Ogres Guard the King's Palace
The Grand Palace was once the official residence of the King of Siam (Thailand’s old name). It is composed of many beautiful buildings, statues, and gardens. There are so many buildings and statues and they are so large that it is hard to decide what to photograph. I hadn’t bought my 28 to 300 lens at that time. I used my F 2.8, 28-105mm lens. That was my workhorse lens before it broke. I looked through some of my pics yesterday. Sad to say, but many should be discarded. I can just hear you say that a less than perfect lens is no excuse. I do have my feet, don’t I and I can move to a better viewpoint, can’t I? Well, how about those crowds, is my answer. And the light: a photograph taken at mid-day lacks punch. How can you help but be there at mid-day when you can’t get in until 9 am and by then the sun is high and so is the contrast.
I did try to concentrate on juxtaposing the statues and roof tops, the towers and temples, with the colors and sky. I stood right under the ogres who encircled the golden pyramids with arms clasped. I aimed upward so that they loomed large and fearsome and I included the gold painted facade to show what they guarded. I was ‘chuffed’ with my viewpoint.
(Chuffed is an English expression that means that you are pleased or delighted. I like it as it reminds me of a chest being puffed out in pride.)
Yet, when I got home, I was not chuffed. I was the opposite of chuffed. I couldn’t find a single shot worth working on. I had labeled these photos South East Asia and every time I see that folder I get a feeling that is opposite of chuffed. I rarely open this folder but I did yesterday. Surely, I thought, there must be one pic that is good.
I spotted this one and made this poster yesterday. What pleases me is the negative space between the tower and the gold pyramid with the ogres anchoring the whole photo. There is an “L” line of blue if you trace the tower down and follow the blue color extending through the ogres. The jagged line of the pyramid is diagonal, but even stronger since it is jagged. I added the yellow/gold background to contrast with the blue and echo the gold color.
I have many photos that I’ve made into posters and I have them hanging in this room. Now I will add this one. I buy inexpensive black wood frames at Michael’s, a chain of hobby stores. When they are on sale, the frames cost $10.00. I buy several and keep them handy. Instead of glass they have a sheet of clear plastic. I don’t mind. They look great hanging in a line displaying all of my lovely memories.