Have Faith

Belief Will Open Every Door For You

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

It was just one of those days when I had time on my hands, enough time to soak up the atmosphere, enough time to wander and enough time to look for some images that define steadfast faith.

Religious symbols always beckon when the human mind seeks symbols of constant reassurance, and I just happened to be passing St Paul’s Cathedral. So instead of going to the main entrance on Flinders Street, I walked around to the side.

Here, on the heavy wooden doors that embody the Victorian-era architecture, I found these heavy handles that fascinated me. Of course, a heavy door needs a sizeable handle, so it makes perfect sense that handles of this size would be required to haul open a substantially-sized door.

But I often wonder if the craftsmen who designed and produced these handles ever thought that they would still be in everyday use in the 21st century.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Concrete Proof

Grand Colonial Style, From Every Angle

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Fighter pilots and aircrew gunners in World War II always said the key to survival was being able to swivel their heads constantly, to search the sky for enemy aircraft. It's probably a great attribute for a photographer as well, to look up, down and sideways in search of common sights that produce uncommon effects.

I shot this frame as I walked down Flinders Street on Monday. This stately old building was right opposite me and I was struck by how well maintained the facade is. Nice brickwork. Fresh paint. Window sills in good nick.

That's when I realised that the clear blue sky and the main dome reflected in the windows was the perfect foil for the strong colours and lines of the building's exterior. I was in a hurry, but I'm glad I stopped for a few seconds to take this shot.

(Extra, extra, read all about it: I've been interviewed here.)

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Lamp Post

Melbourne Gets Really Animated

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Recognise this lamp? Does it look vaguely familiar, perhaps? Think Pixar, the wonderfully creative animation studio. Yep, you figured that one out pretty quick. It's the lamp that is synonymous with Pixar's work. In recognition of their 20th anniversary, there is an enthralling exhibition of their work, titled Pixar: 20 Years Of Animation at the ACMI which is the Australian Centre For The Moving Image here at Federation Square in Melbourne. Unfortunately, no photographs were allowed indoors at the exhibition itself, but this lamp (I reckon it's about six meters high) is outside Fed Square. That's Flinders Street in the background and the domed building is the State Theatre, with Part of Fed Square visible on the right.

FOOTNOTE: The silence of the lamps.