ROOM with a VIEW [Contest Finalists July 2010]
Uploaded: July 27, 2010 01:18:37
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Fifteen stories below my office window, this is Ranstead Street, between 15th and 16th in the precise center of Philadelphia.
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It's an ugly place, with sewer fumes nauseatingly ever present. And yesterday, this mattress appeared.
Someone's "motel" on Sunday night, to be sure! Probably a communal "room."
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The blue glass building in the background is Liberty Place, a magnificent high-rise skyscraper. A fabulous shopping mall graces the lower floors, while the upper floors are condos--home to the rich and famous.
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Behind me, as I shoot this scene, is the magnificent City Hall, AND the Residences at the Ritz Carlton.
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Not sure what it all means, but when I saw the mattress, my heart sank.
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<<---Travel and Place--->>
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Exif: F Number: 5, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/320 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 320, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 24.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D
Paul E. Earl July 27, 2010
Thanks for showing us the less desirable parts of Philly!! All cities have them! A great image. Gets to the heart of what makes a modern city. #1292079Barbara Waldoch July 27, 2010
From your description I am sure it should be depressing, but the treatment makes for a rather cheery image, Michelle! #8788518Brett Dolsen July 27, 2010
Its allways good to see whats around the back in the real world Michelle!!Awesome composition and treatment! #8788543Gord MacEachern July 27, 2010
To me it means you captured one awesome streetscape Michelle, great colors, composition,love that bit of graffiti on the bin,it's a winner in my book!! #8788586Jeff Robinson July 27, 2010
Sad, but Real Life is not always pretty.... Excellent capture, treatment and info Michelle! Jeff #8788596Carolyn M. Fletcher July 27, 2010
It IS sad..We don't take very good care of those less fortunate, either...and yes, I"m a bleeding heart liberal. #8788607Mary Timman July 27, 2010
Very good eye and love the effects!Michelle Alton July 27, 2010
I'm a rather arch conservative and believe that in a strong business-driven economy, there are opportunities for anyone who is able to work.But that doesn't stop me from feeling sad for those who have found themselves in such desperate straits. #8788742
Jack Gaskin July 27, 2010
The Picture is Great It's that Other side of the CITY SCAPE, an believe me far from the UGLY area in any city.Happy Shooting
Jack
#8788780
Gail Sullivan July 27, 2010
Michelle...there are so many interesting elements, different colors and shapes that all come together! #8788847Denise A. Johnson July 27, 2010
so many things to take in....i could look at this all day, you managed to tell quite the story here #8788850Sharon C. Hinze July 27, 2010
Great image and narrative Michelle....the color and detail, post processing and compostion, all create a very eye catching, thoughtful image!Mike Clime July 27, 2010
Nice street scene and so much to take in! I had a street person bothering me Sunday morning and needless to say I will have to go back to re-shoot as I couldn't concentrate on taking photos. #8789348frank w. degenhardt July 27, 2010
Michelle- I just spent a wonderful afternoon looking at your slide show and listening to your music. It was such a trill to see the high quality of your images, the buildings of every shape and size, the people shots were just gorgeous, and everything else in between was awesome. The colors, the clarity, the details, all so exciting and done with such a porfessional touch. I woold reccomend this slide show to all here at BP. I am left in awe of your talent.Monnie Ryan July 27, 2010
Quite a scene, Michelle -- not unlike ones from other cities, I'm afraid. Outstanding capture! #8789429Jack Ryan July 27, 2010
A marvelous photo in so may ways!!! Great work, Michelle!!! #8789498John Connolly July 27, 2010
An excellent capture of life in the raw, Michelle! Thanks for sharing this off the beaten tourist track image! #8789704Ann Coates July 27, 2010
Funny you should upload this image. In the last couple of days I have seen two mattresses dumped in odd places, even saw a TV in the lake. People have no idea. I was chatting to someone the other day who was ranting and raving about the duck poo down at the lake but the amount of human rubbish I see in there is incredible. This is a wonderful image of the two sides of street side and told so eloquently by yourself. #8789801Ian M. Hill July 27, 2010
An image with many words Michelle,a strong capture and like the way you have presented it.Even here in melbourne and other cities in Aus. you will find much the same especially in allies.It is very sad indeed. #8789829MELODIE C. ROBERTS July 27, 2010
'Jeana Clark July 27, 2010
~J~ #8790154
Jessica Jenney July 27, 2010
I have to agree with Gail! All the elements make for a very interesting and colorful abstract, Michelle! #8790157Patrick Rouzes July 27, 2010
Exceptional clarity, tones, colors, textures, lighting, & mood, Michelle! Thoroughly enjoyed reading the different pov's on this subject! There is a fine line between the haves & the have nots & this is the perfect example. Working in the Mental Health field I have heard heartbreaking stories about how things can change for anyone one of us in a nano second. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking & controversial image, Michelle! #8790171Marilyn K. Lincecum July 27, 2010
Love your street scenes...wonderful comp, colors, detail and clarity. #8790282Dick W. Wyatt July 28, 2010
This is life in the city Michelle.You captured it well. #8790375
Kate Jackson July 28, 2010
Boy this one has really got everyone going Michelle and no wonder since it not only has interest and story but you have it full of colour and fun and it makes a great scene. At first I was thinking that having to doss down on this mattress in the summer is one thing but what happens when the winter comes? But I think I agree with Jack that we could all be reading too much into it and as the immediate surrounding area of the mattress looks so clean (of course you could well have tidied it up in PS or even gone down there with a broom but I don't think so) it is just as likely that it has just been thrown out and is awaiting colleciton. I've enjoyed that it has got us all going though as well as enjoying the image! #8790411Michelle Alton July 28, 2010
Interesting controversy here. Let me describe the conditions that "colored" my "reading too much" into this scene. Across the street, dozens of people sleep nightly on the granite benches at Dilworth Plaza, in front of City Hall. As I come up the escalator from the train station in the morning, a block away, I look down on people sleeping on WET granite benches, with the Sunday comics as their mattress. And sometimes there are folks sleeping on the sidewalk, sheltered by the eaves of a tall building, half a block from here. What conclusion would you draw in this situation? Looks to me like someone dumped this mattress from the overturned dumpster. There's a little rug leading up to it too...--
Michelle #8790419
Kate Jackson July 28, 2010
I guess that was just wishful thinking on my part then Michelle.Makes me so thankful for what I have! #8790427
Nancyj E. Hovey July 28, 2010
Wow, what a find, and excellent capture. In years to come, this should go in the history books...of what is in places today! Excellent work, Michelle! 8o) #8791876Robert K. Bemus July 29, 2010
It is a wonderful comp with beautiful color and your always masterful editing, Michelle...all I can say is I'm glad it's warm for now because they'll still be homeless this winter... #8792691Dick Jenkins July 29, 2010
So Michelle, when do you eat your lunch? I assume these photo excursions take place during lunch hour. You certainly have lots opps to choose from. Let's hope the mattress is being aired out. :-) #8793561Rona L. Schwarz July 29, 2010
Wow! The image caught my eye right away, but the discussion that resulted is terrific! Photojournalism at its best - inspires passion and discourse, no matter which side you're on.Nancyj E. Hovey July 30, 2010
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N Sand the BOOK you should be putting together with this series would be a BEST SELLER, Michelle! 8o) #8795121
Renata Gusciora July 30, 2010
I like this one a lot!So many to look at!LOve the composition,fantastic lighting,clarity and great framing,Michelle! #8796348Sylvia Rourke August 03, 2010
Congrats on your EFP. I ditto everyone's comments on your image. Love it.. #8803189Carolyn J. Connolly August 11, 2010
Yep, Michelle - that's certainly one (sad) room with a view alright!! ;o/ Outstanding capture of this little corner of the city you work in, my friend!! :o)As Paul E said, "thanks for showing us the less desirable parts of Philly!! (Unfortunately) all cities have them! A great image. Gets to the heart of what makes a modern city."... #8819538
Sharon Sawyer August 13, 2010
Michelle, congratulations on this outstanding finalist and your ability to tell a story with photography! Well done!!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! #8825368Carolyn Keiser August 13, 2010
Congratulations, Michelle. What a fantastic shot!! #8825373Patricia A. Stalter August 13, 2010
Most deserving on this! Fantastic! #8825539Jim Baines August 13, 2010
So, so amazing! The way you turned this piece of bone into a steak!! Congratulations, Michelle, on your array of July FINALISTS!!!Randy A. Myers August 13, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist. Good luck in the next round. #8825962Jack Ryan August 13, 2010
Congratulations, Michelle...a very deserving finalist. #8825981Monnie Ryan August 13, 2010
Congratulations again, Michelle! Love this one! #8825982Michael Kelly August 13, 2010
Superb color. Congratulations! #8825989Gord MacEachern August 13, 2010
Congratulations on your great finalists Michelle, I new this was an extra special image, hope it goes the next step, GOOD LUCK! #8826041Joseph T. Pilonero August 13, 2010
Lovely and congratulations, Michelle. You've made a back alley into a lovely scene - amazingly. Another wonderful work from you. TED #8826193Sylvia Rourke August 13, 2010
Congratulations Michelle, loved it from the get-go!Datha Y. Thompson August 13, 2010
AWESOME!!! Congratulations Michelle :) WTG #8826603Philippe Vieux-Jeanton August 13, 2010
Wow!! You're so good at PP work. Added to a great sense for compositions... You're a great Artiste, Michelle.Jean-Pierre Ducondi August 13, 2010
BIG congrats on your finalist Michelle - Wonderful scene.Kate Jackson August 13, 2010
Congratulations Michelle! So good to see this well loved image make it this far. Good luck in the next round! #8826860Lydia Williams August 13, 2010
Wonderful Capture! Congratulations, Michelle. #8827084Phyllis H. Burchett August 13, 2010
What a statement you made with this one Michelle, Congrats on your finalist! #8827105Tammy Espino August 13, 2010
A huge congrats on another awesome finalist!! :) #8827266Terry Cervi August 13, 2010
Congrats on your very cool Finalist, Michelle! #8827548Marilyn Cornwell August 13, 2010
So many wonderful images from you - how does BP choose!!!! Congratulations!! #8827624Carol L. Fowler August 13, 2010
Congrats! #8827685Renee Doyle August 13, 2010
Great storytelling image and a wonderful finalist !! COngratulations Michelle! #8827776Renata Gusciora August 13, 2010
Big congratulations on this outstanding finalist,Michelle!!!:-) #8828075Erin Appelbaum August 13, 2010
Awesome eye Michelle. Outstanding finalist. Peter #8828164Ujjwal Mukherjee August 13, 2010
Congratulations on this excellent finalist,Michelle!! #8828854Deborah Lewinson August 13, 2010
Congrats on your finalist for this fascinating story telling image!Debby #8829096
Rich Helmer August 13, 2010
Very nice Michelle!!!! Great finalist!!!! #8829704Brett Dolsen August 14, 2010
Congratulations again Michelle!Another awesome Finalist!! #8829834Jessica Jenney August 14, 2010
Congratulations, Michelle on your fabulous finalist! #8830020Stefania Barbier August 14, 2010
WTG congrats! #8830175Carol Eade August 14, 2010
Another warm congratulations, Michelle! #8830327frank w. degenhardt August 14, 2010
LOL. That must be one of the judges bed. Congratulations on a Finalist for this gorgoeus look at City life. #8830802Patti Coblentz August 14, 2010
Congratulations on this fantastic finalist, Michelle! #8830814R. J. Laudenbacher August 14, 2010
Congratulations Michelle on this fantastic finalist. #8830884Bill Houghton August 14, 2010
Michelle, this is a great shot and congratulations. Beautiful job. Thanks for commenting on my finalist photo. Have a great weekend, Bill #8830904Debra R. Harder August 14, 2010
This is such an excellent image, Michelle! Huge congratulations on another outstanding finalist! Deb #8831711Cyn Valentine August 14, 2010
Congratulations Michelle! #8831714Nancyj E. Hovey August 14, 2010
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N SBecky J. Parkinson August 14, 2010
Fantasic image and accompanying thoughts! This is very deserving of a finalist and I hope we see it again!! #8832593JO ANN CLEVELAND August 14, 2010
Congratulations on this awesome finalist Michelle!!jo ann c. #8833121
Ian M. Hill August 14, 2010
Big congrats Michelle,hope to see this in the grand final,a very moving capture and good to see again!!! #8834134Gerri R. Jones August 14, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist of this honest and moving cityscape, Michelle! #8834394Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 14, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist Michelle, nicely seen! #8834408Tommy E. Burgess August 14, 2010
Huge congratulations on another outstanding finalist Michelle!! #8834511Anne M. Young August 14, 2010
Super Finalist - congratulations! Love this and what a wonderful thread to follow... #8834582Ann Coates August 14, 2010
Congratulations on another superb finalist Michelle. #8834731Patrick Rouzes August 15, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS, again, Michelle! #8835400ALLEN O. HOWARD August 15, 2010
Outstanding! Congratulations Michelle! #8836439Dianna Murphy August 15, 2010
Big Congratulations on your outstanding Finalist and best of luck in the quest for the GOLD! Dianna #8836499Rona L. Schwarz August 15, 2010
Controversial and now a silver Finalist, Michelle! We all know a winner when we see one! CONGRATULATIONS on another outstanding Finalist, and good luck in the next round! #8836898Glenn E. Traver August 15, 2010
Congratulations Michelle on your wonderful Finalist ~ GT #8837047MELODIE C. ROBERTS August 15, 2010
Hey MickeyTamara K. Walker August 15, 2010
I am going to congratulated you six time not only because you deserve it but Also so it will flood Mels e-mail and annoy her. #8837984Michelle Alton August 16, 2010
That is a brilliant idea, Tam! #8838163Eivor Kuchta August 16, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist, Michelle! #8839315Marilyn K. Lincecum August 16, 2010
Love this and am happy to see it again. Congratulations again on your finalist!! #8841288Ann H. Belus August 17, 2010
Terrific finalist, Michelle...huge congratulations! #8843715MELODIE C. ROBERTS August 17, 2010
yeahCharlotte LaBarbera August 19, 2010
Some of the greatest all-time photos ever made have been the ones that tell the truth or make you look at something you prefer not to see. Maybe that's why the "beautiful" images tend to be the winners.Thanks Melodi for teaching me I could uncheck the response box. #8848700
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