photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Five: Using the frame to define ideas > Store or stable? Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2005
previous | next
15-JUL-2005

Store or stable? Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2005

This image is all about framing. The horses incongruously peering out of an antique shop’s display window are framed in a series of squares, with a row of rectangular frames carrying the eye across the top, and a panel of colorful tiles sweeping across the bottom. A separate set of tiles is incorporated in still another frame just to the right of the window. All of these frames were already in place when I arrived, but I arranged them within my own frame, including a bit of the sidewalk and building façade, to lend context to the photograph – with the windows bleeding off the right hand edge of the frame, implying continuation. All of this careful framing draws attention to the horses, gazing at the street and wishing they could come out to play. One begins to wonder if we are looking at a store or a stable here?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20
1/100s f/2.8 at 14.9mm iso80 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis12-Nov-2005 20:15
Yes, this can be an amusing image, Mikel. Particularly when we consider the plight of the tiny horse off to the left. It does indeed seem a bit overmatched and overwhelmed within that frame of the window.
Guest 12-Nov-2005 18:24
The last photo that I will comment for the moment Phil, I have to get back to work.
It is true that this image speaks alot by the framing, on one hand it is extreemly incoungruous on the sence of the horses looking throe the window like if they wold be normal human beengs looking at the street that cleverly you show slightly on the bottom part.
On the other hand, it also gives me the feeleng like a bunch of horses waiting in the boxes thanks to the framing, it is a funny context.
There is still an other element that some how it doesen't seem to have triggered your thoughts, the little horse standing on the left edge of the picture, it seems like kind of a ridiculous animal beside the huge and prowd horses that fill up most of the main frame... something like the outcast of the group, accentuated with the fact that it is in the extreem left side, taking it away from the strong part of the photo.
Phil Douglis24-Sep-2005 04:03
I framed this image in many different ways, Ramma. And then picked the one that gave the image the most life. The tiles are as important as the windows here. They bring a sense of energy to the picture, as well as symbolizing the Spanish heritage of Santa Fe. You can also see this entire building as part of a street scene which I use as an example of mood at:http://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/46539497
Ramma 16-Sep-2005 20:16
I reeally like this image. The way the Horses peep is really interesting. Perhaps. if i was at the same place i would've shown more of the window on the right and less on the left.. Almost the opposite of what u've done...
Phil Douglis28-Jul-2005 19:20
Thanks for being the first to comment on this image, Catriona. It is an image rich in texture, colors, and detail, controlled within a series of frames that suggest meaning. I found my angle by moving my vantage point until the bodies of the horses appeared in the most effective position.
Guest 28-Jul-2005 15:16
I like this image Phil - there is so much to look at in it! The horses look like they are all lined up and eager to get out! There are so many contrasting colours, patterns and textures however, they all seem to blend together so well. All of these frames are centering around the horses so they become the focal point of the image. The angle you have chosen works well as it adds perspective to the image. Beauty Phil!
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment