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Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> Challenge 61: Perspective (host: Sharon Lips) >> Eligible > A Sunset Fires Up The Golden Gate * Traveller
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11-FEB-2006 Traveller

A Sunset Fires Up The Golden Gate * Traveller

Yes, I know that Cindy has done this with more interesting angles, the cables disapearing in the shrouding fog, and Michael Soo did it in B&W, focusing on the tethering rings, and I'm sure that Michael Puff has done it better...even I have done the Golden Gate Bridge in a stylilzed version here at the Challenges...and yet, and yet, I believe that there is real and substantial value in REALLY seeing it in its totality...done by your's truly...and please note the decaying gun turret on the far left.

It is even possible that my SF Skyline through the cables posted in Exhibition is better...but the challenges are about choices, and this is what I want. All to often Photography is interesting because of a tight focus or a novel perspective, which creates real beauty...but because of my training...I often insist on seeing the, "Whole of the Thing," and this also translates, without apology, sometimes into my photography.

Photography is a way of seeing...and seeing whole is important also.

Canon EOS 350D
1/100s f/5.6 at 17.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Canon DSLR Challenge20-Feb-2006 16:28
I can't remember seeing a "whole" GG bridge shot I've liked quite as much as this. .. Lew
Canon DSLR Challenge19-Feb-2006 23:39
A classic shot and very well executed. Tim
elips17-Feb-2006 06:49
"Your" bridge really pops, Traveller! And the sense of distance is wonderful. Good work! ~Sharon
Canon DSLR Challenge16-Feb-2006 06:20
haha, all these 'wrong' people. lol ;) I think we should meet at the bridge and discuss in the field . . . ;) Cindy
Guest 16-Feb-2006 05:34
Traveller, thanks for the very nice compliment in the caption but you are wrong, I haven't done it *better*. Sure, I've done it...this is a totally classic view of the Golden Gate, who could resist? It's likely I could show you to within a few feet of where you were standing. You should indeed be proud of this shot, your timing was impeccable. The day was clear and breezy with a lovely sky. Your angle wide enough to capture the full bridge. The light just before sunset fires up the bridge color and shows off its architectural nuances. It's lovely and well done. -Michael
Canon DSLR Challenge15-Feb-2006 22:03
"...but your husband is simply wrong" I've told hime the same thing many times!!! heehee

I assumed as much about the left side - I remember driving by that and it was steep. The 10 mm sure comes in handy when you need it!

Cindy
Canon DSLR Challenge15-Feb-2006 20:37
Thanks Cindy for the comment...but your husband is simply wrong, your take on the GGB is Unique and just visually exciting...They are GREAT pictures...However, you are correct that at some level they need the viewer to know what it is about also...hence the value of images such as this one. Still, the only reason I need to defend this picture is because your's are so overwhealmingly good.

Several commentators over on my Travel/Writing site have noted that I should just be pleased that I got to see the Golden Gate without it being shrouded in fog and with blue skys...and I think that they have a point. Being able to photograph the GGB in good light is a lucky ocurrence...but I also timed my return from Marin County to coincide with the sun setting off to the West...so a little luck and a little skill.

As to the thought of anchoring the left side of the frame...I understand what you are saying. But there is a hillock to the left and then a sharp fall off to the road below, so I'm not sure it is physically possible. More importantly, at 17mm, this was as wide as I could go....and I sense that a wider shot would start making the structure of the Bridge much smaller and it would lose much of its majesty...so it is just a question of trade offs and the photographer's judgment of what is best.

Thanks Again, Traveller
Canon DSLR Challenge15-Feb-2006 16:34
Traveller, my images would be difficult to comprehend unless the viewer was aware of the context of the bridge in 'its totality'. They seem to work because most people are aware of this totality. It is an awe inspiring structure, and your perspecitve emphasizes the amazing span. The light is fantastic.

*I find my eyes wandering off to the left and wondering what is there - needs some closure at that end.

Cindy

P.S. - FWIW my husband hates my GG bridge shots. He would like yours much better. lol