Welcome to the 21st Photo Roulette!
Last Week:
You're looking at the bus right?
The renown Vagabond Quest hosted the theme “Clothes” last week. Somehow they selected my nearly-indecent photo (right) from the wealth of other quality entries, simultaneously granting me unbridled power over this week’s contest (mwahahaaa~~). Among their insightful thoughts for the photo, they also unearthed this excellent question, “And… is that a whip tucked in his bottoms?”
Short answer: Yes it is.
Long Answer: It’s used for mushing teams of other similarly clad men (seen here for those of you interested in “gaining further cultural insight .”) (…pervs)
Having no real hopes that my picture of a mostly naked Japanese man would win (what was I doing taking that shot anyway…?), I took the weekend to mull over theme options for this week.
Since this site focuses on improving photographically (yes, it’s a word, I ‘Googled’ it), I am not going easy on you all. After reviewing previous photo roulette submissions, however, I know many of you are ready to be challenged. Happily, I will oblige. Prepare to find out how sinewy your photo muscles really are.
This week’s theme: Symmetry
Submission Deadline: July 11th
Winner Annouced: July 12th
After you’ve finished weeping in despair, hopefully your bleary eyes will be able to read this remarkable article titled Secrets to Overpowering Symmetry a little somebody who cares wrote for you all (you’re welcome). Also, since I’m the judge, you may want to take a gander and try to figure out what I’m looking for in a winner shot.
How to Submit an Image
Check back here through the week to see all the entries as they come in – feel free to comment on them. The contest runs for 7 days from now, with submissions being open from July 4th – 11th, 2011. I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday, July 12th, and he or she will host round 22.
A little note: Medium size pictures is preferred (around 600 px). Large pictures might slow down downloading time for everybody.
Rules for Submission
- One submission per Blog (so sites that have 2+ authors only get one entry).
- There has been much debate in the previous rounds as to “photoshopping.” As each round host can choose the level of edits they will allow, I will say that I want all submissions to look natural, and interpret that as you see fit.
- Abstract submissions welcomed as long as it fits within the interpretation of the chosen phrase. Remember, the hosting blogger chooses the winner, so if they cannot understand the submission, you might not win!
- Keep phrases general so that all bloggers can participate. Specific items like “Eiffel Tower” should be avoided but rather made open-ended like “monuments.” For variety, it is ok to say focused things such as “monuments at night” in which most of us have pictures of.
- Abstract thoughts are appreciated, but keep it within the realm that all readers will understand. No “Kafka-esque”, but “Overlooking Creation” is able to be interpreted by all.
- No obscene pictures or phrases allowed. Suggestive phrases and photography can be accepted, but please keep it within reason.
- After a sufficient period of time, phrases can be reused, however new photos must be submitted.
- Keep the ideas and photos fresh!
- Pictures from your entire portfolio are fair to submit. You do not have to take the photo within the week of the contest period to submit it.
- Most importantly, ALL PHOTOS MUST BE YOUR OWN.
- You need you to have a blog to be declared a winner so you can host next weeks contest.
About the Photo Roulette
Past Winners and Hosts
- 1. Nov 4–10, 2010 Living the Dream – “Animals”
- Nov 17–24, 2010 Skinny Backpacker – “Road Signs”
- Nov 29–Dec 6, 2010 Dream a Little Dream – “Street Art”
- Dec 8–15, 2010 Flashpacker HQ – “Festival”
- Dec 17–24, 2010 Over Yonderlust – “Landmarks”
- Dec 26–Jan 2, 2011 Don’t Ever Look Back – “Beaches”
- Jan 5–12, 2011 ThePlanetD – “Portraits”
- Jan 15–22, 2011 Travel with a Mate – “Motion”
- Jan 26–Feb 3, 2011 Johnny Vagabond – “Water”
- Feb 8–15, 2011 Ken Kaminesky – “Urban”
- Feb 21–27, 2011 Travels of Adam – “Friday Night”
- Mar 7–13, 2011 Itchy Feet Chronicles – “The Journey”
- Mar 19– 25, 2011 Brendan’s Adventures – “Changing Seasons”
- Apr 4–10, 2011 Shutterfeet – “Storytelling”
- Apr 13–21, 2011 10timesOne – “Piousness”
- Apr 26–May 4, 2011 Beached Eskimo – “Learning”
- May 21–27, 2011 Travel Junkies – “Architecture”
- Jun 1–7, 2011 Destination World – “Transportation”
- Jun 8–15, 2011 Living the Dream – “Paradise”
- Jun 21-28, 2001 Vagabond Quest – “Clothes”
Entries for this round
#1) 
From Michele - Cooking with Michele
“The photo works best using symmetry because it places the Chairman Mao Zedong directly in the center of that symmetry, and thus the center of attention. Even though he’s long gone, a visit to China still feels like he’s in charge and the photo’s symmetry conveys that.”
#2) 
from Dee – Dream a Little Dream
“Exploring the ruins of the Imperial City located in Hue, Vietnam.”
#3) 
from Heather – Heather and Scott’s Excellent Adventures
“This photo of the cenotaph at Hiroshima with the Genbaku dome is one of my favourite from my trip there.”
#4) 
from Scientika – Scientika.Blogspot.com
“Elephants circling a tree in Etosha National Park in Namibia.”
#5)
from Claire – Beached Eskimo
“My entry is from a water feature in the Alcazar of Sevilla, which to me just exudes calmness. Symmetry was also an important part of Moorish design and decoration.”
#6) 
from Hecktic Travels
“We took this shot while on the tour of the Bolivian salt flats. The still water and pure blue sky created the perfect mirror while the flamingos posed for the countless photos.”
#7) 
from Rebecca – Travel at 88mph
“Cathedral Cove on The Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. I love patterns, but I thought this was an interesting and different shot.”
#8) 
from Jeremy – Live the Dream
“One of the many worn down sites you’ll see while exploring the temples of Nikko, Japan. Best to go in the morning for the eerie ambiance with fog and without the day trippers from Tokyo.”
#9) 
from Amanda – A Dangerous Business
“My photo entry looks at a well-known Chicago landmark from a different perspective. This is the Cloud Gate (or “The Bean”), as seen from the inside of the sculpture, looking up. It’s not perfectly symmetrical, but I love the way the reflections sort of ripple out and twist and skew.”
#10) 
from Dina – Vagabond Quest
“An olive shop in the Red City of Marrakech, Morocco.
This might not be symmetrical in the traditional way, but for me the symmetry is rather uncanny.
The shopkeeper is striking a symmetrical pose, and everything in his pickled olive store is in a symmetrical arrangement. On top of that, he was moving in a symmetrical manner as we watched him tending his shop. His position in the shop might not be centered in the photo, but look at how symmetrical his arms are, almost like he’s mirroring his pyramids of olives.”
#11) 
from Scott – Ordinary Traveler
“We arrived at Yuma Territorial Prison the day after a heavy rain. Unfortunately, it was the middle of the day, not the best time for photographs. After moving through the prison we found it hard to photograph the creepy dark prison cells. So after some failures we found out that using the harsh outside light to our advantage made great photographs of the prison. The hard light really brought out the subject while giving the background a more subtle tone. Hope you enjoy!”
#12) 
from Travis – Flashpacker HQ
“Had a few to choose from for this but decided to go with this shot of a succulent taken at an arboretum north of Monaco.”
#13) 
from Greg – Adventures of a GoodMan
“For some reason I’m fascinated by finding symmetry in everything. Sometimes it’s the way lines meet and equality is achieved. Others it’s symmetry in opposites and concepts. ”
#14) 
from Stephen – Bohemian Traveler
“The Washington Monument in Washington, DC.”
#15) 
from Juno – Runaway Juno
“This is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. We were there to see some group taichi but it wasn’t happening. Instead we watched the flag ceremony.”
Fundamentals
Japan by Bicycle
Kyoto by Rental Bike
Tokyo Streets
PS. You know you like it.
Carolina Hensley recently posted..Cancer Tattoos Tumblr
Twitter: cemonde
July 12, 2011 at 4:59 pm #
I have been following this contest silently, started participating since only last time. And compared to other themes your theme is difficult indeed.
Anyhow, here is my entry.
It was a small town in Himalayas. Dinner time and suddenly electricity went off ! It was absolute dark. The lady of the house brought a candle and I clicked this.
http://www.lemonicks.com//photos/Haridwar/P1110663B.jpg
Nisha recently posted..Babies in first class – Malaysia airlines
Twitter: unframedworld
July 12, 2011 at 7:42 pm #
Oh no! So sorry but the contest ended earlier today. No hard feelings :-/
Twitter: cemonde
July 12, 2011 at 8:39 pm #
No problem & no hard feelings, friend. My mistake. I thought the time is as per US times as it happens generally.
Nisha recently posted..Unclean India
Twitter: unframedworld
July 13, 2011 at 8:14 am #
Sorry! I was afraid that would happen. I waited until after midnight EST (home timezone) but kind of slighted you west coasters. Thanks for understanding.
Twitter: RunawayJuno
July 12, 2011 at 1:35 am #
Here’s my submission.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/runawayjuno/5926226127/
This is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. We were there to see some group taichi but it wasn’t happening. Instead we watched the flag ceremony.
PS. And late congratulations for your winning! I love you guys’ photography
Twitter: unframedworld
July 12, 2011 at 8:27 am #
waiting till the last minute I see
no worries. I’m adding it now.
Twitter: RunawayJuno
July 12, 2011 at 8:50 am #
Sorry… I wanted to make a dramatic impression! Did I success??
Thanks for adding me up!!
Twitter: bohemiantrav
July 11, 2011 at 11:53 pm #
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52442953@N05/5926033227/in/photostream
The Washington Monument in Washington, DC.
Twitter: unframedworld
July 12, 2011 at 12:34 am #
Thanks Stephen,
Just barely made it in.
Looks good, I’ll put it up.
~Andrew
Twitter: greggoodman
July 10, 2011 at 3:30 pm #
I’ve long been fascinated by finding symmetry in everything and spend quite a bit of time thinking about the subject. Sometimes it’s the way lines meet and equality is achieved. Others it’s symmetry in opposites and concepts.
It even was symmetrical that the most recent Travel Photo Roulette challenge word was “symmetry,” as it finally got me to quantify this idea I’ve had for ages.
And what I came up with was… Symmetry: The Whole World is Same Same But Different.
Greg Goodman recently posted..Factories, Art, Industrial Decay, Vessels and Dinner in Oakland, California
Twitter: unframedworld
July 11, 2011 at 2:42 pm #
Great post! I posted the first photo as your entry
Andrew recently posted..TRIP VID! Unknown Tokyo: Act 1
Twitter: greggoodman
July 11, 2011 at 3:04 pm #
Thanks Andrew, it was an absolute pleasure to create.
Greg Goodman recently posted..My Seven Links: Bloggers Unite to Share Lessons Learned
Twitter: flashpackerhq
July 9, 2011 at 1:34 pm #
Had a few to choose from for this but decided to go with this shot of a succulent taken at an arboretum north of Monaco.
http://flashpackerhq.com/siteimages/Suculant.jpg
-Travis
Travis recently posted..Flashpacking New Zealand with Stray – Day 3
Twitter: unframedworld
July 9, 2011 at 4:02 pm #
very nice radial symmetry travis. i checked out your site as well. look for an email from me soon.
Andrew recently posted..Grounds that Surround the Keep
Twitter: ordinarytravelr
July 9, 2011 at 12:00 am #
Hey Andrew, I think this is as symetrical as we get in photographs. ha!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40475392@N05/5915180711/in/photostream/
Twitter: ordinarytravelr
July 9, 2011 at 4:13 am #
Forgot the caption: We arrived at Yuma Territorial Prison the day after a heavy rain. Unfortunately, it was the middle of the day, not the best time for photographs. After moving through the prison we found it hard to photograph the creepy dark prison cells. So after some failures we found out that using the harsh outside light to our advantage made great photographs of the prison. The hard light really brought out the subject while giving the background a more subtle tone. Hope you enjoy!
Scott – Ordinary Traveler recently posted..Tips for Hiking and Camping in Yellowstone
Twitter: unframedworld
July 9, 2011 at 3:46 pm #
I love the framing and lighting. Posted!
Andrew recently posted..TRIP VID! The Grand Tour of Kokura Castle
Twitter: VagabondQuest
July 8, 2011 at 11:36 pm #
An olive shop in the Red City of Marrakech, Morocco
This might not be symmetrical in the traditional way, but for me the symmetry is rather uncanny.
The shopkeeper is striking a symmetrical pose, and everything in his pickled olive store is in a symmetrical arrangement. On top of that, he was moving in a symmetrical manner as we watched him tending his shop. His position in the shop might not be centered in the photo, but look at how symmetrical his arms are, almost like he’s mirroring his pyramids of olives.
http://www.vagabondquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Morocco-Marrakech-Medina-Pickled-olives-crop.jpg
Dina recently posted..The Old City of Marrakech: Life Behind the Walls
Twitter: unframedworld
July 9, 2011 at 3:45 pm #
Looks good! Thanks! Actually this reminds me some of the stalls in the Little India district of Singapore
Andrew recently posted..DOWNLOAD! How to Get Yourself to Japan – an eBook with Answers
Great choice! I’ve been waiting for someone to choose this topic! Unfortunately I do not have very many good symmetry photos that are travel themed… but here we go.
Caption: “One of the many worn down sites you’ll see while exploring the temples of Nikko, Japan. Best to go in the morning for the eerie ambiance with fog and without the day trippers from Tokyo”
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/44416_614790537890_21902759_36344766_6287023_n.jpg
Jeremy recently posted..Getting Lost in the BOH Tea Plantation
Twitter: unframedworld
July 8, 2011 at 3:11 pm #
Thanks! I’m glad you’re up for the challenge. Your image is now posted.
Twitter: purplekat99
July 8, 2011 at 5:46 am #
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp82/purplekat99/sym.jpg
Cathedral Cove on The Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. I love patterns, but I thought this was an interesting and different shot.
Rebecca recently posted..One day in the Biggest Little City in Australia: Adelaide!
Twitter: unframedworld
July 8, 2011 at 3:11 pm #
Nice shot. I put it up ^_^
Twitter: hecktictravels
July 8, 2011 at 3:45 am #
Andrew, we loved your winning submission from last week. Well done!
Here is our best attempt at symmetry.
http://www.hecktictravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Symmetry_Hecktic-Travels.jpg
We took this shot while on the tour of the Bolivian salt flats. The still water and pure blue sky created the perfect mirror while the flamingos posed for the countless photos.
Pete Heck recently posted..The Gimped Girl and The Blind Boy
Twitter: unframedworld
July 8, 2011 at 3:01 pm #
Got it! Nice reflection and great colors.
Thanks for the compliment too… a wise move since I’m the judge.
Twitter: VagabondQuest
July 9, 2011 at 8:40 pm #
“Thanks for the compliment too… a wise move since I’m the judge.” -> Hahaha
Dina recently posted..Deodorizing on the road, or how not to be a stinky traveler
Twitter: unframedworld
July 10, 2011 at 1:48 am #
money works too.
Twitter: DangerousBiz
July 7, 2011 at 2:59 pm #
First of all, congrats on your win!
My photo entry looks at a well-known Chicago landmark from a different perspective. This is the Cloud Gate (or “The Bean”), as seen from the inside of the sculpture, looking up. It’s not perfectly symmetrical, but I love the way the reflections sort of ripple out and twist and skew.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dangerousbiz/5910948031/in/set-72157626219977077
Amanda recently posted..Doubtful Sound: Milford Sound’s Underrated Little Brother
Twitter: unframedworld
July 8, 2011 at 10:48 pm #
Sorry this got caught in the spam filter! I’ve got it now though
Andrew recently posted..Unknown Tokyo: Getting Back to Nature
Twitter: beachedeskimo
July 7, 2011 at 2:42 pm #
Loving this theme!!
My entry is from a water feature in the Alcazar of Sevilla, which to me just exudes calmness. Symmetry was also an important part of Moorish design and decoration.
http://beachedeskimo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Sevilla-1.jpg
Twitter: unframedworld
July 7, 2011 at 2:55 pm #
Ooooo… someone was waiting for their time to shine. nice entry.
Andrew recently posted..Unknown Tokyo: Camping Japan Style
Wow, this photo is my favourite! Great submission Claire!
Audrey recently posted..Bebenhausen’s Beauty
Twitter: VagabondQuest
July 7, 2011 at 4:58 am #
Btw, I really like that photo by Scientika (Elephants in Namibia)
Dina recently posted..Kyoto: the Golden Temple, the Cockroach Kingdom, and the Seeds of Adventure
Twitter: VagabondQuest
July 7, 2011 at 4:49 am #
Your winning photo from the last round has some aspect of symmetry if you crop it the right way
Dina recently posted..Deodorizing on the road, or how not to be a stinky traveler
Twitter: unframedworld
July 7, 2011 at 2:53 pm #
Roflcopter! I take it you weren’t focused on the bus.
Twitter: ExpertVagabond
July 7, 2011 at 1:44 am #
This image probably borders the line of indecent as well, but I thought I’d try anyway. If it’s too much, I can always submit an architecture photo…
“These professional dancers in Miami Beach were painted by an artist in a symmetrical fashion using only a Q-tip & white paint. Watching him work was incredible (for more reasons than one)!”
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IXnHWfgHDs95Vx1CvryuhQ
Matthew Karsten recently posted..Travel Report: 4 Months in Nicaragua
Twitter: unframedworld
July 7, 2011 at 11:13 am #
Matthew. Thanks for the submission. It’s a tough call, but I have to ask you to submit something less borderline. Thanks for understanding.
Here is my submission: http://flic.kr/p/9CR9ev
Elephants circling a tree in Etosha National Park in Namibia
scientika recently posted..Radio Habana Social Club
Twitter: unframedworld
July 6, 2011 at 2:11 pm #
Got it thanks!
Andrew recently posted..Unknown Tokyo: Lush Ridges
Twitter: kriskoeller
July 6, 2011 at 3:58 am #
Great photos. No comment on the first, tho…
Kris recently posted..The Governor’s Island Jazz-Age Lawn Party
Twitter: unframedworld
July 6, 2011 at 11:26 am #
Hahaha. You know you like it.
Andrew recently posted..How to Get Yourself to Japan eBook! Pre-Order Now to Save
Twitter: heatherkendall
July 5, 2011 at 3:26 pm #
I really needed to move one step to the right to get better symmetry, but this photo of the cenotaph at Hiroshima with the Genbaku dome is one of my favourite from my trip there.
http://bit.ly/kf02Cw
Twitter: unframedworld
July 5, 2011 at 4:11 pm #
Ooooo… this is a really compelling place to stand in person. Nice shot. I’ve added it to the roulette!
Andrew recently posted..TRIP VID! The Grand Tour of Kokura Castle
Twitter: dvsdreams
July 5, 2011 at 7:51 am #
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4922167757_31e97cb084_z.jpg
Exploring the ruins of the Imperial City located in Hue, Vietnam.
Dee recently posted..Top 10 Reasons why TBEX 2011 Sucked
Twitter: unframedworld
July 5, 2011 at 12:56 pm #
Ooooo nice colors! Thanks for the entry, I put it up.
Twitter: aswetravel
July 5, 2011 at 12:35 am #
Congratulations for the win, your nearly-indecent photo is awesome, you really deserved to win!
Sofia – As We Travel recently posted..Daily Travel Photo – B-O-R-E-D?
Twitter: unframedworld
July 5, 2011 at 2:34 am #
Thanks Sofia! Stay strong on the Europe challenge!
Twitter: cookwithmichele
July 4, 2011 at 11:00 pm #
The first photo in this post: http://cookingwithmichele.com/2010/10/beijing-on-a-holiday/ is of Tian ‘en Men Square in Beijing, and the photo works best using symmetry because it places the Chairman Mao Zedong directly in the center of that symmetry, and thus the center of attention. Even though he’s long gone, a visit to China still feels like he’s in charge and the photo’s symmetry conveys that.
Michele Morris recently posted..Restaurant Roundup – Perbacco San Francisco
Twitter: unframedworld
July 5, 2011 at 2:35 am #
Thanks for being brave and submitting the first entry! I put it up!