Friday, April 17, 2009

Thank You For Giving Me A Heads-Up

A Ferry-Tale Ending

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON



Sometimes you get thrown a curve ball and it turns out to be an unexpected bonus, rather than a hindrance. During our trip to Sydney a few days ago, I was with the Authorbloglets and close friends on the ferry from Milsons Point to Circular Quay.

It was dusk. The light was fading fast on a cloudy evening. I had my camera around my neck, but the ferry was very crowded with locals and Easter tourists and we had to take separate, far-flung seats under cover. I was in the middle of the main deck, with three or four people on my left.

In addition, there were others standing outside to get a better view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Just before the ferry docked, I could see the distinctive shape of the Opera House through the rectangular ferry porthole. Half-heartedly, I removed my lens cap and picked up my Pentax. Always on the lookout for an unusual perspective on a familiar sight, I realised I could shoot one aspect of the Opera House through the window frame of the ferry.

I lined up the shot, knowing the Opera House would slide out of view in about fifteen seconds. As I adjusted the focus ring, a woman sitting a couple of seats away suddenly leaned forward to speak to a friend.

With her head in the bottom-left quadrant of my frame, she obscured almost a quarter of my view. I hesitated for a split second. Then I hit the shutter anyway. Had I waited for her to move back out of the way, it would have still been an interesting rendition of the great Australian landmark through the thick glass of the porthole.

But by recognising the fact that this was a great opportunity, I was able to capture a frame that is not perfect, but one that certainly is a highly unusual view of a familiar and often-photographed symbol of the country I live in.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

19 comments:

Nessa said...

It looks like the head of the Statue of Liberty.

Wayne said...

Id say that has to be austraila the opra house

great photo friday

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

It's always good to have a different perspective on things....both literally and figuratively.

Rinkly Rimes said...

The shadow gives the photograph movement as it looks blurred.

B SQUARED said...

To anyone who remembers, it looks like Pacman.

Unknown said...

You have a great eye David.

Alex the Girl said...

Great perspective.

Anonymous said...

Just goes to show, that while not all goes according to plan, sometimes the unplanned surprises reward us.

tiarastantrums said...

for those of us who do not get a close view of a spectacular sight . . . thank you!

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I have to second tiaras and tantrums!

Saz said...

Great Photo and story this friday! I shall remmeber to go for it anyway as the camera does seem to do magic things if you take a chance!
I used to think this when I was'developing' pics, the old fashioned way, one hundred years ago. The same is still true nowadays.

Maggie May said...

It is very unusual and makes you really want to see more! Like a tease......

Shadow said...

the things in the picture we'd never know, if you didn't tell...

Daryl said...

Sometimes those tourists just dont get it ... she should have been looking not talking ..

Barbaloot said...

Neat picture. I'm excited to go see that in a few months!

Cath said...

I love the story you build around any of your shots, but these "ordinary" ones are the best. They really are.

Regina said...

It's an abstract, if not of the story.

Hi David, since I'm a newbie,
I'm learning a lot through your post.
I'm not even a writer so it's an extra mile to me.. but somehow I'm making it through. I would not even know about a Photo Story Friday if not of your site.
Thank you.

You may visit me sometime.

Regina

French Fancy... said...

It's on my list of buildings to see Before I Die

great pic

Louise said...

I LOVE this view! It is excellent!