Your excavator-as-still-life is wonderful, Alan: the light most of all, but also the colors and point of view—everything, really. I love it. And Lake Styrofoam is exactly my kind of whimsy.
Thanks Linda. I remember that once I left a comment on your blog saying that yellow and gray were my favorite color combination. That was what attracted me to this subject.
Also glad to hear that we have the same sense of humor. What you probably don’t realize though is that the second photo is of an art installation — inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s work — in which each pellet was very meticulously positioned and anchored in place. Given styrofoam’ properties, it should last more than a million years.
The Lake Styrofoam_2156 image reminds me of a shot an instructor showed me years ago with the lesson “Expose for the highlights and let the shadows fall where they may”. These days digital cameras have more dynamic range than films of the past but I think it’s still good advice. And it’s an excellent shot, too!
Wonderful stuff, Alan – I feel the way Linda does about the excavator. The styrofoam on the water does give me pause though, as much as the abstract idea is pleasing. And of course, you composed and exposed to perfection.
I was preoccupied, not really present, and I actually did think it was an installation, and that you were serious (you’re a very good straight man). I mean, it wouldn’t be surprising, right? So I’m laughing at myself now, and thanking you for setting me straight. BTW, speaking of installations, did you see the article in the New Yorker (1/29) about Danh Vo? Really good read.
Can’t add much to the praise for your excavator photograph other than it’s really interesting how it seems to blink back and forth from abstraction to realism (and how the shadows seem to hold the key to this effect).
Even though I’m not in love with the current trend toward grossly oversized photographs, it’s tempting to imagine this one as a wall-sized metal print in a large home with lots of empty walls.
Pixetera 
Your excavator-as-still-life is wonderful, Alan: the light most of all, but also the colors and point of view—everything, really. I love it. And Lake Styrofoam is exactly my kind of whimsy.
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Thanks Linda. I remember that once I left a comment on your blog saying that yellow and gray were my favorite color combination. That was what attracted me to this subject.
Also glad to hear that we have the same sense of humor. What you probably don’t realize though is that the second photo is of an art installation — inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s work — in which each pellet was very meticulously positioned and anchored in place. Given styrofoam’ properties, it should last more than a million years.
:)
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The Lake Styrofoam_2156 image reminds me of a shot an instructor showed me years ago with the lesson “Expose for the highlights and let the shadows fall where they may”. These days digital cameras have more dynamic range than films of the past but I think it’s still good advice. And it’s an excellent shot, too!
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And that’s why Ansel Adams invented the Zone System!
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Wonderful stuff, Alan – I feel the way Linda does about the excavator. The styrofoam on the water does give me pause though, as much as the abstract idea is pleasing. And of course, you composed and exposed to perfection.
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Thanks Lynn. Just hope you didn’t take what I said about the pellets seriously: in reality, I had nothing to do with them being there.
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I was preoccupied, not really present, and I actually did think it was an installation, and that you were serious (you’re a very good straight man). I mean, it wouldn’t be surprising, right? So I’m laughing at myself now, and thanking you for setting me straight. BTW, speaking of installations, did you see the article in the New Yorker (1/29) about Danh Vo? Really good read.
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Well I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to voice your original reservations, Lynn, and that the record has now been straightened out.
Glanced at the New Yorker article but the pictured artwork left me cold. Based on your recommendation though, I’ll definitely give it a read. Thanks.
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Can’t add much to the praise for your excavator photograph other than it’s really interesting how it seems to blink back and forth from abstraction to realism (and how the shadows seem to hold the key to this effect).
Even though I’m not in love with the current trend toward grossly oversized photographs, it’s tempting to imagine this one as a wall-sized metal print in a large home with lots of empty walls.
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Thanks John. I’m taking orders :)
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