Friday, June 19, 2009

Seeing The Light

You’ll Have To Do Better Than That, Mate

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Last July, during a family holiday in Malaysia, we found ourselves in the Chinatown area of Kuala Lumpur. It is properly known as Petaling Street and as we slowly but cheerfully made our way to the end of the shopping paradise, we spotted this neon sign.

Er, um, let me re-phrase that. My son and I spotted the neon sign, while certain members of our (extended) family concentrated on retail details.

The interesting thing about the sign was that it switched very quickly between on-and-off modes. He knew exactly what I was going to do and chuckled as I lined up the shot.

Mate, it was easier said than done. I hit the shutter three times before I was able to capture this late-night scene with all the elements of the neon sign ablaze.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

15 comments:

Cecily R said...

I know I should get something else about this post, but the thing that struck me most is that your son knew exactly what you were going to do...seems like a very happy relationship between father and son.

Louise said...

It must have been a proud moment for your son to be helping you.

Brian Miller said...

does your son like photography as well? meaningful play is always fun times with the boys.

Alex the Girl said...

I agree with Cecily R. For him to know you so well is a good thing, and says alot about you.

Corey~living and loving said...

You are always up for a challenge, David. I really like that about you.

Unknown said...

working for the shot always makes it worth it more.

Maggie May said...

That was really working together as a team! Glad you have your son trained up for photographic opportunities too.
It was a brilliant success!

Shadow said...

you captured a flashing light? wow

♥ Braja said...

but where are the dancing girls?

Thumbelina said...

I know exactly what you mean. I have just posted another detail from our holiday, and near the bottom of the post I have two pictures of a neon sign and lights going around the sign, on/off, on/off, really quickly in different colours. I caught them. One blue, one yellow, first go but they were on a second or two. I would imagine these ones you did were much quicker.
Well done. That's a fast trigger finger you have! Don't ever hold a gun. You'd be deadly. :)
Oh - and I also acknowledge I am not holding however many pounds of equipment and lens etc.! Mine is a point and shoot compact and I was sat, drinking port. It's amazing I actually focused. ;0)

Thumbelina said...

PS - I'm with Cecily on this too. Touched me. My sons know me that well, especially the eldest.

Cynthia Pittmann said...

Tricky shot! I think you love a challenge. Now what were those "retail details" you mentioned...Malaysia seems like an exciting place to visit. <3

Unknown said...

Although not a photographer, I can still appreciate the waiting involved for everything to 'come on' simultaneously. Wow!

Robynn's Ravings said...

I seriously like this photo. Color, composition, and exotic quality.

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