Orange Clockwork

Can You Figure Out What I've Shot Here?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Last week, my Odd Shots theme, Taking Leaf Of My Senses, was shot specifically to prove that you can still use a camera in bad weather. This week, I’ve tried to do the same thing and I’ve followed up on my belief that there are always splashes of colour to liven up a dull sky.

Can you guess what I’ve photographed here? Is it a brave Bedouin shielding his face from the chill of Melbourne’s winter? Is it a Sesame Street character in disguise? Is it a close-up of a swift falcon’s hood, just before the falconeer releases his bird of prey? What’s your guess?

Okay, so here’s the answer. You know those heavy canvas umbrellas at outdoor cafes? Well this is just the top section of one of the huge umbrellas above the café tables at Southbank. Now take a look at the shot below.

You’ll see I’ve shifted my stance noticeably and the same object is now completely off-centre. There’s a reason for that. Can you see something hazy in the background, to the left?

Now take a look at the third shot in the series. I’ve taken it from exactly the same position, but I’ve reversed the focus on the shot. This time the heavy orange canvas is in soft focus and I’ve concentrate on one of the beautiful dome in the distance.

I used my 300mm lens for this series of shots, which is just as well, because the dome is on Flinders Street, probably 400-500 metres (about half a kilometre) away from where I was standing. It is the signature dome on top of the State Theatre.

So there you go. Next time you’re walking under a grey sky, take a good look around and see how many bright colours you can photograph.

(The Odd Shots concept came from Katney. Say "G'day" to her.)