Thursday, July 24, 2008

Thematic Photographic 8 --- Monochromatic

Carmi threw me a curve with this week's Thematic Photographic! While I truly admire b & w photography, I don't do much of it. I'm an all-about-color kind of gal. However, in April of this year SW Missouri lakes and rivers were far above flood stage and the dams all along the White River system were open as far as possible.

I took dozens of pictures at Table Rock Dam and posted some at that time. The skies were gloomy and, aside from the blue color of the dam's superstructure, the photos were quite monochromatic. I removed the color and made them b & w. I'm quite proud of these photos and have sold many at our little shop at the Branson Craft Mall. So, until I get into my files and find a few other photos that I think will fit the theme, here is a reprise of the dam photos.


The next two photos were taken from the top of the dam. I am too short to lean over the wall, so I wrapped the strap of my precious Canon 40D securely around my wrist and just started clicking. The results were dizzying! I just wish you could hear the sound of over 400,000 gallons of water per second.

The lake levels were so high and with the strong winds on the lake, water was actually coming over the gates as well as through them.

It is interesting how many Google searches I still get about Table Rock Dam.

If you haven't already, come join the fun with Thematic Photographic. The rules are simple and the people you will meet are great.

10 comments:

swilek said...

i love how the b&w captures the detail of the power of the water...very cool pics!

Nestor Family said...

You might sell a lot of these in the B&W versions, too!!! Lovely!

smarmoofus said...

I absolutely love that first shot! Incredible, all of them... that's a lot of water. And I can imagine the roar.

-smarmoofus

Becca said...

amazing!!!

Mojo said...

I'm not sure about the conversion, but based on what I've found 400,000 gps would be over half the flow rate of Niagra Falls which if memory serves is 100,000 cfs. The conversion factor for cubic feet to gallons is 7.4805195, so Niagra is delivering about 748052 gps and Table Rock Dam was at about 53% of that. Which, when you consider the difference in area, is pretty incredible. Niagra Falls is pretty damn wide.

In either case, you're talking about a buttload of water.

Barbara said...

Love ya, Mojo! I can always count on you to put a really amazing spin on things. When you put it that way, it really is a "buttload" of water! It sure felt like it when we were standing there -- and those downstream would agree, too!

G. Harrison said...

barb, the first photo is an all-time great. such a eye-popping perspective. you give new meaning to buttload of water (tip of the hat to mojo.

gord h.

Canadian Mark said...

Beautiful set. Your images are so stunning, I can very easily hear the sound of 400,000 gallons of water per second. And now I have to pee, thank you.

me said...

Barb - these are breath taking. I love the 3rd shot, for some reason it just makes me happy. I am sure folks are thrilled to stumble on you from a google search. I know I would be.

Coach Paulette said...

I love these photos. The first one is my favorite - such raw power, yet to me the water looks almost soft as silk.