Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHONPublishing 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.
Vertical .. why? Because it works lock stock and narrow
ReplyDelete:-Daryl
I prefer the horizontal version (probably because of the lines of the siding). Love this color contrast David!
ReplyDeleteThe vertical. Why? You get more of the vertical and more of the horizontal in it. Really. Teh vertical lines are longer and there are more horizontal lines. You also have a slightly off centerd composition. Well, looking back at both you have both off center, but in the horizontal the line of division between the two sides is almost dead center, which doesn't work as well. Good grief. I look back again and everything I've said doesn't hold water at all. But it's all illusion anyway and I like the vertical better.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I prefer the horizontal. Maybe because you "sold me on it" with your description. Each image is a beautiful study in geometries in its own right.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love Daryl's comment!
I'm not a photographer, I just love your blog! But I'll leave my opinion anyway. (: My favorite is the horizontal shot.
ReplyDeleteHorizontal. It seems to invite you in to open the door, where the vertical one seems to be stopping you from approaching.
ReplyDeleteI like the 1st one David.
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, it is odd I did not pick the longer version. Most of my friends will atest I prefer long earrings and long Christmas ornaments. LOL But the 1st one is the one that grabbed me.
ReplyDeleteThe horizontal. Seems all that's in the photo has a purpose. In the vertical, the bottom half seems . . . empty. You have a good eye! Nicely seen.
ReplyDeleteMeant to say . . . I hope you'll tell us your preference, David.
ReplyDeletewell spotted but for some reason the horizontal frame works better for me.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the horizontal because it seems so - well - "in your face" with the contrasts.
ReplyDeleteThe vertical shot reflects the actual shape of the door more nearly. What a 'darting' eye you must have!
ReplyDeleteThat lock is a little different eh! I love red doors!
ReplyDeleteGreat title for the photos! I like the vertical version as a stand alone, but perfer the horizotnal within the text. I am influnced by by monitor which is 16 in wide by 10 in high.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at the photos you get from the most mundane objects. As to more stories I need a prompt most of the time to remember them.
ReplyDeleteI like the horizontal one, but both work.
ReplyDeleteI can't put my finger on it.
First, I love the photo, but if I had to choose - the horizontal shot.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog - I will be back here to look around!
The vertical one. I don't know why!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm a red door man
ReplyDeleteI'm a red door man
Whoa, baby, I'm a red door man
You men snap your pictures, aim and click your shots
I snap more pictures, any camera's ever caught, yeah, yeah
I'm a red door man, wha, the men don't know
But the photo-mat understand
Both. I love the vertical door and frame against the horizontal slats. Don't know how you do it but you make the simplest of things dramatic. I really need to open my eyes! (on another note - Elizabeth Arden's Red Door is awful)
ReplyDeleteI looked at the doors from both ways, now; from up and down and still, somehow, as the door illusions I recall, I really don't know doors at all. (apologies to Joni Mitchell).
ReplyDeleteBoth have their appeal. Of the two, I tend to 'like' the horizontal shot better, but that's just gut reaction.
Hmmmm..... I think I like the vertical one as it has an illusion of being longer - 'cause I'm a shorty and maybe have that on my mind all the time :-[
ReplyDeleteRene.