A Desert oasis on film
A Trip to the Biltmore
The resorts in Arizona are a well-known secret among the Phoenicians that dwell in the desert. With a generous selection of high-end resorts, you are sure to find one that caters to your every need. With my birthday coming up, I took it upon myself to book a spa appointment at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. This hotel is well-known for its distinctive architecture designed by Albert Chase McArthur. This coveted hotel, tucked away in Phoenix has been visited by many people including Marilyn Monroe, Irving Berlin, and even presidents like Herbert Hoover. With features such as private cottages and a speakeasy from the roaring 20s, The Arizona Biltmore is a glistening historic relic that has been treasured by many and will be for years to come.
A quick stop...
Before my spa appointment, I had decided to make a day out of it and stop for coffee at The Henry. While I had quite the drive to make, before stopping I found one of the many high-end neighborhoods on my drive and decided to make a detour to capture a few photos. Living here in Arizona you are not short of neighborhoods with modern designs and classic cars. This neighborhood was no exception.
With my Canon EOS Rebel T2 loaded with CineStill 50D, I crawled through the neighborhood sporting my best "please don't shoot me I am just a girlie pop who wants to take some pictures" smile. I particularly like the photo I got of the home with the slanted roof. I think that house was very interesting to me and I liked the way the film captured the white and almost made it look creamy.
THE ARIZONA BILTMORE
A Walk Around the Hotel
I knew I couldn't relax until I had walked around the hotel and captured it on film.
I stepped into a world of timeless charm at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, where the architecture is as captivating as the experiences it offers. Designed in 1929 by architect Albert Chase McArthur, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, this hotel seamlessly blends elegance and innovation.
Known as "The Jewel of the Desert," the Biltmore's architecture reflects a unique mix of pre-Columbian and Mediterranean influences. The iconic "Biltmore Block," with its geometric patterns inspired by Arizona's desert flora, not only looks stunning but also cleverly cools the interiors, showing McArthur's thoughtful approach to the desert climate.
Surrounded by lush gardens, soothing fountains, and majestic palms, the hotel's architecture effortlessly integrates with its picturesque surroundings. It was a treat to explore the beauty of the Biltmore, where luxury meets clever design, creating an unforgettable experience for every guest.
To Conclude
I am very pleased with the results from my CineStill 50D. When I got my film back from The Darkroom Lab I was stunned at the colors it produced. It's unlike any film I have ever shot, with stunning blue/green hues and very fine grain. I definitely recommend shooting this film on a very bright sunny day. I think that in the future, I would love to find a way to shoot this where I'm able to get a little bit more of the halation effect that you so famously see in 400D or 800T.
Overall, I think this film was perfect for the Biltmore. I think that it added the perfect desert green filter that kept the bricks of the hotel still warm and inviting. However, this just a girly pop's opinion. So take it with a grain of film. ;)
