Tools of the Trade
"The hard thing to do of course is to find a way to photograph a mundane subject or event in a way that makes it exciting."
Brooks Jensen
Mr. Jensen described my conundrum this week perfectly with his quote above - definitely a bit harder than usual, but a very interesting exercise. I've opened with a pair of images that share a common element, items obviously well-used but still functional. The left-side image is new, while the right side is a crop of an image included in a previous post. Their color schemes were quite different so I applied a sepia tone to keep them in the same family. On the other hand, I did keep an element of color in the image below, part of a very tall lamp in our guest bedroom. I thought it made an interesting image but I'll let you be the judge!
Colorful Lamplighter
"Spend some time looking at everyday objects, at their design, their shape, their individual characteristics. "
Martin Parr
Next I chose to include an image I've not used before which was captured during our visit to China. I was drawn to the simplicity of the scene, it's obvious age, and the many shades of red.
Red Chair, China
"In a world of infinite possible objects to photograph, I eliminate everything I don't want in a frame until I'm left with what I do want.
Ralph Gibson
Also from China, the image that follows is one I've included in the past. The tee-shirt was hung on the outside wall of a home we passed while touring a small village from the water. I remember thinking it was interesting in its simplicity.
White Tee
"...it takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the ordinary."
David Bailey
Coming back to the U.S., the image below features a gift from a good friend who moved from Kiawah to the west coast. It previously had a place of honor in her home and is a wonderful reminder of how important she and her husband are to us. It holds a special place over the desk in my office and makes me smile whenever I glance at it. As an aside, I used P/S to isolate the subject and P/S AI for the background.
She Sells Seashells
"I believe that a spectacular photo of something ordinary is more interesting than an ordinary photo of something spectacular."
Jim Coe
Another item that is special to us is a piece of wall art hanging in our foyer. We purchased it at an artists' showing that we attended with another set of good friends who also moved from Kiawah to the west coast. Again, it is a favorite both for what it is and for the memory it brings. The piece is actually round but for my post I've created a rectangular image.
Rocky Reminder
"A painter's eye will often be arrested where ordinary people see nothing remarkable."
William Henry Fox Talbot
Finally, two images I've included in the past, both entirely ordinary objects. On the left obviously, a basket of garlic bulbs, and on the right a hanging lantern with an altogether different bulb.
Basket of Bulbs
A Different Kind of Bulb
"I never once failed at making a light bulb. I just found out 99 ways not to make one."
Thomas Edison
Thanks to Ritva for pushing me out of my comfort zone. I'm happy to have found some subjects for new images as well as some from my archives that fit the challenge. We look forward to seeing your choices. Please be sure to link your posts to Ritva's original here, and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to Anne for last week's Shoreline challenge. We loved the variety of your beautiful responses. Finally, we hope you'll join us next week when Egidio once again leads us on his Through Brazilian Eyes site . Until then as always please stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.
Looking for more information on joining our challenge? Click here.
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