Sometimes there really isn’t a lot to write about a photograph.
This is one of those times.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books and Amazon.
The front window of a palm and tarot card reader business
There are many aspects of the urban landscape that fascinate me. It is often far more colorful than the natural world, and there are frequently interesting geometries and compositional potentials. Objects become more interesting as they exhibit weathering and wear, yet they are frequently found juxtaposed with perfectly constructed new objects. Text, in signs and elsewhere, plays a part — ranging from its own geometry and form to possibly ironic combinations. And, of course, the people are subjects and they constantly change. And odd, attractive little oddities abound — as in this little scene.
I didn’t think too much about it as I made the photograph — I tend to work rather intuitively — but looking at it now I’m sure that several things caught my attention. The juxtaposition of spiritual and occult imagery and text was at the top of the list, especially combined with the banality of the location. The patterns of color also interest me, from yellow at the left, through the reds of the window edge and neon sign, to the blue shadow light at the far right. There are also small elements that you might miss, like all of the locks on the door at the edge of the frame. And that doesn’t remotely exhaust the list of things that you could see here…
I’m occasionally torn about these posts, but then I see that folks are using the posts and their links to order at these seasonally-reduced prices… so I hope that some of you will find the information useful.
Some new holiday deals from site-sponsor B&H follow. You may have to add some of them to your cart to see the lower pricing:
Canon 60D with lens and accessory bundle – list prices total $1643,62, but now $899. Includes Canon EOS 60D, EFS 18-135mm IS lens, 16 GB memory card, Vello remote wireless release, Pearstone spare battery, Lowepro Rezo 170AW shoulder bag. B&H tells me that you must add the bundle at this link to your cart to see the discounted price. Also eligible for 2% rebate offer and free shipping.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens – only $299. This is $100 off the list price and an excellent price on this lens. You need to add the item to your cart to see the lower price.
Canon EOS 6D with 24-105mm f/4 L IS lens – $2699. Includes 32GB memory card and Lowepro Rezo 170 camera shoulder bag. This is quite a deal – essentially the lens costs only $600.
Canon EOS 6D (body only) – $2099. Includes 32GB memory card and Lowepro Rezo 170 camera shoulder bag.
Note that some of these expire very soon – as soon as tomorrow.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist whose subjects include the Pacific coast, redwood forests, central California oak/grasslands, the Sierra Nevada, California deserts, urban landscapes, night photography, and more. Blog | About | Flickr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | 500px.com | LinkedIn | Email
The Online Photographer (a.k.a. “TOP”) is one of the blogs I follow regularly – lots of great thought-provoking posts show up there on a regular basis, frequently written by folks who know what they are talking about. Take a look if you don’t already follow TOP.
I enjoyed a recent article (“From Film Holder to Memory Card”) by photographer Charles Cramer in which he describes his transition from large format film gear to using medium format digital systems. My favorite example of Charlie’s ironic humor in the post is his “apology” to those who haven’t made the switch: “Note to my large format friends: O.K., I sold out—but I get to use zoom lenses!!!”
In any case, this post is another data point to consider if you happen to be one of those folks who is certain that great photography must be created using traditional film gear and processes. While there is absolutely no question that great work can still be done that way, it is equally possible to do wonderful photography with newer technologies… and, as Charlie illustrates, there are some things that can simply be done more effectively, less expensively, and with better results.
