Traffic Jamb

Open And Shut Case

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Publishing this shot gives me the perfect opportunity to share a bit of trivia about Jim Morrison and The Doors. Legend has it that the group chose their name from the title of an Aldous Huxley book, called "The Doors Of Perception".

These shots were taken four days ago, while I was taking some photos of flower beds. I was walking back to my car when I noticed this door. Seen on its own, it was not something I would have photographed. But sometimes you need to look at an object in the context of its surroundings.

The dark paint over of the timber door and its vertical frame made an interesting contrast (geometrically and in colour terms as well) with the strong horizontal lines beside it. That’s why I wandered over to take this shot - and the added attraction was the circular shape and the metallic tone of the door handle.

Look closely and you’ll even notice that the lock, with its alloy sheen, is partially visible between the door and the jamb.

The door is in a building that gets a lot of human traffic every day. But the day I shot this image, there was no one in the building or outside it. I wouldn’t have "seen" this shot if the door had been open. Which just goes to prove, I guess, that even a closed door is an opportunity!

If you have time, do let me know whether you prefer the horizontal shot or the vertical frame below.