Standing Tall

The Grace Of Architectural Contrasts

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

These two minarets stand proud and tall atop the old Forum Theatre. I shot this on Wednesday evening, as the clouds started to build up at dusk.

I had my long lens on, so I could have framed a tighter shot, but I wanted to include a contrast in styles and shapes. The spire in the distance is part of St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Paul's had a recent facelift, but the Forum, which is such a part of Melbourne's heritage and history, is suddenly starting (from the outside, at least) to look its age. Maybe there is a refurbishment plan around the corner ....

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Rudder

Looking For A Change Of Direction

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Because the rudder of any deep-sea vessel is mostly concealed beneath the surface of the water, I jumped at the chance to shoot this image about six weeks ago. This is the Polly Woodside, a 19th-century vessel built in Belfast, Ireland, by the shipbuilders Workman Clark & Co Ltd.

A major landmark here in Melbourne, she was restored in the early Seventies, to be used as a museum ship for The National Trust.

This was shot on 17 July, on a sunny winter afternoon here in Melbourne. I could have pushed the lens through a gap in the wire fence, but I chose this composition deliberately.

By using depth of field to concentrate on the rudder and the stern, showing the vessel’s name, you can actually see the criss-cross of the metal fence in the immediate foreground.

This image might not have been as effective if I’d shot it on a cloudy day. Because of the bright, sunny conditions, the metal fence pattern shows up brightly as it reflects the strong natural light.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Rodeo D(e)rive

Maybe It Was The Horse Whisperer

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Yes, this sign on the tailgate of a trusty old utility vehicle ("ute", as we call it) caught my eye because of its weather-beaten look and of course because of the strong colours against the white metal.

So of course I had to ask the owner if he would mind if I took a couple of quick shots. He just chuckled and gave me permission. I promised I would frame the shots really tight, so that the number plate wouldn’t be seen in the frame.

What I should have asked him, in retrospect, was how often he actually gets away to "Yee-ha" at a rodeo.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Spring Loaded

You've Really Had A Growth Spurt

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

The Australian winter is almost over, with spring only a few days away. Our days are already noticeably longer - and the frosts have receded. It's been a while since we had ice, too.

But of course, because our weather is so unpredictable, we had sleet and hail in a storm on Tuesday night that left our gardens snowy white - a snap change in the weather that had 1400 calls to emergency crews in Melbourne alone.

This shot, taken in a friend's garden, is a simple depiction of new growth and natural regeneration. Come Tuesday and we'll be ushering in the first day of spring.

I shot three frames in this sequence, but I reckon the first one probably says it best, with the tender burgundy shoots appearing tall and proud from a pruned branch. I deliberately chose my angle, to make use of the subtle diagonals in the background and to include the fresh green of the diosma about two or three metres away.


Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

High And Mighty

Building A Huge Reputation

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Just when you think you've photographed one of the world's landmarks too many times in one day and you cannot possibly shoot another creative image - hey, that's as good a time as any to look for an unusual angle.

I was walking away from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur in July last year when I decided to take one last shot.

I spotted the fronds of a nearby palm tree and thought it would be a great idea to try and work them into the image. I literally took this shot over my left shoulder, craning my neck backwards like a circus contortionist.

Apart from the fact that I was able to include the huge Malaysian flag that hangs on the facade of one of the towers, I really like the fact that the apex of this image includes differing geometrical shapes - straight lines, some triangles, a series of arcs, and a graceful wave-like pattern at the top of the tower.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

The Sound Of Silence

Keeping Track Of Technology

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I clearly remember the day that my perception of silence between soundtracks was re-defined. If you’re familiar with the era of vinyl records, you would remember the intermittent scratchiness that pervaded the long moments between tracks on each record.

But the first time I heard a CD played through an amplifier, I remember thinking how clear the sound reproduction was – so clear, in fact, that I could actually pick the sound of individual instruments.

Then as the track came to an end, I actually raised my eyebrows, because there was none of the vinyl-type scratchiness. There was real silence between tracks. That, to me, was the real definition of the quantum leap of recording technology. Yes, the sound of each track was great. But more importantly, the quality of silence on the CD really broke new ground.

It’s been years since I’ve seen a vinyl record, but this one brought back memories of the wonderful wooden-encased Grundig player that we had when I was growing up. I remember only too well the first time I was entrusted with the important duty of actually placing the stylus (or needle, as it was commonly called) on the record and listening to that slight crackle before the first track actually began playing.

The real reason I took this shot is not just because of the wonderful light across the record’s surface. I shot this angle because you can actually see the clear, ungrooved strips that produced silence between the different tracks.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Post Haste

But You Don't Look A Day Over Sixty

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This mailbox – in an unfamiliar suburb – stopped me in my tracks last Wednesday afternoon.

Why? Two reasons, I guess. First, it’s not every day you see a light-blue mailbox. Second, it’s obviously seen better days, judging by the rust, the wonky orientation and the damage to the top.

But in totality, I saw a certain beauty here. Simply because it was, well, different. I saw something to be admired in the context of the way it fitted its surroundings – the painted picket fence, the garden and the unswept leaves that formed a beautiful bronze carpet.

Visit the creative team behind That's My World Tuesday.

It's All About Perspective

Yes, We Sometimes Find It In Unexpected Places

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Just about the last place you'd expect to see bright colours and an interesting message would be - let me think - a building site, right? But while I was shooting some amazing Christmas decorations along Orchard Road, Singapore, in mid-December 2007, I suddenly looked behind me.

There was a building site that was a hive of activity. But the site was cordoned off from the general public with metal fencing that sported this beautiful paintwork - and a great set of words.

The beautiful green tropical plants are not painted on - they're real. And d'you know what - that tree might look as if it was cleverly rendered into the painting, but no, it is genuine too. Yes, it's a real tree and part of the interesting perspective of the scene is the fact that the tree's contour has been integrated into the metal.

Someone has very carefully cut a hole in the metal sheeting so as not to disturb the tree in the slightest way. Construction work that does not disturb the environment in any way? Yup, that's perspective for me.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Head Start

The Great Aussie Salute

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

The word "G'day" is instantly recognisable around the world as the quintessential Australian greeting. Over the years, I’ve seen many great depictions of the word, but this one was unique. I was at the Temora Aviation Museum in early June, watching an air show, when I noticed this person in the crowd ahead of me.

Have you ever tried taking a photograph of someone’s head when they’re watching fighters go screaming past in the sky? Let me tell you, it’s a mighty tough gig. It’s a bit like trying to do the same thing at a tennis match, when people’s heads constantly move side to side.

The weather was foggy at the start and the light wasn’t great later on, when the pilots got the all-clear, and to add to my problem, this gentleman was actually sitting under cover and a long way away from me. However, I had a long lens (70-300mm) on the camera, so this is as natural a shot as I could produce in the conditions – and it’s as Aussie a sight as you’ll ever see.

And to answer your question, G'day is simply a contraction of the phrase "Good day".


Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

First Of The Winter Buds

Yes, There’s Beauty In Grey Starkness

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This shot of a weeping cherry branch was taken last weekend, just after we crossed the halfway point of our Australian winter. The isolated leaves, furled tight and crisp, are a stubborn reminder that sometimes not all foliage falls to the ground.

As I lined up the shot and even after I had put the camera away, I resisted the impulse to reach out and touch the leaves, which I imagine would have felt as brittle as centuries-old parchment.

I often get asked just how cold Melbourne gets in winter. It’s colder than Sydney but not as cold as Canberra, where sub-zero nights are par for the course.

But we often get ice on the car and heavy frosts are common as well – which is precisely why I prune my roses later than most people. Why? Because there’s not much sense in subjecting tender new shoots to cruel frost.

But yes, there was a recent snowfall that attracted a lot of attention –because it blanketed Kinglake, one of many areas here that were destroyed by the February bushfires. Maybe it was a special, symbolic reassurance from Nature.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Pier Pressure

On The Boardwalk, Without Roy Orbison

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

It's funny how slightly different compositions can emphasise different aspects of the same scene. These shots were taken about ten days ago, late on a winter afternoon here in Melbourne. I was really shooting a couple of tight frames to capture the gunmetal-grey of the metal framework as well as the (unusually grey) wooden pier slats.

But when I looked at them on the camera's LCD screen after I had taken the shots, I noticed the subtle difference in the way the water is depicted.

In the first shot, you hardly notice the gentle ripples of the river in the background. Whereas in the second, the horizontal composition (below) seems to lead the eye to the subtle reflections on the river's surface.


Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Plastic Fantastic

Yes, There's Beauty In Mundane Objects Too

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

So why did I take this shot? Not just because there were two crates stacked neatly on top of each other, but because the geometrical aspect appealed to me. What geometry? Look carefully at the shot and you'll see large squares in the mid-frame area, but smaller diamonds in the top and bottom sections.

It also intrigued me that there was a topsy-turvy orange crate in the background, which gave me an interesting counterpoint as far as depth of field was concerned. Just because something's a grey object, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a grey subject as well.

Yes, I know I'm getting into a grey area here ....

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Empty Vessels Make The Least Sound

Only The Lapping Of The Early-Morning Tide

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This shot was taken early in the morning in Langkawi, the tropical Malaysian island, during our holiday there last July. One of the Authorbloglets and I went exploring this settlement, about a fifteen-minute walk from the Sheraton. There was not much traffic on the road and the dew was still heavy on the grass, yet the temperature was already very sultry and the humidity was high as well.

We spent a few minutes photographing the brightly coloured local homes and then wandered down this waterway, a little canal that was just off the main road. I was about half an hour too late for true, soft dawn light, but also about half an hour too early for strong daylight.

Nevertheless, it was still an experience to get some shots of these fishing boats and then to stand there and watch as the first fishermen refuelled their vessels, started up and then expertly navigated their way down the canal, past the other moored boats and out towards the open sea.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Seeing The Light

You’ll Have To Do Better Than That, Mate

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Last July, during a family holiday in Malaysia, we found ourselves in the Chinatown area of Kuala Lumpur. It is properly known as Petaling Street and as we slowly but cheerfully made our way to the end of the shopping paradise, we spotted this neon sign.

Er, um, let me re-phrase that. My son and I spotted the neon sign, while certain members of our (extended) family concentrated on retail details.

The interesting thing about the sign was that it switched very quickly between on-and-off modes. He knew exactly what I was going to do and chuckled as I lined up the shot.

Mate, it was easier said than done. I hit the shutter three times before I was able to capture this late-night scene with all the elements of the neon sign ablaze.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Bright Idea

Ray, A Drop Of Golden Sun

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Sometimes, Nature inspires us when we least expect it. The study in our home is a warm, inviting place, blessed by the sun right through the day, from sun-up to sundown.

There are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a treasure trove of literature from around the world. There are comfortable chairs. There are musical instruments. Sometimes, when I’m not looking, there is even an errant school bag tossed on the carpet.

More than anything else, it is an inviting place. It is an all-inclusive place. It is an embracing place where (frequently loud) music exists in harmony with time for reflection and creativity.

I have always been an early riser and I am frequently in the study before first light has crept across the vast Australian sky. Recently, I was working at my desk as the clouds teased the horizon, bringing gentle rain to a parched land.

Then, a solitary sunbeam broke through the moody sky, shining straight through the study windows. Despite the early hour, it was a strong burst of light and the shallow angle created this wonderful shadow across my desk. I quickly leapt up, strode into the next room and snatched my camera from its bag.

Sometimes you just have to seize the moment. Which moment? The moment at which images become more important than words.

Visit Mama Geek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Pray Tell

Maybe This Is The Gospel Truce

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I've heard of technology embracing religion, but I didn't realise the embrace was this close. I was walking down the Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne a few days ago when I saw this huge advertising hoarding on the rooftop of a building.

No, I didn't try the number!



Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Seeing The Light

I Think I Just Reached My Brake Point

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I guess you could call this my light-bulb moment. There I was, walking down Flinders Street with my camera around my neck, when I looked up.

One day someone is going to fit me with a sound effect borrowed from the screeching brakes employed by the old cartoons – because that’s exactly what happens when I have a camera in my hand. You just have to stop every time something catches your eye, which in my case is fairly often.

Because I was only a few steps away from St Paul’s Cathedral, I thought this light was actually on their property. But it wasn’t. It was attached to the exterior wall of the Meridian International School.

You know what really and truly caught my attention? Not so much the light globe itself, but the delicate craftsmanship on the old metal casing. And if you look carefully, you can even see the manufacturer's mark on each segment of the glass casing.


Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

All Hands On Deck

Michael Rowed The Boat Ashore

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Maybe the captain of this vessel found himself in the doldrums. No, look carefully at the image and you’ll see that this was not shot in some exotic marina, or some lagoon in the Caribbean. It was shot on a city street.

Yes, you read that correctly. On a city street.

We were in Kuala Lumpur last July and decided to walk from our hotel, the Shangri-La, to the nearby Petronas Towers. As always, I was lagging several yards behind the rest of the family because I kept stopping to take shots of objects or sights that caught my eye.

This boat is just a great advertisement for a local restaurant. Don’t worry, there won’t be a mutiny on the bountiful.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

A View Of Paradise

I Guess It Depends On What You See

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

The beautiful flower known as the bird of paradise has always fascinated me, not just because of its graceful structure and height, but also because of the striking dark blue, orange and white spanned on a single bloom.

When we were in Sydney last month, it was really interesting to see that the warmer climate in the New South Wales capital city brings a totally different growth cycle to plants that are no longer flowering here in Victoria.

This particular bloom was in a rather interesting spot. I was delighted to see it on a crowded holiday morning in a major tourist precinct. I framed the first shot very deliberately, so that the shape and colour of the flower would dominate the composition of the shot.

Then I took a second shot, in the same place, but this time with the focus reversed. Now the flower is completely out of focus and the famous, much-photographed building in the background dominated the shot.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present the Sydney Opera House.


Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Is This Lois’s Lane?

Must Be The Ripple Effect

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I’ve been a swimmer since as far back as I can remember, but sometimes it takes us years to notice the littlest details about our surroundings. I’ve been waiting a few weeks for a chance to take some generic shots at a swimming pool, and the perfect opportunity was Anzac Day last Saturday.

A few days earlier, I rang a large, well-regarded indoor pool and explained that I wanted to come in and take some generic shots early one morning before they opened for business. As the pool was only due to open at 1pm on Anzac Day, it was agreed that I would rock up at 12.30 and spend about twenty minutes there with my camera before the doors opened.


While I walked from one end of the main pool to the other, I stopped briefly and fired off a couple of frames of a single lane rope tethered to its metal retainer. Because there was no one in the pool, the surface of the water was absolutely calm. Also, because it is an indoor pool, there was no breeze.

It was only when I got home and viewed the images on my computer that I spotted something that had escaped me at the pool. The rippling effect, caused by surface tension of the water around the plastic lane marker, is clearly visible.

Now I’ll just have to wait for the next public holiday to take some close-up shots of the same view. Stay tuned.


Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.