2.25.2007

A Different Perspective

Eros pointing South
February 2007

I was asked by one of you if I had any more statue images. While I do have some, I don't snap many statues because I want to capture something that isn't so obvious. Does that make sense? I do stop to admire their beauty but I won't always walk away with a picture. After thinking about this for a bit, I realized that I need to start snapping statues more and noticing the details...they aren't ordinary, they are quite interesting. So today I was out to find another subject and challenge myself by having a different perspective than usual. Here is what I found...

We walked up from the underground into Piccadilly Circus. Those of you who have been to London surely have been here. It is located in the heart of London's West End theater district. Here you would you see the big neon signs, lots of red double deckers and black taxis. It reminds me of Times Square in NYC minus the double deckers.

The Shaftesbury Monument Memorial Fountain has become a London icon since it was erected in 1892. It is the first statue in the world to be made of aluminum and was built to commemerate the philanthropic works of Lord Shaftesbury. It is topped by Eros, the Greek god of love and sometimes it is also known as The Angel of Christian Charity. To protect the statue against the bombings during World War II, the government took the statue off the top and then reessembled it again when the war was over.

I have stood here many times and watched as others have snapped pictures and posed. I have to say that I never really was that taken by it at all. But as I studied it through my lens, I really liked the curves and the look on his very purposeful face. The beautiful wings that are so full remind me of strength. I will definitely be back to this spot to share a different view on another day.

Would you be interested in more statue images?

18 comments:

Mike Holley said...

I've seen this statue many times but never in this light. It certainly is beautiful.

John Roberts said...

I like the soft, glowing effect you gave it.

Rebecca said...

Wow, the statue really is beautiful!

I took that photo inside the Beauchamp Tower at the Tower of London.

The funny thing is that I was there the week of LEAP 2005 and stayed with Dan & Somer and didn't even go into central London for about three days b/c I was so tired. I just slept at their house! And hung out with them and prayed, laughed, ate, watch Friends episodes...you know :) We (the Ireland MAPers) were on our two week holiday and I spent the first week in London with the Passerellis.

Corey Bienert said...

it kinda makes sense that you dont wanna keep taking pictures of statues...


because statues are essentially already pictures, they are pictures made into a 3D sculpture.

so the original artist already knows that that certain position that the person or object was in, is appealing to the eye.

so if you take a picture of something that someone else already captured, then it's not the same as if you captured that moment on your own.

bluemountainmama said...

i agree with john...i love the soft effect. it would be interesting to see more statue photos and your take on them. you are able to make just about anything into a beautiful photo!

Jill said...

Nice work!

photowannabe said...

Isn't that what this whole blog thing is about? Looking at things with different eyes. Lets see mor statues and their details. Great stuff Anna.

Anonymous said...

I for one would like to see whatever you find it in your heart / mind to post. Your take on things is inspirational, whether it be statues, a door frame or a family member.

I hope you will just keep posting and keep them coming from the heart!

Nicole said...

I like all your pictures. Statues and all. You can do no wrong.

Kyle said...

it always seemed kind of strange to me, taking pictures of art.

Not to say I don't like it, but it's just funny to think of creating art from an existing piece of artwork.

I really like your statue images, and I would love to see some more!

by the way, thank you for all of your kind words.

Pat said...

Really nice statue today, Anna. I like seeing photos of them since many of these statues some of us would never be able to see in person so this is a delight.

kenju said...

Yes, I would, Anna. I like anything you capture, but seeing things I might never have the opportunity to see is good too.

Ash said...

This is just beautiful, Anna!

Of course, we'd love to see more images of statues!

Carol said...

I have not been to England...But I am sure I would take photos of all the statues I would see...they all tell unique stories...I can't recall ever seeing a statue with wings before...

Memories Catcher said...

Nice statue.I like the composition and point of view.Great light.Good job!

carmilevy said...

Absolutely. I love the way the light plays so softly on the exquisitely curved surface. Your lens seems to almost paint the scene with light.

utenzi said...

I'm like you, Anna. Statues are too obvious as photo ops. I'd be more likely to be surrepitiously taking pictures of the folk taking pictures of the statue. The intent looks on their faces as they peer through their collective lens...

srp said...

I love the smaller statues. There is one in Florence with a little cherub and a fish... adorable.
This one is lovely with the glow around him. And always a different perspective can deliver quite the surprise sometimes.