Door knocker, Chengdu, China, 2004 by Phil Douglis

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24-JUN-2004

Door knocker, Chengdu, China, 2004

I was trapped for a half hour with a tour group in a brocade "factory" in Chengdu, which was well off by itself and far too isolated for me to escape to more photogenic areas. (The tourist industry often put its "factories" in such places because it sets up a "shop or else" situation.) Distressed by my predicament, I concentrated on making a worthwhile photographic opportunity come out of this situation. I found the answer in this tiny lion’s head door knocker. It adorned the door of the brocade "factory" and the side angle of the afternoon light was illuminating it perfectly. This frumpy lion seems to feel just as I did -- a frustrated captive being led around town with a ring in the mouth!

Canon PowerShot G5
1/50s f/2.2 at 11.2mm full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Phil Douglis		31-May-2005 04:23
Hi, Likyin and thanks for this wonderful comment. I agree that this image holds up in a smaller size because it is simple to begin with. And the green misty illusion holds up well, too. You bring up a good point about sizing and distance. This whole image works beautifully in the smaller sizes because you can't really see that what looks like mist is really light shining on a shiny red door. And so you decide that you are looking at hills and mist. In the bigger sizes, that illusion fades and you see it for what it really is. On the other hand, the fine detail in the face of lion works beautifully in the bigger sizes, and fades to insignificance in the smaller sizes. In fact, it is a perfect example of my rule of thumb: always size your images large enough so that the smallest key detail can be easily and instantly seen by the viewer. So it's a trade-off here, isn't it? If you want to see a fierce lion, you must size it big. If you want to imagine this as a scene shot near a misty lake, then size it small. I've sized it large enough so you can pick anyone of four sizes to view this image.

Guest		31-May-2005 01:54
I strongly agree that it's the mist created by the reflection in a mix of grey green and wine that makes this image stand out from all other routine shots of door knockers. And, I found that the smaller size was chosen to view it, the stronger sense of mystery and depth could be perceived. The illusion of distant hills and lake in the mist behind the knocker was vanishing while the image became larger and larger. Better to see things in distance? Why don't we enjoy things being flat and clear?

Phil Douglis		23-May-2005 20:13
Without that reflection, Mark, there is no picture here. I found the stare of the lion fascinating, but it needs context, and the mysterious, ambiguous misty reflection on the door itself provides it.

Guest		23-May-2005 11:35
I really like the ambiguity of the reflection - the way it also appears to be a view off into mist giving extra distance to the shot. This goes well with the staring eyes apparently trying to resolve some detail in that mist.

Phil Douglis		27-Oct-2004 20:57
Hello friend Hina. It is always a delight to hear from you. Glad you found some time to spend looking at my images. I look forward to all of your comments, questions, and criticisms with much enthusiasm. I was able to give this image its dimensional look by using the side vantage point and the flow of light and shadow over its face. The off-center placement in the helps as well, with the knocker coming out of the darkness at left and the light washing the door at right. As for softness, I did sharpen it a bit in Photoshop. I think if I made it any sharper, it might look a bit forced. I notice on my browser that the image seems softer in "large" size than it does in "original." That would be a pbase issue and have nothing to do with the image itself. Try looking at it in original, Hina, and see if it looks any sharper to your eye. I am delighted that you have come finally to me with a suggestion for improvement. Let's have more of those! Thanks, Phil

Guest		27-Oct-2004 19:02
hello my professor, i finally am sparing some time to have a decent look at your photos. i especially like this photo because of (just how it is photographed!) ... well... its difficult to say it, but to express it, i would say it looks very 3D, i think its a bit soft though, personally i would sharpen it a bit by photoshop. :D your student, hina :D

Phil Douglis		23-Oct-2004 02:17
Thanks, Tami, for this comment. It is a very simple image, brought to life by the strong sidelighting and use of negative space, as you say. I also used to take straight on shots of everything when I started, and then began noticing the effect of light on my subjects. As for the story behind the shot adding meaning, yes -- I agree. No image functions in a vacuum. All pictures, however displayed, should be supported with some verbal context, if only to provide basic identification. The more context you have for an image, the more likely you are to appreciate the intentions of the photographer. On the other hand, some images work best when very little context is offered, and the photograph allows its viewers to make up their own minds as to its meaning.

Tami		23-Oct-2004 00:49
I like the lighting on this and the use of negative space. When I first started I would have taken a straight forward shot of this. The story behind the shot adds meaning.

Phil Douglis		09-Oct-2004 00:21
Thanks, Carol, for being the first to comment on this image -- I included it here to demonstrate both how to make the best out of a boring photographic situation, and how to use light to bring an inanimate subject to life. Glad you agree.

Carol E Sandgren		05-Oct-2004 19:02
Shop or else?? Shoot or else!! You made a good thing out of a frustrating situation. I'd do the same. Love the lighting too!

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