“I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it. And by seeing we also begin to understand ourselves.” – Anonymous
I sometimes find is difficult to understand myself. We are complex people, in a process of changing,
This image is not just about the subject or my attempt to confuse the viewer. It’s about what I saw of the subject, it’s environment and the light. And, what is it? It’s a coffee table in a hotel lobby with beveled glass inserts and the reflection of window lights and curtains.
12 Comments
ken bello
When we see a photo like this, an object taken out of context, it can be confusing for a viewer to try to identify what it is. I think a photo should be taken on it’s own merits, we like it or not based on our feelings for it, not by our understanding of the subject. I do like this, Monte, and now I see the table.
Monte Stevens
We were just leaving for the airport when I saw this table and reflection. The rest of my crew did not see this image. It is so true that we look but do not always see.
Tom Dills
This is a very nice image, Monte. I feel that very often the best abstracts don’t even make me ask “what is it?” rather just leave me looking at it and thinking, “wow!” This left me thinking “Wow!”
The idea of stumbling across scenes like this is what keeps us looking, but we have to be open to them in order to actually see them. Nicely done!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom! I am constantly looking.
Earl
Images often speak to us on levels which transcend the reality of what the image is. We view each with our own unique vision forged by our own unique experiences, vision and lives. I like this image a lot, as others here do, but the reasons each of us like it may vary — which is how it should be.
Wonderful photo!
Monte Stevens
And, this one spoke to me, still does. Thanks, Earl!
Cedric Canard
Cool photo Monte. For some reason I immediately recognised it as a table but still enjoyed the abstraction. There’s lots of metaphors in this image if we were to dig deep (curved path, reflected world, curtain as a barcode etc.) but it works so well as a play of lines, tones and textures.
Monte Stevens
Somehow, I can believe you saw it quickly. 🙂 Being the philosopher that you are, I can also see how you saw the metaphors. I missed them completely or they lie buried deep within me.
Eric Easley
Very cool photo Monte. Reminds me of gestalts, which are interesting to me because evidently the human mind organizes images in certain ways, yet even with similar hardwiring not everyone who looks at a gestalt image sees the same thing. It’s interesting to ponder how differently each one of us might be experiencing the world. Thanks, Monte
Monte Stevens
Thanks for stopping by again and leaving another comment. I do appreciate your visit. As we both agree, people do exerience the world very differntly. Hope all is going well at the new apartment.
Ann Courtney
Oh I saw this on the other site you post photos on – should I mention the name, well maybe not just in case! – and I loved it straight away. No matter what it is it’s so appealing and curvy and altogether a great shot.
Monte Stevens
Glad you liked it. Ann. Never thought of descibing it as curvey but you are right, it is curvey.