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Behind the Camera: Twisted Ladder
It is time once again for me to shine the spotlight on another one of my pictures from the galleries of Four Forty-Six Photography. This month, I have decided to talk a little more about one of my recent pictures that has appeared here in Photo Trek just a few entries ago. The reason that I am bringing this picture up again so soon after posting it is that it has gotten some great responses, with a lot of interest about it. Since that is what the Behind the Camera feature is all about, I figured I would go into a bit more detail about it.
Twisted Ladder
Twisted Ladder is an image that might not have happened had it not been for another subject that I was after. I had made the quick trip to downtown Winston-Salem, NC with full intentions of photographing some of the more interesting buildings in the skyline as the sun set. As I arrived at the parking deck I had planned to set up on, I noticed a small park beside the deck. In the middle of the park was a very interesting sculpture that reminded me of a double helix (I remember way too much from school sometimes). It also brought to mind ladders that were twisting together, reaching for the sky. I was intrigued, but with the sun still fairly bright, there was nothing photographically special about this sculpture. I thought that it might look good illuminated by artificial light as the sky grew dark in a couple of hours though.
I filed the sculpture in my memory for later, and proceeded to set up at the top of the parking deck. Even as I was working the scene that I was trying to capture, I was thinking about the possibilities that the sculpture below held for me. As the sun dipped out of sight and the sky grew too dark to continue with my present subject, I made my way back down to the ground floor. I made the short walk to the park where I found the park lights lit, as well as four spotlights at the base of the sculpture...perfect!
I spent about 15 minutes walking all the way around and looking for possible compositions that would make this scene appear the least cluttered. I was able to find only one position that created the order that I wanted for the image. The spotlights were my next issue as I had to minimize their effect, as the bright highlights would overpower the actual ladders which were my intended subject. By shooting low to the ground, I was able to block most of the intensity of the spotlights while emphasizing the actual subject. Balance was achieved by the inclusion of the park lights to the right. I was satisfied with the composition and it showed just what I wanted it to.
So what do I see in this picture? Of course I see the sculpture, but I more see what it represents to me. I see success, and what it takes to achieve that success. No, I have not lost my mind. What I see is a strong base in the ground and the raised platform. All success starts with a strong base in your life. I see the lights shining up directing all progress in an upwardly direction. The ladders represent not one person, but several. True success comes from having a strong support system that pushes you to reach new heights. Then of course, there are the ladders themselves. I can't think of a more universally accepted icon for success.
So, there you have it...the complete story of this rather simple picture from previsualization, to composition, to exposure, and finally to the communication of the message. You can find this image in the Urban Room of my gallery.
Written by Greg A. Kiser
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For me it's represents the twisted path of life, striving to rise above it all. (Hugs) Indigo
http://journals.aol.com/rdautumnsage/ravens-lament/ -
What I see is a giant Oscar and the reciepient of this prestegious award(drum roll please) is YOU but where is that red carpet?lol Please except this on behalf of all whom you have supported,helped and advised.
Nancy -
Love the photo and your interpretation of the sculpture.
This is a perfect time for me to say a big thank you for being a part of my support system lately! Martha :-) -
i love the analogy...and the street lights really add to the composition without overpowering the subject. one of my favorites. :)
gina
3/3/08 11:34 AM
I love the play of lights
framing - super shot!
Always cool to read
"the complete story."
Thanks for sharing!
_rRose