Thursday, November 13, 2008

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.

23 comments:

spacedlaw said...

Lovely shots indeed, David

Maggie May said...

Your titles gave it away, David and I knew it was a grand piano right away.
Lovely looking thing.
One consolation is, that that even if it was affordable, not many homes could squash one in!

Anonymous said...

weird imaginn tht weird people hve:the first picture made me think of a shoe! the 3golden hoops lead me to think u had art-photographed shoe from the back o the heel.had a laugh when I completed the whole post.
I love lookng at pictures, stumbled hre thru DRD,enjoyd,thx :)

Saz said...

It reminds me of my old deco piano we gave a way last year before the downsize move.though it was not as 'grande' as this one...

Unknown said...

david...amazing shot! You have a gift of making the ordinary, appear extraordinary!

~AirmanMom returning to her blog...

i beati said...

terrific angles

Hilary said...

Yes, your titles do give you away, but that sure didn't detract from how amazing these shots are. Golden, indeed.

Charles Gramlich said...

Definitely intersting light and shadow. I was pretty sure it was a piano off the bat.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: Very nice photos, I'd say they are worth a GRAND.

Daryl said...

How grand ...

:-Daryl

Jules~ said...

Beautiful!
It is amazing how our minds play games with what we see and use our experiences to filter things.
First glance said Hawaiian lave flow. Then I thought running shoes stacked with tongues touching. Then I laughed and realized it was the amazing glow of a grand piano. They are beautiful even without sound.

Epijunky said...

I loved the shots, they're gorgeous with the gold light washing over them.

I put a few shots of my own up, they're not exactly in the same spirit, but are of a similar subject.

Kat said...

Ah-ha! I knew it was a piano in the first shot. I'd recognize that golden glow anywhere.
Beautiful shots! I love that last one. :)

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

There's no instrument greater than a classic grand piano!
Wonderful shots and beautiful light too!

cheshire wife said...

I guessed straight away that it was a grand piano. You would not get shots like that of an upright piano.

Daisy said...

Lovely photos- I love the contours and colours- makes me really wish I could play the piano! Very pleased to find your blog- and my Granny's from Melbourne so I look forward to reading all about it!

Bee said...

Pianos are so lovely with their lines and curves. Those are great captures.

Makes me want to sit down and play a sonata. Of course, lessons wouldn't hurt, either.

polona said...

well, the first photo didn't give me a clue but i knew right awa after seeing the second one.
wonderful shots!

Tiffany Norris said...

I can't believe I knew this one! Perhaps because I've been dreaming of owning a grand piano for a looooong time. Beautiful photos!

Gone Back South said...

Wow. It's stunning - like a work or art.

Virtualsprite said...

Gorgeous shots.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Knew it was a piano from the off, but it was your reasons for photographing the way you did I wanted to know. Light, shade and lines fascinate me and the way we all choose to interpret an image.

Cath said...

Ha ha! I knew immediately! I did truly. And now I am bragging. But it isn't often I get them on a glimpse. As soon as the post loaded I thought "Oh a grand piano!".

Great shots of my first true love. However did you find him? :)