Is It Up, Or Is It Down?

Do Not Adjust Your Screen

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This week’s theme really got me thinking, because there aren’t really a lot of shots I’ve taken that would meet the criterion. I was starting to wonder how best to depict this – and then I remembered a couple of shots I took about eight weeks ago.

I just happened to be coming down the stairs from Southbank to the Langham Hotel here in Melbourne, when I noticed a Mercedes-Benz parked in just the right spot. Not only was it in great light and in a position where I could shoot it from above, but its hood also had a clearly discernible reflection of one of Melbourne’s most recent and most recognisable landmarks – the mammoth Eureka Building, which opened in 2006.

I took the first shot exactly where I stood and then I realised that if I moved slightly to my left, I would be able to shoot a segmented image. By this I mean the reflection of Eureka would occupy the left-hand side of the car’s hood, while the right-hand side would be absolutely clear of anything at all.

Now I can also explain why I was so lucky that the car was a Merc. The distinctive three-pointed star is a perfect point of reference. Not only does it divide the image into two clear segments, but it is one of the easiest corporate symbols to identify.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Upside down''.

Is It Up, Or Is It Down?

Do Not Adjust Your Screen

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This week’s theme really got me thinking, because there aren’t really a lot of shots I’ve taken that would meet the criterion. I was starting to wonder how best to depict this – and then I remembered a couple of shots I took about eight weeks ago.

I just happened to be coming down the stairs from Southbank to the Langham Hotel here in Melbourne, when I noticed a Mercedes-Benz parked in just the right spot. Not only was it in great light and in a position where I could shoot it from above, but its hood also had a clearly discernible reflection of one of Melbourne’s most recent and most recognisable landmarks – the mammoth Eureka Building, which opened in 2006.

I took the first shot exactly where I stood and then I realised that if I moved slightly to my left, I would be able to shoot a segmented image. By this I mean the reflection of Eureka would occupy the left-hand side of the car’s hood, while the right-hand side would be absolutely clear of anything at all.

Now I can also explain why I was so lucky that the car was a Merc. The distinctive three-pointed star is a perfect point of reference. Not only does it divide the image into two clear segments, but it is one of the easiest corporate symbols to identify.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Upside down''.

Let There Be Light

Maybe We Can String Something Together Here

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I was in a hurry on a hot, humid morning in Calcutta, India, in October 2006 when I noticed something interesting. This unusual stack, part of what must have been hundreds of light bulbs, had just been taken down from the facade of a residential apartment block.

The lights had been used to illuminate the building during the festive Puja season, in an age-old tradition where lights and assorted decorations adorn homes of all descriptions. The Pujas are a prolonged holiday period during which Indian cities are transformed into havens of shimmering night-time light.

I composed this shot to emphasise the careful manner in which the bulbs had been arranged, but also to draw the eye towards the colour-coded wiring. Obviously the lights were removed in a certain sequence, and were about to be stored in a way in which they could easily be retrieved and replaced the next year.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Electric''.

Let There Be Light

Maybe We Can String Something Together Here

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I was in a hurry on a hot, humid morning in Calcutta, India, in October 2006 when I noticed something interesting. This unusual stack, part of what must have been hundreds of light bulbs, had just been taken down from the facade of a residential apartment block.

The lights had been used to illuminate the building during the festive Puja season, in an age-old tradition where lights and assorted decorations adorn homes of all descriptions. The Pujas are a prolonged holiday period during which Indian cities are transformed into havens of shimmering night-time light.

I composed this shot to emphasise the careful manner in which the bulbs had been arranged, but also to draw the eye towards the colour-coded wiring. Obviously the lights were removed in a certain sequence, and were about to be stored in a way in which they could easily be retrieved and replaced the next year.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Electric''.

Treasure Vault

Orange And Gold (And A Touch Of History)

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Late last week, I wondered if it would be possible to shoot a part of Melbourne's architectural history - the lobby of 333 Collins Street. So I rang the number on the website, asked permission and I followed the procedure set out. Shortly after, I received the all-clear.

Soon, I'll post the photos of the stunning vaulted ceiling, but for the purposes of this week's Photo Hunt theme, I've selected one of the images I shot that evening.

Sometimes, the intricacy of craftsmanship and achitectural design can be accentuated by use of a silhouette. I was struck by the detail in this filigree-like arch, one of many in the lobby. I shot some frames of the entire arch against the huge vaulted ceiling, but I wanted something "different".

That's when I decided to use a tight frame to accentuate the arch against the graceful silhouette of one of the imposing columns. By positioning myself carefully, I was even able to use the flame-like reflection of light on the rounded section of the arch.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Orange''.

Treasure Vault

Orange And Gold (And A Touch Of History)

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Late last week, I wondered if it would be possible to shoot a part of Melbourne's architectural history - the lobby of 333 Collins Street. So I rang the number on the website, asked permission and I followed the procedure set out. Shortly after, I received the all-clear.

Soon, I'll post the photos of the stunning vaulted ceiling, but for the purposes of this week's Photo Hunt theme, I've selected one of the images I shot that evening.

Sometimes, the intricacy of craftsmanship and achitectural design can be accentuated by use of a silhouette. I was struck by the detail in this filigree-like arch, one of many in the lobby. I shot some frames of the entire arch against the huge vaulted ceiling, but I wanted something "different".

That's when I decided to use a tight frame to accentuate the arch against the graceful silhouette of one of the imposing columns. By positioning myself carefully, I was even able to use the flame-like reflection of light on the rounded section of the arch.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Orange''.

Hail Merry

Wasn't It Sunny A Few Minutes Ago?

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

On Wednesday evening it was bright and sunny at 4pm - but things had changed drastically in just over an hour, as you can see from this photograph.

They weren't kidding when a wild weather warning was issued for Melbourne that afternoon. I had had just exited off the freeway when the sleet turned to a fierce hailstorm.

This was shot a few seconds after I parked in my driveway, just as dusk turned to night.

Yes, I live in a city with hugely fluctuating weather. On Christmas Day 2006, it was several degrees colder in Melbourne than it was in London or New York - and December is our summer!

And a few years ago, we had snow on Christmas Day, while Victoria was battling bushfires!

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Surprise''.

Hail Merry

Wasn't It Sunny A Few Minutes Ago?

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

On Wednesday evening it was bright and sunny at 4pm - but things had changed drastically in just over an hour, as you can see from this photograph.

They weren't kidding when a wild weather warning was issued for Melbourne that afternoon. I had had just exited off the freeway when the sleet turned to a fierce hailstorm.

This was shot a few seconds after I parked in my driveway, just as dusk turned to night.

Yes, I live in a city with hugely fluctuating weather. On Christmas Day 2006, it was several degrees colder in Melbourne than it was in London or New York - and December is our summer!

And a few years ago, we had snow on Christmas Day, while Victoria was battling bushfires!

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Surprise''.

Ripples Across A Windscreen

Water Is Such A Precious Gift Of Nature

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

While I was trying to do a mental selection of images for today's theme, I was reviewing (in my mind, not on my computer) all the images I have shot of water. Then I suddenly thought I would portray ripples in a slightly different way.

Could I portray ripples NOT on the surface of water, but in another way? On another surface?

Here is my answer ... in words and pictorially. When you live in a drought-stricken country-continent like Australia, even a light drizzle is a blessing from the rain gods.

This was shot last weekend, just before I drove my car out of a parking slot. I was literally sitting with my seatbelt around me when I reached across for my camera and shot the tiny drops on the windscreen.

The thing that really caught my attention was that each drop on the raked windscreen was a different shape and texture.

I framed this shot deliberately, to use my rear-view mirror as the soft-focus visual enhancement in the left foreground, just to draw the eye straight to the drops in the centre of the image, where the focus was sharpest.

The image I've posted here is simply a low-resolution version of the original. If you want to see the full-size, high-resolution image, just go to Screen Test.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Ripples''.

Ripples Across A Windscreen

Water Is Such A Precious Gift Of Nature

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

While I was trying to do a mental selection of images for today's theme, I was reviewing (in my mind, not on my computer) all the images I have shot of water. Then I suddenly thought I would portray ripples in a slightly different way.

Could I portray ripples NOT on the surface of water, but in another way? On another surface?

Here is my answer ... in words and pictorially. When you live in a drought-stricken country-continent like Australia, even a light drizzle is a blessing from the rain gods.

This was shot last weekend, just before I drove my car out of a parking slot. I was literally sitting with my seatbelt around me when I reached across for my camera and shot the tiny drops on the windscreen.

The thing that really caught my attention was that each drop on the raked windscreen was a different shape and texture.

I framed this shot deliberately, to use my rear-view mirror as the soft-focus visual enhancement in the left foreground, just to draw the eye straight to the drops in the centre of the image, where the focus was sharpest.

The image I've posted here is simply a low-resolution version of the original. If you want to see the full-size, high-resolution image, just go to Screen Test.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Ripples''.

Sentenced To Twenty Lashes

You Can’t Tell Me These Lashes Are For Real

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

You’ll never see larger artificial eyelashes than these. This is the giant face that forms the façade of Sydney’s Luna Park, the famous tourist attraction at Milsons Point, on the opposite side of the harbour from the Opera House.

We spent a balmy afternoon at the park in April this year and I shot this image as we walked away to wait for a ferry to take us across the harbour. I had initially hoped to be able to capture a great sunset with the famous symbols of Sydney as a backdrop, but that was not to be. It was grey and overcast and we didn’t even see the sun as it disappeared, nor was there any reflection on the clouds.

That’s probably why I concentrated on manmade structures instead, as the light faded and the illuminations were switched on at Luna Park. I guess you could say I had eyes for nothing else.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Artificial''.

Sentenced To Twenty Lashes

You Can’t Tell Me These Lashes Are For Real

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

You’ll never see larger artificial eyelashes than these. This is the giant face that forms the façade of Sydney’s Luna Park, the famous tourist attraction at Milsons Point, on the opposite side of the harbour from the Opera House.

We spent a balmy afternoon at the park in April this year and I shot this image as we walked away to wait for a ferry to take us across the harbour. I had initially hoped to be able to capture a great sunset with the famous symbols of Sydney as a backdrop, but that was not to be. It was grey and overcast and we didn’t even see the sun as it disappeared, nor was there any reflection on the clouds.

That’s probably why I concentrated on manmade structures instead, as the light faded and the illuminations were switched on at Luna Park. I guess you could say I had eyes for nothing else.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Artificial''.

Get The Lowdown

So, Is This Where J-Low Hangs Out, Too?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Low-flying planes? Mate, I’m well over six foot – so does this sign mean I have more case to worry than most other tourists?

This shot was taken though the window of a fast-moving SUV in Alaska last year. We had just crossed the border at Poker Creek as we traversed the Top Of The World Highway. We were still a few miles from the little town of Chicken when I spotted this sign.

Okay, so it’s not the sharpest image I shot that day, but it’s certainly one that brought a smile to my face.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Low''.

Get The Lowdown

So, Is This Where J-Low Hangs Out, Too?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Low-flying planes? Mate, I’m well over six foot – so does this sign mean I have more case to worry than most other tourists?

This shot was taken though the window of a fast-moving SUV in Alaska last year. We had just crossed the border at Poker Creek as we traversed the Top Of The World Highway. We were still a few miles from the little town of Chicken when I spotted this sign.

Okay, so it’s not the sharpest image I shot that day, but it’s certainly one that brought a smile to my face.

Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Low''.

Ha, Ha Monica

For Me, This Performance Struck A Poignant Note

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Sometimes a face just stops you in your tracks. Then, despite the fact that you have a camera around your neck and media credentials in your wallet, the debate begins. Do you have the right to intrude? I always ask the person if it’s all right to photograph them. Always.

When I photographed a harp player in Quebec City, it was with his permission. When I photographed a pavement piano player in Melbourne, it was with his permission. When I photographed a costumed belly dancer, it was with her permission. When I photographed a blind busker, it was with his permission.

So when I saw this street performer in Singapore two years ago, I asked if I could take some shots of him and he nodded his assent.

Just for the record, I wasn't in his face when I shot these images. My normal lens is a Sigma 18-125mm, so I always have plenty of options. Both these images were shot at the maximum focal length, so I wasn't even within touching distance when I photographed him.

If only I’d had an interpreter, I would have asked many questions.

I really wanted to know how old he was and why there was such depth of emotion in his eyes. Yes, he had a funky haircut. Yes, he had a great shirt. But I wanted to know why he sat there in the tropical heat, apparently without any teeth, playing the harmonica as if it were his only outlet for creativity.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Entertainment''.

Ha, Ha Monica

For Me, This Performance Struck A Poignant Note

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Sometimes a face just stops you in your tracks. Then, despite the fact that you have a camera around your neck and media credentials in your wallet, the debate begins. Do you have the right to intrude? I always ask the person if it’s all right to photograph them. Always.

When I photographed a harp player in Quebec City, it was with his permission. When I photographed a pavement piano player in Melbourne, it was with his permission. When I photographed a costumed belly dancer, it was with her permission. When I photographed a blind busker, it was with his permission.

So when I saw this street performer in Singapore two years ago, I asked if I could take some shots of him and he nodded his assent.

Just for the record, I wasn't in his face when I shot these images. My normal lens is a Sigma 18-125mm, so I always have plenty of options. Both these images were shot at the maximum focal length, so I wasn't even within touching distance when I photographed him.

If only I’d had an interpreter, I would have asked many questions.

I really wanted to know how old he was and why there was such depth of emotion in his eyes. Yes, he had a funky haircut. Yes, he had a great shirt. But I wanted to know why he sat there in the tropical heat, apparently without any teeth, playing the harmonica as if it were his only outlet for creativity.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Entertainment''.

Steel Yourself

All Fired Up For The Barbecue Season

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Yes, Australia is famous for its outdoors lifestyle and its barbecue culture. And yes, the days are getting longer again. The winter solstice was almost five weeks ago and the sun is rising earlier and setting later each day, despite the frost and the cold and the chilly winds.

But it’s time to check out the barbecues again. Any day is good for a barbie, as we call them here.

You don’t need an excuse to fire up the burners and toss some olive oil on a sizzling hot plate. But I’d better duck outdoors and check that the gas cylinder is full, before I light up each burner and get the gleaming utensils out again.

Keep 'em clean and keep 'em sharp. Now that’s what I call real cutting edge.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Utensils''.

Steel Yourself

All Fired Up For The Barbecue Season

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Yes, Australia is famous for its outdoors lifestyle and its barbecue culture. And yes, the days are getting longer again. The winter solstice was almost five weeks ago and the sun is rising earlier and setting later each day, despite the frost and the cold and the chilly winds.

But it’s time to check out the barbecues again. Any day is good for a barbie, as we call them here.

You don’t need an excuse to fire up the burners and toss some olive oil on a sizzling hot plate. But I’d better duck outdoors and check that the gas cylinder is full, before I light up each burner and get the gleaming utensils out again.

Keep 'em clean and keep 'em sharp. Now that’s what I call real cutting edge.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Utensils''.

Do You Sea What I See?

Okay, Sly, Cue The Theme Music From "Rocky"

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I thought about posting images of rocky outcrops at Kluane National Park in the Yukon. I thought about posting images of lichen-covered rocks from different parts of the world. I thought (yes, naturally) about posting images from the periphery of rock music.

But then I remembered this simple series of images and I figured I would post these instead, to remind us of the power of Nature and how objects around us that we take for granted have been there (and will continue to be there) for millennia.

These rocks with eddying sea water foaming around them and emphasising their colour and shape are on Sydney's famous North Shore. We were there on a beautiful autumn day on the Easter weekend and as you can see from the shot below, of the same scene but composed horizontally, there was so much to admire.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Rock(s)''.

Do You Sea What I See?

Okay, Sly, Cue The Theme Music From "Rocky"

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I thought about posting images of rocky outcrops at Kluane National Park in the Yukon. I thought about posting images of lichen-covered rocks from different parts of the world. I thought (yes, naturally) about posting images from the periphery of rock music.

But then I remembered this simple series of images and I figured I would post these instead, to remind us of the power of Nature and how objects around us that we take for granted have been there (and will continue to be there) for millennia.

These rocks with eddying sea water foaming around them and emphasising their colour and shape are on Sydney's famous North Shore. We were there on a beautiful autumn day on the Easter weekend and as you can see from the shot below, of the same scene but composed horizontally, there was so much to admire.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Rock(s)''.