St Paul’s selfies
When I see a mirror, my instinct isn’t usually to point my camera at it. But this was an exception. I was on the upper viewing platform of London’s Tate Modern gallery, with the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral gloriously in shot.
These similar photographs turned out very differently. Above, I’m (unfortunately) in full view, while the couple perched behind point at the view, which has been dazzled out of existence.
Just seconds later and a drastic dialling down of exposure, the three of us have become silhouettes, and St Paul’s, a slither of the Millennium Bridge and other buildings are visible.
These are not strictly speaking selfies. But which version do you favour? High key or silhouetted?
mikeosbornphoto 
I like both versions as I think they complement each other beautifully!
LikeLike
Thank you :) I’m glad to hear it – this has prompted quite a nice debate.
LikeLike
High key one. To me that one says London/Tate almost more than the second one… :)
LikeLike
Thank you for coming by, Barbara. Interesting! Hmmm, the second one is perhaps too obvious, despite the silhouetting of the figures.
LikeLike
I think the second one is good too, just there is something very “Tate” about the first one and something very “London” the way all three figures are captured in the photo. Probably because the photo lets you attach your own story to it with the space behind. And for me it’s those two things…
Love your photos, especially as many of them are of places I go to often and it’s like looking at them through a second pair of eyes. :)
LikeLike
It’s always great if stories can be told through photography. And thank you so much – I’m glad to bring hopefully a different slant on familiar places. There are so many in London I’ve yet to visit!
LikeLike
I like them both. Depends on what you want to say?
LikeLike
Thanks Linda, and good question! One is about London, one is more about three people who happen to be there at the same moment?
LikeLike
I like the high key one, although you lose the sense of place created by the background.
LikeLike
Thanks for coming by :) Yes, the location is wiped out, though perhaps it gains more of a sense of intimacy?
LikeLike
High key looks very good to me; really interesting to look at and overall great shot that really stands out. (one reason is that the timing in respect of the couple in the shot is perfect in the high key version as opposed to the second picture) Great post! Interesting and good to see such a difference in opinions too.
LikeLike
Thanks very much, Peter, good to hear from you. Indeed, I got the couple at the right moment in the first shot, I just happen to be intruding! It’s a little unnerving when a “selfie” prompts such a discussion…
LikeLike
Brilliantly intruded though!! :) And, in a world full of selfies; this is a refreshingly good one!
LikeLike
Thanks Peter. I’m not sure I’ve ever done the “classic” selfie!
LikeLike
I’ve tried, but they’re far to frightening to post!! :/
LikeLike
Surely not! Perhaps I should start offering a fake selfie service!
LikeLike
Lol, that’s a good business idea Mike; I’m sure you’d get plenty of clients. Think of all the celebs who’d want to take their selfies to the next level!!
LikeLike
Hmmmm, I’ll have to work on that one! Mind you, selfies quite often get celebs into hot water!
LikeLike
The second is a capture of the place, and is very nice. But the first tells the story of people: your steadfast attention to the camera contrasted with the couple’s animated viewing of something we can’t even see. I think no. 2 is excellent. Well done Mike.
LikeLike
Ed, thank you very much, that’s a very astute assessment. The story of people is probably more interesting to me than the sight of a London landmark which I know all to well – although my intention was to capture the fine view in a slightly different way.
LikeLike
I prefer the high key shot. It’s a unique type of selfie where you’re not really the focus but the couple seem to grab attention from their reaction by the unknown white shade. I love it.
LikeLike
Thanks Eddie, I appreciate your input. Yes, the couple trumped me there! I honestly didn’t notice at the time, so was pleased to come away with that photograph. As for St Paul’s, seen it all too often!
LikeLike
My thoughts exactly. The white haze across the glass really makes the photo look mysterious and bring up more questions. There is a story in this picture of 3 ppl and it’s interesting. Looking forward to your next selfie lol
LikeLike
Thanks Eddie! Ha, they’re very few and far between!
LikeLike
I like them both individually, but seeing them in comparison/together is what makes it most interesting to me.
LikeLike
Much appreciated, Kiki! I thought a compare/contrast was interesting myself.
LikeLike
The second one is the one you’ve intended to take. It’s a great photo. I love the silhouettes and it’s nice to see a part of the city. But…, of course I love the first one! It’s so nice to see you on a photo. Handsome man!
LikeLike
Koos, you make me blush! And you’re right, the first shot was a misfire, but I’ve grown to love it with its distinct lines. There is an absence of skyline, though. It’s in the second shot where that takes centre stage.
LikeLike
Well, I wouldn’t call the first one a misfire, it’s a nice photo! :-D
LikeLike
Thanks Koos :) It’s waaaaaaay overexposed, but I like the result of it. Though I’m not looking my best. I always pout for my selfies! :-)))
LikeLike
I really like the silhouette version.
LikeLike
Thank you Helene :-) I wonder if it’s because St Paul’s makes and appearance?…
LikeLike
In my opinion it’s the clarity and composition of the background architecture, and the silhouettes are a lovely contrast
LikeLike
Thank you Helene. That works for me too!
LikeLike
Silhouette I think – no offence!
LikeLike
Ha! None taken, Diana. I rather like the high key one, against my better judgement (and the loss of the view).
LikeLike
Great idea and shots! Like the silhouettes; the first one is just one step too high key for me.
LikeLike
Thanks Harrie! Yes, it’s very bleached, but I’ve grown rather fond of a shot I might usually have binned. That’s a great spot in any case :)
LikeLike
I like them both, Mike, but I prefer the top one. :)
LikeLike
Thanks Richard. Aesthetically I love the high key – it really emphasises the outlines of the objects and people behind me. But silhouettes are good, even though it shows up my big ears!
LikeLike
;)
LikeLike