Seeing 2009 (#110)

Tonight's submission: a simple construction of parallel lines. Note the effective use of depth of field in order to render blurry a background of dry grasses which would be extraordinarily distracting if in sharp focus. Despite an aperture of f/11, which typically yields significant focal depth, the wires stand out against the obscured canvas due to their closeness to the lens. Paying close attention to what is behind the main subject is a crucial consideration in photographic composition.

I took this photograph due to the "twist" on the subject: although it occupies a tiny proportion of the total image space, the main subject is obvious simply due to its representation of variance - non-conformity within an otherwise largely homogeneous scene. I'm naturally drawn to photographic subjects which derive their power not so much from overt dominance but rather by commanding attention by means of an element of surprise.

I spotted this image during the latter stages of an exhausting, long distance charity bicycle ride. The metaphor was timely for me: during life's journeys different paths may frequently be taken (I missed at least two directional signs and thus saw much intended scenery) but in the long run the destination is the same.

Barbed Wire (Staying the Course), #4854

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: October 3, 2009; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 1/600 sec; - 2/3 EV; ISO 400; 46mm.

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