Its not unusual for me to be wearing shades every day of the week, from early morning through to sundown, fragile sun-weary peepers that I was born with. Now and again I allow my naked eyes to view the world, take in all its technicolour glory, retinas absorbing the the earth’s adorning hues…
So it was a shock to my rods and cones (recall, gentle reader, your high school Biology lessons if you will) when I cast my eyes skyward, and what bounced back was an undiluted white vault. Ash-white heavens blindingly illuminated by midday sun hidden behind an endless cloud: this is how I was welcomed to the Land of the Long White Cloud: New Zealand.
Matakana, New Zealand f/2.8; Exposure 1/500sec
An hour’s drive north of Auckland brought me to Matakana, and with shades firmly back in place, I set about exploring this extraordinary village. It was here that I spied modern art pitched perfectly on the outskirts of town: I saw proportion and symmetry. I felt a sense of balance. Mirrored images of cropped profiles, drawing on elements of New Zealand’s cultural heritage, and of course the ashen sky backlit.
A symmetrical shot with strong composition and a good point of interest can lead to a striking image. Symmetry, from the greek word symmetria (measure together), conveys the harmonious sense of proportionality. Look for parallel lines, reflections, equal spaces and shapes when snapping away. Oh, and keep those sunnies on!
1 Response to Symmetry