Last Ride (B+W)

Here is the image 'Last ride' in B+W, do you prefer this to colour if so why, what does this image say to you does it reflect an historical event? do you think that London has done the right thing in removing the routemaster in favour of inclusion for all?

 

your ideas please

 

Hugh

I covered the last journey of the London Routemaster, for those of

you who do not know it is a big red bus that was a familiar sight in

London which has now been taken out of circulation.

On the press bus that followed the route master it seemed almost as

much of a crush as the crowd below, all photographers and cameramen

where trying to get the best vantage point on the open top deck, I

lost my bounce over the side in the jostle.

I think I took enough that day that the idea of writing a book on

the last day of the routemaster, I was wise enough to take my

digital recorder and conduct interviews both before, on route and at

the press conference after.

To me it was a spectacular day and one of which I intend to share

with those who are interested.

 

Regards

Hugh, have to say, without reading the story behind this photo, my imagination is racing. I love it.

To me, B+W is a filter. Quite a scary scene. Taking the buses out of circulation is like San Francisco removing its cable cars from service. Even New York has kept its horse and buggy in Central Park.

I guess I'm torn over the use of black and white when color has everything to do with the bus. Although the lack of color could obviously symbolize the removal of the buses etc. I suppose it might be interesting to see the bus red with the rest of the photo desaturated or even the other way around. Anyway you look at it, wonderful shot...

stick with the B/W. i thought this was a vintage photo at first. i think the b/w really gives it a timeless feel. i want to explore this picture, the color version doesn't do that for me.

Although the colour version brings out some of the distractions more like the signs and eaves along the side, I think it works better overall mainly because it also brings out the police (their fluorescent jackets) and their efforts to control the crowd. This is important because it instantly shows the scene to be an emotional event, rather than just a crowd of tourists trying to get on a bus. For this reason I think the intended message of the image (if I interpret your comments correctly) is actually much stronger in the colour version.

Excellent image, Hugh.... This photo demonstrates the nostalgic character of human beings.

Great photo, I have a few RM shots myself as I love the design.

At the moment the 15 is in diversion for roadworks near the Tower. The diverted route is too tight for the Bendy monstrosity so the RM's are out of retirement.