Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Contrasts In Style And Grace

Two Faces Of Melbourne’s Architectural History

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


These shots were taken while I was walking towards Flinders Street Station recently, on an afternoon when the wind was biting but the sky turned brilliant blue for a short while.

As I walked, just soaking up the atmosphere of this beautiful city, I suddenly realised that if I found the precise angle, I could capture an interesting shot of the city.

So amid the crowds, I waited until I could find just the right spot in front of the city’s main station. I used my long lens for this sequence, because I wanted a really tight frame that encompassed two different styles and two very different eras in the city’s rich history.

In the foreground is the graceful Victorian-style façade of Flinders Street Station, just to the right of the central dome above the main entrance. In the background is Eureka Tower, the highest residential structure in the southern hemisphere.

The station is redolent of nineteenth century grace, while the super-skyscraper that redefines Melbourne’s skyline has only been officially open since October 2006.

So there you have it. A single frame that presents both ends of the spectrum of Melbourne’s most recognisable buildings.


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34 comments:

Daryl said...

Are all the apartments in the high rise filled? I cant imagine living comfortably so high up .. Towering Inferno being one of my all time favorite B movies ...

Shadow said...

at a quick glance, it looked like a stairway...

Hilary said...

I also like the contrast of colour.. cool shot!

Joanna Jenkins said...

This caught my eye on my BlogRoll. The colors are so vibrant.
Beautiful shot, as always! Thank you

Brian Miller said...

there are some amazing textures in this picture...and the blend of color...great capture david...

Tess Kincaid said...

Love the juxtaposition of the styles and colors. Wonderful composition, David.

Kathleen said...

The contrast is extraordinary! What a great idea to contrast the two.

Miranda said...

Awesome shot! Kind of like old world meets new world.

Rosaria Williams said...

Fabulous shot; what a consummate professional you are.

James said...

Outstanding shot David. It's a feast for the eyes.

imac said...

Neat shot David.

kayerj said...

I love the composition and the contrast of the yellow against the blue

ds said...

The colors are striking, just as much as the difference in architectural style. Thank you.

Janie said...

Very interesting contrast of old and new. Excellent job finding just the right angle to include both.

couleurs et emtions said...

cette photo me fait penser à une construction de légo comme mes enfants ont pu souvent en faire avec ces couleurs franches et cette géométrie des lignes, bravo pour cet angle de vue!

Lori ann said...

I love the title Style and Grace, it's perfect for this superb photo.

Craver Vii said...

What an eye, David. I like the first shot best.

Cheffie-Mom said...

Wow! Very neat photo! I love the colors!

Elizabeth Bradley said...

This is one of my absolute favorites! The contrast in color and texture and feel is superb, you can't help but stare at this photo.

Sylvia K said...

Love the contrast in the old building and the VERY new one! Wow! that is a skyscraper! Great color contrast! Always look forward to seeing what great view of your world that you choose to show us each week!

Enjoy!

Sylvia

darsden said...

Awesome shot, great angle and colors two thumbs up :-)

Strawberry Girl said...

Your patience paid off, amazing shot!1

Thumbelina said...

The contrast in the colours is marked too. You make such interesting compositions from the 'everyday'. Such an eagle eye...

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Jim said...

Brilliant contrast.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Barbara said...

Old and new - wonderful.

Jenn Jilks said...

Very thoughtful. I've been preoccupied with tornados and such in My Muskoka ! Climate Change...

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

The color and contrast are wonderful!

DeniseinVA said...

Lovely colorful photos and as always a very interesting post.

Lew said...

Super composition, David! The clarity of both the near and the far buildings is great.

Annie said...

ah, very clever indeed , David!

Sharon Rose said...

It's great that in one snapshot you have captured the complete history of architecture. This a great!

Arija said...

Like Tosca, a strange harmony of contrasts.

jay said...

I love that one - the combination of the deep yellow and blue is perfect, and the juxtaposition of old and new works so well!

I never remember to use the long lens ... but then I usually only have a compact digital or bridge camera with me these days.