At The Tail End Of The Day

You Callin' Me A Back Seat Deriver?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Horse-and-carriage rides are very popular here in Melbourne, just as they are in Montreal and Quebec City. The comforting sound of horses' hooves is as much a part of the central business district as it is on any Outback property. This shot was taken on the run outside Flinders Street Station, about three weeks ago. I composed the frame as tight as possible, but I still couldn't avoid the young man with the backpack on the left.

There's something I should explain here - and then you'll understand why I like this photograph. The area around Federation Square and Flinders Street Station is extremely colourful. However, the noon shadows were so strong on this bright, sunny day, that there are dominant grey, white and black tones to this shot. There are a few splashes of red on the seat of the carriage, the horses' plumes and the driver's jacket. Apart from that, there is an abbreviated touch of horizontal green behind the carriage.

I could try replicating this shot several times over the next few months - but I doubt I'd be fortunate enough to capture an image like this. How lucky can a guy get!