This is the tail end of Pasupati flyover. I came to this place one day before, looking for photos to submit to Bina Marga photo contest. I don't find any good enough shots from that evening walk. I came back to the same spot on the very next day (Sunday) after shooting around Dago Car Free Day, and I found this very interesting juxtaposition between the crowded side of Pasupati and the relatively peaceful side of artery street.
I like this scenery. Those people with their leg on the median, the similar color of motorcycles (it's a coincidence) and the green leaves on the opposite.
Technically it is not a difficult shot, just wait for the right moment and you get it. I have to cross the street and stand right on the median, but it's not a big deal either. Another proof of the benefit using a prime lens, it forces you move until you get the right angle. (This is the first photo walk using the just-newly-acquired 35mm f/2D)
24 Nov 2013
Nikon D700
AF Nikkor 35mm f/2D
ISO 200 - f/8 - 1/200s - GND filter
In this project, I want to re-learn the basic of composition. About
the rule of third, leading line, foreground vs background, all those
stuff we found on many basic composition tutorial. Why urban ? Because I
live in urban environment, it would be much easier for me to hunt for
good picture. It takes zero cost too, just walk from home.
I've
learn that to get a good "content", many great masters take advantage
of juxtaposition. They put dissimilar objects into the frame in such a
way to create contrast. A strong imagery emerges from the conflict of its
element.
At the beginning, I previsualize the juxtaposition to be a high rise building surrounded by the daily life around it. I seek for the contrast between a modern building with its traditional surroundings. In the first month, I take 5 photowalks going into various alleys I've never been before. It's quite exciting. There's so many interesting places within 3 km radius from home. I got those unique images which 99% population never seen before. By the end of one month period, I've got 10 shots which I considered good enough,with shot #10 being the one that I envisioned at the start of this project.
At this point, I already got what I wanted but I don't want to close this project yet. At the same time, I started to get bored with the high rise building subject matter and try to find another subject. Several weeks later, I completely loose interest on this juxtaposition idea. I still take photowalks focus on another subject, with occasionally take one or two random shot aimed for this project. By the end of three month period, I decided to terminate this project. I think I've exercised myself enough around this theme.
I shared most of the shots to Street Photographers G+ Community. Photo #7 and #8 got the most +1's (around 30-40). Not bad huh? I think those two photos got such significant attention due to its pictorial aspect. Other photos tend to be more of a photojournalism/social documentary than pictorial. This kind of picture has more potential if presented as a photo story with properly scripted narratives instead of presented stand alone.
I use 35mm f/2D lens on 13 out of all 16 shots. Mostly in f/8 or f/11. I found this focal length to be very practical for street photography. I even bought another one, the Nikkor AI manual focus for use on film camera. I planned to shoot film in near time soon.
All in all, I think this project has been a good learning for me.
