Symmetry: The Whole World is Same Same But Different

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. But what is the photographic representation of that word, I asked myself while preparing this: my entry for Unframed World’s Travel Photo Roulette.

The underneath of a giant baseball cap at Anaheim's Angles Stadium in California

The underneath of a giant baseball cap at Anaheim's Angles Stadium in California

A house in a rice field in the mountains of Sapa, Vietnam

A house in a rice field in the mountains of Sapa, Vietnam

To me, symmetry is anything that comes together and finds it’s pair. That can be shapes, objects, nature, landscapes and even the very events that make up our lives.
Symmetrical triangles of traditional Bavarian houses in Augsburg, Germany

Symmetrical triangles of traditional Bavarian houses in Augsburg, Germany

Dragon scales on the stairs up to the Chang Mai monastery in Thailand

Dragon scales on the stairs up to the Chang Mai monastery in Thailand

Throughout my travels, I am always fascinated by the symmetry of how at it’s core, everything is the same across the world. Sure, getting across a body of water may look different on Route 66 than it does in rural Mexico, but people still have to get to the other side.
The Devil's Elbow Bridge on Route 66 in Missouri

The Devil's Elbow Bridge on Route 66 in Missouri

The rickety wooden rope bridge in Agua Clara, Mexico

The rickety wooden rope bridge in Agua Clara, Mexico

My photograph of an aerial cable car soaring over the East River in New York City also symmetrically fits into the same category of ways to get across water. Again, a completely different take on the same concept.
The Roosevelt Island Tram soars above the East River and New York City

The Roosevelt Island Tram soars above the East River and New York City

To reuse the above tram photo and change the symmetry, it also can be shown alongside this antiquated train weaving through the hills of Sri Lanka like a Galapagos cruise ship. All are ways for people to get from point A to point B.
A train weaves through the tea country of Sri Lanka

A train weaves through the tea country of Sri Lanka

I also consider certain opposites symmetrical: hot and cold, night and day, war and peace.
The streets of Bangkok burn as a Red Shirt protestor waves a flag in victory

The streets of Bangkok burn as a Red Shirt protestor waves a flag in victory

The Red Shirt protest in Bangkok is the war to the peace of the Chang Mai Buddha statue. The two play off each other and, coincidentally, they both were taken in Thailand.
The Buddha statue in the group meditation room at Wat Umong, the Forest Monestary

The Buddha statue in the group meditation room at Wat Umong, the Forest Monestary

Your question for commenting: what do YOU think symmetry means?
  • http://www.unframedworld.com/ Andrew – The Unframed World

    Great entry! Love the HDR you’ve got going on. My fav on the page is the train.

    • Greg Goodman

      Thanks so much Andrew. My work is actually not HDR. All my photography is from a single image that is extensively edited in my digital darkroom with masks and layers. It has that HDR feel, but without HDR or tonemapping.

Latest Related Adventures

I Just Used my One-Way Ticket to India!

I Just Used my One-Way Ticket to India!

It’s official, as of 9am EST on Monday, March 19, 2012, I have used my one-way ticket to India. To celebrate, I have finally uploaded a bunch of photos from my wife, Carrie, and my first trip to India, back in 2008-09.
read more >>

How the World Learns English

How the World Learns English

When I reach a new destination with little idea what I’m doing next, I feel pretty fortunate that I come from an English-speaking country. Sure, it’s more helpful to know the native language. But, nine times out of ten, there’s someone with at least a passing knowledge of their ABC’s.
read more >>

Rural Farm in the Mountains of Chang Mai // Photo of the Day

Rural Farm in the Mountains of Chang Mai // Photo of the Day

Fine art photography of a small wooden building surrounded by farm land in the hills high above Chang Mai, Thailand
read more >>

Free Food With 60,000 Friends at the Golden Temple Free Kitchen in Amritsar

Free Food With 60,000 Friends at the Golden Temple Free Kitchen in Amritsar

At the door, we are handed a metal plate, bowl and silverware. Then we sit down with hundreds of Sikh pilgrims to receive a free breakfast at the Golden Temple Free Kitchen. Stories, Photography & More make you feel like you’re there!
read more >>

A Golden Temple Sunrise, Sunset and Fireworks Display // Amritsar, India

A Golden Temple Sunrise, Sunset and Fireworks Display // Amritsar, India

Photography, stories and video from 24 hours at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. During that time, I was able to explore the grounds, listen to prayers and even witness a birthday fireworks display for a Guru’s birthday.
read more >>

Sleeping With Pilgrims Inside the Golden Temple, Amritsar

Sleeping With Pilgrims Inside the Golden Temple, Amritsar

Imagine a dorm room filled with wall-to-wall beds. Above them, lines hang with drying clothes and towels and a narrow walkway provides the only thoroughfare across the room. That’s where I slept inside the Golden Temple of Amritsar.
read more >>

An Ode to the Indian Sleeper Train // Poetry, Stories & Pix

An Ode to the Indian Sleeper Train // Poetry, Stories & Pix

From 3am Chai calls to the gentle rythem of the tracks, there’s no better way to spend a night than on an Indian Sleeper Class Train. So inspired was I during my last ride, that I even wrote a poem to go with my stories and photos!
read more >>

Lightning Storm Over the Himalayas // Long Exposures at Night

Lightning Storm Over the Himalayas // Long Exposures at Night

One stormy night in Rishikesh, India, I headed to the rooftop of my guesthouse with a tripod and timer. Later, some friends joined me with headlamps and we had fun with light trails. These are the highlights.
read more >>