Friday, May 17, 2013

Seeing 2013 (#22)

For your consideration:

A study of deceptive scale, movement and orientation . . . a subtle tinge of surrealism applied to a tableau devoid of artificial artifacts. This scene is stripped bare of supporting accoutrements; its energy derives largely from the geometric flow of its basic elements, and its energetic illumination.

Not long ago I took in a rare and wondrous exhibit of the works of Man Ray; his ouvre was a major influence on my very early exposure to the photographic arts.  I was stunned at the potency of his use of harsh, direct lighting and the fundamentally vital role shadows play in his compositions.

I've long been fascinated by the inherent conundrum of shadows in photography:  at once both central compositional elements in and of themselves while also being in essence and fact only empty, untouchable and implied representations of congruent objects.

Forms, then.  In the end, it all comes back to Plato.


Plugged In (Homage à Man Ray), #3344-7D

© 2013 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details:  April 28, 2013, Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/2500 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 640;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM 

________


Visit my full photographic repository at jwmurray.smugmug.com

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Seeing 2013 (#21)

For your consideration:  rugged day, far harder evening.  C'est la vie, de temps en temps.

In such times sometimes all that's to be done is to rely upon one's foundation, solidly rooted, and simply endure.  Time will erode and remove superficial, cosmetic adornments, but the true core will emerge amidst the damage as a beacon and, for the soul, safe harbor.

The scene below: a solitary edifice silently narrates a saga of once prosperous times long since past.

Solo Smelter, New Idria, #7581-7D

© 2013 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details:  May 19, 2012, Canon 7D; f/16 @ 1/400 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 320;
Tokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f/2.8 DX @ 11mm

________


Visit my full photographic repository at jwmurray.smugmug.com