Saturday, August 16, 2008

Simon Towel

Isn't He A Judge On American Idol?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This shot was taken in Singapore last December. I've always found that the best way a photographer can really soak up a new place is to walk everywhere. Yes, taking public transport or driving a rental car is a convenient way to get around quickly, but there's nothing like walking briskly around and giving yourself the chance to look, observe and examine - as you stop at your leisure to photograph images that captivate you for a variety of reasons.

One of the places I wanted to check out in Singapore was Little India. Strangely enough, I'd never been there before and I have to say it was a great experience. I reckon I shot more than a hundred images under the huge roof of the complex, because the colours that confronted me were so rich, the fabrics were so stunning and the sights were so redolent of my own childhood years.

Do you ever find that you "see" more when you have a camera in your hands? Had I been browsing without a camera slung around my neck, chances are I would not have given this neat pile of towels a second glance. But I reckon they caught my eye because they were slightly askew and not in military-like order - and because of the way they were placed on the shelf of the store, which meant they were angled away from me.

New visitors to this blog might wonder if this photograph has been digitally enhanced in any way. The answer is no, because I never manipulate my images. These exquisitely soft cotton towels, manufactured in India, were simply vibrant in their coloour and contrast. I could not walk past them without asking permission to shoot them where they lay.

Nope, I've never been one to throw in the towel.

Visit TNChick, the creator of Photo Hunt.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, I had been to Little India and the first thought went across was that I was transported back to India !!
So much similarity it has.

A curiosity here... I see many photographers including you, take photos inside shops/restaurants etc.
Mostly in India we Indians are refused to take photos as they think that we belong to a press or something (foreigners are allowed though) and hence now I either feel hesitant to ask even if I have a subject waiting for me.

You also must've come across such situation. How do you manage ? Do you come back empty hand after being refused ?

SandraRee said...

Simon Towel, heh heh

Kat said...

I think YOU see more when you have a camera in your hand because you just have that photographers eye. You have an amazing ability to feel a fabulous shot. It really is such a gift.
I love the bright colors of those towels!

maryt/theteach said...

David, my photohunt isn't up yet but it will be by later this afternoon. But your photo is extremely, pleasantly colorful! Thank you for it!

BTW come over to my blog to The BBC's Big Read Meme" and see if you want to participate... Don't feel compelled, though. :)

Colin Campbell said...

I used to live just across the road from Mustaffas. That was a real link with my Scottish past which had the equivalent (not quite so interesting), the Wonder Store. I used to like to wander around. I had just come after living for many years in America. It was great to be able to access all the familiar brands again. That and the hot sweet tea. Fantastic shot.

EatPlayLove said...

I completely agree about seeing more with a camera in your hands. I was hanging around my yard, in the grass after I was just given a camera for Mother's Day. I took so many photos of things happening with insects or patterns in nature, that I would have easily let go unnoticed!

Sandi McBride said...

I love towels...thick terry cloth colorful towels and especially stripes...I wish I had everyone one of these thirsty sheets of pleasure right at hand...right now...lovely picture...ideal subject!
Sandi

Cath said...

That is by far the best shot of Simon Towel I have EVER seen!
And he's not too unkind to the lens either in his other shots. ;0)

Babs (Beetle) said...

It's a shame that people expect that photographs have been digitally enhanced now days. I suppose a lot of people do it.

BTW I have always used Canon. I used to own a Canon AE1 years ago and loved it. I'm afraid the cost is what will govern the camera I get. UK prices are so high.

Corey~living and loving said...

Great shot. Indeed Very colorful David! :)
Happy Weekend!

Lee said...

Wow! Those look good and ready for use. The red one is my favorite. Can we go swimming?

Cheers!

Louis la Vache said...

Very nice capture of the color, David. Like you, "Louis" likes the fact the towels aren't in perfect order. The shot wouldn't be quite so interesting if they were...

katherine. said...

so...did you rearrange the towels before you took the shot?

smile.

Bradley's Mom said...

What glorious colors!

Beautiful shot, David. I am continually amazed at how you bring forth such beauty in ordinary things.

xoxo

Rose said...

I agree. I look differently at the world with the camera in my hand. Very nice shot.

jmb said...

Very different photo for this theme. But perfect. Have a good weekend David.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I have found that when I slow down I see many more photo opportunities and yes things look better with camera in hand.

Gemma Wiseman said...

These towel colours are crisp and dazzling! I too would stop to take a pic!

Anonymous said...

I bring along a camera whenever I go. Even food have to be taken photos of before indulging :D

Simon Towel, he sure has a colorful vocabulary :D

Pea in a Pod said...

Those are nice and colorful towels! And I bring my camera everywhere I go:)

Merisi said...

I reckon Simon Towel's not wet any more behind his ears, judging from that pile! ;-)

I agree with your statement about seeing more with a camera at hand. *smile* More than one friend has become an intrepid camera user after accompanying me on my excursions.

While walking is my mantra, I'd like to add that, generally speaking, exploring on your own is the best way to not only discover those hidden treasures, but also to be able to take the time to photograph them, without upsetting anybody.

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

David...You have me looking at the world in a whole new way. I always looked at the beauty, but now I see the little things. I long for a good camera. Maybe after my shows.

These colors remind me of a new box of Crayola crayons!

Hootin Anni said...

I agree with you about walking....'walk about' when seeing other cultures come alive in front of your eyes! It's a great learning experience. [And for you, a great photo taking adventure!]


My colorful is posted...stop by if you can find time.

Happy Hunting!

Anonymous said...

Oh that is very colorful towels and pretty too. Happy hunting!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shot! I totally agree with being able to see more with camera in hand. Then again, sometimes you see less because your field of vision is less, but you are definitely more away of your surroundings, constantly framing shots and looking for the beauty.

lucy said...

You are a gifted man...but what I want to know is this...did you buy one of those beautiful towels?

Randi said...

Wow...colourful indeed!
I love this - simple and a brilliant shot!

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

GROAN! :)

I loved it.

Saz said...

YES!! you are so right about 'seeing' things more or differently with a camera in your hands ... I think I focus more if l have the camera with me and if I use the view finder (oldfashioned) or lsd screen, to 'find' patterns, textures or just as you say SEE things!!!

i LOVE that people get me here and I get them....it likemindedness l think....even unwittingly so!

Rambling Woods said...

LOL..very good David....

Enigma said...

Wow. An incredible COLORFUL shot. Mine doesn't hold a candle, or a thread, to yours, but I had to drop you a line and say hello. Incredible work.

Leslie: said...

definitely fits with the colourful theme. couldn't do it this weekend as my computer is down (getting a new server) - back on Monday, hopefully.

Hilary said...

What an absorbing photo.. ;) Really.. beautiful. :)

www.ayewonder.com said...

David,
Great shot for the theme and as usual, another sensational pun.