Wednesday 21 July 2010: chained
There is something to be said for walking around with Scorpionkiss with no specific destination in mind. We turned down streets neither of us had been to before, randomly choosing which way to go, and it was the perfect way to spend the morning.
When I see things like this - an old, rusted bike, chained to an even older building, it's tires flat, its seat missing, I get so excited. And I have blip to thank/blame for that. I took a few different shots but this was my favourite - for the slant and for the people in the background. My second favourite was this one - taken from a different angle and processed in black and white.
And I know that this bike is going to be a part of my poetry collection on Cairo. And more importantly, its owner, who I picture in my mind. Maybe an old man, in a white gallabeya. Maybe a younger boy, the ones who weave in and out of traffic balancing a large tray of bread on their heads. There are so many possibilities. But there is only one reason he could have left this bike behind - and that is if he had no choice. But that is the part that I don't particularly like to think about...
Comments
Just such an incredible capture habibti, good thing you dont add in your journal entry how many great scenes I miss but you see!!!As always, your tones are exquisite, such a deft and sure touch with tonality, it takes my breath away, i'm always waiting to see the delicate touch you have with color, the same touch with your writing!I think we might have to do this again tomorrow habibti!!!lol...xxxxxx
~ Scorpionkiss
I really like this pic - well done very atmospheric.
~ G
Lovely shot, nice processing.
~ GordonB
This is beautiful. There is so much to look at in this picture. The bike itself has lots to observe - the tyres , the basket at the front and the back shelf. It is evident that this has been a well used bike in its day.
The pavement and its big crack, the stall in the background with a potentaial customer also draws the eye. Exquisite.
I really enjoy both yours and Matt's blips. Keep them coming.
~ jones
Love this shot, great processing. This shot invokes a great story, how old is the bike, who does it belong to, what was it used for, why was it left in this state.
Nice ;)
~ flipside
I like this shot. And the one you've linked. This one is more interesting and though you've mentioned the tilt, I am in two minds about it.
But the mood, the observation and as always the words are just beautiful. It's been so long since I went out towards the older bits of the city, exploring nooks and corners for photographs. And the walk seems to have rather rejuvenated you; I really wish I can make time for some street photography soon...
~ farsidehues
Wonderful - I envy you the proximity of such a rich source of photo opportunity, a foolish thing to say perhaps, but true none the less.
~ Blob
amazing and fab capture of street shot! The priocessing is stunning and the composition is great! Bravo! 5*
~ IngunnInOslo
Wonderful angle and colors to this capture. It's good to know that inspite of the run-down conditions in the area, someone still sells books. Thank you for subscribing.
~ loneygirl
A beautiful, sad image which must have an interesting story behind it and we're left to imagine what it must be. I like the view up the street as well, to the men who are carrying on with their everyday lives. Wonderful.
~ chaiselongue
What a lovely image, your processing is perfect. I agree with Blob you have a rich source for opportunity... excellent and thank you for your kind comment.
lynn
~ Roylance
A great shot and I'm interested in the scene going on behind it. I like the way you've explore the unknows of your picture.
~ Net
very nice. You know what I find so fascinating about you and scorpionkiss when you guys go out shooting together, is how differently you both see the same place and that in turn goes to show the diffrences in your personalities. Having said that, both of you are just superb photographers in your own special way. Hats off :)
~ zahrashah
once again your text completes the image :-)
~ tadpole
I also enjoy your texts as much as your images, and this one is no exception. The photo is fantastic, the tones truly beautiful. One of my favourite all-time blips here, truly!
~ clarabelfrance
What captures me about this photograph is the angle you decided to use. For me it adds this dreamlike quality to the scene - almost seems unreal or if walking down this street in a dream state. Very interesting. I saw this earlier today and kept thinking about it so wanted to come back and comment. You have a very intriguing view to the world.
~ BethanneElion
Super photo - definitely blip-worthy. I like the metal basket contraption on the front - would have loved to see it in its hey day full of groceries. We have two old bike baskets on our wall to hold veg and fruit and I often like to think about where they've been and what they've carried - might blip them some time!
~ tireedawson
many thanks for your kind comments re the rhinos. I started photographing them back on 5 July though the majority are on my blog. I have posted a link on today's entry to the website that explains what it is all about. I hope that you enjoy looking at that.
Super composition of your image today and interesting subject. I like your second favourite of the bicycle but the added human dimension of this one does it for me and gives the shot a context.
~ baldeagle
Thank you SO much for your lovely words today..Im in awe getting them from a person like you who is so talent yourself..*bows*
I LOVE this photo..so simple but yet so strong..the tones, wow!
~ nordicangel
This is an excellent photo! Great composition!
~ thegeneous
chained to bars - such a strong image. something almost symbolic, especially together with your words....
the muted colours - that naples yellow and the black and gray. so pleasing. so full of atmosphere. old and now at the same time.
the men and that pillar. almost funny how they make a receding line. make the depth. both visually and on that other more human scale.
the worn look. both the bike and the pavement.
i wonder if the owner of the bike was as worn out. just keeping alive.....
lovely. as always.
- grete
~ meandmax
Amazing visual treat. The B&W is good, also. You can feel the picture.
~ Ethel
Lovely image. It works perfectly in black and white and you manage to cram so many components into something deceptively simple.
~ Babaodo
Tonal mastery.
~ Barrioboy
Oh, this is magnificant. I have an affinity for old bikes, and this one definately strikes a chord. It's a workhorse, and it's been put out to pasture in a way...
~ besideherself
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