Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Lone Star Estate

Hang Around For A Unique Midday Sight

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


One of the great things about a clear night in winter (yup, we’re in mid-winter here in Australia) is that after you’ve got the ice off your car and remembered that your garden hose is frozen solid - you’ll enjoy the benefits of a clear blue sky all day long.

Just before we flew to Malaysia three weeks ago, I was walking around the Southbank area at lunchtime when I spotted this beautiful star, suspended above the carousel near the river. I have no idea why the star was up there, and because I didn’t think it would be there for very long, I pulled out my camera and tried to frame a clear shot of the star against the crisp winter sky.

It was a long way above my head - and that’s saying a lot, because I’m well over six foot. But as I stood there, craning my neck, I was trying to work out what the star was made of. It was obviously fairly light material, because even though it was a large star, it was blowing at a sharp angle.

I noticed that the star even had a bit of sheen on it, which was emphasized at a certain range of angles, as the breeze took it into the path of the sun’s rays. Luckily I had the 70-300mm lens with me, so it was perfect to capture the striking colours above me.

That’s why I always carry a camera with me. You never know when you’ll spot a large star in the sky - in broad daylight!

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44 comments:

Jenn: said...

I beieve in the lil magical reassurances bestowed on us everyday, and you seem to notice every single one of them. I adore this photo!

Lee said...

Hah! Symbol of my home - the Lone Star State. :) Nice shot David!

Cheers!

Bart said...

Did you find baby Jesus under it? I hope you brought the appropriate three gifts.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Wow. There's something really surreal about that shot. I think it's how blue and clear the sky behind the star is. Very striking.

Hilary said...

I'm suitably star-struck!

Cath said...

"Luckily I had the 70-300mm lens with me..."

When do you NOT have the lens you need with you? You ALWAYS have a lens with you. Maybe not what you'd choose, but always able to catch the shot.

What beautiful colours shimmering in that star. I also wonder what it's made of. Love the deep blue of the sky. I'm not sure we get that deep blue up here in the winter - I'll be more observant this winter and see. ;0)

becky aka theRAV said...

Love the blue sky in the background and the contrast of the star. Great capture as always.

Tess Kincaid said...

I'm tired of the summer heat and looking forward to a nice, clean, crisp winter sky...ahhh.

SandyCarlson said...

This great photo reminds me of how blue blue can be, David. Winter skies graciously complement and compliment the beauty of this world. Thanks for sharing this wonderful shot.

SandyCarlson said...

This great photo reminds me of how blue blue can be, David. Winter skies graciously complement and compliment the beauty of this world. Thanks for sharing this wonderful shot.

Catherine said...

Beautiful, big, shinny, star in broad daylight! :)
Happy weekend!
Cat

Susie said...

I love the blue background! It almost looks thick--if that makes any sense-like a piece of cardboard or something.
Great story too! How do you find these things?

Anonymous said...

Nice star hanging against the blue sky. Happy hunting!

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

That is SO cool! I love this picture!

Maggie May said...

How strange........ Must say I am impressed with the deep blue sky in winter. That would be more than we could expect on a hot summer's day!
Anyway, whatever the star was made of, looked as though it was just waiting to be picked up by you!

Anonymous said...

Starry, starry... day ?
That is surely a blue sky.

Anonymous said...

Must be an untidy city - things just left hanging around ;)

Good shot - those long lenses are so useful.

philos said...

That's a beautiful shot, the background is just perfect

Kim said...

Nice, your shot looks like you were really close! Kim

Liz Hinds said...

Great photo. Definite sheen to it.

Unknown said...

great shot! a star in the middle of the year...interesting, indeed!

Anonymous said...

that's a good shot. an early Christmas warning?

kaycee said...

Wow! Great shot. It's a good thing you have your camera with you.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment on my photo & for your thumbs up. That means a lot to a learner like me.
Have a nice weekend =)

Harajuku PearL said...

ahhh..festive hangings!!!! Nice

Pearl - have a good weekend!

Shrinky said...

This shot looks like it's been mounted - the colours are so sharp and clear as to belie it's original setting. Remarkable, isn't it?

Hootin Anni said...

Hmmmmmm, first off the "lone star" caption...y'all know that that is the nickname of Texas where I live, right? The Lone Star State? You didn't well now you do. LOL

That looks almost iridescent doesn't it. And yes, definitely a deep blue, clear winter's sky! Great photo.

Mine's posted, hop on over if you can find time! Have a super weekend.

marcia@joyismygoal said...

your poem is silly fun I love word play and your star is shining w/ hope

Anonymous said...

The sheen, the shimmer, the colors, these make that star special :)

Sarge Charlie said...

G'day David, nice shot, keep warm, it is hot up here.

Kat said...

I love all the colors you can see glinting in the star. great pic!

Katney said...

You find the most interesting things.

Anonymous said...

That's a good reason to keep a camera with you! Beautiful shot.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shot! I love close ups.

Sandi McBride said...

You know what's so great about your photos, you don't find anything uninteresting enough to locate just the right light and angle for...I have an award for you over at my place...it's at the post just before the Brenda Photo Challenge post...yes, I'm in a Photo Challenge...don't put your camera away, you're in no danger of being knocked from the saddle by the likes of me...and installment 2 is up...happy winter! Still hard to believe it's not hot as blazes somewhere else in the world!
Sandi

Carver said...

That's a wonderful shot. It is brilliant against the blue sky. I loved your last sentence.

YellowRose said...

Being one from the Lone Star State I love stars!! ;) This one is very pretty!! Love the way the colors shine....beautiful!!

jmb said...

What a great photo David. You always find something interesting to feature here.

Anonymous said...

That's a lovely shot. And what a blue blue sky.

tnchick ♥ said...

If you're cold there, we have plenty of heat here that I don't mind sharing a few degress of heat! =)

Nice capture, as always. Finding a star in the middle of the day is a nice find!

Colin Campbell said...

Victoria, The Lone Star Aussie State?

Rambling Woods said...

That's what I need to do, carry a camera with me. Great idea..Thank you David

Leslie: said...

Beautiful...I'm wondering if you ever found out why it was there. :D

Texas Travelers said...

Good photo.
Nice title.

Troy
from the Lone Star Sate

Baker Watson said...

Great capture. The gold with its sheen on the blue sky background is captivating.