**Overload** Photo

Photographer’s Note

I am nearing the end of my carny series.

This image is different from the previous ones. They were far moodier, exploring the haunted side of fairs and carnivals. This one takes a look at the surface instead... the pure, sticky, plastic surface.

Too bright, exhorbitantly coloured, high in sugar and adnrenaline, the carny is designed to overload your senses, to overstimulate your brain so that it begins to light up like this (artwork by Larry Berman -- see more at his site).

Why? To get you into the zone, that's why... that realm of sweaty palms and hyperventilation where you must ride EVERY ride and try EVERY food and you ARE going to win one of those stuffed animals in the midway even if it KILLS you.

In other words, the zone where you lose all inhibition and are easy to part from your money. Glitz glitz glitz, until you can't see straight and stop keeping a close eye on your wallet. Let's be honest, among other things, the carny is a harlot. I'm not passing judgment, that's just how it is.

This picture captures that side of the carny for me. The colours are bright and layered in such profusion that they eye can't focus on any one thing. There is too much on offer for anyone to concentrate. Everything is bright, jarring, loud, and hurried.

Enjoy!

Elise_d, mafan, fireflyz has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Luko (13894) 2005-09-22 17:22

Yeah, ok... but why don't you let your photo follow the flow of your thinking...

The good point is that it can't be more overloaded, we see your point, however I hardly see the glitz and the brightness you're talking about. Most of the colors are faded from a slight overexposure : why don't you just push the contrast button and saturation handle (just next to your coke dispenser)?

I like your pic but I would see something more "explosive". You've not been technically to the end of your ideas : keep'em simple and keep'em to the end, that's how it works better.

devimeuxbe (55865) 2005-09-22 17:33

Hi Lee
I like the confusion created by the reflect. There is differents picture for the price of one. Well done
Bertrand

rosiegirl (2042) 2005-09-22 19:55

I love the coca-cola symbol, but I kind of wish the writing on the side would have been shown just a little more. Its great how its a natural border in a frame. You did capture that plastic feel. Good work again!
Rosie

vapours (7913) 2005-09-22 22:01

Unique photo with the many colours presented in the photo and the glitz that you talk about. I like.

Furachan (0) 2005-09-23 5:40

Nice work, Lee. I love the confusion that reaches such a paroxism it is downtight "harmonious".
I'm very glad to see Luko on board with his one, as I really enjoy your work and what you strive to do. I would, uh...take his technical advice to heart (the guy really knows his stuff, trust me).
Your carnival series has been, how shall I put it, liberating for you I feel - sometimes it takes something like that to tear us away from old ways and in a sense "launch" us.
This photo makes me very happy.
Take care now,
Francis

Elise_d (1943) 2005-09-29 5:57

I see you make amazing work when I'm not there. I like the way you walk on the line between abstraction and relaism. Bright, loud and busy and yet very documentary. Another great piece. Thanks for sharing.

ndb1958 (9248) 2005-10-05 15:34

Hi Lee,
I like your colourful picture.
Very nice.
Nino

keribar (42748) 2005-10-07 0:02

Hello Lee,

You really have a style in writing. Thanks to your comments about Steve's double portrait, I discovered your pictures in TE. Here is a colorful one that could easily promote Coca Cola in various ads. I would have enjoyed a guy who would be in some corner as the bar tender, but nevertheless, it is powerful with striking colors, strong composition and we also have two ladies at the right place for a feeling of life.

Friendly regards - Izzet

mafan (290) 2005-10-18 10:55

excellent photo & that's the best note i've read on te. the layers of colours are overwhelming & neverending. and the two sort of blocks of coca-cola (*spit*) make the centre seem like a tunnel disappearing into the distance...and the fact that it's full of people...well, they're just pouring down into the hole.

i've tried taking pictures of MNC branding in bizarre places (esp contrasted against abject poverty or disaster), but it never turns out right; usually too kitch. but this is a great shot. truly spectacular and it would have to be in order to do your notes justice.

and it's not just carnivals where this tactic you talk about is employed...branding, advertising, television - it's all just designed to overload the senses. each brand fighting it out to be more engaging than the next...elbowing each other out of the way with a louder, brighter, bigger message; just like in this photo. and i should know being an ex-advertising whore! (pleased to say that that's very much behind me now. sorry if that offends anyone, but i imagine i'm not saying anything about your profession that you're not already well aware of.)

and a small detail, but why on earth is there the need to have so many florescent strip lights on in such a small place, especially when there's so much sun outside? do people enjoy frying their brains?

i love it. the more i look at it, the more i see & the more i love it even more. excellent post!

rant over. the end.