Be the first on your block to own one of these.
I actually came pretty close to removing this image, but thought better of it. I think this object is some kind of seat, made from the stump of a fallen tree. It is, or was, for sale in the store in the background, which is some kind of antique furniture / knick knack joint.
I walked past it a few times on different occasions, but this time I actually saw it, and saw how bizarre it is, and even more strangely how they have chained it to the security grate, as if it were in grave danger of being stolen. I’m amused that someone thought it was a good idea to make this thing in the first place, more so that they actually persuaded someone else to buy it, and incredulous that they think someone would steal it.
A valuable example of the woodworking art, or a misshapen lump of wood? The latter, I say.
You are very good at finding interesting subject matter in “ordinary” surroundings. And once you find these subjects, your eye for color and composition allows you to produce exceptional photographs.
Like you, I like taking photographs or “quirky” things that I see when I’m out walking around. Alot of the time, I sense that the people around me are wondering why I earth I would be taking a photograph of this or that. They don’t have the same appreciation for that kind of thing. And that’s coupled with the general concern many people have whenever they see someone taking a photograph in the post-9/11 world. It makes me feel very uncomfortable and I have refrained from taking many photographs because of it. I’m trying to get past that so that I can learn and improve as a photographer.
As a postscript, I just wanted to say that I totally disagree with the negative opinions expressed about your site that have appeared in the last day in the commentary on chromasia.com (another superb site). I thoroughly enjoy checking out your latest offering every day. Keep up the great work!
Christopher, thanks. I know what you mean about the reluctance to take photos in public. I experience this frequently as well, especially if there’s anything official looking in the direction I’m pointing the camera, e.g., security camera, government building, cop car etc. Nobody has ever questioned me though. Sometimes if I take photos in a store, a security guard will come and say “no pictures”. But usually I already have the picture by the time they say that. I just act stupid, say OK, and put the camera away. There are some places I would like to shoot, but think I should get official permission first, rather than risk an encounter with the FBI. So far, I’ve just avoided such places.
In regard to the negative comments on Chromasia, I don’t share that person’s opinion that publishing photographs on the web is some kind of popularity contest. I put the pictures up in order to communicate with folks who like my way of seeing things, not those who don’t.
It’s always exciting when you walk past a subject several times, and only after it strikes you in a certain way, you think, wow, tubular. It is quite the peculiar object as well. Hmm.
Neil, Stay the course.
“and even more strangely how they have chained it to the security grate, as if it were in grave danger of being stolen. Im amused that someone thought it was a good idea to make this thing in the first place”
That’s the first thing I noticed. Nice shot again, as usual.
That is weird, my first look at this led me to think it was a stange carved face with the chain around it’s neck and it looks like it has both arms out to the side as if holding up the flat top piece of wood.
Good capture of a strange subject.