Grand Style

Shapes And Colours Strike The Perfect Note

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Okay, so here’s the challenge. Do you know what I’ve photographed? While you’re figuring out the answer, I’ll tell you why I took these shots. I was trying to capture the unique contours of light as well as the undulating wave-like pattern of alternating colour and darkness.

It might look like a pool of liquid gold, but here’s another view of the same sight of the same object, taking in a completely different composition, to incorporate its own reflection. Need some clues?


I was in Allan’s Music, a beautiful landmark on Bourke Street, in central Melbourne. I was at the front of the store when I happened to notice a couple of grand pianos in a step-down area in semi-darkness at the back of the store.

Naturally, I had to ask if I could possibly take my camera down there and get some shots - and the friendly staff were quick to give me permission. It was an interesting situation, because the light was extremely low, yet there were some beautiful possibilities in the reflection off the dark wood and the soft lighting that fell on the interior of some of the grand pianos that had their lids open.


I was in a hurry, but I managed to experiment with the settings on the camera to produce these shots. I have to admit, I’ve never been in an area surrounded by so many expensive grand pianos, and yes, I resisted the impulse to play a couple of notes.

I think it’s extremely interesting that with the amazing advances in technology, our music still comes from instruments that are created with the use of ancient methods.

And how many grand does a grand piano cost? Let’s just say a lot of grand. You need a lot of loot to pay for them.

Or maybe that should be a lot of lute.