Kicks On A Wire

P7241373

I’ve always understood the impulse to throw a pair of sneakers tied together over a utility wire, but never felt it enough to actually want to do it myself.  The task is ungainly enough that it seems like it would be an accomplishment: throwing a pair of sneakers tied together does not exactly lend itself to a graceful arc, and you have to not only get your height and direction right, but also get a little lucky in having the laces catch the wire.  But when it’s done, you have no sneakers.

Nevertheless, sneakers on a wire have been a staple of the urban landscape for decades (and probably some rural landscapes as well).

This is again from the Jersey City edition of the 2010 World Wide Photo Walk. Unlike the images from the previous two days, this one was created in post from a plain Raw file. After trying a couple of adjustments in color, I decided the image would be best in black and white so I fired up Nik’s SIlver Efex Pro and started moving the sliders until I ended up with this.

This Post Has 15 Comments

  1. Chris Nitz

    8 Jun 2011

    I have never quite understood this. You throw your shoes onto the wires and then walk home barefoot, and what do the utility companies do with all these shoes? On the other hand, they sure do make for a great series of photos, and this one is no different!
    Chris Nitz recently posted..Celebrating E3My Profile

  2. Hector Garza

    8 Jun 2011

    This one is a classic!
    We used to have a lot of scenes like this one over here when I was young… I even asked my Dad if could throw my old pair to a wire; he said no and I was very sad.

  3. Chris Frailey

    8 Jun 2011

    Nice choice with the b&w. Love shots that take us back to our childhood.
    Chris Frailey recently posted..Equine EleganceMy Profile

  4. Jim Denham

    8 Jun 2011

    Wow, great image. Classic city scene!
    Jim Denham recently posted..MarkedMy Profile

  5. Dave DiCello

    8 Jun 2011

    Cool shot Mark, awesome choice for the B&W as well.
    Dave DiCello recently posted..Zoom zoomMy Profile

  7. Chrisdmrf

    8 Jun 2011

    We have this in parts of London as well, although I’m told it is related to gang activity.
    Great capture, love the B & W
    Chrisdmrf recently posted..A Londoners London Pt 3My Profile

  8. Jason Hines

    8 Jun 2011

    Perfect backdrop for this scene and the b&w really adds to it! Well done!
    Jason Hines recently posted..Faces in StoneMy Profile

  10. James Howe

    8 Jun 2011

    Black and white was a good choice for this shot.

  11. Toad Hollow Photography

    8 Jun 2011

    An utterly profound masterpiece Mark! I LOVE your blog writing today, too, you made me laugh out loud. I love the composition here in this shot and the backdrop of the building with the crazy missing windows is just top drawer. You know I gotta say it… here it comes… fan-flippin-tastic my friend!
    Toad Hollow Photography recently posted..Maple Bay Wooden Boat FestivalMy Profile

  13. Mark

    9 Jun 2011

    Thanks so much, everyone. This image seems to have engendered a larger than usual response both here and on Twitter. I am glad it resonated with so many people and appreciate the time it takes you all to come by and comment..

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