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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery One: Travel Abstractions -- Unlimited Thought > Waiting, Phoenix, Arizona, 2007
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08-MAY-2007

Waiting, Phoenix, Arizona, 2007

I have used abstraction in three different ways here to express meaning. This person was sitting in an alcove in the entry hallway of a senior citizens residence. I took my vantage point from off to one side, enabling me to hide more of the person than I show here. We only see legs and feet. Using my spot meter, I exposed for the reflections on the tile floor, which causes those legs and feet to become a silhouette. And I use my frame to remove the upper half of the subject entirely, drawing attention to the body language of the abstracted legs and feet. These three levels of abstraction combine to express the essence of waiting: the passage of time.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/60s f/3.2 at 20.3mm iso100 full exif

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Phil Douglis28-Feb-2009 01:21
That little L-shaped area in the upper right hand corner of this shot echoes the thrust of the foot, too. Thanks, Shawn, for noting the effect this image has on the imagination, as well. That's what expressive photos should do, prod the imaginations of viewers, and cause them to draw their own conclusions.
Guest 28-Feb-2009 00:58
I like the small frame of the door in the upper right corner and the way the tiles continue into the distance. Amazing how our minds draw conclusions from the little bit that we do see.
Phil Douglis19-Jan-2009 20:11
The resemblance is uncanny, Claudia. The subject matter, degree of abstraction, mood and meaning of each of these images is nearly identical.
Phil Douglis12-Feb-2008 19:14
Thanks for pointing out the role of the unbalanced composition here, Suzy. It does help suggest the passing of time. And that is what many people in institutions such as this must deal with -- the passing hours.
Suzy Walker-Toye12-Feb-2008 10:28
I also imagined the foot of the man tapping :) The off balance composition and the tones do give off a sense of impatience. A long dull institutional corridor and the light give the feeling of wasted time drawing later into the afternoon.
Phil Douglis04-Aug-2007 17:57
Thanks, Patricia, for calling attention to the subtle role of the hand curled in the lap of this person. I read the hand as expressing patience, while you see it as symbolizing an open attitude. Either way, it works well as a symbol.
Patricia Lay-Dorsey04-Aug-2007 07:25
I am struck with the way you lead my eye to the glint of light outside the door, as if there is something coming that will open this man's--humanity's--eyes and hearts to a new reality. I am also touched by his hand curled in his lap. It appears to be open to whatever will come.
Phil Douglis24-Jun-2007 18:21
Thanks, Mo -- that is exactly what abstraction does best. It makes us guess, wonder, think, and most of all, imagine.
monique jansen24-Jun-2007 09:41
The wait, patience, quietness, darkness, the question of who this person is, and what his life was all about - you keep us guessing and wondering.
Phil Douglis19-Jun-2007 23:11
Yes, I wanted to make it seem aged -- I did not tone this shot, however. It was simply the color of the floor, walls, and trousers. Thanks, Christine.
Christine P. Newman19-Jun-2007 20:44
What strikes me is the tone, Phil. The feeling of older photographs. This guy has been waiting for a long time !
Phil Douglis17-May-2007 05:56
Once again, Aloha, you leave a comment that sums up the essence of not only my image, but this entire gallery. You are correct -- expressive bits of posture, taken out of context by abstraction, can mean more than seeing the whole subject. And when we do this, we directly involve the imaginations of our viewers, making them participate and live inside of the image. Such are the benefits of abstraction in expressive photography.
Aloha Diao Lavina17-May-2007 03:42
Yes, I am smiling as I look at this photograph as it reminds me of what I have learned from you, Phil--that posture in expressive parts may be more than the whole. In this case, the left foot of this stranger leads the eye to the evident doorway through which our questions begin. An expressive photograph leads to questions, and that is the value of abstraction. The viewer is left with a participation in the photograph, making the viewing of it even more meaningful.
Phil Douglis13-May-2007 05:28
You are right, Jenene. This foot was often in motion, moving back and forth, as if exploring its surroundings. Even in the act of waiting, the foot is alive with expectation.
JSWaters13-May-2007 03:03
As with Carol and Kal, I too like this image and feel it's connection to my own life and the universal act of 'waiting'. The degree of abstraction defines and underscores the anonymity here. The foot forward is to me an example of resignation - this person is not anxious, but expecting the wait. Even enjoying it if we imagine the foot tapping as Kal does. I find the bigger message for me is the value of utilizing every moment to explore our surroundings, take note of our thoughts and impressions, never waste a moment when we can instead savor our rich experiences.
Jenene
Phil Douglis12-May-2007 16:03
Thanks, Kal -- the concept itself is common enough. The differerences in meaning comes in how we may choose to execute it. I look forward to seeing your approach.
Kal Khogali12-May-2007 10:06
I like it Phil. I have a similar image in concept that I will post soon. Also waiting, but perhaps a different symbolism. I like the foot forward...I imagine it tapping ;-)K
Phil Douglis11-May-2007 06:10
You are riight -- it does not matter how this person is, Carol. What matters is the waiting. We can all identify with it. When we wait, we often have no place to go. in this case, the person is sitting in a shelf -- a truly anonymous figure, yet a universal one. I considered converting this to black and white -- but found the institutional deep browns to be a perfect complement to institutional waiting.
Carol E Sandgren11-May-2007 05:57
And waiting is something we all do way too much of! Interesting that this man is waiting between two walls as if stuck. The body language is so expressive even though we never see the rest of the man...as if it doesn't matter at all who he is...he becomes anonymous until the wait time is up.
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