November 2010
The story behind it
01/11/2010
I walk with friends in Antwerp/Anvers, on a touristy Saturday. We would later visit the Fashion Museum, leaving the Photography Museum for another occasion. On the way, I stand upon this near-sculpture, in the rain: a blanket, a window and a heater. This is what I see in that moment, with a symbolism that makes me go back and photograph. If I'd not do so, I would later regret it. In a moment of professional evolution, widening work towards the Benelux, careful observation and living deeper within urbanity, it is the time to photograph.Comment
Technical issues
01/11/2010
This is a stitch of 8 photographs, using DSLR. Not using the tripod was not critical, since no big paralax problems are at stake (well, and with some practice). With one of my favourite lenses, the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, I quickly fired at ISO 400, f4, 1/60s. Though the lens instroduces small barrel distortion, I still had to straighten some horizontal and vertical lines with Photoshop. It was converted to B&W, adjusting brightness and contrast. It has been placed on the web using techniques for exceptional quality and flexibility. Worse than printing, naturally.
Critial review
01/11/2010
Full of meaning, it is rich in the punctum-studium, beyond the quality and final size. There are two possible titles, on which I cannot decide: "Curved vs straight lines" or "The glass window".Punctum: the blacket, untidy, dirty and wet, in the street; the heater, straight and clean, indoors. Studium: there is a glass window, in the middle of the puntum, as if bringing up the realities contrast; this glass window reflects other realities, also behind other windows - a mannequin, a person and other shadows. Beautiful and strong! Unique. More things, but not enough space here!
Where you should place it
01/11/2010
This photograph may be printed with the best quality with 30cm in height and nearly 150cm-long. It is nice in either B&W or colour, since the colours also play a part in the contrast inside the punctum. It would go very well in a living room, making the most of the horizontal predominant component. Or in a cafe or bar, where photography is important, as well as a critical and attentive eye is drawn to life and the reality around us.
