Monday, January 07, 2008

For Whom The Belt Tolls

Looking For Some Wa(i)sted Talent?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Sometimes the most mundane sights make the most intriguing photographs. I took this shot in Singapore, while I was walking through a busy shopping arcade. These belts caught my eye immediately. I guess it was the combination of colours - the red, silver and black. I guess it was the circular display, too. And I guess it was also the fact that there was a certain irregularity to the pattern that drew me in to photograph it from this angle.

In some way, I reckon the image invites you to look closer to try and figure out what is depicted, and while your eye is drawn to the red tags, it's only when you look down towards the buckles that your realise what the subject really is. On a scale of one to ten, how many seconds did it take you to figure it out?

15 comments:

Casdok said...

Love the captions with the photo!

Misty DawnS said...

Well, I have to confess that the title of the post assisted in my figuring out the subject matter sooner than I would have otherwise.

Fletch said...

Like misty dawn, I let the title 'speak' to me. Unfortunately I allowed my dyslexia to get the better of the contest.

I'm still looking for the freaking BELLS.

ROTFLMAO ... !!

Anonymous said...

When my sister lived in Singapore she burnt up an awful lot of film - second only to her stay in Bangkok!

It is interesting how even the most mundane of article can be made interesting with the proper framing or lighting.

Your question about View Master? Yes, very much a childhood activity.

Nessa said...

They look like flowers.

david santos said...

Happy New Year, David! And best wishes for a healthy and successful 2008

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photo! Thanks for sharing with us!

Carolyn said...

Hi David,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's good to meet you :) I love your photos! Especially the stacked bowls and the building coming through the fog in the posts below. I see why your work is published.

As for the belts, it did take a couple secs to look down. I love red ;)

D... said...

Interestingly enough, my eyes were drawn to the red and trying to read the label on the tags. Hee!

Anonymous said...

The red tags really dominate, making it a really beatiful photo.

Janice Thomson said...

It is a unique and vivid photo - the belt on the right side clued me in right away. Love the title :)

orneryswife said...

Despite all the hints in the title, it wasn't until I read your text that I figured out what it was. At first I thought it was a circular rack filled with stamps- you know like rubber stamps, only the kind in a metal case that make a "ka-chunk" sound when they are used. Great photo.
TM
PS Glad to see you're back. I kept looking for weekend wandering!

Cornish Dreamer said...

You have some lovely images on your blog. I've thoroughly enjoyed the visit! This image in particular held my attention.

Merisi said...

This is my kind of game! :-)
I tried to figure out why anybody wouldn't notice the belts immediately, but it beats me. Is this some kind of disorder on my side?
Have you ever looked at galley proofs (possibly not your own) and zeroed in on mistakes before reading the text?

Queen of My Domain said...

Another great ordinary thing we just take for granted until you post a photo of it. The red definetely caught my eye on this one though.