At the end of the path Maggie and I walk most mornings and evenings in Tulsa is a large electrical transformer/switching station. While we photographers have a rule of thirds for composing an image I can confirm the number three is well represented among the power industry as well.
Perhaps an appropriate title for this series of stylized photos would be “The Power of Three” or “Powerful Three”…a little play on words of course. :-)
Nice. I love the orange sky treatment, or was that how it looked in Tulsa? :)
Hey thanks, Paul. That orange is how I thought it should look, otherwise, the sky is still blue in Tulsa — except when it’s grey and storming like crazy.
So have you adjusted back to east coast time? :-)
These are three stunning images and work very well together as a series. I think this rule of thirds is almost never followed by nature, only the logical, or is that unlogical, mind of man. The image of the pole and insulators really catches my eye. Not sure why. Could be the simplicity.
I appreciate that, Monte. Funny, I struggled more with the pole and insulator image then the other two. It’s such a simple subject I wanted to emphasize it without overshadowing it. Perhaps I achieved that balance…but there’s alway self-doubt. Thanks! :-)
One of the “rules” I learned in nature photography is that groups of uneven numbers, in particular groups of 3, are considered to be a pleasing arrangement. While not exactly nature, these photos show why that is the case.
That orange sky says “HOT” to me, which is what I think of when I think of Oklahoma.
Not sure why odd numbers and three in particular is such a pleasing grouping for mankind, Tom, but as you know there are list after list of things in threes when Googled and certainly we photographers benefit from it each time we set up our tripods. Hmm…I think I still have one stored away somewhere. :-)
Your perception absolutely matches our personal experience of Oklahoma in July…HOT!
Maybe it’s just my state of mind these days, but the first image screams “climate change”. At least it does to me. As Tom says, orange implies “hot”. And the electrical structures are good metaphors for high energy usage. Put them together and I think you get a peek at what might be in store for all of us not too far down the line (no pun intended). I think if I was writing an article on climate change I’d want to use something like this as a cover image. It’s really good.
It would be great if I could tell you, Paul, I created these images with the theme of “climate change” in mind but alas it’s not so. :-) My vision was not so global. Perhaps I did have the subject matter of “hot” in my subconscious because it’s certainly been that (heat index of 115 predicted today) here and I was looking to create a bit of a harsh and grunge feeling while still recognizing the detailed beauty of these electrical/industrial subjects. I’m pleased I may have had some success.
Thanks and when you “write your article on climate change” I’ll grant you full use of any of these images for the cover.
Very nice set here Earl. I do like your vision and interpretation on these. Odd numbers are said to have more of a dynamic nature to them. I believe it has something to do with out mental gravitation towards balance, and an odd number makes us contemplate the balance a bit more.
We have been fortunate to have a rather cool summer overall here in Michigan. However the few hot days have been very sticky jungle Hot. These power lines also remind me of my appreciation for air conditioning (in moderation of course!).
Thanks, Mark, I appreciate it. It’s certainly interesting how the mind works. I hope your cooler summer in Michigan continues. Our RV has two topside air conditioners and during the heat of the Tulsa day they never shut off. They do keep the RV cool and we pay nothing for our site, electricity and water for the two weeks were working on their guest guide so we can’t complain. On Sunday we’re moving 30 miles to a state park job so it will be two more weeks of free “room and board” — plus getting paid. :-)