Friday, November 30, 2007

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!

11 comments:

Misty DawnS said...

I love the horses' feathers! Awesome! You are so right that the splashes of red make the photo. The red on the feathers draws my eyes to that small detail of the photo - yet, that small detail is what immediately caught my attention. (OK, I don't know if that made any sense or not!)

Don't mind me - I'm excited now because I just did my first Sky Watch Friday post on each of my blogs. This is going to be fun! Thank you David, because your blog is where I first saw 'Sky Watch'.

david mcmahon said...

Hi Misty Dawn,

Thank you for that appreciative comment. I'm so glad you like the shot.

A very big, very warm welcome to Sky Watch Friday.

Keep smiling

David

Bradley's Mom said...

Beautiful, beautiful shot David.

I love it!!

Linda

Lilli & Nevada said...

The photo is beautiful and i think there is something so special about horses and carriages. Makes one wonder what the old days would of been like when there was no cars.

david mcmahon said...

Hi Linda,

Thank you. It was simply a spur-of-the-moment picture!

Thanks for the picture you sent me today - it was great.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Lilli and Nevada,

That's a great thought. There would have been no carbon monoxide and the clip-clop of the hooves would have been a soothing atttoo.

Do keep in touch

David

imac said...

A spash of colour, great shot, brill post.

Lee said...

Very nice shot, David. We have horse drawn carriages here too, although they aren't as popular as in other places. That probably has more to do with economics than with the actual love of the things.

There's a new post up at my place. Come check it out.

Peace!

Celebration of Life said...

Just dropped by to say Howdy or Gaday. Thanks for visiting my site! I loved the picture; you have a great eye!
Jolene

i beati said...

I did not know this about Melbourne - fantastic!!I love the romance of horses and carriages everywhere !!

FHB said...

Beautiful. Is that Penn and Teller?