I am rather excited when I found this hempen rope. When I curl it into a coil the moment it springs out, it forms a wonderful and graceful looking pattern. "This could make a wonderful abstract photo," I told myself. Thus begin another exciting photography expedition. 1 - For the background, I hung a 4"x 4" blue plastic bag on the window. To create more drama I cripple it deliberately. That way too I discovered, would give me very nice and diffuse lighting. 2 - Next, I curl the rope flatly on the table, round after round much like the tracks on the phonogram. Then I put a book on top of it to maintain the shape. This sounds easier than done, the stubborn rope just won't succumb to my command. 3 - Next, I placed a piece of blue Formica measured 2" x 3" on a stool. To create a vague reflection on the surface, I used tissue to rub the Formica gently with a few drops of oil. 4 - A stick was tied on a tripod to hang that wonderful coil I made. I have to expand the coil tenderly such that it forms a spring just like the one in the photo. I find I have to act fast as the spring won't maintain its position for long. 5 - Next, I use a tiny bit of blue tac and stick the marble on the Formica. Carefully I positioned the spring such that it is placed just nicely on top of the marble. I attached an 80A filter to enhance the cold blue effect. A polarizing was utilized in this shot. Its function is to get rid of the unflattering flare and glare on the plastic bag and the marble. 6 - Next, I setup the tripod and my camera. After numerous attempts on the shutter/aperture combinations and not to mention re-curling and expanding the coil, I finally got this shot.
Shot at: F/8, 1 sec Light source: from window, back lit Filter: Hoya 80A, Hoya polarizing filter. Time: 2 hours.
Regarding the patience and persistance you have (as I commented earlier), my shortcut solution to getting the suspended coil (and it would be cheating, I guess) would be to clone background over the upper end. But based on the dedication you've show to achieve a physical reality, I just don't see you doing that.
Again, this is a marvelous image! It's in my favorites!
steve, youre welcome to use the antigravity thingasmotron thats gathering dust in my closet anyime!! seriously, having thought about my own stupid comment last night, how about suspending the coil with transparent fishing line at the top end..will it still retain the coil shape?
Hi Everyone! Thanks for the kind words :-) Your comments make me like wanna pickup the camera and do a shot immediately!! Well, John, to answer your question about centering the rope, I do have another version where the spiral is exactly at the center and above the marble. However, I find that it is slightly static and couldn't express the subtle motion that I am longing for :-). I guess thats very personal taste though. Thanks for the note, appreciate it. Afzal, now thats a superb idea of suspending the spiral in mid-air. I am building a vacuum room at the moment. Just kidding. Will give it a thought! Sue and Philip thanks for the encouragement!! I am touch! Warmest regards - sc -
everything about this is just wonderful..your time and patience really really paid off well! if you shoot this again, it might be good to consider having the rope at the top exit in the exact center (or atleast exactly directly above the ball). the reflection is awesome, the colors are awesome...and the result is fantabulous! good job...now WE have to be patient waiting for more of your work:)
Surreeaal mate! Great idea...even better execution. Love the seamless blue background, the subtle reflection of the marble and ofcourse..the coil. The only imperfection is the few strands of fibre sticking out at a few points along the rope..but that is being critical to the point of nitpicking! TOO COOL! now if only you would find a way of suspending the whole coil in mid air ...am waiting for it!!! cheers
0 
{K:1792} 9/17/2002