Sunday, January 1, 2012

Photo(s) Of The Year 2011

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Party In The Plaza 20 (It Is What It Is 2)

Party In The Plaza 10 (It Is What It Is 1)

Everybody likes pretty pictures (see the comments on my post yesterday) and I'm no exception. However, there is another side of photography that can be both simpler and deeper. In the context of music, Jean Sibelius said, "Whereas most other modern composers are engaged in manufacturing cocktails of every hue and description, I offer the public pure cold water." I like to splash people in the face once in a while.

This woman and some friends were attending a public party at a downtown plaza last summer. After I struck up a conversation, she abruptly asked me, "Hey, wanna see my new tattoos?" Well, to quote a famous Alaskan moose skinner, you betcha! She struck these poses as if they were choreographed.

The images carry something at once obvious, fatalistic and peaceful. My associations range from Doris Day singing Que Sera, Sera to Laurie Anderson's singspiel Let X = X (just lyrics; no audio or video available online) to Paul McCartney crooning Let It Be. The inked words are quite Buddhist, but also a bit irresponsible (the lady was rather tipsy). It is work I am very satisfied with and I offer it as my personal favorite of 2011.

In turn, I look forward to seeing your best of the year. To see the top 2011 images from City Daily Photo members click here.

10 comments:

Jilly said...

Superb, Bob and no surprise that is is, from you. Actually I got the phrase in the first photo but the second is effective too. I hear what you say about pretty pictures - I'm guilty of one pretty one today and one, hopefully not so pretty on the other blog.

Wishing you and Carolyn a peaceful and healthy New Year with lots of wonderful photos. J x

brattcat said...

choosing a single image from your excellent body of work is an impossible task. that said, this decision is outstanding.

Pat said...

Perfect choice. And splendid b/w photos. Happy New Year, Bob, and continued happy clicking.

Regina K said...

Wonderful image, your photos do splash people in the face, they are superb. The sunsets yesterday were outstanding. Happy New Year!

T. Becque said...

Cool photos Bob, I appreciate that side of photography too. Happy new year to you! Oh and yes, the previous photo - very pretty. :)

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Interesting photo and post. I like the fact that she has sunglasses in the top photo. If focuses attention on her tattoos. I think, however, that she should hold her arms with her right arm higher than her left, as that would place her message in order.

Whenever I think of Doris Day and Que Sera, Sera, I think of the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Man Who Knew Too Much, which I insisted Julie watch upon our return from Morocco. She found it dated, unsurprisingly.

Best wishes to you, your family, and your office colleagues for the new year.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I like them a lot Bob, and I'm sure they're very significant to the young lady. Perfect 'cold water in the face' image for today and believe me I need it. After my four glasses of champagne last night I was a little worse for wear this morning haha. btw just seen images from yesterdays post and you're right they are very pretty, what fab views you get from your office. I wish you all the best for the coming year and hope it's a tad more 'laid back' for you Bob.

Carola said...

Happy New Year! Bob, realy outstanding and very special b&w shots. Great choice. Yes, photography should touch us.

Jack said...

You made a dramatic choice, Bob. I understand the selection, even though I usually use a less somber mood.

Gunn said...

BRAVO!
Interesting, nice and a good choice for the first posting.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!