Melbourne's Crown Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is an unusual photo for me because it was the first night time, long exposure photo that I have taken which is made from two horizontal stitches. Both were exposed for 15 seconds using a mini travel tripod. The resultant image I am pretty happy with, as the join is not so obvious and the details are retained. The building was too close to capture in one vertical frame. The building in real life is taller than shown here, the stitch has sort of compacted it a bit.

This is the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, the largest casino in Australia, and also the Southern Hemisphere (opened in 1997, 16 million annual visitors). It is a great photo subject because of the changing light colours, public plaza and artwork. And also the amazing fire show it has every hour after dark which flame from these huge steel structures outside (shown in the upper left side of this photo).

At the very top of the tower, you can see the Southern Cross, a star contellation that features on the Australian flag.

Fire-show Workshop

linask, bakes888, InasiaJones, MLINES, ChrisJ has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

linask (2778) 2009-10-03 0:22

You have done merging of the photos very well - I can only guess where is the line separating them.

One thing I don't like here is white balance. There is too much yellow and orange in the photo. I think a bit cooler white balance would look better.

Linas

bakes888 (18055) 2009-10-03 1:43

Hi Matt. Nice photo, good handling of light and colours, especially to capture the Southern Cross. Nice work with the stitch also. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

InasiaJones (19940) 2009-10-03 16:26

Hi Matthew,

I will tell you the truth and let you know that I prefer night shot at blue hour. In my opinion, the additional texture from the sky, sometimes with distinctive clouds, add more dimension to your architectural subject.

But here the building is well lit and fill a large part of the frame. You also have nice reflections in the street that enrich your image with more coloured zones, so the "dead black" area is limited.

Cheers!

André

delpeoples (5672) 2009-10-04 2:45

Hi Matt, this is a fantastic nightshot, you're a natural - I can't believe this is your first go at it. The gold and black tones are just so beautiful. You have made what is a very ordinary looking building look extraordinary. And the Southern Cross is an amazing touch. TFS and enjoy your Long Weekend, Lisa.

gunbud (27707) 2009-10-04 18:28

Hi Matthew,
Splendid night time shot of this stunning modern architecture.
Love how the gold and green contrast and how well they stand out against the dark night sky.
Regards, Tom

MLINES (10850) 2009-10-08 14:32

Hi Matt, Very fine night time image, and if you'd not mentioned that you had stiched two together, i'd never have guessed, as the result is seamless. Good POV to include the two large sculptures in the foreground. I have stayed here a couple of times and it really is a top place, even though gambling is not my hobby. Beaut presentation. TFS. Murray.

ChrisJ (69895) 2009-10-15 0:37

Hi Matthew

A superb nocturnal shot, with excellent color, sharpness, framing, & angled / upward pov. I like the distortion from the wide angled lens. Tfs!

mvdisco (11432) 2009-10-27 15:16

Hi Matthew,bonjour,
Nice presentation of the Crown Casino of Melbourne,
Excellent nocture picturne well presented with beautiful light and sharpness,
Excellent POV./DOF. well composed too,
great colors and nice architecture,,
Very well done.
all my compliments
Michel

batalay (20788) 2009-11-08 7:57

Hello Matthew,

It transcends a "great shot," Matthew. It's the first time I've seen the Southern Cross. appearing here as an equilateral triangle. In addition it is an excellent demonstration of three point perspective — where the lines of perspective, or orthogonals converge to three vanishing points (on the horizon line on the two sides, and one high above the building). I am surprised there are no streaks created by passing cars, but then it must have been past the hour of traffic. there are some ghostly iimages, however, e.g. in the lower right. Well done.

Warm regards,

Bulent