Going upstairs-LAX

[RBSinTo]

In June, while waiting in the Los Angeles International Airport for our flight home, I wandered around looking for anything good to shoot.
I noticed a staircase with plastic illiminated risers that looked very interesting as people ascended and descended it.
Getting good subject matter was difficult because the area was very busy and people kept walking through the shot as I waited for subjects to be nicely positiojned on the steps. After a while and a number of unsuccessful shots, a young girl appeared and slowly walked up the stairs while carrying her little brother.
And I got this shot.
To remove a colour cast, I converted the shot to black and white
motorized Nikon F3P
Tamron SP 35~105 2.8 AIS manual focus
Fuji 100 ISO colour slide
exposure about f4 @ whatever

[FootLoose]

Nice shot, Robert. I like it because it is not immediately apparent whether the picture has been taken from in front or from behind the girl.

[RBSinTo]

Nice shot, Robert. I like it because it is not immediately apparent whether the picture has been taken from in front or from behind the girl.

Greg,
Thanks.
Interesting comment.
I guess this is another example of that kind of photo, where the lack of visual cues can leave the viewer a bit confused.
To clarify, I was facing the stairs from the front, the stair risers are back-lit, and she was walking up the stairs with her back to me.
Robert

[IzzieK]

Nice clean subject...interesting. Everytime I get my camera out at LAX, a security is about to approach me... I suppose I look like I am a spy, ha...??? Or a would-be terrorist...

[RBSinTo]

Nice clean subject...interesting. Everytime I get my camera out at LAX, a security is about to approach me... I suppose I look like I am a spy, ha...??? Or a would-be terrorist...

I spent about 45 minutes getting this and a few other shots at the stairs as well as a few others of interesting people, while we waited. At no time did any Security people give me so much as a second glance.
My hands and my film cassettes were however, electronically "sniffed" for explosive residue before we boarded, so maybe they had their eyes on me from afar.

[IzzieK]

I spent about 45 minutes getting this and a few other shots at the stairs as well as a few others of interesting people, while we waited. At no time did any Security people give me so much as a second glance.
My hands and my film cassettes were however, electronically "sniffed" for explosive residue before we boarded, so maybe they had their eyes on me from afar.

I took out Global Entry last year so I am well sniffed for the next 5 years. I think the Canadian equivalent is Nexus.

[RBSinTo]

I took out Global Entry last year so I am well sniffed for the next 5 years. I think the Canadian equivalent is Nexus.

Really doesn't matter to me. I have nothing to hide, so they can sniff, search or whatever as they like.

[IzzieK]

Really doesn't matter to me. I have nothing to hide, so they can sniff, search or whatever as they like.

Global entry is for avoiding customs and long lines when going to countries where an equivalent is recognized. Also it is good that one does not have to remove one's shoes and show everything of what is in your carry on, like the quart bag...you just put your luggage on the belt.

[RBSinTo]

Global entry is for avoiding customs and long lines when going to countries where an equivalent is recognized. Also it is good that one does not have to remove one's shoes and show everything of what is in your carry on, like the quart bag...you just put your luggage on the belt.

The biggest surprise for me was that absolutely no interest was shown in my equipment.
I carried two bodies, three lenses, a flash and light meter plus about 15 or 20 rolls of film. I unloaded the cameras but left batteries in them, the flash and meter, so they could be inspected and seen to be working (as opposed to being disguised explosives or whatever). The bag (minus the film) was sent through the x-ray machine and returned without being opened and checked, and at my request the film was hand-inspected. The only comment made to me was that they hadn't been asked for a film hand inspection in ages. Go figure.

[Rob Ekins]

Robert,
Great image, I love the concept.
C&C wise I would look at the pincushion on the steps.

[RBSinTo]

Robert,
Great image, I love the concept.
C&C wise I would look at the pincushion on the steps.

Thanks Rob.
I noticed that when I cropped the shot, but wasn't sure exactly how to go about fixing the problem (as my Photoshop skills are less than extensive), and besides, I assumed the subject would draw the viewer's eyes away from that area.
However, at least one other person (a very perceptive photo buddy) mentioned that flaw, so I plan to correct it when I get an opportunity.
Robert