Walls of Merida I Photo

Photographer’s Note

I haven't taken many photos of architecture; I think I've only posted one. My visit to Merida, Mexico over the holidays changed that. The city is full of walls that are fully realized artworks in themselves: colourful, grey but textured, ruined, postered, or simply naked and unadorned.

I'll return to images of people, probably with my next post, but I just had to begin my little series of the Walls of Merida.

I was walking by myself one day -- buying CDs of Mexican music, drinking amazing fresh orange juice, and taking pictures -- when I investigated a strange little lane, barely more than an alleyway.

It had a few unremarkable shops along each side and a second level housing a beauty school. Then I came across these steps, which lead from the street level to the beauty academy, and I was just floored.

It was so beautiful, so painterly, and here it was tucked away at the back of this very ordinary laneway. Who chose these colours? Can I get them to do my apartment? It wouldn't be the last time I ended up asking myself questions like that.

MiguelP, Rushabh, Galeota, jeancolemonts has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

MiguelP (14296) 2006-01-05 19:23

Hi Lee... Long ago since the last time I see you here. Happy 2006. I like this one, specially because of the POV, just in front of the leiv motiv. Good combination of colors. Be very welcome back. Take care.

klennon79 (0) 2006-01-05 20:21

What vivid color! The symmetry is great as well.

kikvel (4772) 2006-01-05 20:36

Hi

nice graphism here, the colors are great
more contrast may help

well done!

K.
Ps. I love the tearings at the walls

kensimage (8539) 2006-01-05 21:32

Beautiful graphic composition, Lee--if you squint at it, it could easily be a modern painting. Framing is perfect, colors are great. Well seen! Regards, Ken.

Furachan (0) 2006-01-05 21:49

Cool composition Lee, this whole Mexican series is off to a fine start. Personally I'd like to see more "people" in the next few shots; that first one was terrific. I mean, that country is bursting with characters of all stripes, roight? Without even thinking about the yellow filtered parts of the film "Traffic"...:o)
Nice one, great colors, subtle.
Cheers,
Francis

Homerhomer (4005) 2006-01-05 22:05

Hi Lee, how are you?
I see you are back on the horse and taking pictures again. I also suffer from lack of inspiration lataly but hopefully this will end when I go for vacation to Cuba next week and hit a town for a day or two.
As for this shot the colours are superb, geometry and lines are nice, but IMO I agree with Francis, you need something to make it alive, sleeping dog or cat, feel walking upstairs etc etc.
Looking forward to more of you Mexican adventure.
Peter

Rushabh (389) 2006-01-05 22:53

Nice composition. Like the vibrant color on the wall and it gives a nice prespective. TFS

designsoul (21394) 2006-01-06 0:08

Hello Lee,
Fantastic design! Exquisite and painterly subject seen with the eyes of an artist. It just makes perfect visual sense!
I love it, bravo!
sarolta

Galeota (10329) 2006-01-06 2:52

Hi Lee, cool composition taking advantage of this striking red on the walls. Definitly calling out loud for a photograph. Nice "eye" for the graphical dimension put in evidence by the angle and the lines of the stairs.

deud (1841) 2006-01-06 10:29

great graphism on this shot! amazing forms and contrasting colors. very strong visual impact. very well seen. congrats

recepyuksel (17786) 2006-01-06 17:30

very nice graphism, cropping
beautiful vivid colours
i like it a lot
bravvo

Mingfang (1415) 2006-01-07 10:30

hi lee,
nice shot again! i like the composing, red mix grey. that look like the color of Beijing forbidden city. really clever cropping. nice composition.

i also like you write," I was walking by myself one day -- buying CDs of Mexican music, drinking amazing fresh orange juice, and taking pictures -- when I investigated a strange little lane, barely more than an alleyway. " what a feeling! so nice!

Well done!

AnimeshRay (8886) 2006-01-07 19:48

Beautiful poetry of color here, Lee! Welcome back.

Katla (150) 2006-01-09 13:42

You should absolutely do more of architecture photos. This is so beautiful and breathtaking. The colours goes so well together, and your compsition is great.

Kind regards,
Britt

plamn (561) 2006-01-14 16:54 [Comment]

Show Comment +

ballyna (1689) 2006-01-31 16:17

lee,
so nice graphics here,and u played with the colors very professionally.nice perspective,compo as well.
regards

marietom (31782) 2006-02-13 4:24

Les couleurs et les matières sont vraiment sympas.
Marie

photovolos (931) 2006-02-25 14:15

Hi Lee.Beautifull scene ,anusual colours.Nise framed picture.Smart idea!!!
Friendly Yiannis

SUKIYAKI (0) 2006-04-12 21:28

This work looks like an abstract painting to decorate the room with.

kajspice (4534) 2006-06-07 9:28

Lovely picture of what I would imagine is quite a standard view. You got that rail just in the middle, so it does not confuse the organised layout of the stairs. I would personally have waited for someone to descend/ascend...but that is not to say this would have looked better!

m_s_s (1649) 2006-10-23 18:59

Hello Lee,
your picture is good example how presenting simple composition with great colours and good climate you could achieve a succes. well done. thanks for sharing.
regards

IaKoop (819) 2007-07-20 21:58

Perfect in its simplicity.