Monday, June 30, 2008

Taking Leaf Of My Senses

Looking For Colour Under A Wintry Sky


Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON




Even under a grey sky, there is always a photo to be taken. We’ve had a lot of sunshine this week, which is typical of Melbourne winters, but one afternoon the weather was really starting to close in.


So I figured I would walk out and spend just five minutes finding something colourful to photograph against the dull sky. About a minute after I walked outdoors, I saw this beautiful creeper on the side of a walkway at the Victorian Arts Centre. I took the first shot (above) to emphasise the angle and to get the most out of the burgundy foliage against the grey concrete.


Then I took the second shot (below) at a more shallow angle. It’s interesting to note that the chrome handrail is almost blending with the featureless sky above. Just goes to prove, in inclement weather, there is always something to focus your attention (and your camera) on if you look carefully.


Now I’d like you to tell me which of the two shots you prefer. Over to you …

(The Odd Shots concept came from Katney. Say "G'day" to her.)

29 comments:

annie said...

I like the second one.

Corey~living and loving said...

hmmmmmm I keep going back and forth....I can't decide which one I like best. That is unusual for me. Thanks for making me think hard.

Pat - Arkansas said...

I am drawn more to the first one; it's sort of "Jack and the Bean Stalk"-y. You may have included the whole length of vine in your photo, but one's imagination *could* keep it growing up into the clouds.
A nice bit of color on a gloomy winter day.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

I like the 2nd one too.

Hilary said...

I like the 2nd one. It can almost trick me into believing that it's the peak of a stone house. I'm envious of your winters if they're warm enough to continue growing plant life.

polona said...

hmmm... perhaps i would prefer larger depth of field in the first photo(not that i don't like it), therefore i'll go for the second one

MarmiteToasty said...

Well I like the first one best and I love that red creeper, such a welcome of colour when most things around are dead and grey....

x

Unknown said...

I like the second one also, can't tell you exactly why but I just do.

Cath said...

I like the first one the best. I think it is the angle. The second one could fall on me. There isn't much in it, but definitely the first one.

Great colours. Very autumny.
Superb shot, as always. :0)

holly said...

wow! i, holly n i, am going to make a decision! that is very very unusual. i am a libra. it doesn't happen often. okay enough about me, this is about the pictures. and my decision is : the second one. i definitely love the second one a little more than the first. the second one says "love me." the first one says "yeah, i don't really care if you like me, i will exist regardless of your love, steve." that's just a bit rude, i think. i'm not steve.

Cath said...

My odd shot is up. I think you'll like it. Please come see!

Sandi McBride said...

Oh what lovely Virginia Creeper you've captured here Dino...brings a song to my heart...
Sandi

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

I like the first shot. Re the ape post before - it isn't really an ape, it's my ex husband. He's just rather hairy, thats all. No need to insult him now.

LA Nickers said...

Pretty.

WINGING IT, at Practically at Home

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

LOVE love love the vibrant color against the sky.

San said...

I like the ambiguity of the second one.

Kat said...

I think I like the top photo because the color jumps out at me a bit more. I also like the way the handrail melts into the sky in that one.
That is such beautiful vibrant orange against that sky.

Sandy Kessler said...

oddly red

Maggie May said...

They are both good but the second shot appeals more.
We have Virginia Creeper here, too, but of course it is in its green state & will change to red in the Autumn!

Lakshmi said...

I like the second..though the angle of the first is very interesting

Jane Hards Photography said...

The second because it's the way I would have taken it.

Diane said...

David, I like the story! LOL~I prefer the second one...but I am a close-up shot kinda girl!

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

I like the second one, but both are great!

Anonymous said...

It's very interesting how always (almost always) the first shot seems to be the best. I tried many times that...phenomena. Yes,I I got better angles and more sophisticated views trying to do more shots, but always the first feels the right one...not may-be better but just the right one...or how do you think? May-be that's the same quick first glance what says to like or to dislike?
Here is the same thing.

Tom said...

This is a problem I have a lot David... I like the reds in this shot it certain makes up for the lack of a blue sky.

Unknown said...

I have trouble to decide which one i like best. Great shots and nice perspectives on both.

becky aka theRAV said...

I thought I liked the 1st one at first until I saw the 2nd one and read your apt description. Now I can't decide. Both are gread shots as always, David.

Louise said...

Both stunning, but I like the first one best. Apparently I'm quite in the minority!

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