Friday, February 06, 2009

Put Your Left Leg Out, Put Your Right Leg ...

And You Shake It All About

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This shot was taken on the edge of Lake Kathleen in Kluane National Park, four months ago. We were just about to set off on a hike through amazing terrain when I watched this couple unload their canoe.

I was concentrating on the fall colours against the snow-capped mountains on the far side of the lake when my attention was instead caught by the body language of the two canoeists.

As they walked across the grey shale to the water’s edge, this image snapped in my head and I immediately turned my camera towards them. I had to make sure I was directly behind them so that they could not be identified.

But the real beauty, in my mind, came not just from the beauty of their surroundings but from the symmetry of their bodies and the complementary angles of their extended arms. In addition, I could not have asked for better colour contrasts, because the man on the left was wearing dark blue and the woman on the right was wearing red.

Just as they sought perfect balance in their task, I looked for exactly the same kind of balance in the image that captured their effort.

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23 comments:

Jack and Joann said...

Body language. That's what law enforcement folks use to help crack a case.

Now this case was innocent and fun. Thanks for posting it. Many times the best photos use body language. You could post this on Wordless Wednesdays and everyone would get the story loud and clear.

Have a great weekend down under. Joann

Hilary said...

I like seeing the picnic table in front too. It adds texture and colour to the otherwise natural surroundings.

Katney said...

I was confused at first when you mentioned fall colors. What? But I realize that this was on your Yukon trip.

Alex @ I'm the Mom said...

lol awesome picture. You're right, they look perfect side by side :D

Susan English Mason said...

Really clever title. I wanna see them shake it all about. I could use a little pick me up.

George said...

Thanks for telling us your thought process that allowed you to come up with this great picture.

Chris said...

Before I even read the story -- I was thinking how neat the symmetry of their bodies is.

Neat shot.

gogouci said...

I, too, have performed the "canoe-carry waddle". Not an easy feat.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

They look perfectly matched and well titled!

Oman said...

what a coincidence david. my post is also about water. let me share my white water rafting adventure to you here

take care!!!

Richard Lawry said...

Great "balance"

An Arkies Musings

tiarastantrums said...

beautiful shot - the first thing I noticed were the outstretched arms! I totally missed the mountains and had to scroll back up

Natalie said...

What a great blog! No wonder you have so many followers.

Bushfire shots were awesome / scary.

Saz said...

I enjoyed image created by your prose in this post as well as the photograph!

Maggie May said...

Brilliant photo! Very well balanced!

Jinksy said...

Balance and harmony - what life should be all about.

Jenners said...

Visiting from the Photo Story Friday posts...

What a great eye you have!! I am sure that I would have missed this great photo opportunity had I been there! Thanks for sharing and for your comments. It made the photo even more enjoyable for me! : )

TBM said...

This is a stunning photo in so many ways, David.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Wonderful photo, David! I taught a unit on body language in a communications course when I was a grad student years ago, and it has always fascinated me.

Sheila

Daryl said...

I always like your photos, Den Mom, but this one I especially like because of the way you framed it ... I like feeling as if I am sitting at the picnic table watching ..

Susie said...

Nice shot David. I of course love the song too and now I can't stop singing it.
Thanks for that!

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Again, I love your post title, your words and oh that photograph - EXACTLY.

May you find the balance.

Anonymous said...

This is a striking photo. Love the body language, colors, background - it's just lovely!