Vortex and Shadow
On yesterday’s post of a the shadow of a bench and cyclist Benjamin Rowe left a terrific comment that the photo “is like a page of a book and I want to move down the road to see what is next”. So, today’s post is another page from just down the road. I guess it is really a few draft paragraphs from the page, because I haven’t decided which version I like best.
An earlier post titled On the Road showed only this fine example of the art of pavement repairs. I went back, because who wouldn’t?, and thought it would be fun to get a picture of it in action. So, if you feel strongly about one of these photos being notably better or worse than the others, then please feel free to let me know.
I think in some ways, or even several ways, the one below with the cyclist in the foreground is the best. But I kind of like the ones with a wheel planted in the vortex, and those with a strong shadow, and the one with nothing but pavement and railing shadows. Decisions, decisions.
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Canon 5Dii, 50/1.4 lens, ISO 400, f11
burnt embers 
Ah…the road spiral. I like the last image the best. The way the bright reflections on the water line up between the poles and also with the spiral is excellent.
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It’s funny because when I posted them I kind of liked the last one best too, but that was not the point of the exercise and I had posted a spiral all solo already. But, the placement of those railing shadows is perfect and so that picture stands on its own pretty well.
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On my next visit – and before we break out the scotch – let’s go have a look at the spiral…
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OK, it is less than a block from the storm drain, so we can fit two things into one pass. It likes a strong light. And might be covered over by then, but….
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We will just hope for good light, and a still-there spiral. And a longer stay, just in case…
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OK. All of that sounds excellent. We could tour road markings looking for others. I found a few spirals that had a later line or two crossing them out. As if it was not cool with the boss or something. Who probably looked on from front seat of his new car.
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Ah, yes – the old “windshield survey” management technique…
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Something to do with bosses wanting new cars – hoping people will be admiring the car enough that they don’t notice the boss did not get out.
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In many cases, they may not WANT the boss to get out!
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In my experience that is likely. So many bosses really have nothing practical to contribute as they have risen well beyond their levels of competence. They know it too, so after a while decide that staying on a comfy seat with heater and window opened just a crack, if at all, is good management. Even in July. And on that one thing they are usually right.
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My previous boss was awful – but the one I have now is the kind of boss you WANT to have. For example, he trusts his senior staff to do our jobs! And doesn’t meddle! It’s kind of amazing, really. I spent the first couple of years I worked here waiting for him to turn into an ass. I eventually figured out that he’s a genuinely nice person to work for.
And he’s not even TELLING me to say any of this!
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Christmas Bonus season must be approaching. That’s all I can think of.
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No bonuses around here. Not in the non-profit, federally-funded world.
So, my comments really DON’T make any sense, do they?
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Nope
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I should be paying attention to all of this. I am my own boss now and should learn how to treat my staff (me) better, and how to get out of the car and get some exercise too, and come up with a holiday plan.
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I could write up a plan for you to follow, if you want…
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That would not feel right – I might have to supervise you.
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Good point – it never works out to be friends with people you have to supervise.
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I can NOT decide here! There is so much more when you see them as a group, the variation of clouds, sun reflections, where the traveller is looking, IF there is a traveller, etc. Together, the photos become a story about something more than the vortex. So, I guess it depends on what story you want to tell here. Really like this post!
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Thank you galeriadredelius for a great comment! Do you suppose all these travellers were being sucked into the vortex, as if it were some asphalt whirlpool, or blackhole? If so, I feel lucky to get these shots – to have survived and to have captured some reflected light which in theory should not have been possible.
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Ha, that’s another possibility, that they get sucked into the vortex, didn’t think about that one. Or, were they just thrown up on the road from under the ground, now riding further in confusion, in a new place? Whatever, you’ve made this a mystery place, that’s for sure!
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My vote is for the last two. The vortex shows up best uninterrupted. And the bird is a nice touch, too.
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Thanks Ken. I have another shot along here of pavement marks with a bird. It probably will show up too. I wish the shadows were stronger in the second to last shot.
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