Robert Barley
February 2025 - Telephones
About the Image(s)
I found this scene in an elevator lobby of a medical building. I liked the symmetry and shadows. I thought it would better as BW since the wall colors are neutral. People naturally thought I was waiting for the elevator so they would hold the door open for me until I to go without me. Edited and converted with Snaseed. Frame via PS.
12 comments posted
Robert, you alway come up really interesting images. This one is also a challenge for me. You know Snnapseed also has good frames. You really do not have to go PS for the framing. I also observe that the 2 telephones do not have the same look? Interesting on the back side of the phones. Jerry Posted: 02/01/2025 15:33:39
Thank you, Jerry. I try to make interesting images, but I don't always manage to do it.
In regard to frames, as I mentioned to a member in December, Snapseed's frame function is destructive. It starts at the edge of the image and moves inward, essentially cropping the image. I don't like to use it because I don't plan for that extra crop when I edit.
Posted: 02/03/2025 23:08:04
In regard to frames, as I mentioned to a member in December, Snapseed's frame function is destructive. It starts at the edge of the image and moves inward, essentially cropping the image. I don't like to use it because I don't plan for that extra crop when I edit.
Posted: 02/03/2025 23:08:04
A very simple but effective composition. I like the play of light and shadows. The differences in the phone cords and detail on the backs of the phones holds the viewer's interest. Nice idea. Posted: 02/01/2025 20:06:25
Thank you. These days I'm trying to challenge myself with the idea that photography can "make the unseen, seen." In this place, there may be a lot to see. The phones, as you point out, with the twisted or untwisted cords, and the asymmetric shape of the shadows. Notice, too, that there is a dark stripe adjoining the worksurfaces which is likely due to the regular sanitizing and wiping. The story would be improved if there was someone using one of the phones, but that didn't happen while I was there.
Posted: 02/03/2025 23:00:02
Posted: 02/03/2025 23:00:02
Rita Blockman
The symmetry and shadows captured my interest in addition to the contrast of the phones. It's a very creative image!It lends itself to many interpretations. Posted: 02/05/2025 06:56:36
Thank you, Rita. I've passed the spot many times because my doctor's office is on an upper floor of the building. I thought the scene might suggest loneliness or isolation, especially in BW. I'm please most of our Group got it.
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:13:01
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:13:01
My first thought was "I wonder if the phones work?" The play of light and shadow and the differences in the phones adds interest and intrigue. Posted: 02/06/2025 00:32:54
Thank you. I haven't checked to see if the phones work, but I imagine they do since they are in a medical space. I liked the light and shadow, too. I think that was emphasized with the BW conversion. The color version is mostly industrial beige.
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:16:59
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:16:59
This photograph reminds me of how I would be on important phone call and my children would get mischievous knowing telephone cord limited my ability to get to them. Most people would walk by not knowing potential of this image but glad you spotted this one. It's a talker photograph as viewers could debate why 2 phones different. One with designated numbers for medical staff only? Wonder if the phones still work? Good capture and composition. Posted: 02/06/2025 16:18:43
Thank you. I'm pleased the image brought back a memory - even if it was about some frustration.
It's a pretty well-run building, so I imagine the phones do work. I think the buttons on the right phone are for internal communication. The other may reach outside. I don't know. I'll look more closely when I go there again.
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:07:07
It's a pretty well-run building, so I imagine the phones do work. I think the buttons on the right phone are for internal communication. The other may reach outside. I don't know. I'll look more closely when I go there again.
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:07:07
It all works well and the symmetry makes the image. Did you notice the phone on the right seems to have a number of buttons on it which is rather unique. Any idea what that's about? Posted: 02/07/2025 11:06:23
Thank you. The phone on the right does have a number of buttons. I didn't look closely, so I can't be sure what they are for. The medical building is quite large and contains many areas of specialty, so I imagine they are one-touch connections to them. Next time I go there, I'll take a closer look.
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:01:05
Posted: 02/13/2025 18:01:05