My Journey To The Real Cutting Edge
Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
I call this the "arm’s length challenge". If I’m sitting at my desk at work or in my study at home, I simply reach for my camera and photograph a random object that is within reach. This was shot on my desk at work at lunchtime a couple of weeks ago.
I chose the Scotch-tape dispenser as my subject. As you can see, I opted to photograph the miniature teeth on the edge of the moulded plastic dispenser. I shot three frames but I reckon I should have hit the button once more, in search of a slightly sharper image.
No colour. No gimmicks. No razzmatazz. But tell me, does the image make you look twice?
Yes indeed, it does! At first I thought it was some kind of huge industrial apparatus! The gooey residue of tape on the edges, makes it look very dangerous, as well, if it has also devoured some unsuspecting bit of organic matter!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of that scene in "Jaws" wherein the Robert Shaw character gets chewed up and in the aftermath, the shark looks like he could use a toothpick. Shudder.
ReplyDeleteOr perhaps I'm being influenced by Lynda's comment. Or not.
ReplyDeleteat first I thought it was hair trimmers...
ReplyDeleteI thought it was clippers or a hair trimmer of some kind..
ReplyDeleteI like it.
I did a triple take on that one.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a hair cutter/clipper thingie like the one I use on Husband .. and wondered why you'd have it on your desk .. then of course I read on and discovered it was a tape dispenser .. oh you sticky devil!
ReplyDelete:-Daryl
It certainly looks capable of taking a vicious bite out of something...neat trick...
ReplyDeleteSandi
What immortal hand or eye
ReplyDeleteCould frame thy, er, that fearful symmetry? ;-)
I looked twice,
and then I had to read what it actually was all about. Very cutting edge. *grin*
Now who would have thought to take a photo of that but you! My husband laughs at me because he says I take pictures of EVERYTHING now. Guess I am not the only one.
ReplyDeleteYes I did look twice! And I wish i had looked a little longer before I read - as I do not know if I would have identified the object or not. I think probably, but I'm not sure.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great shot. I'm not sure how much work you actually get done but I am glad you take your camera to work with you! I am starting to have mine with me everywhere and people are getting used to me "clicking" as I talk to them!
Just read Daryl's - yes that's what I thought it was, hair clippers, and that is what made me look twice. ;0)
ReplyDeleteLooked twice...and I like the "arm's length" thing...I find the more I take photos, the more interesting I find shapes, vignettes - whether in nature or on my desk, in my kitchen, etc... trains the eye or something.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting "me" also David!
David, I couldn't figure what it was til you said what it was...wow! Good shot!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely looked twice
ReplyDeleteand then looked as few more times after I read what it was
who knew tape dispensers could look sinister!
great shot
Hey David!
ReplyDeleteYou're very good at getting the world to stop and LOOK properly.
I too thought it was a hair trimmer of sorts. But now I see what vicious teeth that sucker has I can explain why I cut my finger on mine recently!!!
You star in my blog today, by the way!
Me too, I thought was a hair shaver. A simple office tool but a great photo.
ReplyDeleteThought it was a vintage razor. Lucky for you it's not, #1. for your face skin, #2. good to know you're not sitting around with an old razor. AnnieH
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a razor!
ReplyDeleteHope you are well!
Kimmy
Heck ya, and shiver too!
ReplyDeleteOh, I thought it was some sort of razor or hair clippers.... very cool shot ABP!
ReplyDeleteOf course I looked twice. I always do with your shots.. always because they're stunning in one way or another. I'm thinking that the furry buildup says you have pets.. or is that just gummy goo from the tape?
ReplyDeleteFunny yet cool how the objects in the picture could be fooling you, not how you actually take the shot.
ReplyDeleteI, too, thought it was hair trimmers. Fun photo.
ReplyDeleteyup.
ReplyDeleteMade me think of an eletric razor.
interesting shot
looks like some etching on a silver piece or something.... I think I see fairy wings in a Rorschach-y kind of way....
ReplyDeleteThought it was a zazor. Looks lethal!
ReplyDeleteRAZOR!
ReplyDeleteI thought at first that it was clippers, like a barber would use. Your eye for a good photo is amazing.
ReplyDeletehmmm, brings back enough memories of my "war wounds" in the design studio... good shot indeed :-))
ReplyDeleteI love scotch tape!
ReplyDeleteIt's like regular tape but better because you can peep it off quit easily (in most cases).
Also, it's 'invisible' tape! Great for loads of amazing things that require discretion : )
Yes, it makes me look twice! I studied it and studied it and STILL couldn't figure out what it was until you said so! Nice one David =)
ReplyDeleteI would have looked twice...to figure out what you'd taken a photo of! It isn't obvious at all. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteIt did indeed make me look twice. It looks much more sinister closeup than it does just sitting quietly on a desk. The "arm's length" thing is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteGreat unusual photo with a wonderful POV!
When I first looked I thought it was some kind of "torture sofa" for the S&M enthusiast! haha
Have a great weekend!