Ticket To Ride

Getting There, In A Roundabout Way

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This first photograph didn't fool you for one moment. Right? You knew immediately that I was shooting a ferris wheel, didn't you? These were taken at Birrarung Marr, here in Melbourne.


Sometimes you just have to make use of a hazy sky by shooting the tightest frames you possibly can. It helps if you have a 70-300mm lens, just like the one I used for these shots, taken about a fortnight ago.


Having a long lens means you can compose some interesting frames, even when you're shooting from almost a kilometre away.


And it means you can use hanging fronds of palm trees (above) in soft focus in the foreground, while keeping your main subject in clear view. On the other hand, you can wait for winter (below) and use bare trees as a stark counterpoint.


It's not crucial, however, to have a long lens. I shot these images of the same ferris wheel almost two years ago, on a cold, grey Mebourne winter morning - with a normal lens.


More often than not, a grey sky might seem unfriendly, but it is a great opportunity to utilise unusual angles or aspects to emphasise your subject.


Never be afraid to get close to your subject. And then, when you think you are close enough, you can always shuffle forward to get a few steps closer. Work the angles - you'll enjoy the results.

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