Documentary/Street

The Bench and Shadows

The Bench and Shadows

Taken on an afternoon walk in Oklahoma City. We had a beautiful sunny afternoon, temperatures in the 60’s and late afternoon shadows which, my friends, is an invitation to take the camera for a walk. Afterwards, I met the two pilots for hot wings and a refreshing lemonade at Hooters for dinner. Life is good!

Retired. Having fun shooting Fujifilm cameras. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku. Have a love for fountain pens.

8 Comments

  • David Leland Hyde

    The bench is indeed interesting. I am not sure about all that space. I can hear certain gallery people now saying, “Is the photograph about the bench or is it about the space?” In a sense it could be argued that the space adds to the composition and adds interest to the photograph overall. These are good arguments in some ways, but on the flip side of it, it could be said that the space actually detracts and divides the focus away from the main subject. If the bench does not provide enough interest, then why make the photograph in the first place? Is the photograph about the composition or about the bench? Are you looking to show an unusual shadow and shapes, or are you looking to draw attention to your hand in the image, your composition? Just throwing some ideas at you. Obviously it can be argued both ways, neither is right or wrong, but you can see what my opinion is.

    • Monte Stevens

      I’m at a place where I hope an image will touch someone in some way so that they stop and stay for awhile. I would like for them to enjoy what the see. If they have to decide if they like it or not, then I may have missed. I suppose I want the viewer to always come back to the bench after venturing off into the open space. Thanks, David, as it is a good question for me to ponder.

  • Anita Jesse

    What a fascinating illusion. This makes me dizzy in a wonderful carnival ride fashion. All the “empty” space enhances that effect for me. Keeps me wandering around in the picture.

    • Monte Stevens

      I’m glad it keeps you within the frame, even for a short period of time. I am afraid the business of the bench and shadows would detract and confuse, and for some it probably did. If so I lost them.