Down the Road

Photographs and stories by Jim Grey

single frame: Kitchen window, redux

Jim Grey
7 comments on single frame: Kitchen window, redux
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Kitchen window

Kitchen window, redux
Pentax ME, 50mm f/1.4 SMC Pentax-M
Kodak Gold 200
2017

Funny thing about praise: what you praise in others, you tend to get more of. And a few of you praised, and praised heavily, an image I made of my kitchen window several months ago (see it here). Since then, I’ve shot it over and over, hoping for more magic.

That first window shot was what I consider a throwaway, a photograph I make of some convenient subject to make sure the camera is mechanically functioning, or to see how it behaves in some challenging situation, or just to finish the last one or two exposures on the roll so I can send it off for processing.

But none of my subsequent window shots have been throwaways. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t like any of them: I was trying too hard. Such was the case with this photo. It turned out okayest of any of them, so here it is. Since the last window shot I painted the window and installed new blinds, all calculated to help my house sell.

Comments

7 responses to “single frame: Kitchen window, redux”

  1. Heide Avatar
    Heide

    I love both of your images, Jim — but the newer one slightly more, because it makes me want to walk up to those blinds and peek outside. The quality of the light and the slight retro feel of the elements in the frame are just wonderful.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      Oh thank you, H! If you were to peek outside you’d get a view of my deck and the fallow golf course beyond.

      Reply
      1. Heide Avatar
        Heide

        I can picture both the deck and the golf course, Jim! That’s pretty cool, actually — not only that I can picture a place I’ve never actually visited, but that I remember your photos. With my terrible memory that speaks very highly of your photos. :)

        Reply
  2. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    I’ll have to stick with the previous image of the window. I think it has better contrast and there is also a lot more going on graphically. The repeated pattern of the blinds with several variations adds interest. The multiple rectangular framing elements of the composition are well balanced. The two pictures together are a good illustration of how changing natural light conditions affect our perceptions of the same subject.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      I like the earlier image better too. And yes, this angle and lighting does give a different view of the same subject!

      Reply
  3. Dan Cluley Avatar
    Dan Cluley

    I like the second one better, but can see both sides.

    The first one is a good piece of abstract art. Lots of interesting patterns and light.

    The second one is a better picture of That window. I think it does a good job of presenting a feeling of what that space is like.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      So it depends on what you’re looking for, I suppose. If you want an image of the window to know the space, yep, this one is the one. If you’re looking for an abstract representation of light and shadow, the other one is your choice!

      Reply

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