Metallic Spheres, a photo from Ile-de-France, North

Photographer's Note

I wish I could describe what exactly these are or represent, but even after much research I’ve been unable to find their origin. Located behind Le Grande Arche de La Defense in Paris, these were stretched along the length of a small plaza. I just thought they were interesting and created a fun subject of shape in contrast to the flat, but textured pavement.

If anyone knows what they may be, please fill me in. I’m curious to find out after all of these years if there’s any particular significance.

For a more graphic impression and approach, I’ve included a black & white copy as a Workshop. I liked both versions equally, so I literally flipped a coin to decide which one to post…and well, color won! :)

ikeharel, macjake, macjake, Noel_Byrne, Kofman, mirosu has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

lousat (57610) 2013-03-03 5:49

Hi Jason,a great chhoice of point of view to create this original perspectivre made by the spheres of Paris!You play very well whit the shadows too,nice 3D effect,i like it!Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

macjake (39227) 2013-03-03 6:46

Hi Jason
yeah, this is pretty cool :)
I like how you were able to create a unique shot out of something that most people would just walk on by.
excellent sense of depth and movement
well done
cheers
craig

batalay (32858) 2013-03-03 8:09

Hello Jason,

In many countries in Europe where traffic laws are interpreted as "suggestions," these hemispheres are to keep drivers from parking on sidewalks. I saw them for the first time on the Riviera cities of Nice and Canne. They are very effective without being distracting. I'm happy to see this simple but well composed and exposed shot.

Warm regards,

Bulent

irek1 (554) 2013-03-03 9:01

Hello Jason, I simply don't know what is it, but it is quite interesting. Maybe it's a sculpture, but your shot is great: nice, diagonal composition & vivid colors.
Best regards-
Irek

Noel_Byrne (7329) 2013-03-03 9:03

Hi Jason,
Great capture of a subject which, as mentioned, so many would likely walk right past (or possibly trip over). They do look very artisitc against the path, but a big part of this shots coolness is the play of light and shadow as well. I really like how the right side of the frame is in shade, but the shiny spheres seem to carry their own light right off into the distance. Like ultra modern mushrooms that grow from concrete!

Nicely seen, thanks for sharing
All the best
NOel

ACL1978 (5773) 2013-03-03 9:32

Hi Jason,

You'll find similar - though less artistic - versions of these in the US now, often in front of government buildings. Many were installed after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and then again after September 11th, in the event of suicide bombings, to stop vans laden with explosives. These seem smaller, so perhaps more like Bulent's suggestion of traffic guides...

Either way, a really nice bit of photography here, taking this small detail and turning into an attractive piece of art. Good depth and POV. Thanks!

Andrew

JFS (32107) 2013-03-03 10:03

Interesting, graphic and clean shot, very appealing too despite its simplicity. Good eye Jason!
Cheers,
Juan

EstelleJ (921) 2013-03-03 17:40

Hi Jason,
What an unusual and interesting subject here! Almost monochrome, but the play of light and shade and such a difference in textures of the smooth metallic spheres and the grainy rough pavement makes this shot so captivating! Even if you don't find out a meaning of these spheres - still a very pleasant image to behold!
Best Wishes,
Jenna

chawax (14882) 2013-03-04 12:53

Hi Jason,
You found an original POV on these metallic spheres ! It makes a very nice graphical shot, I love it !
Have a nice week,
Olivier

mirosu (5509) 2013-03-04 16:45

Hi Jason,
I'm not quite sure what you have captured here but I can imagine that it is decorative lighting. You shoud go back in the evening. But enyhow it has a nice graphical impact well arranged in vertical format.

kiks (11371) 2013-03-05 7:31

Hello Jason, Very well seen this graffic effect and perfectly executed with the right depth of field and light. Congratulations,
KIks

marabu61 (3900) 2013-03-05 7:55

Hello Jason
Great geometrical shot with superb graphical elements, they certainly create a great photo subject.
I think the black and white version works even better.
As to what they are, I would suggest them to be some kind of traffic stopper to prevent cars from driving trough or being parked there?
have a good evening
Daniel

Robert1969 (6224) 2013-03-07 4:44

Hello Jason,

Jeu de Boules is a populair game/sport in
France and Belgium. I like the monotone
colors in the picture, It's one harmony.
The great composition and point of view
creates a lotes of depth. The gentle
shadow (above right) makes the pciture
extra exciting. Picture is also timeless.

Friendly regards,
Robert

ikeharel (37280) 2013-03-07 6:59

I was trying myself to find some info about, but to no avail, Jason.

Anyway, posting a mysterious objects is also telling something about places in our world.
Metalic tone in an lightened area collected well.
Good day,
Ike

serp2000 (29172) 2013-04-10 0:17

Hi, Jason,

Good example of minimalism. I like this idea to change the fences to these metallic (or concrete) spheres. It really looks more aesthetic. Clever POV and good vertical format with impressive perspective.
Best wishes from Russia!
Serghei

flatwin (2081) 2013-05-21 13:32

Bonsoir,

excellent idée que cette prise de vue graphique ces éléments

Flatwin