photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twelve: Using color to express ideas > Memories, Hiroshima, Japan, 2006
previous | next
24-MAR-2006

Memories, Hiroshima, Japan, 2006

As we sailed from the Hiroshima port, the sky turned fiery red -- a stirring sight, to say the least, considering the emotional nature of this visit. Hiroshima is extremely moving to those who visit the Peace Memorial Museum or who have any memory of World War II and the first use of an atomic bomb. Color can had profound effect on human emotions – in this case, it recalls the firestorm that once incinerated this city and its inhabitants. This sky seems to be telling us to never forget what happened here

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30
1/320s f/5.6 at 58.2mm iso80 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time24-Mar-2005 02:03:36
MakePanasonic
ModelDMC-FZ30
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length58.2 mm
Exposure Time1/320 sec
Aperturef/5.6
ISO Equivalent80
Exposure Bias
White Balance (10)
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality (6)
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis21-Aug-2006 22:34
I will often use extreme sky ratios, Chris, when the sky is the most important thing. For example in this image, the red sky is the essence of the picture and Hiroshima itself becomes context for it. In the shot I made from my backyard athttp://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/65499667 , the sky is again the most important element, so the hills become context. And that is why I break up this image as I do. It is all about the sky, so why not devote most of the image to it?
Chris Sofopoulos21-Aug-2006 09:41
The contrary light and use of negative space together with the orange layers create a dramatic picture here. Also the frame of the 2/3 of sky and 1/3 of buildings is fantastic. Just the right portion of negative space. Superb.
Phil Douglis26-Apr-2006 21:32
Thanks, Iris, for seeing in this image what I had hoped you would see. You mention the awesome cloud - something that I had not mentioned in my caption, but perhaps should have. It not only echoes the shapes of the mountains, but also recalls the terrible radioactive umbrella that once hovered over this very city.
Iris Maybloom (irislm)26-Apr-2006 20:23
Oh Phil, what a powerful image! The red sky and that awesome cloud are indeed powerful reminders of a disturbing chapter of our history. There are so many horrific events that we should never forget, but, sadly, history shows that we just don't get it.
Phil Douglis19-Apr-2006 02:12
A starkly beautiful but sobering end to an unforgettable experience. I would hope that eventually everyone
will get a chance to visit Hiroshima and heed its lessons.
Tim May19-Apr-2006 01:01
A powerful reminder - a moving image - that's all I can say.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment