Climatron at Sunset
The warm breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers, mixing with the earthy smell of soil at the Missouri Botanical Garden. It's one of those places where nature and history blend together. Founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw, it’s one of the oldest botanical institutions in the U.S., and it feels like a sanctuary—peaceful, cultivated, and full of life.
As I made my way toward the Climatron, the geodesic dome glistened in the fading sunset, set against a sky painted in shades of pink and purple. The cicadas were buzzing in the background, a familiar Missouri summer soundtrack. The air still held the warmth of the day, but you could feel the evening coolness starting to settle in.
Wandering through the gardens, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by all the vibrant life around me. Tonight was a special opportunity. I was photographing the Climatron at sunset, and to make things even better, the Chihuly glass exhibit was on display. The colorful, swirling glass sculptures floated alongside the massive lily pads in the reflecting pools just outside the dome.
Photographing at night comes with its challenges. The light I had relied on to frame the perfect shot quickly slipped away, leaving me with only the faint glow of artificial lights illuminating the dome. Setting up my tripod, I adjusted my camera settings, trying to find the right balance between the last bit of daylight and the artificial lighting around me. The balance was delicate—too long of an exposure and the colors would wash out, too short and the shadows would dominate.
When I finally clicked the shutter, I captured it—the play of light against the dome’s structure, as well as the glass sculptures floating on the reflecting pool, whose surface now mirrored the purple sky above. The photo brought it all together—nature, art, and that perfect moment when everything seemed to be in harmony.