5 A Day #7 - Singular Images #1

There are times where random photos some how work together. Today my intention was to do 5 single images. The images that I shoot as I see them. They don't particularly go with any one series that I may be working on but they are good images. Images that are worthy of being seen. Some may one day end up as part of a series others will forever maintain the title "Singular Image".

It's interesting that this particular set of images was taken in two of my favorite cities, Krakow and San Francisco. These are examples of seeing the texture and patterns in things. The barber chair struck me as part of a bygone era of the mens barber shop. Simple, a gathering place which somehow seemed out of place amongst the high rises of downtown San Francisco.  The other four images are all examples of the study of patterns and texture. I love repeating patterns that lead you into or out of an image. Images when presented to the viewer, allow them to manifest their own story and stimulate their imaginations as to where the image is taking them.   The Manhole Cover is the perfect example of that. When I see that image it could be representing any era, it lets the imagination wander back in time. It was taken in Krakow in the Jewish quarter and I can't help but think how many thousands of jews walked these streets, the carriages and horses that went before. The colored patina of a metal door built between the great wars as part of a lookout post now stands in all its colorful glory that nature bestowed upon it over the years.  Then there are the repeating lines against the marble stair landing, which almost seem to transport people around the corner to the next set of stairs. These are some of the things that I sometimes think of sub-consciously while I am looking around to find an image or as I am creating a particular image.

It's interesting that all the color shots were taken in San Francisco and the Black & whites were taken in Krakow. Two vibrant cities where the old is part of the new and there is a rich history to both.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

You can see more of my work on my website - www.ricomandel.com

	The Chair 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	Mailboxes 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	Landing Stair 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	Manhole Cover 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	Colored Patina 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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5 A Day #5 - Arizona Desert

In 2004 I got my first digital SLR camera a Nikon D70. I was amazed at the quality of the images that it produced. Up till then I had been shooting film, having it scanned, then processing the images on the computer. The direct to digital was such a time saver and offered a freedom that I previously didn't have with film. The ability to change ISO as well as not worry about film and processing costs.

We took a family vacation to Arizona in 2004 to visit Sedona and the Grand Canyon. During this trip I noticed something magical about the desert, it's personality changes completely in the early evening. There is this light that happens just after sunset till it becomes night that offers a wonderful opportunity to capture images with a subtlety and hue not available at any other time except at dawn. The landscape takes on many wonderful hues. The light becomes soft and blankets everything around it with a cool even luminessence.

The desert becomes silent with the exception of the occasional Coyotes were howling in the distance.  It gave me an opportunity to think and contemplate life as I photographed my surroundings. After dark the sky became speckled with stars, more than one could keep track of.  As I think back on this time it was a wonderful experience which opened my eyes to that other magic light and the flexibility of the digital age.

All these images with the exception of the last were taken in Sedona Arizona at dusk or later. The last was taken at the Grand Canyon in the late afternoon. 

	Agave 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	Agave Curls 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	Desert Detail #1 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	Naked Tree 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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	End of the Road 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
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5 A Day #3 - Doors

There is something about a door that evokes a curiosity in me. The natural inclination is the curiosity of what is behind it. The temptation to open it as if you will be transported into another world. On the other hand it also gives me a sense of history as to who has come before me. What has this door seen over the years? Who has passed through it? What did it look like new? On the other hand it can be a symbol of being shut out, that of protection from hordes in the street and so on...

I have been photographing doors and parts of doors for years. This selection is European. They were photographed in Italy and Austria. I get captivated by the textures and colors, the way the light crosses them and the mystique that surrounds them.

What are some of your impressions of doors... I'd love to know.

All images are for sale. They are printed to archival standards using 100% rag papers and archival pigment inks. Images are limited to editions of 25 for 13 x 19 and 15 for 17 x 22.

	Behind the Green Door 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
	Lighted Filigree 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
	Rosso e Arancione 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
	Worn Layers 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00
	Medieval Entry 13 x 19 $250.00 17 x 22 $400.00