Posted: 10/13/2025 10:56:03
Bob, what an eerie yet magical feel you have captured. I like the way the lighting under the banister shows the carpet design and the light from above causes the shadows on the wall. The detail is there throughout. Very nice image. Posted: 10/19/2025 21:20:42
Thanks Paul and Mary Ann! Posted: 10/23/2025 17:57:04
Really like this kind of pictures. Majestic.
Indeed the composition is great. The light is exceptional, and the structure of the wall, the stairs and the ceiling.
The only thing that disturbs me is the flat wall on the left. We can see it also on the right (under the stairs). It is certainly the real structure. On the left it is maybe possible to replace it by the structure of the stairwell. Just a suggestion. Posted: 10/21/2025 08:49:21
Indeed the composition is great. The light is exceptional, and the structure of the wall, the stairs and the ceiling.
The only thing that disturbs me is the flat wall on the left. We can see it also on the right (under the stairs). It is certainly the real structure. On the left it is maybe possible to replace it by the structure of the stairwell. Just a suggestion. Posted: 10/21/2025 08:49:21
I will have to give your suggestion a try. Thanks. Posted: 10/23/2025 17:54:37
Lots of great in this shot. The composition, the lighting, the details and the subject. The curve of the stairs, ceiling, and railings lend well to the mystery. Well done. Posted: 10/21/2025 21:15:20
Thanks, it is a great old theater which is still in business. Posted: 10/23/2025 17:55:19
(Group 83)
Lovely capture and the lighting is spot on! Posted: 10/21/2025 23:48:40
Vincent said it best...this is Majestic! Your time and extra preparation has paid off. I am a big fan of HDR. Your image, here, reinforces the need for more HDR in our work! Posted: 10/22/2025 17:11:07
Thanks Michael and Paul. Posted: 10/23/2025 17:55:57
Bob - Great skill has been used here, both in camera craft and PP work. Very interesting subject. I love the curves, carpets and light - plus you have handled the lights very well.
True the bit of grey wall on the left stands out as being no texture etc - less so the similar curved area top right. One solution may be just to darken the left bit (the dark surface above may be the same colour/texture). Posted: 10/26/2025 05:29:41
True the bit of grey wall on the left stands out as being no texture etc - less so the similar curved area top right. One solution may be just to darken the left bit (the dark surface above may be the same colour/texture). Posted: 10/26/2025 05:29:41