Thursday, June 21, 2007

Pearl by day, Pearl by night


Pearl base in the daytime
Shanghai, China, May 2007 [Click all images to enlarge]


Time of day plays an enormous role in the tone of a picture. I'm rarely in the same place enough times to test this theory, especially when I'm attending a conference where the schedule is intensely tight and my time is incredibly short.

This trip was an exception. I got lucky by being able to return to the same spot along the river, directly across from Shanghai's fast-growing financial district. I first wrote about the Oriental Pearl Tower in this entry (click here to go back and read it. I'll wait. Really!) When I saw the base of this incredible structure, it occurred to me that it might be an even more interesting view than the big skyline-type view in the typical tourist shot.

I liked how the unique fixtures just above ground level interacted with the immediate area, and the river on which they fronted. You could tell that whoever designed this didn't just want to isolate the structure from its neighborhood.


And again at night...

Your turn: Do you often go back to a given scene to shoot it at different times of day? Do tell...

14 comments:

Anna said...

I go back and shoot things over and over if I have the opportunity. I love the second shot Carmi. At night, it seems the city is colorful and vibrant and takes on a life of its own. Nice shots.

Michael K. Althouse said...

Yes, I have, but that's beside the point...

These shots are seriously cool. I mean seriously -

Mike

Bobkat said...

I think this scene really comes to life at night. It glows!

Em said...

Wow...great shots. I love the contrast. The night shot really brings out the dimensions of the scene.

Nestor Family said...

These photos are wonderful, Carmi. Really, really wonderful.

I do not always go back to notice the light changes... but I definitely think that light will affect the mood of a place.

For fun, I posted two shots that show a similar idea to your post here. Thanks for the idea! (Now, how do I make a link in my comment??? Don't know... so here is what I know how to do: www.heidismoments.blogspot.com/2007/06/in-response.html)

tommie said...

I have not done that with buildings, but I have done it with a huge oak tree in our yard. I took a picture from the same spot as the seasons changed. I really should mat them all together.

Anonymous said...

What an incredible pair of pictures -- and no, I've never gone back and re-shot, but after seeing this, I'm definitely inspired!

Pat said...

Carmi, I like your photos today!

I came today to your blog to tell you that I sure enjoyed your article too on the CBC!

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awareness said...

Carmi.....Incredible pics.

I do return to take photos of the same spots, especially if the lighting is different....

Anonymous said...

The shots are drastically different--and of course, the nightly view glows! I always visit The Peak of Hong Kong at least twice when I go visit my family. I'd go up there during the day and after dark. Sometimes I would even get there at dusk, when the sky is stained orange bruise, moments shy of sunset. Then suddenly everything underneath the feet become a drapery stippled with jewels and diamonds.

Shannon akaMonty said...

I have to say the only time I ever attempted that was at the Magic Kingdom, 1986.

However, your photos are FAR superior...and these photos? STUNNING. Excellent, Carmi!! xoxox

b13 said...

I did on my trip to Niagra Falls but don't find myself doing this often... (this has to be my longest post to date)

http://b13fotographica.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html

b13 said...

Oh... but your comparrison makes me want to revisit some locals. What a difference and a wonderful one at that.

Shephard said...

I love that building. I don't think I'd get tired of looking at it. :)
~S