Seeing 2013 (#13)

For your consideration:  a small study in compositional formalism, mood and symbolism.

Here we have a series of repeating motifs . . . potent, missile-like verticals anchor not only the left of the frame but also define and support the horizon line; a precariously late warning sign upholds the other end of the boundary, while triangles somewhat more subtly also echo throughout, balanced both left and right.

Ill-defined geography hovers in the distance, presumably carpeted with organic canopies, while ironically the only distinct suggestion of life intrudes into the frame in skeletal form, simultaneously dynamic in flow and inanimate.

The scene is appropriately grey, and both implicitly and obviously a terminus and transition point — endings flowing into beginnings with mysteries yet to unfold . . . the truly observant will duly note the moment of the equinox.

Taken during the midst of a wintry bit of wandering along the largely abandoned streets of Lakeport, this is a view across Clear Lake from one of its several boat launches.

This offering is posted on an evening featuring rare snow on the local hills (of San Jose); it also is offered as a honorific to the memory of my late grandfather, Marshall Weston Petersen, whose ancient Argus 35mm camera (c. 1930s) was the genesis, long ago, of my passion for all things photographic — today, February 21, would've marked his 102nd birthday.

Dead Ends, #1113-7D; 

© 2013 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details:  December 21, 2012, Canon 7D; f/9 @ 1/640 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 500;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 236mm

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Visit my full photographic repository at jwmurray.smugmug.com