Storm Drain . . . b&w

Well, another "view from Within" edition. This is a shot I had always thought about getting and finally saw the chance. It took me a while to get up the nerve to crawl into this 4ft diameter pipe as there was water rushing out and some fumes. Very eerie As I was setting up the shot I heard louder roaring sound behind me deep into the pipe and I snapped the shot as quickly as i could set up and hauled outta there with my soggy feet and algea scuffed jacket. Converted to b&w, some soft focus and dodging and burning . . .and a few other things. How do you feel about this one? thanks as always

Gary, I was speechless upon first seeing this. I can't figure out which one I like best in the series as your pictures keep getting more and more interesting.
What makes it for me is there is interest both inside and outside the drain.
You have the water rushing out through this decrepid old looking thing, as well as some activity outside. I like how the darkness is goes into the light. I was actually surprised at the size of the drain.
I think the composition was well executed under the circumstances.(Really funny story by the way)
The black and white also works so well with this series. I think you did a fantastic job here.
You should "Print it and frame it"
Love it, Love it, Love it !

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Originally Posted by gahspidy

Well, another "view from Within" edition. This is a shot I had always thought about getting and finally saw the chance. It took me a while to get up the nerve to crawl into this 4ft diameter pipe as there was water rushing out and some fumes. Very eerie As I was setting up the shot I heard louder roaring sound behind me deep into the pipe and I snapped the shot as quickly as i could set up and hauled outta there with my soggy feet and algea scuffed jacket. Converted to b&w, some soft focus and dodging and burning . . .and a few other things. How do you feel about this one? thanks as always

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You've done it again. The round view will be nice in the mix of rectangles in the other shots. The growth of the light up from the inky blacks and the great textures inside are really great. The inclusion of a figure for some sense of scale is still a good idea (although it fools us a bit - I thought the drain was much bigger than 4') and the bird's pose adds a lot to the shot.

Gary, your series is getting better and better. This is another fine example of great composition and the right technique to make an interesting picture of something a lot of people will simply overlook. This is even getting more weight if you take into consideration the effort you had to go through to get this picture. Like the others already said, the bird and the person gives a better balance to the image. Well done, again.

Cheers,
Frank

Thanks for the replies. . .Nina, Chunk, and highTree. I was hoping my efforts paid off as I was not anxious to return there for a retake ;) Chunk, I agree about this round frame shot adding some variation to the other square and rectangular frames of the rest of the series so far. I was actually trying to create a sort of keyhole effect with the water and the open pipe. btw, I think it was larger than 4ft. It sure felt smaller than 4ft while I was contemplating going inside. I think it is more like 5ft.

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Originally Posted by gahspidy

Well, another "view from Within" edition. This is a shot I had always thought about getting and finally saw the chance. It took me a while to get up the nerve to crawl into this 4ft diameter pipe as there was water rushing out and some fumes. Very eerie As I was setting up the shot I heard louder roaring sound behind me deep into the pipe and I snapped the shot as quickly as i could set up and hauled outta there with my soggy feet and algea scuffed jacket. Converted to b&w, some soft focus and dodging and burning . . .and a few other things. How do you feel about this one? thanks as always

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Gary, I wouldn't know how to rank your pictures in this series as this is another really strong one. You have obviously put a lot of thoughts in this one as you have started from a clearly defined basic concept and it just doesn't get old.

Keep them coming!!

Seb

Hello Gary

I have been following your series as well . This is a great shot !
I like this shot 1) The composition is very good
2) The effect you got from taking the shot from the inside of the drain.
3 ) Black and White is a good choice for this shot .
What i also noticed is the time and efford you make to prepare your shots !

Kind regards
james

This is amazing...I'm not even sure if I can critque it, It has rendered me speachless. As Nina said... print it and frame it!

Keep it up Gary!
This is another great photograph in a great series!
I Love It!
Brian

Gary, I love how you have the detail in foreground without blowing out the background. Really great! How did you get the bird to pose for you? If you didn't say the pipe was so small I would have thought it was much bigger since you have fooled us with the perspective! I think your hard work has paid off here - big time!

Seb , James , Brian , Wes, and Mtb'n ski. . . .Thanks for the comments and your time. Wes, the bird is a Cormorant and they stay with their wings spread for long periods of time to dry them after fishing.

Gary,
This is a great shot. I am impressed by your creativity. I don't think I would have seen a good shot here at all (just another storm drain). Good Job!

Everything has already been said about this brilliant shot, well done.May i suggest you return to this spot and bring your flash.Go in further and get a pic of whatever is living deep in the sewer.It could be the best pic you ever take or....................lo
Bobby