Sunday, August 05, 2007

Nice River, Phoenix

A Night In Shining Armour

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


I'm full of admiration for those photographers who spend hours or days waiting for the one perfect shot. But as a full-time journalist and father, I don't have that sort of time on my hands. This shot, taken on Friday, is the perfect example of why I always have my camera with me. I was at a traffic intersection after taking an exit off the Monash Freeway - when I noticed that the night-time reflections looked almost metallic on the Yarra River. I knew I only had about 30 or 40 seconds before the lights turned green.

With my right hand I hit the button to lower the passenger-side window. With my left I grabbed the camera bag. I only had time to compose and shoot one quick, hand-held frame when I should have really been using a tripod.

I concentrated on the reflection - which is why you can see the blur on the traffic that was moving on the other side of the Yarra. Not perfect, by any means - but it shows that you can take a photograph in the blink of an eye, if your camera is within arm's reach.

Click here: Pentax K100D, Shutter speed 1/1, F5.6, ISO speed 800.
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8 comments:

  1. ~**Dawn**~10:57 PM

    Sometimes a photo's "imperfections" are what makes it perfect.
    I'm the same way. Camera always within reach. Seems the few times it hasn't been have been the times I've kicked myself.

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  2. Les Becker12:52 AM

    I think it's the blur that "makes" this shot, too. It looks almost like a neon watercolour.

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  3. singleton1:44 AM

    They look like neon tiki torches....dancing....

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  4. karoline in the morning9:10 AM

    luv the colors and the ripple motion..very dramatic i think...

    and when i leave my camera at home, i encounter the best photo opportunities around..

    lol

    goodjob david..
    k

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  5. david mcmahon6:00 PM

    Hi Dawn,

    Yes, you echoed my feelings perfectly. And it's a rule that you see a great photo opportunity every time you've left yoour camera behind!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  6. david mcmahon6:00 PM

    Hi les,

    Thank you. And that's such a great description, too.

    Merci

    Keep smiling

    David

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  7. david mcmahon6:01 PM

    Hi Singleton,

    Neon tiki torches. Lovely description. Thank you

    Keep smiling

    David

    ReplyDelete
  8. david mcmahon6:01 PM

    Thank you, Karoline,

    There was just a light breeze, so the ripple effect was what caught my attention!

    Keep smiling

    David

    ReplyDelete