Saturday, June 28, 2008

All Things Bright And Beautiful

All Features Great And Small

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON



A couple of days after I bought my 300mm lens, I was walking through Southbank at dawn. It was about three months ago and so we were still in mid-autumn and the days were still quite warm, whereas we’re deep into winter now.

I thought I’d wait and see what the dawn was like, but I was disappointed because there was some low cloud and there were no stunning colours to capture. But the cloud cleared to a thin band across the horizon and as the sun rose into a clear sky, I realised that the real shot was not the sun itself, but its reflection on this office block across the river.

I’m estimating the building was about four hundred metres (yep, almost half a kilometre) away from where I was standing, so the 300mm lens was just perfect for what I was trying to achieve. The tight vertical frame (above) was an interesting composition, but I quickly realised that a vertical frame would capture the majestic sight with a bit more perspective.

I guess this experience reinforced my opinion that even when you think there is nothing for you to photograph, there is always something, if you look all around. Nature never disappoints us.

37 comments:

imbeingheldhostage said...

The photo is gorgeous as usual (so that's what sun looks like?), but the title-- you are such a clever man!

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

You're so right! There is always something. This is beautiful!

Susan Demeter said...

Wow! Those are awesome photos, and yes nature is always impressive :)

Happy Photo Hunting!

My entry is here

Have a nice weekend!

Working Mum said...

You are so right about looking around. I was in Manchester today and, looking up at the new Hilton, I so wished I'd taken my camera (not possible as laden with laptop and briefcase). Maybe I'll go back - inspired by your shots.

Anonymous said...

the pic is good even though it's not nature! were you ever with 'Sportsworld' published from Calcutta(?)....along with Andy O'Brien, before you migrated to Australia?

Anonymous said...

by mistake I pressed 'anonynous...

Shimmy Mom said...

Great reflections shot.

Sandi McBride said...

The sun in her grandeur...and a couple of nice buildings, too!
Sandi

Pappy said...

Just visiting David. Have a great weekend. Pappy

San said...

WOW. It looks like a huge bamboo curtain swaying in the light.

A dazzler.

Gone Back South said...

Is it just me or does that picture look slightly scary? I have this vision of falling off. Perhaps I have latent vertigo.

Epijunky said...

It's beautiful.

I absolutely love it.

Anonymous said...

The statement is certainly in the framing!

Corey~living and loving said...

wonderful! so bright and beautiful. :)

great choice for the theme.

oh....did you see my bug this week? I'll still working on bugs. :)

Louise said...

The coloring is beautiful. What bling!

I need some of your inspriation on this grey day we're having here.

Anonymous said...

What a bright-looking building :)

Have a great weekend.

Colin Campbell said...

Lovely shot. Australia really has fantastic light. Our sunrise is different every day.

Anonymous said...

Very cool, love the bright reflections of the glass buildings.

Maggie May said...

I think the picture was great! I'd like to know do you ever sleep!!!!! If so, when?

Harajuku PearL said...

I like the way you see that reflection on the building. Great shot!!

PearL - happy weekend

Anonymous said...

Very great shot! I love it!

my PH is posted HERE.

Hope you could drop by. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

You captured the golden reflection perfectly!

happy Hunting!

Anonymous said...

this is perfect. one of the nicest so far...

bingskee

SnoopyTheGoon said...

Exceptional shots, as expected, David.

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

awesome shot!!! :) u're right - i think i'll have to keep my eyes peeled since i have nothing to show for the next couple of themes.

Hootin Anni said...

Wow....that's stunning David!

I went with bright colors myself....hope you can stop by. Have a super great weekend.

Cath said...

The vertical one does it for me. Looks like honey dripping down the building. Gorgeous.

PRH said...

"There is always something for you to photograph"

How true, how true.....

Anonymous said...

great photo's very impressive!
view mine if you wish here thanks

Unknown said...

Beautiful shot David! It reminds me of shiny gold jewelry!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful image. The combination of nature and humanity is brilliant (as is the reflection)

Jasonblink said...

Urban jungle has secret beauty, bright and beautiful glare from buildings.... Nice theme

Hilary said...

Wise and wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Very cool shots. They are amazing and beautiful! Thanks for stopping by.

Lana Gramlich said...

Although sometimes these glass or mirror buildings can be quite lovely, sometimes they're particularly dangerous for those of us under 5'. At the busiest times of the day they have a tendency to reflect sunlight directly into my eyes & the visor in my car is just too high to do a darned thing about it.
I sometimes wonder; "Did no one ever consider such a problem?"
Lovely photo, all the same!

Kat said...

WOW!

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