Thursday, July 23, 2009

Playing To The Gallery

Hang Around Any Time - It Works For The Art

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This shot was taken in 2005, when I spent a couple of days in beautiful Quebec City in mid-September. The weather wasn't too flash when I was there, but that minor point didn't deter me from exploring every nook and cranny of the city and photographing everything that caught my eye.

This was taken on my first evening, when I literally sheltered from doorway to doorway in the Lower Town, just so my cameras wouldn't get too wet. Opposite me on the cobbled street was this warm, inviting art gallery. Should I spend five minutes inside? No, I decided instead to take a quick shot and move on.

Why? Five minutes in a gallery could have meant I missed a few photographs as dusk approached. But I did love the fact that the frame of the burgundy door was a perfect match for the frame of the window.

Yep, that's a lot of great frames for a single gallery.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

15 comments:

Cynthia Pittmann said...

Well you have to have your priorities, David! But how inviting that entryway looks.

Miranda said...

Nice shot, it does look very inviting.

James said...

It looks so inviting. Oops I guess Icould say ditto to what Ebie said. :-)

Mariana Soffer said...

Very beautifull pictures, colorfull and cheerfull, it really feels like being on vacation visiting museums
be well david

Anonymous said...

I think I may have had to just pop my head around the door ... Just for a minute or ten

Carol Murdock said...

I would have had to enter David as that matching burgandy window and door are very inviting! You however are a REAL photogropher and know what is most inviting, a GREAT SHOT!

Tracey said...

Hiya David... I've only recently discovered you but am really glad i have..

I want to be in that gallery right now! it looks gorgeous

Merisi said...

Great picture! :-)

"Five minutes in a gallery could have meant I missed a few photographs as dusk approached."
Oh, David, I agree!
Do we need therapy?


(I hardly dare say so,
but I have not been to any of Venice's museums because I can't bring myself to stay indoors there!)

Maggie May said...

Very inviting doorway. But you had pressing opportunities lying ahead of you!
I wonder are you a photographer first & then a journalist? The other way round?
Or do the two go hand in hand? 50-50?

Alyson | New England Living said...

Lovely shot! I love that you remember all the stories behind your photos as well.

Lauralee Beth Torchia Provenzo said...

I thought of the band, The Doors, at first glance of this post. lol. just thought I'd let you know that.

Louise said...

How could anyone spend only 5 minutes in an art gallery? You chose wisely?

Marguerite said...

I know exactly what you mean, about when dusk is approaching, David. Sometimes, I go into panic mode, but have found that by just being more observant, I usually make the right decision.
Quebec is such a lovely city. Great pic!

Lee said...

This is lovely, David! I like the way the dark brown of the gallery hall invites you in to a darker and cooler hide away where you can explore strange and mysterious vistas that others have created.

Cheers!

aims said...

Don't you just love Canada David?