Sunday, March 1, 2009

Dark View (and Bright Glass)

"In photography," August Sander once said, "there are no shadows that cannot be illuminated."

True.

But on nights like this ... why on earth would you want to?

UPDATE:
The first of every month is Theme Day for those participating in the City Daily Photo blogging community. This month's theme is Glass.

And this month I completely spaced out and forgot about it.

I suppose I can pretend that I intended this image to be included because it showcases those pretty glass store windows playing with the shadows along the sidewalk. But who am I kidding?

So instead,Click here to view thumbnails for all participants of Theme Day who actually remembered to post appropriate pictures!

20 comments:

Mister Earl said...

Why indeed? My grandmother's first cousin, Theodore L. Friedman, known to the world by another name, used to hire someone to be his shadow. Take a look at this video. Especially at 6:00 minutes in!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grKZkmuJs-M

Yakpate said...

I don't get a sinister vibe from this photo, not even a fun, scary-movie feeling... it looks safe and comforting, as if this area in SouthPas is the last crime-free area left, and I am perfectly safe to walk into that dark tunnel of shadows alone, late at night.

Besides, behind those brightly-lit windows the mannequins have come alive... and they are watching...

Cafe Pasadena said...

In life there are no shadows that cannot be eliminated.

True, or False.

But in days like this...why in the world wouldn't you want to?

Jilly said...

This would be a perfectly wonderful entry into the Glass Theme today - I love that long avenue of glass windows with the shadows on the street, especially that first one of the plant.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

i like this photo a lot. nicely done!

Kim said...

Laurie, I'd love to be strolling this scene with you. All that light spilling out onto the sidewalk creating shadows and illumination. Love the B&W. Now, what character would be in this setting. I think you could string a bunch of your SoPas at night shots together for a film noir wordless novel :-).
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo

-K- said...

I bet he said that before Jung did.

dbdubya said...

This storefront is a charming floor covering and home furnishings business co-owned by one of South Pasadena's finest citizens, John Vandercook. It's a typical South Pasadena small business, privately owned by people who live in town, are active in the community, and supportive of all types of good causes. John is a former South Pasadena Citizen of the Year, President of the Kiwanis Club, and active with causes such as the Relay for Life and South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee. And, the lighting of his store makes for a really cool nighttime subject for Laurie.

Jane Hards Photography said...

I knew it would be Noir cult classic night prowling again. So many people forgot this theme and yet some of the more inspired choices have been last mintes posts. Perhaps a lesson should be learned.

Virginia said...

So are you saying that Sandner invented Photoshop? :) I've got plenty of shadows that could use a little help but your photo is perfect just like it is! I love it when you go roamin at night1
V

Sally said...

LOL - join the forgetful club! I jiggled mine around and turned the day before's into a theme post - pure coincidence! Lovely B&w shot btw.

Keith said...

Blame it on the short month of February. I thought I had a couple more days myself! Love the B&W night here. The night is not only a different time but feels like a completely different place.

Ken Mac said...

This is so mysterious. Where is this? What lurks behind these windows? darkness...lovely darkness

Petrea Burchard said...

I like it, a sort of bright alley. Not scary. I like night places that invite instead of frighten.

Judy Williams said...

Fabulous tonal range. Love the play of light to shadow. YES YES!!!

(not off to seek an affordable air fare to come visit in a couple of weeks)

Anonymous said...

Is that in front of the Yoga studio? most excellent web site. I like the design, so simple and effective.

Please visit...I need your bee story

Laurie Allee said...

Hey everyone.

Welcome Julie!

Thanks for putting up with my lack of preparation today. (Oops!)

Pasadena Adjacent and Ken, this is on the north side Mission, further east than the yoga studio I've shown before.

Thanks for the info, DBdubya!

And Mister Earl, I love your clip. How cool to be related!

I really appreciate all the comments, everyone. Until tomorrow.

Fabrizio Zanelli said...

Wow. In my opinion you took a stunning photo where everything it's magically contrasted. It's definitely my preferred photo of this month.

Laurie Allee said...

Thank you so much, Fabrizio. You are the king of magical night photography so I'm really happy that you like this shot!

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