On our way out to Ohio last week we had a shoot in St. Louis. While there, I noticed that the fountain in Aloe Plaza — across from Union Station — was running. I’ve been to St. Louis several times and I believe this is the first time I’ve seen water in the fountain. I stopped, took a few scouting shots (one is seen at left, above) and planned to make a point of re-shooting it on the return trip a few days later.

My plan was to make use of a free morning I had on the way home and catch the fountain at sunrise. Weather willing, the sky would be a beautiful blue, the front of the train station would be catching the first rays of sunlight and the fountain would be dark in the foreground, in the shadow of the surrounding buildings. I planned to use off-camera flash to light the sculptures and put some sparkle in the water, which would otherwise be rendered silky smooth due to a long exposure. Sounds like a plan, eh?

As we arrived back in St. Louis the day before this planned shoot we made some calls to make sure the fountain would be running at sunrise. Not much luck in that department. The best answer we received was that the fountain’s schedule was “wonky” and if it was running it was running. If not, it was likely off for the season.

I decided to take my chances and left the hotel early, making my way down Market Street in the pre-dawn darkness. I found a parking space, hefted my pack onto my back and walked to the fountain just as the sky began to glow like a Maxfield Parrish painting.

No water.

The shot on the right is a record of my disappointment. I guess I’ll just have to add this to my mental shot list for next time I’m in St. Louis.