The Van de Graaff Swing Bridge

From the series, "Rediscovering Black and White."

The Van de Graaff Swing Bridge; 3231 Robert Cardinal Airport Rd, Northport, Ala; July 25, 2026 at 8:43:27 AM.

Tuscaloosa native son Robert J. Van de Graaff (1901–1967) is probably better known for his invention, the eponymous Van de Graaff generator, but did you know there’s a park bearing his name near the Tuscaloosa Airport? And did you know that there is a swing bridge (aka, suspension footbridge) there over a lily pond?

Now you do.

#4 in the series, “Rediscovering Black-and-White.” For more on the series, please see its inaugural post.

Pixel Peeping

Let’s take a closer look…

On the day I biked over to the Park, the right side of the bridge was dipping perilously close to the pond. I decided not to tempt fate and attempt crossing it.

---

Photo (EXIF) Deets:

• Camera Make: LEICA CAMERA AG

• Camera Model: LEICA Q3 MONO

• Date Time Original: July 25, 2026 at 8:43:27 AM

• Exposure Time: 1/6 second

• FNumber: 4.0

• Photographic Sensitivity (ISO): 100

• Focal Length: 28mm

• 35mm Full-Frame Equivalent Focal Length: approximately 28mm

• Lens Make: LEICA CAMERA AG

• Lens Model: SUMMILUX 1:1.7/28 ASPH.

• Original Image Dimensions: 9536 x 6344 pixels.

• GPS: 33°13’24.279” N 87°35’52.4934” W

---

© Copyright 2026 Jeremy Butler.