Thursday, May 07, 2009

Beach Buoys

This Is The Doorway To Surf Heaven

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Last month while we were at Bondi beach in Sydney, I took several shots of the world-famous crescent of sand and surf when I decided to try and find a shot that was, well, different. I wanted an image that captured not just the timelessness of Bondi, but also something that anchored the scene sufficiently.

Time was tight, but I wanted to shoot the beach from inside a building.

The street was maybe a two or three minute walk away, and I could easily have taken a shot from there, looking towards the water, using my 300mm lens. Instead, on a whim, I walked over to the Bondi Pavilion, which houses the change rooms, ice cream parlour and snack bars.

Beside the lockers, I found exactly what I was looking for – an old-style doorway. Not only was I able to get the shot with my 18-125mm lens, I also had the added bonus of the glass arch above the actual door. The segmented view through the colonial-era archway adds just that little bit extra to the image.

So what we have here is a twenty-first century tourist attraction, seen through the craftsmanship of the nineteenth century. Yep, that’s a handy result.

Just one last observation. Have a look at the shot below, of the Pavilion. I didn't just shoot this because of the combination of parallel lines, horizontal references, lattice-like effect on the panes of glass and the contrast of the multiple arches. There was another reason, as I'll explain .....

Do you notice the interesting similarity between the angle of the sandwich board and the angle of the legs of the person in the light shirt? Okay, so it's not perfect, but I had to take the shot before he moved.


For earlier posts in this series, check out
The Doors Archive.


29 comments:

Shadow said...

that is definately the doorway to surf heaven. even just heaven... you have beautiful beaches over there.

Hilary said...

Both wonderful shots, David. Only you would notice something like those angles on the second one, and shoot it. If I was lucky, I might notice that sort of thing while reviewing my photos. Nicely done, as always.

Ananda girl said...

Would that I could walk through that portal now...

Lowell said...

Great job here, David! All the photos are excellent, but I especially like the last one...your photographic eye was working well!

Thank you, too, for the POTD mention for The Villages DP - Lois Anne's sunset!

Much appreciated.

Lois Anne, by the way, has many relatives in Australia...

Best wishes!

Mojo said...

I've heard, from people who would know, that some of the best surfing to be had in the world is on your shores.

I've seen with my own eyes though that some of the best photographic subjects in the world are there as well.

Wonderfully done again David! My theme this week is a lot less festive, but it is what it is.
The Doors #12: "Open, But Closed"

Anonymous said...

You are a wonder-yes, I see it now that you have mentioned it.

Unknown said...

Wonderful comparison of angles! I like it!

James said...

Wow, you have good a eye to catch the board vs guy angles.

Grace Albaugh said...

These fun little observations seem to fall into your lap David. It's like you are an oddity magnet.(that's meant as a compliment)

Thumbelina said...

Such an observant eye.
Well spotted. (The legs I mean)
Not perfect, but definitely enough for a double take. :)

Great shots - I love the second one. It's the details.

Jientje said...

Boy are you clever with that camera!! I love how you explain the how's and why's of your picture. I can learn a lot from you.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, I love it! Both the shots, and the mind of the photographer! Brilliant! ~Janine

Kim said...

This is a beautiful shot and makes me want to leave my desk here at work and go to the beach...this would be an hour's drive and quite a lot of organizing but a girl can dream!

Miranda said...

Great shots! Ohh I just wanna be by the beach!

Rosaria Williams said...

Lovely architecture. Next time, how about pictures of the surfers?

Barbaloot said...

Wow--what a great shot! Now I'm even more excited for my Australian vacation:)

Maggie May said...

Yes, I like the way that pair of legs balances the sandwich board. very well thought out.
Lovely post of a lovely place.

Oscar said...

Thats funny you noticed that. Thats the kind f thing I would. LOL Great shots!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful doorway! I love this!

Nessa said...

I can feel the ocean breezes.

Anni said...

that Bondi Pavilion reminds me of Santa Cruz

Unknown said...

both great shots. funny about the legs. I don't think I would have noticed that.

mo.stoneskin said...

Nice shots, though I sincerely hope you went and surfed in heaven after taking them.

jay said...

The thing with the sandwich board and the legs is the thing that makes this a witty picture - it's the sort of thing I look for, but seldom find.

Natalie said...

Very cool. :D

Unknown said...

hello david- thank you so much for stepping by my place and leaving a lovely comment- much appreciated xxx

K. said...

great pics...would love to see Bondi beach...

Jinksy said...

But who ever heard of sandwich legs?!Love your attention to such details...

Glennis said...

Your surfing beaches look so much cleaner and less sleazy than ours!! Now you're reminding me to get back out to Venice Beach!