Friday, July 25, 2008

Departure From The Norm

Final Farewell To The Tropical Sun

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This series of photographs was taken at the departure lounge of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (or KLIA, as it is known) shortly after we checked in for our flight home to Australia last week. As we entered the departure lounge, we were treated to the sight of the sun sinking towards a blanket of low cloud, but I knew I had at least twenty minutes before the sinking sun took on the colour I was looking for.

Checking in was a very swift process and after I had watched our suitcases go through, I wondered if I had enough time to duck outside the terminal building to photograph the sun against the distinctive sail-like construction of the airport roof.

Instead, as I began to walk towards an exit, I realised that the best angle was actually a few feet away from where I was standing - inside the terminal and looking through the giant windows. The graceful contour of an internal archway was just perfectly located, giving me some strong and unusual silhouettes and allowing me to frame an unusual series of shots.

My first instinct was to shoot the scene horizontally (above) before trying a vertical frame (below) to capture not just the glowing sun and the silhouettes, but also the shimmer of the sunset reflected on the glistening floor of the terminal. It was a clean, functional shot, but I still wanted something extra and I wondered if I should try and get an airline emblem or a departure sign into the frame.

As I looked around quickly, knowing I only had about a minute of two of sunset left, I could see a passanger walking away from me. Swiftly, lest he could change direction, I framed the final shot before he walked out of my line of vision.

Most times, you frame a shot because there is no one in it to obscure your line of vision. This time, I framed it specifically to include the traveller’s strong silhouette.

For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.

53 comments:

SandraRee said...

Great pics, David! I love that you're always looking for that perfect shot, these are absolutely beautiful! Something about an airport, the setting sun and a master photographer. Nice.

Louise said...

Unusual color! Nice shots.

RiverPoet said...

It's so hard to leave after vacation, isn't it? And it's nice that you caught a fellow traveler walking off into the sunset. Poignant.

Peace - D

cheshire wife said...

As I write this comment at 8.45 in the evening, I am watching a not too dissimilar sunset over Cheshire but there are no shadows or planes in view.

A Cuban In London said...

Oh,David, you just brought back some very strong memories! I was in Malaysia recently visiting one of my brothers in law (with whom we stayed)and that photo (especially the first one) encapsulates the beauty of the place. It is quite a lush airport and I felt very welcomed even before setting a foot outside. Great pics! Thanks for popping round my blog.

Greetings from London.

Petunia said...

Very nice! Love the colours:)
Petunia's SWF

Tom said...

Good Morning David...

Sorry for this copy and paste comment but I need to check all the links work , I also wanted you to know I've been here and seen your post... thank you for joining in with us this week I hope you enjoy the fun of it all. I will try to get back over the next day or two and see how your Sky Watch went on

Tom :O)

Jenn: said...

Wonderful shots and so fortunate that passanger walked by.

I love the squashed sun in the last photo.

Max-e said...

Great shots as usual David. It's great to be able to see pictures in all circumstances

Anonymous said...

I have seen sunset picture at different scenic places, but this is the first time I saw a sunset taken from the airport. Truly, any time is a good opportunity to take great pictures!

Hope you can hop to my SWF picture HERE, too! Happy weekends!

Snap Catch said...

Perfect one for SWF! We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon.... Mine's up too hope you can drop by...

EG CameraGirl said...

Incredible colour! It was definitely worth waiting for.

Hilary said...

Always more than just a photo from you.. thanks for that.

Cath said...

Magnificent shots. I love the vertical ones with the reflection in the floor and the silhouettes.

I caught one tonight only an hour ago. Often I am not in a position to capture the shot (can't see it from my house - hubby out, child in bed, etc.)

Tonight I got it.
That's next week's SWF I think!
This week's is not quite as impressive, but up all the same. ;0)

polona said...

amazing light and wonderfully framed photos.

Jules~ said...

David...ONce again a beautiful lesson. I love how the sun shines on the floor. It is a complimentary reflection.

I have never noticed awards on your site nad figure you don't do them, but all the same, there is one for you at my place....because I really enjoy our visits and I learn alot from the things you write.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Awesome! Both photos and mini-tutorial! I learn something new here every day. Thanks, David.

Anonymous said...

What interesting and unique photos these are! Great work.

SandyCarlson said...

David,
Your photos always remind me to take my time and see the picture before I take it. You're quite a teacher. Thanks.

Rambling Woods said...

Great photos as always..and I like the info that you provide about why you take it the way you do..

rachel said...

These are beautiful! Great for SWF!!

Texas Travelers said...

I like the sun reflected on the floor and the barely visable traveler.

Nicely done and thaks for the info..

Watch the Alligator.
Come visit,
Troy and Martha

Pappy said...

Sunsets from airports are very unusual. Most folks are so concerned with security and getting on the plane they forget to look for photo ops. Pappy

Craver Vii said...

Solid gold, David! Solid gold!

maryt/theteach said...

Lovely shots, David. I'm sure you're sorry to leave... :)

Lori said...

How neat! This must have been brilliant to see in person. Don't you wonder how many other people notice the beauty and ever-changing sky during the sunset?

Anonymous said...

Departure from the Norm? David, how did you get so old without realizing there are no norms set around you?

I love the golden sun, and the reflection in the floor. Most of all, I love the thought of a tired commuter walking into the sunset. Did he kiss the plane?

Barbara said...

Worth waiting for, yes you are right we often wait for people to go by before taking our shots.

Charles Gramlich said...

As yellow as egg yolk. Lovely.

bobbie said...

All super shots. But, you know, I think I like the first, with the rounded frame at the top, although that last one is pretty great.

holly said...

he woke up that morning thinking 'i hope i'm in a frame today.'

i could tell because he had that "take my photo" walk. almost an *amble*. an ample amble, surely. or was it a meander? i always mix those up...

nice photo. and the 'tropical sun' made me imagine it was kind of fruity.

Jane Hards Photography said...

I've got gold, but not such a vivid yellow. Absolutely gorgeous.

Tink *~*~* said...

Thanks, you have just cemented Kuala Lumpur a spot on my "bucket list"

:D

Tink *~*~*
My Mobile Adventures *~*~*

Jeannelle said...

Wow....you were in the right place at the right time, and you have a great eye! Fascinating!

Thank you for commenting on my Skywatch post!!

Catherine said...

Fantastic sky~watch captures!! That is a very Tropical looking sun! :) I love the last shot & that you framed it to include the travler & his silohette!
Cat

Anonymous said...

Amazing pictures!

alicesg said...

Brilliant shot. Nice photo for SWF. I am trying to find time to visit KL in a few months time. Been long since I last visited KL. Have a nice weekend.

Anonymous said...

Nice captures from inside KLIA :)
Glad ur check in and everything went smoothly for you! There was a time I was stuck in KLIA for 5 hours *head.desk*

Mega said...

Sir you continue to impress me with your photos and writing.

Anonymous said...

There's a package for you at my place!

Betsy Brock said...

Beautiful sunset! I have to tell you...I've had a few stressful days and I found myself closing my eyes and imagining that I was in that photo from your vacation...the one with the bar right in the gorgeous swimming pool! ha-ha....instant relaxation...even if it was just in my mind! :)

I read a review on another blog of your novel....it sounded wonderful...I'm going to look for a copy!

Joyce's Journey said...

These are great photo's! I love them! Don't you just love when you see a fantastic possibility?

Maggie May said...

fantastic & the fact that the passenger was walking away, clinched the fact that it was Goodbye!

Jules said...

I always feel that airports are on another planet in their own time zone - apparently not!!!

Am back from Oz but didn't make it to Melbourne - by the sound of it you weren't there anyhow!!!!

Scotty Graham said...

one of my favorite airports....good job, David!!

Cheers,

Scotty

Anonymous said...

Nice pics and its really good. Have a great weekend. mine is up...

Gemma Wiseman said...

What magical, golden glows! Like a dreamscape!

imac said...

Nice reflections David,

mrsnesbitt said...

Wow! Truly awesome. Such a rich yellow!

sandyshares said...

These photos must live in your mind's eye forever or until the next vacation ha

Raven said...

Interesting shots. The color is so dramatic to begin with and then I like the reflections and the context in which the pictures were taken.

Aisha said...

Nice shots, David! Your posts on your visit to Malaysia made me miss the country. :)

DrowseyMonkey-Photos said...

The colour is spectacular!