Inspiring Photo: ROOM with a VIEW #10511512

ROOM with a VIEW

Uploaded: July 27, 2010 01:18:37

Description

---
Fifteen stories below my office window, this is Ranstead Street, between 15th and 16th in the precise center of Philadelphia.
------
It's an ugly place, with sewer fumes nauseatingly ever present. And yesterday, this mattress appeared.
Someone's "motel" on Sunday night, to be sure! Probably a communal "room."
-----

---
The blue glass building in the background is Liberty Place, a magnificent high-rise skyscraper. A fabulous shopping mall graces the lower floors, while the upper floors are condos--home to the rich and famous.
---
Behind me, as I shoot this scene, is the magnificent City Hall, AND the Residences at the Ritz Carlton.
------
Not sure what it all means, but when I saw the mattress, my heart sank.
---
<<---Travel and Place--->>

----------

Exif: F Number: 5, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/320 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 320, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 24.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D

Comments

Paul E. Earl July 27, 2010

Thanks for showing us the less desirable parts of Philly!! All cities have them! A great image. Gets to the heart of what makes a modern city. #1292079

Barbara Waldoch July 27, 2010

From your description I am sure it should be depressing, but the treatment makes for a rather cheery image, Michelle! #8788518

Brett Dolsen July 27, 2010

Its allways good to see whats around the back in the real world Michelle!!Awesome composition and treatment! #8788543

Gord MacEachern July 27, 2010

To me it means you captured one awesome streetscape Michelle, great colors, composition,love that bit of graffiti on the bin,it's a winner in my book!! #8788586

Jeff Robinson July 27, 2010

Sad, but Real Life is not always pretty.... Excellent capture, treatment and info Michelle! Jeff #8788596

Carolyn M. Fletcher July 27, 2010

It IS sad..We don't take very good care of those less fortunate, either...and yes, I"m a bleeding heart liberal. #8788607

Mary Timman July 27, 2010

Very good eye and love the effects!
Sad that we can't take care of our own country, but we sure take care of everyone else don't we? #8788715

Michelle Alton July 27, 2010

I'm a rather arch conservative and believe that in a strong business-driven economy, there are opportunities for anyone who is able to work.

But that doesn't stop me from feeling sad for those who have found themselves in such desperate straits. #8788742

Jack Gaskin July 27, 2010

The Picture is Great It's that Other side of the CITY SCAPE, an believe me far from the UGLY area in any city.
Think your reading a little too much into one old mattress. Assumption is a dangerous thing !!!
The Alley is an Alley and for EVERY Bright Shiny Hi-Rise Building there will be a back alley way to counter the sunny facade most folks see.
Not always bad just not the pretty public view..
Carolyn has me SMILING WIDE . ( I'm just to the RIGHT of Gen G.S. Patton on the Political meter).

Happy Shooting
Jack
#8788780

Gail Sullivan July 27, 2010

Michelle...there are so many interesting elements, different colors and shapes that all come together! #8788847

Denise A. Johnson July 27, 2010

so many things to take in....i could look at this all day, you managed to tell quite the story here #8788850

Sharon C. Hinze July 27, 2010

Great image and narrative Michelle....the color and detail, post processing and compostion, all create a very eye catching, thoughtful image!
Sharon #8789181

Mike Clime July 27, 2010

Nice street scene and so much to take in! I had a street person bothering me Sunday morning and needless to say I will have to go back to re-shoot as I couldn't concentrate on taking photos. #8789348

frank w. degenhardt July 27, 2010

Michelle- I just spent a wonderful afternoon looking at your slide show and listening to your music. It was such a trill to see the high quality of your images, the buildings of every shape and size, the people shots were just gorgeous, and everything else in between was awesome. The colors, the clarity, the details, all so exciting and done with such a porfessional touch. I woold reccomend this slide show to all here at BP. I am left in awe of your talent.
Sometimes we get that mix like you did here with the mattress and wonderful why it has to be that way sometimes, but its all apart of life in the city. Personally Ilove the mix that you have here and even the mattress has meaning to it. The rich and famous in thier penthouses, some poor guy or gal on a mattress in the ally. Beuatiful colors, gorgeous work on the details. A work of beauty.
Thank you so much again for sharing the slide show with me, I know I will be looking at it again. You are quite a lady and one amazing artist.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy my friend. #8789351

Monnie Ryan July 27, 2010

Quite a scene, Michelle -- not unlike ones from other cities, I'm afraid. Outstanding capture! #8789429

Jack Ryan July 27, 2010

A marvelous photo in so may ways!!! Great work, Michelle!!! #8789498

John Connolly July 27, 2010

An excellent capture of life in the raw, Michelle! Thanks for sharing this off the beaten tourist track image! #8789704

Ann Coates July 27, 2010

Funny you should upload this image. In the last couple of days I have seen two mattresses dumped in odd places, even saw a TV in the lake. People have no idea. I was chatting to someone the other day who was ranting and raving about the duck poo down at the lake but the amount of human rubbish I see in there is incredible. This is a wonderful image of the two sides of street side and told so eloquently by yourself. #8789801

Ian M. Hill July 27, 2010

An image with many words Michelle,a strong capture and like the way you have presented it.Even here in melbourne and other cities in Aus. you will find much the same especially in allies.It is very sad indeed. #8789829

MELODIE C. ROBERTS July 27, 2010

'
#8789965

Jeana Clark July 27, 2010

Unfortunately some parts of reality aren't pleasant, but it's there...
I agree with MeL...very thought provoking...but it's up to all of us to make the best of the situation that we are in and help those who've lost hope.
I'm afraid that the small community that I live in doesn't feature these kinds of scenes, so my heart pours out to those who have found themselves without hope or even the possiblity of hope. Fantastic work Michelle!!!
~J~ #8790154

Jessica Jenney July 27, 2010
I have to agree with Gail! All the elements make for a very interesting and colorful abstract, Michelle! #8790157

Patrick Rouzes July 27, 2010
Exceptional clarity, tones, colors, textures, lighting, & mood, Michelle! Thoroughly enjoyed reading the different pov's on this subject! There is a fine line between the haves & the have nots & this is the perfect example. Working in the Mental Health field I have heard heartbreaking stories about how things can change for anyone one of us in a nano second. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking & controversial image, Michelle! #8790171

Marilyn K. Lincecum July 27, 2010
Love your street scenes...wonderful comp, colors, detail and clarity. #8790282

Dick W. Wyatt July 28, 2010
This is life in the city Michelle.
People no longer take pride in their surroundings.
You captured it well. #8790375

Kate Jackson July 28, 2010
Boy this one has really got everyone going Michelle and no wonder since it not only has interest and story but you have it full of colour and fun and it makes a great scene. At first I was thinking that having to doss down on this mattress in the summer is one thing but what happens when the winter comes? But I think I agree with Jack that we could all be reading too much into it and as the immediate surrounding area of the mattress looks so clean (of course you could well have tidied it up in PS or even gone down there with a broom but I don't think so) it is just as likely that it has just been thrown out and is awaiting colleciton. I've enjoyed that it has got us all going though as well as enjoying the image! #8790411

Michelle Alton July 28, 2010
Interesting controversy here. Let me describe the conditions that "colored" my "reading too much" into this scene. Across the street, dozens of people sleep nightly on the granite benches at Dilworth Plaza, in front of City Hall. As I come up the escalator from the train station in the morning, a block away, I look down on people sleeping on WET granite benches, with the Sunday comics as their mattress. And sometimes there are folks sleeping on the sidewalk, sheltered by the eaves of a tall building, half a block from here. What conclusion would you draw in this situation? Looks to me like someone dumped this mattress from the overturned dumpster. There's a little rug leading up to it too...
--
Michelle #8790419

Kate Jackson July 28, 2010
I guess that was just wishful thinking on my part then Michelle.
Makes me so thankful for what I have! #8790427

Nancyj E. Hovey July 28, 2010
Wow, what a find, and excellent capture. In years to come, this should go in the history books...of what is in places today! Excellent work, Michelle! 8o) #8791876

Robert K. Bemus July 29, 2010
It is a wonderful comp with beautiful color and your always masterful editing, Michelle...all I can say is I'm glad it's warm for now because they'll still be homeless this winter... #8792691

Dick Jenkins July 29, 2010
So Michelle, when do you eat your lunch? I assume these photo excursions take place during lunch hour. You certainly have lots opps to choose from. Let's hope the mattress is being aired out. :-) #8793561

Rona L. Schwarz July 29, 2010
Wow! The image caught my eye right away, but the discussion that resulted is terrific! Photojournalism at its best - inspires passion and discourse, no matter which side you're on.
As an image, it's fabulous though, rich with wonderful little details, textures, and colors. Love the juxtaposition with the skyscraper. A part of any urban environment, unfortunately, and beautifully capture, Michelle! #8794403

Nancyj E. Hovey July 30, 2010
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
on your very deserving EFP!
and the BOOK you should be putting together with this series would be a BEST SELLER, Michelle! 8o) #8795121

Renata Gusciora July 30, 2010
I like this one a lot!So many to look at!LOve the composition,fantastic lighting,clarity and great framing,Michelle! #8796348

Sylvia Rourke August 03, 2010
Congrats on your EFP. I ditto everyone's comments on your image. Love it.. #8803189

Carolyn J. Connolly August 11, 2010
Yep, Michelle - that's certainly one (sad) room with a view alright!! ;o/ Outstanding capture of this little corner of the city you work in, my friend!! :o)
As Paul E said, "thanks for showing us the less desirable parts of Philly!! (Unfortunately) all cities have them! A great image. Gets to the heart of what makes a modern city."... #8819538

Sharon Sawyer August 13, 2010
Michelle, congratulations on this outstanding finalist and your ability to tell a story with photography! Well done!!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! #8825368

Carolyn Keiser August 13, 2010
Congratulations, Michelle. What a fantastic shot!! #8825373

Patricia A. Stalter August 13, 2010
Most deserving on this! Fantastic! #8825539

Jim Baines August 13, 2010
So, so amazing! The way you turned this piece of bone into a steak!! Congratulations, Michelle, on your array of July FINALISTS!!!
#8825897

Randy A. Myers August 13, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist. Good luck in the next round. #8825962

Jack Ryan August 13, 2010
Congratulations, Michelle...a very deserving finalist. #8825981

Monnie Ryan August 13, 2010
Congratulations again, Michelle! Love this one! #8825982

Michael Kelly August 13, 2010
Superb color. Congratulations! #8825989

Gord MacEachern August 13, 2010
Congratulations on your great finalists Michelle, I new this was an extra special image, hope it goes the next step, GOOD LUCK! #8826041

Joseph T. Pilonero August 13, 2010
Lovely and congratulations, Michelle. You've made a back alley into a lovely scene - amazingly. Another wonderful work from you. TED #8826193

Sylvia Rourke August 13, 2010
Congratulations Michelle, loved it from the get-go!
#8826235

Datha Y. Thompson August 13, 2010
AWESOME!!! Congratulations Michelle :) WTG #8826603

Philippe Vieux-Jeanton August 13, 2010
Wow!! You're so good at PP work. Added to a great sense for compositions... You're a great Artiste, Michelle.
Congratulations, again!!! #8826661

Jean-Pierre Ducondi August 13, 2010
BIG congrats on your finalist Michelle - Wonderful scene.
JP #8826663

Kate Jackson August 13, 2010
Congratulations Michelle! So good to see this well loved image make it this far. Good luck in the next round! #8826860

Lydia Williams August 13, 2010
Wonderful Capture! Congratulations, Michelle. #8827084

Phyllis H. Burchett August 13, 2010
What a statement you made with this one Michelle, Congrats on your finalist! #8827105

Tammy Espino August 13, 2010
A huge congrats on another awesome finalist!! :) #8827266

Terry Cervi August 13, 2010
Congrats on your very cool Finalist, Michelle! #8827548

Marilyn Cornwell August 13, 2010
So many wonderful images from you - how does BP choose!!!! Congratulations!! #8827624

Carol L. Fowler August 13, 2010
Congrats! #8827685

Renee Doyle August 13, 2010
Great storytelling image and a wonderful finalist !! COngratulations Michelle! #8827776

Renata Gusciora August 13, 2010
Big congratulations on this outstanding finalist,Michelle!!!:-) #8828075

Erin Appelbaum August 13, 2010
Awesome eye Michelle. Outstanding finalist. Peter #8828164

Ujjwal Mukherjee August 13, 2010
Congratulations on this excellent finalist,Michelle!! #8828854

Deborah C. Lewinson August 13, 2010
Congrats on your finalist for this fascinating story telling image!
Debby #8829096

Rich Helmer August 13, 2010
Very nice Michelle!!!! Great finalist!!!! #8829704

Brett Dolsen August 14, 2010
Congratulations again Michelle!Another awesome Finalist!! #8829834

Jessica Jenney August 14, 2010
Congratulations, Michelle on your fabulous finalist! #8830020

Stefania Barbier August 14, 2010
WTG congrats! #8830175

Carol Eade August 14, 2010
Another warm congratulations, Michelle! #8830327

frank w. degenhardt August 14, 2010
LOL. That must be one of the judges bed. Congratulations on a Finalist for this gorgoeus look at City life. #8830802

Patti Coblentz August 14, 2010
Congratulations on this fantastic finalist, Michelle! #8830814

R. J. Laudenbacher August 14, 2010
Congratulations Michelle on this fantastic finalist. #8830884

Bill Houghton August 14, 2010
Michelle, this is a great shot and congratulations. Beautiful job. Thanks for commenting on my finalist photo. Have a great weekend, Bill #8830904

Debra R. Harder August 14, 2010
This is such an excellent image, Michelle! Huge congratulations on another outstanding finalist! Deb #8831711

Cyn Valentine August 14, 2010
Congratulations Michelle! #8831714

Nancyj E. Hovey August 14, 2010
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
on your very deserving FINALIST! 8o) #8832074

Becky J. Parkinson August 14, 2010
Fantasic image and accompanying thoughts! This is very deserving of a finalist and I hope we see it again!! #8832593

JO ANN CLEVELAND August 14, 2010
Congratulations on this awesome finalist Michelle!!
jo ann c. #8833121

Ian M. Hill August 14, 2010
Big congrats Michelle,hope to see this in the grand final,a very moving capture and good to see again!!! #8834134

Gerri R. Jones August 14, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist of this honest and moving cityscape, Michelle! #8834394

Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 14, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist Michelle, nicely seen! #8834408

Tommy E. Burgess August 14, 2010
Huge congratulations on another outstanding finalist Michelle!! #8834511

Anne M. Young August 14, 2010
Super Finalist - congratulations! Love this and what a wonderful thread to follow... #8834582

Ann Coates August 14, 2010
Congratulations on another superb finalist Michelle. #8834731

Patrick Rouzes August 15, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS, again, Michelle! #8835400

ALLEN O. HOWARD August 15, 2010
Outstanding! Congratulations Michelle! #8836439

Dianna Murphy August 15, 2010
Big Congratulations on your outstanding Finalist and best of luck in the quest for the GOLD! Dianna #8836499

Rona L. Schwarz August 15, 2010
Controversial and now a silver Finalist, Michelle! We all know a winner when we see one! CONGRATULATIONS on another outstanding Finalist, and good luck in the next round! #8836898

Glenn E. Traver August 15, 2010
Congratulations Michelle on your wonderful Finalist ~ GT #8837047

MELODIE C. ROBERTS August 15, 2010
Hey Mickey
I made the mistake of tagging this one when I commented
Needless to say I have been flooded with E~Mails ;0)
Congratulations My Friend on your Multiple Finalists!!! #8837644

Tamara K. Walker August 15, 2010
I am going to congratulated you six time not only because you deserve it but Also so it will flood Mels e-mail and annoy her. #8837984

Michelle Alton August 16, 2010
That is a brilliant idea, Tam! #8838163

Eivor Kuchta August 16, 2010
Congratulations on your finalist, Michelle! #8839315

Marilyn K. Lincecum August 16, 2010
Love this and am happy to see it again. Congratulations again on your finalist!! #8841288

Ann H. Belus August 17, 2010
Terrific finalist, Michelle...huge congratulations! #8843715

MELODIE C. ROBERTS August 17, 2010
yeah
Real Funny T #8843756

Charlotte LaBarbera August 19, 2010
Some of the greatest all-time photos ever made have been the ones that tell the truth or make you look at something you prefer not to see. Maybe that's why the "beautiful" images tend to be the winners.
Thanks Melodi for teaching me I could uncheck the response box. #8848700

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques
Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.

Did You Know?
Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.
BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.
Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:
I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.
You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.

3

You & 3

Love It!

Copyright for this photo belongs solely to Michelle Alton.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.

My Profile

My Photo Shows

My Photos

My BetterPholio

My Messages

My Courses

Description

Comments

Get Constructive Critiques

Did You Know?