Picture perfect
When you walk by Thomas Jefferson's beloved Rotunda, doesn't it seem as if she is forever smiling? And for good reason.
Few passers-bys cross the Lawn without a thought of a photo opportunity.
And it seems like every visitor to the Lawn eventually succumbs to the temptress's enticing grin.
Yesterday was no exception.
The substantial snowfall gave photographers, amateur and professional alike, a chance to capture the Rotunda's architectural beauty in all her winter glory.
From dawn until dusk, students flocked to the Lawn with cameras in hand, both digital and disposable in order to snap photos of the snowy dome from all directions.
"Students do not get many opportunities to take pictures of a snow-covered Lawn," fourth-year College student Lauren Gatewood said. "We will skip class so that we may better capture the Lawn in the snow. It's such a novelty to see the contrast of the red brick on the white columns and snow."
For others, it's the rarity of a Charlottesville snow that brings them out to the Lawn.
"I'm from New York, and I miss the snow," first-year Engineering student Sara Vogt said. "So when I woke up this morning, I wanted to come out and capture it on film."
Another reason for the endless footprints in the snow may be a testament to the Lawn's unique architectural status.
In 1976, the American Institute of Architects named the Lawn as the single proudest achievement in American architecture, and in 1987 it was placed on the United Nation's World Heritage List, meaning it's to be preserved at any cost.
"Already today we have seen over 30 photographers out here," said Amy Graffum, a third-year College student and a member of the University Guide Service. "The snow makes the Lawn more rustic feeling, more at peace. It takes you back in time to Jefferson's day."
Whatever the reason, the Lawn and the Rotunda are far from camera shy and have given new meaning to the word photogenic.
Compiled by Daniel Stern
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