Photography that captures spaces, stories, and moments that endure.

Portal of Folded Wings

Memorial Spaces

A 1928 memorial that stands as both architectural landmark and sacred space for aviation pioneers

Featured Project Portal of the Folded Wings Architectural Documentation

Contents

03 The Memorial A place of remembrance
04 Interior Light Sacred spaces within
05 Details Matter Craftsmanship endures
06 Context & Place Architecture in landscape
07 Our Services What we offer
08 Our Process How we work
09 Next Issue Commission your story

From the Photographer

"This issue explores the Portal of the Folded Wings, a 1928 memorial that stands as more than architecture—it's a guardian of aviation history and a place where families still come to remember loved ones."

"While this issue focuses on architectural documentation, Flexure Photography specializes in capturing all types of significant moments—from architectural landmarks and commercial spaces to sporting events and special celebrations."

— Flexure Photography
Memorial Exterior
The Portal of the Folded Wings serves as both memorial and architectural landmark, its neoclassical design commanding reverence from visitors. Canon R5, 24mm, f/11, 1/125s

The Memorial

Built in 1928 as a final resting place for aviation pioneers, the Portal of the Folded Wings represents more than architectural achievement—it embodies our collective memory of flight's early heroes.

The memorial's designer understood that spaces of remembrance must balance accessibility with solemnity. The open colonnade invites approach while the elevated rotunda creates a sense of ascension, metaphorically connecting earth-bound visitors with those who conquered the skies.

Today, nearly a century later, families still visit to honor loved ones. Our photography seeks to capture both the timeless dignity of the architecture and its continuing relevance as a place of comfort and reflection.

Completed: 1928
Style: Neoclassical Revival
Material: Indiana limestone
Purpose: Aviation memorial

Interior Light

Within the rotunda, natural light becomes prayer. Every beam that enters this sacred space was considered by its architects—how it moves across stone, how it illuminates memory.

The interior demonstrates masterful understanding of light's emotional power. Clerestory windows filter daylight softly, creating an atmosphere of peace rather than drama. This isn't theatrical lighting—it's contemplative, designed for quiet reflection.

Photographing memorial interiors requires sensitivity to their purpose. We used only available light, allowing the space to reveal itself authentically rather than imposing artificial illumination that might diminish its sacred character.

Technical Approach

Multiple exposures blended to preserve both shadow detail and highlight information, maintaining the natural contrast that defines the space's emotional impact.

Interior Rotunda
Natural light filters through clerestory windows, creating an atmosphere of reverence within the memorial rotunda. Canon R5, 35mm, f/8, 1/60s
Architectural Details

Details Matter

In every carved detail lies the hand of an artisan, the vision of an architect, the hopes of a community building something meant to last generations.

The memorial's classical elements weren't chosen arbitrarily—they communicate permanence, dignity, and connection to architectural traditions that span millennia. Each fluted column, each molding profile, each carved rosette represents craftsmanship of the highest order.

Today's construction often prioritizes speed over craft. This memorial reminds us of an era when builders took time to honor their subject through beautiful execution. Our close-up photography celebrates this dedication to detail.

Material Heritage: Indiana limestone, chosen for its durability and warm color, has weathered nearly a century while maintaining its carved precision.
Memorial in Context

Context & Place

Architecture never exists in isolation. The memorial sits within Valhalla Memorial Park, part of a larger landscape of remembrance where thousands of families have found comfort over the decades.

Understanding context means photographing not just the building, but its relationship to sky, earth, and the community it serves. This wider view shows how the memorial functions as both destination and waypoint within the cemetery's peaceful grounds.

Established: Valhalla Memorial Park, 1923
Notable interments: Aviation pioneers including Amelia Earhart's mechanic

Our Services

From capturing the grandeur of architectural spaces to the energy of sporting events, we bring the same level of technical expertise and artistic vision to every project.

🏛️

Architectural Photography

Complete documentation of buildings, interiors, and spaces with attention to design intent, materials, and spatial relationships.

  • Exterior and interior documentation
  • Construction progress photography
  • Historic building preservation
  • Real estate marketing imagery
Starting at $500
🏢

Commercial Photography

Professional imagery for businesses, retail spaces, restaurants, and corporate environments that showcase your brand and atmosphere.

  • Business and retail spaces
  • Restaurant and hospitality
  • Office environments
  • Industrial facilities
Starting at $400
⚽

Sports Photography

Dynamic action shots and team photography that capture the intensity, emotion, and spirit of athletic competition.

  • Game and event coverage
  • Team and individual portraits
  • Action and candid moments
  • Awards and ceremonies
Starting at $300
🎉

Event Photography

Comprehensive coverage of corporate events, celebrations, and special occasions with a focus on key moments and atmosphere.

  • Corporate events and conferences
  • Celebrations and parties
  • Award ceremonies
  • Milestone moments
Starting at $350

Custom Projects Welcome

Every project is unique. These services can be combined or customized to meet your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your vision and receive a detailed proposal.

Our Process

01

Research & Respect

Before touching a camera, we study the site's history and speak with those who use it. Memorial spaces require extra sensitivity—we're documenting places of deep personal meaning.

02

Multiple Visits

Light changes everything. We visit memorial sites at different times of day and seasons to understand how natural illumination affects the emotional experience of the space.

03

Respectful Documentation

We work quietly and unobtrusively, using available light whenever possible. Our goal is to capture the authentic atmosphere that visitors experience.

04

Thoughtful Processing

Post-processing serves the story, never the ego. Memorial photography requires restraint—enhancing natural beauty while preserving dignity and authenticity.

"Every architectural photograph is a collaboration between past and present—the architect's original vision, the passage of time, and our contemporary interpretation through the lens."
— Flexure Photography

Next Issue

Every project has a story. Every moment deserves to be preserved. What story would you like to tell?

In Development

Issue 002: Commercial Spaces
Modern business environments and retail experiences
Issue 003: Sports & Action
Capturing the energy and emotion of athletic competition
Issue 004: Special Events
Corporate gatherings, celebrations, and milestone moments

Commission Your Story

Issue 1: Memorial Spaces

01 Cover
02 Contents
03 The Memorial
04 Interior Light
05 Details Matter
06 Context & Place
07 Our Services
08 Our Process
09 Next Issue