Friday, December 26, 2008

Star Turn

It's Christmas Time In The City

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


I was walking down Flinders Street with my family on Tuesday, soaking up the Christmas atmosphere in the city, when I took this shot. We had just walked out of a multi-level car park when I spotted the delicate colour of the sky. It was about 8.30 at night and the sun had already set, leaving a beautiful summery dusk glow.

We were walking towards Flinders Street Station and I hastened my pace marginally, because I could see that the sky would be fairly dark in less than five minutes. I wanted to shoot the silhouette of the station's main dome and one of the minaret-like towers against the sky.

When I decided the combination of sky and silhouette was just right, I realised I was fairly close to a typical Melbourne Christmas decoration - rows of giant silver stars strung across the streets. I only shot one frame, simply because the all-round balance was as close to ideal as I could have got that evening.

I'd just like to emphasise that I did not plan this shot. I just happened to be walking down the street at exactly the right time. Ten minutes earlier or later and the shot would not have had the same effect.

But that evening, it was the ideal Christmas image - a summer sunset, an Eastern-influence minaret and man-made stars against a pastel sky.

For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.

29 comments:

Cath said...

That is a perfect shot. I love the silhouette against the pastel sky. As you said, 10 minutes either way, and it wouldn't have happened. Just perfect. Right place, right time.

Lee said...

I agree with Cath! Perfect shot! The dome and minaret-like tower makes me think of images we used to put up to represent Bethlehem at Christmas, and the stars just add to the Christmas effect. What lovely symbolism in a photo! Thank you, David!

Peace! Hope! & Joy!

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

The skys change so quickly - I captured a nice one the morning of Christmas Eve and there's been nothing better since.

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

perfect picture....

DeniseinVA said...

Wonderful photo! Silhouette photography is always so striking. Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

Anil P said...

The picture has a wonderful feel to it.

Wish you a Happy Christmas.

Jennifer S said...

Perfect shot. I love how you so often seem to be in the right place to make magic.

Steffi said...

Perfect photo!Really nice!Merry christmas for you and your family!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful shot! Happy holidays and brilliant new photo-year from Norway :o)

Cactus Jack Splash said...

That is a great photo

imac said...

Great shot David, ah well its now getting lighter at night now, 4pm darkness.

Olga said...

How striking! I agree with you on not planning the shots: sometimes things just work out perfectly that way.

Anonymous said...

The right time and the right place with a good eye produced a wonderful shot - very Middle Eastern in feeling, perfect for Christmas.

Lew said...

Love the color of the sky agains the skyline!

Sylvia K said...

Really lovely and like the others I love the silhouette against such a fragile and lovely color. Thanks for sharing. Hope you and your family have had a lovely holiday, David.

Tardevil said...

A beautiful photo! Merry Christmas, my friend!

Hilary said...

Very cool! I'd buy something like that for a Christmas card...

Day4plus said...

Very beautiful. A perfect opportunity. Good for you. MB

Petunia said...

Lovely sky watch and christmas shot, David!
Merry Christmas!

lucy said...

very beautiful David...sometimes an accident is stunning.

Annie said...

Nice shot for Christmas David.

Annie

ps I enjoyed the light at the beach for a week with the little families all together. Especially as they liked to visit the beach early morning and evening!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: What a neat capture of the decorated sky. I hope you had a great Chistmas.

Pearl Maple said...

Simply lovely, as often in the case you have to be in the right place at the right time and importantly paying attention to see the beauty that really is all around us.

Thanks for sharing this lovely view of the Melbourne skyline.

Corey~living and loving said...

Hey David. It has been too long since I have been to visit AND comment. several days a week, I read, but have become so busy. I know you understand, but I just wanted you to know that I enjoy your blog just as much as I always have.
I hope you and yours had a fabulous Christmas. :)

I love this shot. wonderful.

i beati said...

i agree David this silhouette ahs a myriad of interpretatios..sandy

Unknown said...

What a great shot, David

Happy holidays.

Mojo said...

In silhouette like that, this scene could have been shot in Rajasthan, or Istanbul or Kashmir or any number of exotic locales. I never would have guessed Melbourne... much less a train(?) station!

Baino said...

Wow McCain (I mean McMahon) you've done it again! Observed something and turned it into something else. Triffic Christmassy shot. Looks more like a Jerusalem Skyline than the old Melbourne Town. Yer a clever lad. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, I'm late as usual and playing catchup. So many blogs, so little time!

Almost American said...

I definitely wouldn't have guessed Australia had you posted it with no explanation!