Friday, October 19, 2007

Phoctober the nineteenth

Arches





I had made prints made of a couple of these images, and showed them to some of my family. An aunt (the same one who seems to feel it necessary to point out my height each time I see her) asked me "Why did you take pictures of these things?"

She wasn't being snarky or unpleasant. It seemed like she really wanted to know. I think I mumbled something about the texture, or maybe the shadows.

I looked at them again today and repeated the question to myself. Why did I shoot this underpass?

I shot it for the reason I probably shoot anything. I saw something beautiful there. Maybe it's the texture, or the light and the shadows and the depths. The clean and the tarnished. Maybe something else entirely. It's simply that I looked at it and saw something compelling, that I thought I might be able to capture and bring back with me.

*****

Other Phoctobering:

All Phoctober posts from this site.

Jefferson Davis on dogs and other things.

Taffiny and the mist.

Scarlett on April in Paris.

Kyklops seeks change.

It isn't too late to join the fun. Just do a photo post, mention Phoctober, and come and tell me about it in the comments.

12 comments:

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

I got a lot out of them.
Light, dark, texture, contrast, the shapes are appealing and so is the paint (snicker)... but I like it.
There are open passages and a stop sign at the same place: Welcome, don't go.
There is the passage of time that is evident everywhere and that suggests history, secrets, memories.

And they're interesting.

Best I can do at explaining.

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Taffiny said...

I like that there seems to be something mundane and exotic in them. Supports, so sort of abandoned, underneath, but life flows over (important). Common and decaying (paint flaking) yet the arches remind me of other cultures, other countries. I like doorways (arches) seen through doorways.
no arch nemisis
mmm...texture.

You can't mention things like height without making people wonder what it is.
(by the bye, airbags are designed and tested for 5'8 180 pound males. Which is info that is annoying me today)

Anonymous said...

The texture, in particular, the crackling surface, with rays of light reflecting off the cracks, makes it that much more tantalising. Splendid photos, Maht. I love arches! A lot can be said without colour. Indeed, the writing is on the wall, so to speak. :)

Cinnamon Girl said...

Those are lovely. I agree the texture with the black and white is amazing.

Unknown said...

I love the lines, the curves, the light and shade. Very evocative shots, Maht.

By the way, I've phoktobered for the 20th - but have now idea how you're going to "name" it since it's a brew of all sorts.

Rick said...

I like these shots, Maht. I take a lot of photos of "unconventional" subjects. Most of them get trashed, but the ones I like, I like a lot.
I went out for a walk again this evening.

Lane Mathias said...

I thought I was looking at a monastery or ruins until I saw the Stop sign.
Beautiful.

Taffiny said...

well I see the moon wont be out tonight, must be a new moon, I will have to go check my calendar (tomorrow) right now it is past my bedtime, Saturday night just isn't what it used to be (I remember when 11:20 was early, not late, oh so late.)

The Moon Topples said...

Scarlett: Glad you liked them. I'm ignoring the pun.

Taffiny: I am taller than the average human. Hope that helps. As for the pictures: yeah, they could sort of be from anywhere. Instead they are a train underpass a little more than a mile from my home.

Jefferson: Thanks. Glad you enjoyed these.

Starrlight: Thanks, and nice to see you again.

AbVan: I hope "a brew of all sorts" suffices...

Kyklops: Enjoyed your walk in Japan. Thanks for those. I tend to throw away probably around 70% of my shots, if that's helpful information to have.

Lane: Stop sign sure is a giveaway. Still sort of pretty to me, though. The ruins of a semi-nice Chicago neighborhood...

Taffiny: Sorry. The 20th is finally up. Same old moon, it appears, just tardy.

Unknown said...

I'd say it's the texture, these pictures are fabulous. I think they are my favourite so far this month.

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

But Maht! The pun was made all in good fun, and meant well.

Did you smile at least? I hope?

;o)


Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

But Maht! The pun was made all in good fun, and meant well.

Did you smile at least? I hope?

;o)


Scarlett & Viaggiatore