Friday, January 18, 2008

Right Angle

Right Time, Right Place, Looking The Right Way

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON



Can you figure out what this photograph (above) shows? If you're not certain, let me repeat what I say when I get asked for the single most important piece of advice for budding photographers. Without exception, my advice is always to look around for the best shot, because it invariably comes from an angle or a viewpoint that you would least expect.

Now look at the second photograph (below). It shows a sunset, captured from the top of a hill here in Melbourne. Following my own rule, I checked to see if there was a good shot at a different point of the compass - and then I saw the same stunning sunset reflected in the windscreen of my own car. The first shot is simply that - the sunset reflected at the unusual angle of the windscreen.


It was just a lucky shot, I guess, because my car was parked in a random spot. But if you want another great example of why you should always look around you when you're shooting a really arresting scene, just go to Blue Riband.

40 comments:

A.Bananna said...

wow! good shot!

Anonymous said...

Rim of a coffee cup

Patti said...

So beautiful!! Photography is one of the things I want to learn to do well. I'll hit the archives for your photo hints :)

Misty DawnS said...

You continue to inspire me. I love both shots.u

Nessa said...

Both shots are fantastic and I will try your advice.

Lana Gramlich said...

Both shots are wonderful. Thanks for reminding me of the benefits of finding a less-than-obvious shot or angle! Thanks, also, for stopping by my blog & taking the time to comment. :) Keep up the good work!

Diva's Thoughts said...

The second shot is AMAZING!! WOW!

I'm still not sure what the first shot is yet. I'm going back to try and figure itout.

Corey~living and loving said...

fun idea! :)

imac said...

Clever fella, good sky watch David.

Like all the photos that ive missed,( thought id put my spoke in here,haha.)

Thanks for asking after DW she's slowly on the mend, phew! bless her.

Naturegirl said...

David thank you for the photography tip! Great photo..It took forever to download your site!! I was touched to read that my "Babie" photo sparked a memory for you! :)NG

FHB said...

OH MY GOD! The colors in that are just stunning. Well done.

Ivy said...

I love sunsets, and that one is beautiful

Mom Knows Everything said...

That's amazing! I thought it was light reflecting off a metal bar. Very cool picture!!!

Tom said...

A great example... and a great tip.
and two stunning Sky Watch pictures

Jeff B said...

A great lesson in perspective. You have a great eye for photography and a keen sense of observation.

LadyHawk said...

Thanks for the advice. Will make sure I look around for the best angle the next time I go on a photo shoot. Tahnk you very much too for visiting my blog. The Rafflesia is a beautiful and unique creation and I count myself fortunate for having seen it.

Brittany said...

That sun is amazing. So beautiful!

Kekiinani said...

Beautiful shot!! Love the reflection in your windshield as well. :) :)

FO - 2 said...

Beautiful sunset in Melbourne. :)
Good observation and photo of the car also. Keep your eyes open! :)

Anonymous said...

Love your sunset.

dot said...

What a beautiful sky! It looks like it was painted in layers.

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

I think you're looking at a sunset through an arch-shaped gap filter.

SandyCarlson said...

Amazing, David! Thanks for the advice, too. God bless.

Marie said...

Beautiful shot!

gaz said...

nice sunset - well captured... both times.

Rune Eide said...

Nice one, and darned good advice!

Daryl said...

Very clever

Kahshe Cottager said...

Wow!!! You do take some amazing photos. Thanks for sharing your tips - I am always looking for ways to improve my shots.

Andrea said...

So beautiful. Great shot.

I think Dot shared with you about me getting stuck in your blog. Last Friday I came in and didn't get stuck. Maybe I won't today. Several times I came into your blog and could not back out and ended up having to shut down my computer to get out. I guess your blog just liked me too much. LOL

Amrita said...

Really professional and beautiful David.My somple Sony Cybershot cannot do this

Dick said...

Great shots, no idea what it might be.

San said...

David, I got here after you'd identified the enigmatic sunset.

Another example of your uncanny timing.

Angie said...

Your photos are always excellent.

Paulie said...

Very interesting to know and beautiful shots. Doubt I can ever get one like that since I don't drive and places I go, there are no parking spaces. . . but good to know anyway.

Suzi-k said...

Nice one!

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Totally awe inspiring! Truly amazing!!!

Sharon said...

Very good point, and beautiful shots :)

GAWO said...

Thank you for visiting me and for your nice comment.
You have a very nice SWF photo here. I also tray to get pictures that are a little different.
You can take a look here if you like:
http://on2wheels-foto.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-car-window.html

katherine. said...

I think I wanna get in on the skywatch thing...

someone else said...

This is beautiful! I love the idea of catching the glimpse from another angle.

I also wanted to say thank you for stopping by my sunset blog last week. I appreciate your kind comment.