Transcendence
Nicknamed "The Banker's Heart" by locals, this striking black granite sculpture by Masayuki Nagare anchors Giannini Plaza in San Francisco's Financial District, its angular, abstracted form rising dramatically against a backdrop of glass towers and open sky. The contrast between the rough-hewn stone and the sleek surrounding architecture gives you a lot to work with compositionally. Try shooting low and close with a wide angle lens to exaggerate the sculpture's mass against the buildings above, or step back and use a longer focal length to compress the stone form against the tower facades. Overcast days work particularly well here, as the diffused light brings out the texture and depth of the dark granite without harsh shadows. The plaza is open and accessible, with clean lines of sight from multiple directions. Midday light is acceptable given the open sky exposure. (San Francisco, California, United States)
