Tuesday, March 04, 2008

First Light Of The Day

That's A Mighty Fine Spire, Squire

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I was heading out with my camera to take some shots of the city skyline last week when I noticed that the view from Southbank was perfect. Blue sky. Silhouettes on both sides and above me. Dark dawn cloud, tinged delicately with early morning brush strokes.


But regular readers of this blog would remember that one of my cardinal rules is always to look away from the obvious photo opportunity to see if there is a better angle or view elsewhere. This time, instead of looking east, I found this reflection (above) on the west. It was the same cloud as rendered in the (very dusty) window of a travel agent's office. I framed this shot meticulously, so if you look on the right you can see the reflection of the beautiful bell from historic St John's Church.

The blue of the sky was startling - and rather unusual, because the sun had not yet risen. So as I walked along the river bank, I made the most of this graceful silhouette (above). This shows the form of one of the many old lamps from the city's colonial beginnings. They tower over Princes Bridge and have featured in millions of tourists' photographs. This shot gives you an idea of how majestic they are, even in low-light conditions.

34 comments:

Sandi McBride said...

If we couldn't find a bit of beauty in each thing we see I believe we'd be stark raving...your camera seems to pick it out with no problems

Casdok said...

You certainly have an eye for a beautiful picture.

Hilary said...

InSpiring!.. lovely shots. :)

Anonymous said...

Dude, I love your pictures. You capture cool moments with the light.

Diane said...

Beautiful morning shots. There is no other time of the day that can give you these kind of photographs. The bright outline of the clouds, before the sunrise, are just so stunning~

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Very Maxfield Parrish!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

The second shot caught my breath. Brilliantly done!

Silly Goose said...

It's always a delight to visit your blog, David. You did it again - saw the extraordinary where most people would have seen ordinary!

Lee said...

Beautiful pictures, David. I really love that first one with the hint of light outlining the clouds. Exquisite! Thanks for sharing a great deal of detail in how your mind works when looking for shots. It really helps!

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Very interesting, inspiring and beautiful photography! Enjoyed your post.

Gone Back South said...

Consider yourself TAGGED ... come on over to my place ...

Kat said...

That first pic really caught me. Wow!

Gone Back South said...

Most kind of you
gone-back-south@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks!

Leslie: said...

Stunning photography in all the shots! You must have commented on my blog just before the big announcement was made! So come on back!

Unknown said...

I think this is some of your best work to date. Absolutely beautiful.

Misty DawnS said...

Amazing and creative - that's you in a nutshell, David.

Velvet Ginger said...

Those clouds are aww-inspiring!

Cath said...

Beautiful shots. Love the one of the reflection.

Might not be around a couple days or so but will still be watching....

FHB said...

beautiful shots man, as usual.

Unknown said...

Really nice David. The sky is so pretty. You have a real gift for seeing things in ways that most overlook. Thanks.

Sharon said...

ul series! The middle one is my favorite.

Gawdess said...

there is an illusion in the first shot that the beautiful spire is the trunk of the tree - magical

Jeff B said...

The black and blue colors pair off of each other so well in these shots. Very well done.

Janice Thomson said...

These are excellent David though I'm a bit partial to the first one. :)

meggie said...

These photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing them.

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

Absolutely charming, David.

i beati said...

efosso much detail in pic one- you are right about that sky !!

nitebyrd said...

Wonderful pictures. The first shot is just amazing!

Mima said...

Beautiful shots, especially love the window.

Lana Gramlich said...

I love the shapes in the 1st photo. The graceful curve of that tower that brings the eye from the cloud to the treetops. Very nice.

Anita said...

Very beautiful...

Corey~living and loving said...

wonderful pictures David, and of course the window shot is by far my fav. You certainly have the eye.
have a great day!

Lew said...

You have a great eye for the best way to frame a shot. The early morning and late afternoon light are my favorites. Great series!

Amrita said...

Its a wonderful world David thank you for showing it to us so beautifully