Thursday, August 21, 2008

Exit Strategy

Always Take Time To Reflect

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Sometimes even the simplest of objects can make a striking image. I took this shot in a multi-level car park here in Melbourne. Just before I walked out, I happened to look up and noticed, to my surprise, that the ceiling was coated with a high-gloss paint.

Naturally enough, this gave me an interesting effect to capture. It’s not often a reflection overshadows (in more sense than one) the original source, but in this case I framed the shot so that you look at it exactly as I did. I noticed the reflection first - and then the exit sign.

Interestingly enough, if I’d been walking through the car park in broad daylight, the neon sign would not have been switched on and I would have missed an unusual shot.

Here’s another point to ponder: when was the last time you saw a reflection actually positioned above its source, rather than below it?

23 comments:

none said...

Neon is an expensive way to do an no exit sign. Still a very cool photo.

Lee said...

Love the red, David! Wish it were all that color. Always my favorite!

Cheers!

Saz said...

abc wednesday...e- for exit???

Betsy Brock said...

There's beauty to be seen in everything if we just stop and look for it! I think you have that talent down pat! :)

polona said...

well spotted as usual...
i've been looking for reflections left, right and centre... and even upwards thanks to a certain blogger but with limited success

Louise said...

That appears to be a posh car-park!

Leslie: said...

That's a very good point to ponder. The more I use my camera (and visit sites like yours) the more my eyes have been opened to photo opportunities! I see "art" in everything now! Thx!

Sandi McBride said...

So vibrant a photo yet almost hellish in its intent! No EXIT...
Sandi

lucy said...

Or is it red for Ruby Tuesday? I have a great picture of reflection above the object...come see it!

http://lucyslogicakayouknow.blogspot.com/2008/08/colorful-indeed.html

Hilary said...

Wow, that's a pretty place to park. Around here they're all dark and smell like bodily fluids.

Unknown said...

Devilish...

PRH said...

Red, the Right Color in this situation. NO EXIT could not come in any other color than brigh RED.

Baino said...

David you're not wrong. The simple thinks can look stunning! I actually, (now don't laugh) took my camera through the auto carwash on the weekend and I've ended up with some brilliant abstract shots . .I'm still working out how to wind them into a post I'm so proud of them! As for the reflection question . . .mmm . . .I'll have to reflect on that!

Deb said...

And this inquiring mind would like to know your camera of choice? Please. I am doing camera research and would appreciate your input. I saw the poll on your blog which shows Canon in the lead. I wonder how many people rushed by the exit sign and never noticed the red glow? Thanks for noticing the 'little' things.

Merisi said...

Looking up and spotting a "No Exit" sign? Is this an Australian way of foreshadowing? ;-)

Unknown said...

Neat shot! Yes, good point about the reflection being above, rather than below!

Daryl said...

Interesting .. it would be on all the time here in the States, okay at least in NY in the places I have been .. all exit signs indoors are illuminated in some way .. most are like lightboxes with the Exit in red lit from behind.

:-Daryl

Tess Kincaid said...

I'm surprised that they would ever turn it off! Nice shot. Love red.

Kat said...

That is an excellent shot!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: So many things to ponder, I'm juat glad you snapped the photo.

San said...

The NO EXIT sign is so delicious as captured in your photo, I want to disobey and try to exit that way. I take that back. Bad idea. Too much oncoming traffic. OK. I'm in reverse now.

Cath said...

An interesting shot - and thought. I never considered a reflection above the object. Clever.

becky aka theRAV said...

Very cool shot. David. I had a No Exit sign too but forgot to add it although I described it in my E post. I will have to ponder your question a bit.