Friday, January 09, 2009

Lobby Group

Reflections Can Create A Familiar Composite Image

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This shot was taken in the lobby of the Perth Sheraton, earlier this week while we were on the west coast for a family wedding. I was in a hurry as I walked to the car park in the company of Mrs Authorblog, but as we crossed from the reception desk to the doors, this sight caught my eye.

I was concentrating on several other factors, so I couldn't immediately identify what it was that attracted my attention. But I knew that I had to take the shot. I had walked through the lobby of the hotel several times in the previous 48 hours, but the sunlight had never produced this effect before.

Mrs Authorblog, being a good sport, waited for me, although I must admit that I have a faint memory of her rolling her eyes and tapping one foot on the marble floor. Let's put it this way. Some husbands have a wandering eye for, well, eye candy. I have a wandering eye for art, wherever and however unexpectedly it may appear.

As always, I had my camera bag slung across my shoulders, so it only took me a few seconds to take the shot. It was only after we'd flown home to Melbourne and I looked at the solitary image on my computer screen that I realised what had attracted my attention in the first place.

The image, in totality, looks as if it has been shot in some mystical cathedral. Look carefully and you'll see what I mean. The dark shape of the simple wooden crosspiece now appears as a bold crucifix, dominating the middle of the frame.

And, quite in keeping with the spirit of the theme, the striking colours of the painting on the left, when viewed through the doorway, now look for all the world like an ethereal stained-glass window.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

31 comments:

Hccm said...

You still amaze us David.

Katney said...

I got a museum feel from this one.

Alyson | New England Living said...

That is one stunning shot! You've got the eye, my friend.

Alexandra MacVean said...

Your blog is pretty amazing. wow! Thank you for visiting mine and THANKS for the invite for the warm sun. I just might take you up on it. :)

Chris said...

What a terrific eye to see that in passing!

Neva said...

You have a great eye and patience what with all the eye rolling and foot tapping happening! Nice shot...

Neva said...

Sparty is short for Spartacus....seemed like he needed a big name since he was going to be around big dogs.....(and he thinks he is as big as they are....)

Michelle said...

Lovely image. It is so rare to catch those great reflection shots. Or maybe I'm not always looking for them?

Anyway, thanks for another fab shot.

Lynette said...

Hard to believe that's a hotel lobby, David. Isn't photography a great big bunch of surprising, interesting, exciting and challenging fun?

Thanks for stopping by to enjoy the car parts at Portland Oregon Daily Photo. Please tell me about the skeleton car in Whitehorse.

Craig Glenn said...

Love the photo David. I spent a lot of time thinking about the two signs. One deep in meaning and profound... Origins. And one simple and with directions... Exit>

Craig

katherine. said...

the reflection pictures are great...

the foot tapping/eye rolling is familiar to me...I was just mentioning on my site about being left in an alley in mexico while taking a picture.

tiarastantrums said...

I couldn't agree with you more

Lilly said...

That is a lovely shot - love reflections.

I guess we all have our own 'eye candy', depending on our particular interests. I thought I would come over and visit as I noticed your comment on Alex's blog and that you were another Aussie.

Maggie May said...

The cross on the highly polished floor. Brilliant!

Seems an innocent past time to me, chasing reflections....... but can understand the foot tapping & eye rolling! LOL!

Pappy said...

I hope this message is right side up when you get it. Trust all is well on your side of the globe. Have a great weekend. Pappy

soulbrush said...

whew your blog is amazing!

Unknown said...

I love shots like this, taken because you know you've seen something even if in the exact moment you don't recognise it - but you know it's a shot you have to take, you know there is a magic in it. I often think these make the very best kind of images.
Great stuff, David!

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

That's beautiful.

Gail said...

There are no accidents! Through your comment, I have found your amazing site.
An author! I could tell by reading before I found that tidbit.
Since Australia has always pulled me and your writing entertains me. I will be back.
Check out my conversation with dead people on today's post.
Thanks for stopping by.

Lee said...

Excellant! The shot does produce a nice cross image in the reflection. And how great that you can trust your instincts, even if you don't know the reasons for them! Not everyone can do that. You're an example for the rest of us, David. Thank you.

Cheers!

RiverPoet said...

Beautiful! You have such an eye for art.

I noticed you're not doing POTD posts so far this year, but check out Sam's post here: http://tinyurl.com/8bx78e

I know you'll like it - Peace - D

Cathy said...

Oh wow! I see what you mean! Something so ordinary turns into something quite extraordinary!

Louise said...

Very nice.I'm glad you realized what it was that was so appealing. I see it, but am sure I would not have without some prompting from your commentary.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i like it! fab shot!

Kelly Deneen Raymond said...

That is an amazing picture!

Anonymous said...

I LOVED this picture from the moment I saw it, but it was only on close examination I saw why-the cross, the stained glass reflection,the reverse picture. You are an artist, David. Perhaps you might show us some of your paintings-go on-start a trend.

Bee said...

My first thought was "How do they get their floors so shiny?"

Do they "worship" at the temple of Mop N Glow?

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Oh verrrry niiiiice. I ADORE the reflection and perspective in this shot David. VERY captivating.

Merisi said...

Great capture!

You always make me smile when you mention your fellow family members, rolling eyes, tapping feet. I get into a lot of trouble that way. ;-)

Sandi McBride said...

I'd hate to have the job of Waxing...I'd be waxing but my energy would be waning!
Lovely shot. It would make a good mystery story illustration.
Sandi

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Awesome shot!