Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Hue And Try

Warm Wishes From Wintry Melbourne

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Sometimes I think the only place more beautiful than Melbourne by day is, well, Melbourne by night. The familiar sights and shapes and views take on such a different personality after the last of the day’s natural light has disappeared.

Because this city – like most villages built by our forefathers – is sited along a river, we are blessed with waterside views that most of us probably take for granted.

Last Thursday night the entire Authorblog clan was in the city’s business district for a special function and after it was over we walked in a leisurely manner to a restaurant for dinner. It was a very balmy evening for this time of year, with winter only five weeks away (and yes, the weather has turned since then, with snow already).

I wasn't using a tripod (I never do) so the clarity of the shot is a pretty good indication of a steady hand.

I took a couple of frames of the shimmering colours reflected across the Yarra’s surface when I noticed a person walking slowly past the waterfront. I didn’t want to be intrusive, so I shot the scene from where I stood, using the human figure as a counterpoint against the many hues on the water.

It was a truly mellow sight on a truly mellow evening.


Visit the creative team behind That's My World Tuesday.

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your world is lovey, for sure! Perhaps because of the eyes you choose to see it with, and because it has great aesthetics!

Loran said...

Those colors in the pictures are really wonderful and the play on words is very funny, as always, an entertaining and gorgeous post.

imac said...

These are so beautiful David, brill night shots.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Gorgeous!!!! How do you keep your camera so steady?!! I'm in awe, once again!

Jinksy said...

I like the way the dark front of the figure merges with the colour of the water, so you realise it is there slowly, as the light on the back makes the form real.

Anonymous said...

You breathe in and hold your breath, right? And your winter, so near already...

K. said...

I love the colors in the water!

Ananda girl said...

I love the way water teases us on film. Your city is beautiful. Very nice David.

Annie said...

Ah, good shots of Melbourne by night David...also love the roses below, just beautiful! I can almost smell the perfume here in NY!

It is warming up readily here. A few days ago we needed coats, then the weekend temps were 29 and 31..whew...a bit of a rapid change. However, I am sure there will be some cooler days still, (I hope). I have enjoyed the cool!

Miranda said...

A nomination for post of the day....http://ngorobobhillhouse.blogspot.com/2009/04/yellow-magic-or-day-of-sunbird-and-wind.html

Maggie May said...

A truly lovely sight in a lovely city!
Great photos.

Unknown said...

Lovely post David, I just never get past you guys going into Winter as we enter Summer here!

Kim said...

Gorgeous. I have a beautiful friend who moved here from Melbourne. She married here but I know she misses it!

Rosaria Williams said...

Delightful pictures. You never disappoint, David.

And neither does Melbourne.

Elizabeth Bradley said...

A steady hand and a steady mind. We're moving into Spring/Summer and you're moving into winter, amazing.

SandyCarlson said...

The shimmer on the water is lovely. Well done, David.

Mary Elizabeth said...

Beautiful sight!
Mary Elizabeth @ Now and Then

Sylvia K said...

Marvelous shots as always! You do live in a beautiful world! Certainly it is beautiful as we see it though your eyes! Enjoy and have a great week!

GreenJello said...

You certainly do have a steady hand!

Eddie Bluelights said...

You must have a very steady hand - do you stop your heart for a while tokeep the camera still?

Beth Niquette said...

Hello there! I have loved Australia since we studied your country in Third grade--and that was a very long time ago.

You have taken some wonderful photographs of your city. Wow! They fill my eyes, which is the greatest and best compliment I can give.

Thank you for your kind remarks on my blog. The butterfly faery blog was one I re-posted from months ago. I find it intriguing and rather strange that someone else would be speaking of faeries in a bubble tree forest. The artwork is mine, and those are my words and imagination at work.

You wouldn't happen to know the blog address of the person you mentioned?

Thanks again for your comments.

Daryl said...

Oh this is such a nice shot ... I was away on a quick 3 holiday in South Florida .. and now I am trying to catch up on all my fav's .. so you know I had to stop here first!

Word verification: mastsman

Cheffie-Mom said...

The blue and orange colors are wonderful! Great job!

Inday said...

Hi from Sydney David! I found your blog too overwhelming to keep up. It is not actually surprising to have an early snow before winter sets in as that can happen. Your camera captured a serene mellow night of your mellow early winter over there. Thanks for popping in my Watery Wednesday blog.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: Melbourne is certainly a beautiful city and your camera work makes it more so.

Esther Garvi said...

Well, not much water in my part of the world for a long time still! Lovely pictures. Have always been intrigued by Australia.

Greetings from West Africa!
Esther

Unknown said...

A beautiful place indeed! Still Monday here in Michigan. Have a wonderful week David!

Alyson | New England Living said...

Those colors in the water are so majestic and beautiful.

Unknown said...

We're on the opposite seasons as you: we are moving into summer here in Florida.

2sweetnsaxy said...

It's definitely pretty an night. Those colorful reflections in the water are amazing.

Unknown said...

Your photos and words blend well- very entertaining and lively. No surprise to me that all your visitors are enjoy reading your wonderful post- enrich our lives. BIG THANK and please to let you know it convince me to sign up as your follower.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Beautiful color in the photos, David. Thanks for showing us the beauty of Melbourne through your eyes and lenses.

Anonymous said...

you do have quite a steady hand (I envy you dearly) these are great evening shots, beautiful lights.
mine is here
http://aguthrieimages.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/thats-my-world-ruby-tuesday/

chrome3d said...

The lights on the water make their own dimension above the city.

Rinkly Rimes said...

Surely winter's a little early this year?

BLS said...

The city looks great by night. Youre the first photographer if read of who doesn't use a tripod at night or at all. Its been warm in christchurch 26 degrees and last week -2 frost.

Shadow said...

strangely, it doesn't look at all cold...

ArneA said...

To wintry Melbourne from warm Palma with 29 / 33 C pluss
Been busy lately, but will increase visiting you now.

Tessa said...

Of all the cities I've ever visited, Melbourne holds a special magic for me. Maybe it's the art, maybe it's the wonderful juxtaposition of old and new, maybe it's the river...or the people. Maybe it's all of that? Your photos capture that essence, David. I could linger over them for hours.

Carver said...

Those are beautiful shots. I absolutely love the evening light in the city and how you photographed it.

Regina said...

I like the reflections in the water. Nice shots as always.

Misty DawnS said...

That is SO beautiful!