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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 133 - Distance >> Challenge 133 - Eligible > Distant Doors
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16-MAY-2007 CJ in CA

Distant Doors

Canon EOS 350D
1/400s f/5.6 at 28.0mm iso100 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time16-May-2007 09:08:32
MakeCanon
ModelCanon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length28 mm
Exposure Time1/400 sec
Aperturef/5.6
ISO Equivalent100
Exposure Bias
White Balance
Metering Modematrix (5)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (1)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Canon DSLR Challenge21-May-2007 21:20
Thanks Mary Anne and Brent.The buildings in this complex are now used by the county for offices but when it was a mental hospital it housed a self-taught artist by the name of Martin Ramirez from 1948 to his death in 1963. Here's a link to info on him if you're interested. His work is finally being recognized and displayed in Folk Art Museums across the country. CJ

http://www.folkartmuseum.org/images/afam_1865.pdf
Brent 19-May-2007 16:11
Very nice shot well taken CJ. Everybody understandably has made deep dark comments about the feel of the place with the mood you have captured here. I too am curious as to what it is used for now. Great work.
ctfchallenge18-May-2007 00:16
I like the composition and lighting of this shot, CJ, and of course the b & w is perfect for the topic. I had been wondering why the windows were all set at different levels, but then I noticed that the hallway is actually inclined upward. Curious, but typical of buildings designed to warehouse people. How is it being used today? It seems to be pretty well maintained.
--Mary Anne
ctfchallenge17-May-2007 23:56
Thanks for the comments Rod and tv! I did adjust the editing a little to emphasize the unfriendly, foreboding feel of the image, but didn't want to make it quite as dark as yours Rod. Thanks for taking the time to work on it! CJ
ctfchallenge17-May-2007 14:26
What a stark and unfriendly place. I think your version works well with its documentary, unprocessed feel. Beyond that door bad things are done that we don't want to see - an analogy for, say, the places terrorist detainees and political captives are taken and mistreated. Your careful framing deserves a prize from Rod for pure photography. The hallway diagonals lock into and recede from the left corners, and the door is welded against the right edge, emphasizing the permanence of this awful place. -tv
Rod 17-May-2007 10:55
Well done Carole I really like the composition & use of the light. I think the overall look is too bright for my taste & also the negative feel you are after. I used the curves tool to darken the whole thing & really like the look of it that way, it's in Pending. Very well done & great for this topic megirl:-)
ctfchallenge17-May-2007 06:23
Thanks aam! And LOL at your remark Doug as you are soooo right to feel that way! This old building, built in the 40's, was originally called the DeWitt Army Hospital for returning vets from WWII. I'm glad the negative feeling about this building came through as in the 50's this was turned into a mental hospital, so you WOULD want to run out those doors! ;-) CJ
ctfchallenge17-May-2007 03:27
This picture makes me want to run through those doors to escape. Where is it? Nicely done CJ. -COAmature
aam1234 17-May-2007 02:27
I remember this hall, but in color :)

Like the light & shadow on the left.