Capturing the Vanishing Point

Looks Panoramic but it’s not.  You get a Pano-like image by combining perspective, a 24mm lens, a slight crop with a scene having a natural vanishing point.  In concept the photo has always been there but the only way to take it is to wake up before the town does.  Shortly after an early morning session of about 30 shots, the restaurant down the street opened for breakfast.

Being in the right place at the right time is always critical in photography but in this case it’s not an action shot, a timing shot, or some newsworthy event.  Compositions need to be strategized and planned.  The slight downhill vanishing point gives you the perspective.  Early morning, December and the holiday lighting is the scene. The strategy is how and when to capture it.

Technically this was a handheld camera, no tripod.  The Camera’s Scenic Mode is set to Night Shot.  Although it’s a long exposure the camera takes 4 shots and combines them taking out the shakes.  The darkness inherent to Night Photography creates a flat silhouetted contrast.  The distant activity of a couple cars deep in the photo adds to the feeling of the town waking up.  Any other time of day, the activity becomes the subject.

The shot typifies 3 disciplines in my camera bag namely Architectural, Landscape and Travel.  No need to travel for this one though.  The scene is downtown Melrose MA. 

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