This kind of shot is not my specialty, so I was really clueless about the best location for it. It took me lots of research until I ran into that sculpture by Igor Mitoraj. It is located in "La Defense", the business district next to Paris, where are all the big companies towers.
There was a lot of wind this day, and my shooting window was very narrow due to an appointment: I really hoped for some blue sky through the clouds. Everything was ready and set: tripod, composition, aperture, manual focus on hyperfocal, remote in hand... I finally got some luck just before leaving the place. This file was the last on my memory card.
I really liked the irony of such sculpture - a man who lost the major part of his head - just next to that endless, megalomaniac tower. I tried to catch that cold irony I felt in my photo.
Thank you all for the great comments and votes. I'm very happy if I managed to surprise some of you.
Perfect representation and for me in the spirit. The missing brain certainly embodies the vacuousness of the ivory tower it stands alongside. Une déclaration intelligente poétiques Cristophe.
Your image is a wonderful piece of art, very hard to stop looking at it, so, I guess I'll have to order a print. Will it be available?
Thanks a lot Frank. I just uploaded a fully processed version to DPCPrints: it should be available there shortly. If you'd prefer the "basic edited" version, PM me, I'll send you a link to the full-sized file.
Christophe, your work is always pretty much identifiable. But this time it was not. It's a good thing to shoot outside the area's of your own preference. Doing so brings in new elements that would normally be absent. Big congrats on all your achievements the last 3 challenges! And thanks for posting that link to John Arnold Tutorials, I have been watching and learning.
When I've been to Paris the bad weather conditions didn't allow me to go to the Defense. It was a place I really wanted to visit.
Even if it's not your usual style I guess this is a great image. This week 3 completely different photos and 3 ribbons, you're a wonderful photographer.
I don't mean this negatively, but this is never something I would picture coming from you. I really enjoy the sense of scale, and the message is interesting, as well. Having read your interview, it makes more sense, considering those you admire, as well as considering your "after man" entry, but it is still rather dystopic. Very nice. I didn't vote in this, but would have given this high marks.
Congrats Christophe on this image and a great personal performance in the PhotoBowl. You certainly did your part for a win, but you need several players having a good week to win these rounds.
Excellent choice of perspective, infinite ascension and sucked in by the blue sky itself.
I like how the image illustrates the effect of progressive desaturation due to the angle of incidence of light. 8
Really interesting compositon and elements. I am impressed with the good focus throughout the entire statue, and most of the building. I'm new to photography, so I may not say this the right way, but if you had more selective focus, the image would not have the impact it does. Hope this makes sense. The title is perfect. Very nice!
Excellent vision, combination of subjects. Even the reflections of clouds in a bright, blue sky are not enough to detract from the utter dominance of those who built those walls.
I think this one fits the challenge the most. Love the perspective, perfect exposure, great crisp focus and a very interesting subject. Well done, ribbon ahead hopefully?
Wow, what an image. I love that the building tapers off into the sky at the top, like never ends. It kind of does give a feel of hopelessness and intimidation.
Departed Hopes
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