The Scene: This vertical night photograph captures a vibrant cityscape in St. Louis, centered on the Olympic Runner statue. The metallic, textured sculpture of the athlete stands poised in mid-stride, illuminated by the kaleidoscopic glow of a fountain in the foreground. The water jets are saturated with shifting colors of violet, neon blue, and warm orange, creating a high-energy base for the composition. In the background, the neoclassical Old Courthouse dome is perfectly framed within the sweeping curve of the Gateway Arch, while the surrounding city buildings and dark green park lawns provide a quiet, urban backdrop.
 
Artistic Note: The composition is a study in Layered Symbology and Color Contrast. By aligning the runner, the historic courthouse, and the modern arch, the image tells a story of the city's progression through time—from its pioneer roots to its mid-century modern architectural peak. The play of artificial light is the primary driver of the image's mood; the cool, shimmering texture of the statue contrasts sharply with the fluid, saturated hues of the fountain. The long-exposure technique used to capture the water creates a soft, misty texture that balances the hard, geometric lines of the historic landmarks in the distance.
 
2:3 Aspect Ratio