Luminosity, Old State Capitol, Phoenix, Arizona, 2009 photo

Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twenty Eight: Using symbols and metaphors to express meaning > Luminosity, Old State Capitol, Phoenix, Arizona, 2009

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07-FEB-2009

Luminosity, Old State Capitol, Phoenix, Arizona, 2009

A faint rainbow outlines a flowing sea of luminous clouds that diagonally link a burst of sun to the silhouetted figure of Winged Victory that stands atop Arizona’s Old State Capitol building. The allegorical figure still functions as a wind vane. It is often seen as an angel -- its wings and torch symbolically protecting and guiding those who have governed Arizona over the years. The silhouetted angel appears to be welcoming the flow of divinely inspired clouds with an outstretched wreath. I saw the faint rainbow for the first time on my computer screen. It adds both magical and spiritual content to this image, a reminder that photography can tender mysterious gifts to us in surprising ways.

(You can see additional images of Winged Victory in these galleries at http://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/105037588 and
http://www.pbase.com/image/105037214 )

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
1/2000s f/22.0 at 24.0mm iso200 hide exif

Full EXIF Info
Date/Time	07-Feb-2009 11:04:21
Make	Panasonic
Model	DMC-G1
Flash Used	No
Focal Length	24 mm
Exposure Time	1/2000 sec
Aperture	f/22
ISO Equivalent	200
Exposure Bias	-1.66
White Balance
Metering Mode	multi spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Program	program (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Phil Douglis		13-Mar-2009 18:58
Thanks, Chris, for commenting on the nature of this composition. Where we place elements within the frame can have a large effect on meaning. You are right -- I do study the meaning of the relationship of things within my frame before I make an image. In this case, I was drawn first to the diagonal thrusts of the clouds, rooflines, and the arms and wings of the statue. I pulled the statue off to the right in order to allow the diagonal flow of clouds to fill three quarters of the frame, overwhelming the statue in scale and bringing both life and meaning to the image.

Chris Sofopoulos		13-Mar-2009 13:18
The important is that every composition is very well studied before you push the button of the camera. Your compositions go much deeper than the picture you photograph. And from this we all learn. Thank you!

Phil Douglis		23-Feb-2009 17:42
Thank you, Skhin, for your kind words on this image. The eloquence you speak of here is a blend of nature's work as well as the work of man as interpreted by the eye of the photographer.

Guest		23-Feb-2009 13:26
You've got the eloquence and photograhic skills! Enjoyed your gallery.

Phil Douglis		20-Feb-2009 17:11
Thanks, H.L. Tam, for your comment. That is why I post these images -- to help photographers such as yourself gain insights into your own art.

Guest		20-Feb-2009 04:19
Excellent capture ! I learned a lot from your photos !

Phil Douglis		18-Feb-2009 23:46
Thanks, Sue, for your comment. I almost put this image in my "Atmosphere and Mood" gallery, but decided to put it here because of the symbolic potential of the angel, cloud, sun, and rainbow.

Sue Robertson		18-Feb-2009 23:41
Wonderful moody image!.. Dramaitc and powerful..

Phil Douglis		11-Feb-2009 17:41
As always, your eloquent phrasing illuminates the experience of viewing this image, Celia. As you note, by spot-metering on the sun, I've caused the sky to turn from blue to black, pulled more detail and texture out of the massive cloud, and silhouetted the angel and the buildings as well. This degree of underexposure probably has something to do with making the glimmer of a rainbow visible to the eye as well. And as you also note, scale incongruity and contrast are part and parcel of the metaphor before us. If the sun and cloud can imply divine powers here, the scale differences make them appear to be infinite. And finally, you strike a chord with me by implying that cameras themselves don't make the picture -- it's really what is in the eye and heart and mind of the photographer that makes the picture. I thank you for that compliment, Celia -- your use of verbal language here is as expressive as my visual metaphor.

Cecilia Lim		11-Feb-2009 10:35
That glimmer of light and colour descending upon the dark world surrounding the winged angel makes this a truly inspiring metaphor. Your masterful way of reading and metering light transforms ordinary subjects into such wonderful expressions that arouse our emotions and thoughts. Your play of scale to accent the power and grandeur of the heavens; your contrast of textures between the vibrant, organic sky and the flat, constrained world below it, are all as important as your interplay of light and dark in creating depth and meaning. I love the magic of colour & light that your new camera can see but I am more in awe of your magical eye!

Phil Douglis		10-Feb-2009 00:15
In times such as these, Iris, we seek inspiration. That's why Obama was swept into office. And that's why this scene rallies the spirit. You are right. Everyone recognizes the threats that face us and everyone looks for that silver lining. If not silver, at least this image lines the threatening cloud with what you see as an Obamaesque rainbow. And that sun struggling so hard to break through here gives us every sign of that brighter future you mention. Thanks for your metaphorical commentary.

Iris Maybloom (irislm)		09-Feb-2009 23:03
The scale incongruity here is amazing. The enormous sky filled with threatening clouds overpowers the diminutive angel. The strong diagonal of the clouds intensifies the threat to the angel, as it is pointed right at her. If this angel protects and guides political leaders, then our politicians (not just in Arizona) might want to pay closer attention to these awesome forces that are so threatening. I find this image very relevant at this particular time in our history. The subtle rainbow, however, offers us some optimism that things in the future will brighten. The rainbow's name is Obama!!

Phil Douglis		09-Feb-2009 21:50
I agree, Kal --much of the power of this image rests in its scale incongruity, which means the angel is relatively small compared to the massive sheet of clouds that links it with the sun. In a small sized image, the scale comparison is diminished and the detail of the angel's gesture may not be readily apparent. However, when seen in its original size, we can appreciate both the detail and the scale comparison. Thanks for your kind words.

Phil Douglis		09-Feb-2009 20:40
Well said, Cyndy -- thanks for coming to this image. I began shooting this scene with one idea in mind, and wound up with an entirely unexpected result. Some things can't explained. Let's just call this a magical experience.

Guest		09-Feb-2009 19:15
Synchronicity, art, and nature. Wonderful combination, Phil.

Phil Douglis		09-Feb-2009 17:59
Carol -- your comment is most helpful. The rainbow speaks very quietly here, allowing the amazing arc of clouds to link the energy of the sun to the gesture of the angel without competition. And Jenene -- you are right about the scale incongruity here. The angel is diminutive, and your linkage to Tinkerbell makes it the stuff of fantasy. And it's the power of scale that intensifies the drama and implies the grandeur of nature. Thanks to you both for your insightful comments.

JSWaters		09-Feb-2009 07:48
I'm struck by the majesty of the sky and how small your angel looks in comparison. My first impression was of Tinkerbell, and I still see her against the enormous sky. The subtlety of the rainbow is a beautiful addition to the image, but the overall grandeur of natures' showcase is amazing. Jenene

Carol E Sandgren		09-Feb-2009 02:12
The subtlety of the rainbow makes this all the more magical and mysterious to me. Had it been a full-blown colorful rainbow, it would most certainly have stolen the show, so to speak, for your sky and angel. This way it is, as you say, implied, yet visible enough to believe in. That little angel works wonders it seems, and carries a strong spirit. Wonderful!

Phil Douglis		08-Feb-2009 22:15
Thanks, Tim -- I was stunned by this image as well. I was trying to connect the sun to the angel with the stream of mystical clouds, and then got a rainbow in the bargain. I am not sure the sensor of my previous camera would have picked it up, but my new G1 sensor certainly did, and for that I am grateful. And yes -- that wing could just as well be a waving arm. How fortunate that the wind was blowing the vane in the right direction, too. Thanks for the kind words on this image. It is one of my personal favorites.

Tim May		08-Feb-2009 22:10
How absolutely magical! The rainbow reaches to the feet of the statue. The abstracted nature of the image allows me to make the wing into an arm as if the angel is making all this happen with the wave of her wand.

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