Saturday, May 31, 2008

Tie Spy

Here's A Subject I Don't Often Photograph

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Mate, let me put it this way. There is no diplomatic way of saying this. You try explaining to your work colleagues why you are taking a picture of yourself. Yep, yourself. You know what I mean?

My colleagues are wonderful. They're accustomed to me whipping out my camera and taking shots of skyscapes. They're cool with me taking apparently daft shots of staplers and Scotch tape dispensers. They're unfazed when I swap between my 18-125mm lens or my 300mm lens or even the macro lens I've been using.

Secretly, I reckon they enjoy watching my antics when I have a camera in my hand. It's kinda like the circus has come to town - except that the clown is Mister You Know Who.

But there I was yesterday, sitting at my desk when I remembered that this week's Photo Hunt subject was ourselves. So I got the camera out, held it in my left hand, lined it up exactly as I wanted - and hit the trigger with my left thumb. Great dexterity, hey? You try holding a heavy digital SLR in one hand, as far away from your body as possible - and take a shot pointing back at yourself.

It was a lot harder this way then the last time I posted a photograph of myself. Purely by coincidence, that shot was also taken at work - and I took it on a whim while photographing a sunrise. I think it's a really creative shot and you can tell me what you think of it after you check it out at Always Look On The Bright Side.

But can you please leave a comment here for my colleagues, telling 'em I haven't flipped my lid and become a Narcissist. Tell 'em the only reason I took this shot was for this week's theme. Just in case they think I've become a mirror-kisser.

Now that's a photograph I'd like to see!

60 comments:

Casdok said...

Me too!! :)

Anonymous said...

Lovely tie!

CJ xx

Tess Kincaid said...

And me, too! That would be a picture we'd never forget.

Nice shirt and tie, BTW. :)

Lavinia said...

Gee it never occurred to me that you wear anything other than surf and scuba gear wetsuit!

Lin said...

Well, I am certainly willing to attest to your colleagues that you keep your topic photography and your mirror-kissing inclinations strictly separate. From what I've seen thus far, the latter only involves feather boas and very sensual red high-heels.


... payback time, David ... Arc de Triomphe and all. You knew it was coming sooner or later.
g-r-i-n

RiverPoet said...

I see that you look for movement in your ties as you do in your pictures. No, you're not crazy, and you can print this and stick it up in your cubicle! An artist never sleeps....Peace - D

Bruno LoGreco said...

Can't say i can vouch for you - I did not participate in this weeks theme. LOL Maybe next week

Gone Back South said...

I'm with Lavinia, I never imagine you in a tie. What peculiar things they are. But hey, David's colleagues, give the guy a break!

Deana said...

Well you did a great job capturing yourself. Nice tie! ...and I was really admiring your sun spot photo below.

Sandi McBride said...

when the image first came up it looked like a snake skin...I didn't know whether to run or just shut down! Nice shot, though, like I'm surprised!
Sandi

Kay said...

I'll bet you're the life of the office.

Anonymous said...

Ties frighten me - LOL!

just jamie said...

Yes, but *how many* attempts did it take to reach such perfection. I can excuse one or two, but if this was a Vogue photo-shoot in the office, I'm with the colleagues. ;)

LibertyBelle said...

A tie spy? That's a new one on me! There is a tiny photo of you on the right hand side, though! so we DO know what you look like. Love the tie!
How wonderful to see all you photo hunters!
Happy weekend
L

Katney said...

Hey, you guys! It's okay! He's cool! We all have to do it this week.

Now I have to go find that 60 year old photo of me and get it scanned. I have time, as it's still Friday here.

Woman in a Window said...

Interesting...as the image was coming in on my screen - in that micro-second before my mind could adjust and process, I saw a skyscraper and all those dashes on your tie were windows. Bet you didn't even know that was deep inside your photo...or maybe you did!

Colin Campbell said...

One of the great things about my job is that I don't have to wear a tie. Nice elegant look.

katherine. said...

this? this is why you have been so busy at your new gig? cause you are running around taking pictures all day? laughing.

oh yeah...looks like the new job has you all tied up.

(really....I can't beLIEVE I am this far down in the comments and no one else had said that....)

Anonymous said...

Ah ... ties that bind! I'd rather wear the scuba gear thanks!
Now on my blog, you get to stare deep into my eyes ... and then you get very, very sleepy ...

Cath said...

I would like to see that too... You DO know you are setting yourself up for another challenge....?

You can't be accused of narcissism in this shot - it's just your tie! But it is a great shot considering that you weren't behind< the camera to sort out the focus, light etc. It is a pretty sharp image. And I like the tie! lol

Dave Coulter said...

To Whom it May Concern:

David is certifiably normal but he may be a little crazy. Please don't change his feeding schedule!

Lana Gramlich said...

Ironically I tried taking a picture of myself today--over my shoulder, in the mirror--to get my hair. I finally caved in & handed the camera to Charles. *L*

ancient one said...

Kissing the mirror? LOL Good Photo of your self!!

Anonymous said...

Just the photographer behind the tie, eh? Happy hunting.

marcia@joyismygoal said...

MY Hubby has that shirt in white and blue Tie spy you too:)

Indrani said...

Your colleague deserves a pat, he has taken a good shot. Looks like some your photography skills have rubbed on to him. :)

Corey~living and loving said...

cool shot....but I would have loved to see your face. :)

happy weekend.

Maggie May said...

Wow....... That is very smart, isn't it?
I somehow or other thought you'd be in very casual gear!
Bet your workmates don't know whether they are coming or going!
Looks like it was a very tricky photo to take & you must have very steady hands. Are you sure you didn't get some one else to take it?
I can't really imagine you kissing a mirror!
But you never know!!!!!!!!

Cheerio said...

That's a nice tie.

jams o donnell said...

That's a nice tie. A really good take on this week's theme

Dragonstar said...

Are you setting that as a photographic challenge? I'll pass on that one!
Nice shot of your tie - you must have a very strong left arm. I looked back at your February shot - perfect!

Anonymous said...

They really wouldn't understand unless they joined the photo hunt. If they knew how much fun we had each week, they would all be carrying a camera around. Great looking tie, by the way. Keep the photos coming and have a wonderful week.

Hootin Anni said...

Okay...you're at work, and working...then, you pop out the camera and take a photo of your tie!! I get it now. And you're being paid for this? I want your job!!!!

Mine's posted. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours". [and it's not what you think! ::giggles::]

Anonymous said...

Listen up colleagues of David!!
He's not a Narcissist :P He's only showing off his tie and Polo shirt!! *kidding*

Anonymous said...

nice tie hi hi hi...

Mine in here Thanks

Juliana said...

I am addicted with photography but I don't have much photo of myself either :D

My post in here Thanks

Unknown said...

haha thats still a great effort for trying to discreetly take a photo of yourself. have a great weekend!

lime said...

bring on the mirror kiss!

Anonymous said...

That's quite creative, as was the one of your shadow!

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Dear colleagues, please excuse David for taking photos of himself at work. He was doing it for the Photo Hunt.

And it's a nice photo.

Anonymous said...

Very cool idea.

Happy Hunting from CrAzY Working Mom.

Sarge Charlie said...

very creative David, have a good weekend

Heather said...

Makes me glad that I only had my son involved in wondering why I needed a picture of myself.:) Great shot though. :)

Lori said...

I never pictured you as a Narcissist so I'm giving you a break on this one! I'd love to be able to take my camera to work and photograph things...maybe that will be something new for next year (I work in a classroom at a small school).

I like your photo with th shadows as well. But I'm looking forward to one where we actually get to see your face. :-)

Anonymous said...

At first glance I thought it was the trunk of a palm tree...

Anonymous said...

Nicely done...happy hunting!

 gmirage said...

Hi! My first visit here and I see a tie! =D Fun post! Happy weekend!

Daryl said...

I found a way to do a self photo that actually works .. you stand in front of a mirror so you can see the LED .. then back away so you dont get reflected FLASH in your shot .. and voila .. a photo of vous!

Daft? Only in the best possble way.

PS Mr Lauren should pay you for product placement

:-Daryl

Anonymous said...

That's a perfect shot. Very creative, very masculine take on the theme. Well done!

Jeanne said...

Shadow pics are so interesting. Very nice tie by the way and RYC: wish I could tell you what those flowers are. They are all identified with their Latin names but I get so carried away looking, smelling and snapping that I honestly don't pay much head.

Carver said...

Great shot of your tie, ha. I also like the shadow shot on the other post you linked. You should have seen me outside in my garden putting my camera on a ladder and setting the time release. That made me look very narcissist.

Carolyn said...

I posted one just for you!! See it here.

Thanks for all your support David.

Anonymous said...

Let me see, you've knotted a piece of cloth tightly about your own neck, taken a snap shot of yourself, posted it online -- and you are requesting testimonials in regard your sanity? That in itself makes it highly questionable, now doesn't it?

Bengbeng said...

Dear David Mcmohan's colleague or whomever it may concern :

David hasn't flipped his lid or become a Narcissist. The only reason he took this shot was for this week's theme. Just in case you think he has become a mirror-kisser.


psst: dont question me further. I am doing this ....sucking up to him hoping for a visit on my blog hahahahahahahahahahahahahhaha

Anonymous said...

I don't know what you're talking about... there is no theme like that. Of course, you must be a narcissist!

Haha. Nice shirt and tie though. Have a great day!

My post is here:
Photo Hunters

Or visit my whole blog:
I Was Born2Cree8

Anonymous said...

Whoof!! That's a very interesting pikture of yur shirt and tie. Do you get tied up woof that tie? Is that what it's fur?


See my picture of me:
Photo Hunters

And my dog blog is here:
Reba’s Run

Teena in Toronto said...

Very smart tie!

I played too :)

Charlene Amsden said...

Oh -- you did say we were to let your colleagues know you "hadn't flipped your lid", not that you were sane. I see. They probably you you too well for us to convince them of that anyway, but of course you haven't flipped your lid ... you've got that tie holding it on.

dixymiss said...

Groovy tie!

Mima said...

What about the face above it? Where did it go? Love the tie!