Posted by drphoto (Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom) on 7 May 2008 in Architecture.
There is an ugly, concrete monstrosity in the town over the bridge from Newcasstle. Gateshead Carpark is infamous for its appearance in the origional Get Carter film but has long been unfit for use and has remained unused since I was a child.
It has been deemed too unsafe and unattractive to remain standing and will be demolished soon. News of this has sparked a sudden reinterest in it, certainly as far as local photographers are concerened; there are always a few trying to freeze history in its tracks.
I have never thought about photographing this before, although, to be honest, I don't know why, it is monstrously ugly and dated but surely that is reason enough to photograph it! I actually quite like this structure, it has been a constant on the horizon of my life... but nothing last forever.
I decided to join the ranks of photogs who are stealing snapshots of this place, I decided I would do a study of it and photograph the little details and recesses (certainly the lower sections which are still accessible), I might even post some of those details on here but for now this is a context shot - another 15 seconds of fame for this old dog of a building.
I welcome all constructive comments, compliments and criticisms. I am here to learn. the fastest way for me to learn is for you to be really unforgiving and articulate in your criticism =D)
If you don't have time to comment don't forget to give a star rating as you pass through!
Dan
P.S. You can find my fashion and portrait work here: http://www.modelmayhem.com/drphotographer
well done Dan :)
7 May 2008 1:20am
really like the angle - without the description i would have been hard pressed to either identify it or its scale - nice shot!
7 May 2008 4:15am
Very well done, Dan. Looking forward to more shots...
7 May 2008 5:10am
nice capture with the backgrond of the clear blue sky!
7 May 2008 5:15am
Love the lopsided view, it seems to distract the viewer from how monstrously ugly it is :D
Great blue tones in the sky too. Are you using a polarizing filter here?
7 May 2008 7:11am
@Stu: Hi Stu, thanks for the compliment =D) yes, I did have a polarizing filter on the lens, which was used to make the most of the blues but I've also added a vignette in Photoshop.
An interesting composition with history of a film I like, it is ugly but has a certain beauty
7 May 2008 9:22am
@Peter Miller: Thanks, I'm of the same opinion =D)
this angle makes it look like it's gonna tumble down any moment :o
7 May 2008 9:37am
@ally (:: Ha ha! It is in quite a bad state and I often wonder whether it would hold up to a strong wind lol! I'm glad it has come across in the image =D)
The work of some up and coming architect of the 70's who has since gone into hiding. Tremendous building and really great shot.
7 May 2008 11:30am
@Observing: Thanks =D) Sounds like you've been hunting down these architects lol!
I like the framing and the lighting very much
7 May 2008 11:55am
great tones, color and contrast. really expresses 'concrete monstrosity'. like the composition too.
7 May 2008 11:57am
@danthro: Thanks danthro; I'm glad it has come across as I intended.
Superb shot Dan, you really captured the hugeness of the monster.
7 May 2008 2:27pm
Great narrative and a wonderful shot, love the angle of this one.
7 May 2008 2:30pm
You did a nice job turning it into an interesting photo.
7 May 2008 4:43pm
@Dylan: Thanks dyaln, thats good to know! I didn't have a lot of time to spare and I was snapping like crazy trying to find my own view of the place.
Interesting.
7 May 2008 8:58pm
I'm digging that angle, Dan. Great twist (pun intended) for what could be the same old same old. Gives it the perspective of it already going down. Fantastic! Are you going to be there when they do take it down?
7 May 2008 9:17pm
@amy: Thanks Amy =D) I'm not sure when they're demolishing it; I thought it was supposed to be this week but so far it is still standing! I am hoping it is still up by the time I've had my tripod repaired so I can go back and take more time over it. I may well shoot dome of the demolitioj if I'm free when it happens though.
You know, a coat of paint, a little TLC...never mind. But a nice photo, nonetheless.
8 May 2008 6:17am
@Pied Crow: Ha ha ha! No, as much as I like this (albeit completely tasteless) design, it is time for it to come down!
wow ! really nice angle ... very interesting framed with best composed ! thanks.
8 May 2008 11:15am
I cannot see anyone really missing this landmark but, as you say, it has been there for so long a few pics would be well in order. Here's hoping it is replaced with something better . . no guarantee of that, of course!
8 May 2008 3:46pm
truly strange - can't wait to see more of it!
10 May 2008 9:31am
nice framing, i guess its realy falling.
10 May 2008 3:54pm
A depressive building, indeed! But if you had not done this impressive photo, I never would have known that. Very strong and impressive capture!
10 May 2008 6:29pm
Great angle and perspective. I was immediately reminded of a modern-day Moai when I saw this photo.
12 May 2008 8:17pm
The angle really adds interest to the shot. And the lighting adds the drama...
13 May 2008 12:13pm
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