Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
We were driving past Paddington Market in Sydney last week when I had to stop at a traffic light. As always, my camera was within easy reach. My attention was first caught by the iron trellis on this wall, about twenty metres to my left.
Not only was the craftsmanship redolent of the colonial era, it also reminded me of my own childhood in India, where this sort of work was extremely common.
I wanted to compose the shot based around the various shades of grey, but I worked the focal plane quickly, to include the lowest portion of a tree branch nearby, just to provide a splash of colour. It was only at this point that I noticed the "No Parking" street sign that said "Wedding or funeral vehicles excepted".
I had to react very quickly, because the lights were about to change. So I focused on the iron trellis, leaving the street sign in softer focus, but still apparent.
So tell me, did you notice the street sign immediately?
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I focused on the railings immediately because they are so beautiful and so remind me of those in Savannah, New Orleans and Charleston.
ReplyDeleteAnd I the love the colors in the tiny tree branch in the upper left hand corner.
Photoshop out the signs? =0
The sign did not distract me. I thought the railing was so beautiful and so deep in color that it caught and kept my interest.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately ~ street signs ~ only because I figured there was a catch! The signs seemed to contradict each other. Then, I saw the way the colors all came together so beautifully, and saving the best for last, I focused in on the gorgeous railings. Hope this doesn't reveal some psychopathic character flaw in me! Ha!!
ReplyDeleteFirst the ironwork which is beautiful, then the sign which is unusual but I suspect is related to a nearby chapel. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteFor me it was all about the street sign. Honestly, I didn't notice the grill til you talked about it. That sign is priceless!
ReplyDeleteI noticed the railing...it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a classic sign -- I've never seen that before.
ReplyDeleteit was the first thing I noticed - sadly
ReplyDeleteAre both going to a better place?
ReplyDeleteRailing first then focussed on the parking sign and of course my sense of humour took over. "Can I borrow a hearse please?"
ReplyDeleteI love the word redolent.
ReplyDeletegreat photo friday
ReplyDeletethonkyou for sharing
too funny and yes I did notice the sign
ReplyDeleteMy eye went immediately to the curvatious beauty of the wrought iron - I really only took in the sign after reading your post!
ReplyDeleteActually not at all--I only saw the railings! After I read your post, I had to go back and take a look. But I guess that's nothing new. :)
ReplyDeleteyes but not as fast as usual
ReplyDeleteYes - unfortunately because of the bright red on the street sign it caught my eye. But I soon moved to the railings.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot - and story.
(One day you'll get arrested y'know!)
I noticed it right away, how charming is that! And sincere thanks for the POTD nod, I'm humbled David.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the signs first, mainly because I couldn't read them and being such a nosey individual, that annoyed me, LOL. Then I saw the railings and they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
The signs first, though I think they add something to the photo. Color, perspective...That railing is gorgeous, though.
ReplyDeletesaw the street sign first off and did my best to read it before I even noticed the iron railing.
ReplyDeleteI noticed only because the 'dead reckoning" tagline made me look...
ReplyDelete