Sunday, December 07, 2008

Eider Town

Lucky It Wasn't My Swan Song



This was just one of those shots where I had my camera in my hand and I was on a mission to take a very specific shot elsewhere. Then, as I walked past, I looked at this little figure of a swan in a display cabinet and a tiny light went on in my brain. This shot simply had to be taken first, before anything else.

The light was soft and muted. The quality of the reflection was good but not overpowering. The delicate, graceful arch of the swan's neck caught my attention. So I concentrated on that facet of the "creature" and decided to completely ignore the beautiful wings on the ornament itself.

But this was the interesting part of my task. By concentrating on the neck and choosing my angle with care, I was still able to depict the wings in the reflection.

I kept the frame really tight, to emphasise the curve of the long neck. And if you look really carefully, you'll see not one but three reflections - the obvious one behind the swan and then the two others beneath.

Here's an interesting afterthought - the muted light makes the swan look as if it has been fashioned from mercury. Do you agree?

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28 comments:

Maggie May said...

Definitely mercurial. Lovely shot of a beautiful creature.

Alyson | New England Living said...

I agree about the mercury bit! You are an amazing photographer!

Errant said...

nice shot .. love it

Queen-Size funny bone said...

Thats just beautiful. Icy and fanciful.

DeniseinVA said...

Yes, I see the mercury, and this is a superb photograph. Just love it.

i beati said...

The kingof refections does it again in the arch of a swan..love it Sandy

petra michelle; Whose role is it anyway? said...

It looks like it's moving! The reflection gives it an ethereal feel. You really worked on this photo, and it shows! Great tips in photography as well! Lovely!
Petra

Sandi McBride said...

I thought it might take flight...
Sandi

The Muse said...

I feel as if you have captured the essence of a diamond, for I see many facets in this image of the swan.

Hilary said...

I was thinking maybe pewter. This definitely has the Authorblog cygneture on it. ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh.. this one was very well captured!

My critter is posted here. Have a look if you have the time. Thanks!

bcmomtoo said...

I like all the reflections. I was thinking maybe it was ice.

Teena in Toronto said...

So delicate!

I played too :)

kayleen said...

phenomenal. the kind of photo you sit and stare at for awhile to make sure you have seen all the nuances. thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

A truly lovely object and I guess it qualifies for this meme :) Anyway you have managed to capture the beauty of this object perfectly so no ... it isn't your swan song.

Anonymous said...

I was surprised to see an inanimate animal photograph. Very Creative for Camera Critters. Nicely done.

Unknown said...

Pretty! I love the effort you took in framing it. :)

Anonymous said...

Interesting and very creative post.

The W.O.W. factor! said...

I can't believe you just 'happen' on such grace & beauty!
This has an almost liquid feel...water and yes, mercury, but reminds me of my solder as I work with stainedglass.
Exquisite!

magiceye said...

bingo! beautiful capture!!

Grammy said...

Great photos. lol
This is my first time on Camera critters.
Have a great week.
Grammy

Carletta said...

It's always a pleasure to read how your mind works as you take a photo. Such wonderful insight.
Lovely!

Anonymous said...

Definitely a Hermes touch to that swan. Nicely composed.

Anonymous said...

Stole my thunder. I was going to comment on the fact that there were two reflections...stole my thunder.

Fireblossom said...

OK, I'm officially impressed. If I saw a man going to that much trouble to photograph a glass swan just so, I would be keen to know who that man was. The action itself is lovely, never mind the swan, which is beautiful in its own right.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Harmonious image. I d love it hen a plan comes together, especially a photographic one.

Daryl said...

Swanning into the crystal clear light

:-Daryl

Misty DawnS said...

This is elegant and beautiful David! I love it!