Monday, February 23, 2009

MONOCHROME ODD SHOTS - SWING TIME

Swinging into action I6/100

Monochrome Odd shots



Back to the Cult of Babooshka's Ramsey Swing Bridge. You know the story. Challenged to take one subject 100 different ways. So one of what the bridge actually does so many times a day swing which is a oddity to a lot of people. I'm sort of used to it now but it was a little peculiar witnessing this act when I first moved here. I mean bridges don't swing around by their own volition do they? So why does the swing bridge swing?



Take a look at the harbour and how low the bridge is. Now imagine boats, ships and sail masts heading towards the bridge. Doesn't work does it? The bridge doesn't lift and separate but swings round to allow boats and ships with masts to set sail in and out of the harbour. Certainly puts a whole new perspective on the photographic opportunities around the harbour for me. Have you noticed how the bridge always seems to be changing shape, elongated at the closer end. Of coure it's not uneven in the slightest just an optical illusion depending on focal point and lens used. It is a perfectly formed bridge. I'll have to show you a full on shot in perspective of course to see just how perfectly even it is. It is another res. image though as they all will be from now on and the high pin sharp large files are for sales only.



Click Katney for your odd shot quirks. Click Aileni for your monochrome maniacs. That's it off to re classify the images. At last a new laptop. No more maxtor. So did any of you ever start a sideline project of one subject 100 different ways?



babooshka ramsey daily photo http://dailyphotoisleofman.blogspot.com/

47 comments:

Debbie Courson Smith said...

The swing bridge cult members are happy today...thank you!

Frankie / Nick said...

That is absolutely amazing and very interesting. Until our new bridge was built with an elevated slope, the old bridge lifted upwards. Creates a bit of a sensation when you are the lead vehicle in the lineup.

Anonymous said...

It is strange to swing a bridge, but, I bet it's a quicker easier and a safer way in the long run....
Makes a good mono though.

Mojo said...

There used to be several swing bridges (and draw bridges as well) in the coastal areas of NC years ago, but they've pretty much all been replaced with concrete arches tall enough at center to allow passage underneath. As far as I know all of the bridges that cross from the mainland to the barrier islands are this type now. Couldn't have the tourists held up on their way to spend wads of cash now could we?

The swing does lend a unique perspective on this bridge though. Almost three dimensional. Nicely done!

Catherine said...

As soon as I'm not in my car on that bridge when it swings, I would be happy to witness the whole action. I would certainly make some pictures too !

The perfect place to film on location.

Gaelyn said...

I love that bridge no matter how you look at it.

Barbara said...

Interesting that the bridge swings, I will look forward to seeing other angles.

Lowell said...

That's a new one. But, hey, if it works, it works. And it is fascinating.

Great photo!

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

Unusual bridge, it does make a great mono shot! :-)

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Very interesting post and lovely photo! Yes, I think i've started photographing a subject 100 different ways....if dogs count!
I take hundreds of them on each walk, can't get enough of those Hounds of Love :o)

Anonymous said...

My favourite so far. You said you have photographed underneath the bridge. Can we see those? Thanks.

magiceye said...

a classic monochrome!

Carver said...

This is such an interesting bridge to me and I like it in monochrome a lot. The structure stands out so well in black and white. I'm pretty sure I've seen other shots you've taken of this bridge but as I recall they were in color. In any event I remember liking the other shots but there's something about this one that's standing out for me.

Virginia said...

NOW I see what the Swing Bridge really does. DUH> I finally get it.
V

allhorsestuff said...

Really nice. Love the stippled water beneath.
KK

Rob said...

I think this is my favorite photo of this 100 bridge photos project. You rarely see a bridge in this perspective.

I have not started a 1 subject 100 different views project. I have thought about it though.

Anonymous said...

Looks great in mono - also get the sense of all that weight cantilevered out over the empty space above the water.

I love the light on the cormorant's wing.

Gattina said...

Very interesting and special ! I wished I could watch that once !

Lew said...

Another great shot of the bridge! I too remember swing bridges from my years living in North Carolina. I have probably posted a hundred images of (and from) our back yard. Many of my sky watch pics are taken there. I'm looking forward to swing bridge # 17.

Olivier said...

tes b&w sont vraiment très beaux. Une belle photo du pont.
your b&w are really beautiful. A beautiful photo of the bridge.

Robin said...

I've never seen a swing bridge before, how delightful, and a perfect photo subject. I'll bet the local children love to come and watch.

Poopsie aka Blue said...

I never did see the Bridge in action when in Ramsey!

Eki said...

perfect angle and composition, B. I like the tonal quality too. I never get bored with your photos of this beautiful bridge.

sorry for not visiting your blog for a while. been very busy at work.

Gemma Wiseman said...

I don't think I have ever seen a swing bridge in operation. It really makes an unusual photo! Love this in monochrome!

Unknown said...

Perfect monochrome,beautiful.
Have a nice day.

Dragonstar said...

That's perfect! Great monochrome, and decidedly odd too. I find it hard to believe in swing bridges - they look impossible!

Pat said...

You know, in all this time, I never bothered to figure out why the Swing Bridge was called that. Now I know. I have never seen one in real life.

Saretta said...

I'd like to see that in person!

Anonymous said...

I wish the swing bridge would stay still when I need to get home though. Unusual to see a photo of it.

Anonymous said...

We have a swing bridge on our way to our summer cottage and there are some really large container shops passing there. Great picture and it is really good in B&W

Liz Hinds said...

Great photo as always.

Dave King said...

I have a soft spot for monochromes

Anonymous said...

I used to see these swing bridges, but no more. Another lost treasure here in the U.S.

Brian Miller said...

nice b&w! fascinated by the swing.

Tanya Breese said...

a great one :)

Daryl said...

Great capture .. as always!

Lisa Wilson said...

What an amazing bridge. There were some very smart and talented engineers involved in that!

Anonymous said...

Always great shots! You should make them appear bigger on your blog - so we can all get a better look ;).

Thanks for visiting Tillicum (Almost) Daily Photo.

Cheers!

Unknown said...

Great composed and exposed image!

A swing bridge, I have never seen in reality.
You probably think that I have only seen Ypsilon bridge ;)

marley said...

"Swing low sweet...Ramsey swing bridge..." Mmm...doesn't quite work but you get the idea!

Nice to see it in full swing :)

Halcyon said...

I have seen swing bridges before. I think in Rennes there were even some small ones over the canals for bikes and pedestrians that had to be hand cranked.

I like the way this one looks though - very impressive!

TwD said...

Also never seen bridge like that...but I think somewhere must be some more, can't be that's the only one?

Thanks for visiting,

R

Roan said...

I haven't seen anything quite like this bridge before. Makes for a great mono shot.

Hilda said...

Cool Odd Shot! This is the first bridge I've seen that swings sideways! I'd love to see that in person.

Susie of Arabia said...

So THAT"S why they call it the Swing Bridge! In Florida all the bridges raise up to let ships through. Very interesting!

michael bird said...

Very nifty and unique and unusual.

Manz said...

I was going to ask how old this bridge was... thinking the "swing bridge" was a new concept/innovation in design... but I get the impression they've been around for a while based on the above comments! Now why didn't I know about them!?

Someone needs to do a "get away/chase" senario in a movie that involves a swing bridge in action... I've seen several "draw/lift" bridges in film.... and isn't that how a large percent of the population educate themselves... through watching movies! LOL!!

Love the monochrome image - the shadow from the bridge on the water surface looks fantastic.

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