Monday, July 07, 2008

Orange Clockwork

Can You Figure Out What I've Shot Here?


Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Last week, my Odd Shots theme, Taking Leaf Of My Senses, was shot specifically to prove that you can still use a camera in bad weather. This week, I’ve tried to do the same thing and I’ve followed up on my belief that there are always splashes of colour to liven up a dull sky.

Can you guess what I’ve photographed here? Is it a brave Bedouin shielding his face from the chill of Melbourne’s winter? Is it a Sesame Street character in disguise? Is it a close-up of a swift falcon’s hood, just before the falconeer releases his bird of prey? What’s your guess?

Okay, so here’s the answer. You know those heavy canvas umbrellas at outdoor cafes? Well this is just the top section of one of the huge umbrellas above the cafĂ© tables at Southbank. Now take a look at the shot below.

You’ll see I’ve shifted my stance noticeably and the same object is now completely off-centre. There’s a reason for that. Can you see something hazy in the background, to the left?

Now take a look at the third shot in the series. I’ve taken it from exactly the same position, but I’ve reversed the focus on the shot. This time the heavy orange canvas is in soft focus and I’ve concentrate on one of the beautiful dome in the distance.

I used my 300mm lens for this series of shots, which is just as well, because the dome is on Flinders Street, probably 400-500 metres (about half a kilometre) away from where I was standing. It is the signature dome on top of the State Theatre.

So there you go. Next time you’re walking under a grey sky, take a good look around and see how many bright colours you can photograph.

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

17 comments:

Gretchen said...

Never would have guessed that one!

Maggie May said...

I knew it was an umbrella. But look at that temple in the last picture! Looks like a little face peeping!

Skeeter said...

I wouldn't have guessed it either, although it did make for a very nice shot. Great lines, colors and angles. Nice!

Unknown said...

I got it right from the first shot! I think of you often down there in Australia while I'm loving, enjoying, savoring the lovely, beautiful, wonderful summer.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sniz

Sam Fox said...

Hmmm, I thought it was a high-viz vest draped over a post at first glance! Certainly a nice splash of colour in our Antipodean winter, David!

Anonymous said...

Never would have guessed :)

Charles Gramlich said...

The shot with the dome is very interesting. TO me there looks like either two faces at the bottom peaking over the wall, or perhaps thumbs from two hands.

polona said...

i always try to find some colour on grey days... and our winters can be soooo tedious and depressing.

Connie said...

I was going to guess it was part of a rain poncho. Close but no cigar! :D

SandyCarlson said...

That's gorgeous, David. I figured it was an umbrella. Thanks for the detail.

Les Becker said...

I thought it was a covered parking meter...

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: I thought it was the cover over a parking meter that was broken. Talk about missing the mark.

Cath said...

I knew it was a canvass umbrella, but I didn't know what a wonderful lesson I would get to boot.
Great shots again, and great lesson.

Jules~ said...

The State Theatre dome is beautiful. It reminds me of a Fabrige' (sp?) egg.
The orange umbrella...good job. I had it in mind to be a construction worker's vest resting on a shovel handle.

just jamie said...

I always love these David.

Lavinia said...

By golly,
It's a brolly!

Paulie said...

I am late but I am finally here and that is definitely an odd shot. I had no idea what it was.