Saturday, September 19, 2009

Is It Up, Or Is It Down?

Do Not Adjust Your Screen

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This week’s theme really got me thinking, because there aren’t really a lot of shots I’ve taken that would meet the criterion. I was starting to wonder how best to depict this – and then I remembered a couple of shots I took about eight weeks ago.

I just happened to be coming down the stairs from Southbank to the Langham Hotel here in Melbourne, when I noticed a Mercedes-Benz parked in just the right spot. Not only was it in great light and in a position where I could shoot it from above, but its hood also had a clearly discernible reflection of one of Melbourne’s most recent and most recognisable landmarks – the mammoth Eureka Building, which opened in 2006.

I took the first shot exactly where I stood and then I realised that if I moved slightly to my left, I would be able to shoot a segmented image. By this I mean the reflection of Eureka would occupy the left-hand side of the car’s hood, while the right-hand side would be absolutely clear of anything at all.

Now I can also explain why I was so lucky that the car was a Merc. The distinctive three-pointed star is a perfect point of reference. Not only does it divide the image into two clear segments, but it is one of the easiest corporate symbols to identify.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Upside down''.

30 comments:

Maggie May said...

Brilliant and so well thought out!

Word Ver. CAR EMET (Sounds like car, innit?)

Cecily R said...

I'm with Maggie...I would never have thought that theme through like you did!!

Shadow said...

david, you're brilliant. i don't think you know how to think in the box...

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Very cool shot!

Hilary said...

Very clever.. that doesn't surprise me though. :)

aims said...

That's one well-polished car David! Such a great shot!

San said...

And the vivid blue of the Mercedes is just the perfect color for such a shot, don't you think? David, you are touched by grace.

Rosaria Williams said...

This post explains why I love your photographs. You tell us how and why of the composition, the focus,the choices you had, and the symbology achieved by the final shot. This shot is an art piece. Thank you.

Ladybird World Mother said...

Ooooooh. How I love those photos... reflections in 'odd' places are so cool. x

Jinksy said...

You are always right on target - the divided symbol was sheer genius.

Madame DeFarge said...

I look at this and I wonder how they got the car so shiny. Mine never looks this good.

Elizabeth Bradley said...

Serendipity, in spades!

Wayne said...

Great picture

Anonymous said...

I won't adjust my screen, but I would like to adjust my ride! Fun shots.

introspection said...

This photograph is 'wonderful' and perrfect for the theme. plus the merc is a beauty. well done, David.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Intriguing response to the prompt. Love the sense of illusion!

Lori said...

Cool shots!

gengen said...

You are creative for the theme...happy hunting and weekend. Mine is ready.

SandyCarlson said...

Struggling with a sad day and night....your photo lifted my spirits. Thanks, David.

Brian Miller said...

great shot david. such the artist.

Marguerite said...

Incredible photo, building, and car! It was a lucky shot, for sure. Have a great weekend, David!

jams o donnell said...

Cools shots and a great take on the theme

Randi said...

I like your different approach to this theme.
Very cool!

magiceye said...

perfect indeed!

ancient one said...

Very Unique...and I like that you tell us how you do that...

TAB said...

Very clever.

Cookie said...

hmmmm....don't know what caught my attention more..the reflection or the car :D

http://scroochchronicles.com/?p=1967

Anonymous said...

You are soooooo very good.

Word verification is IMPATERN

healingmagichands said...

Great shots, like usual. I'm not sure why being able to identify the corporate image is so important, though.

Anneke (Mudhooks) said...

Great photos!