Semi-flooded duck (DUKW) headlight

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Semi flooded duck headlight

Updated 2021-09-18: it's been a mystery for over nine years but I can finally reveal that this is the semi-flooded headlight of a duck (DUKW), photographed by Union Square in San Francisco.

The photograph captures an intriguing close-up of a headlamp, which appears partially submerged in what seems to be water. The surface of the headlight is a mosaic of shallow, textured ridges that catch the light in a hazy, yet striking manner. Light diffuses through the glass, casting a warm golden hue punctuated by gleaming reflections that draw the viewer's eye. Below, the water rests quietly, distorting the underlying machinery in a dreamlike manner. This juxtaposition of elements - the sleek, industrial lines of the headlight and the unpredictable fluidity of the water - creates a visually rich landscape that feels both mysterious and tactile.

Artistically, the photograph leans into abstraction, focusing on texture and light rather than a clearly defined subject. The composition is tight, with the headlight taking up much of the frame, allowing the intricate patterns of light and reflections to become the focal point. This choice of composition evokes curiosity, inviting the viewer to ponder the implications of the "semi-flooded" state. Technically, the image benefits from its careful handling of light, which enhances the texture of the glass. However, the photograph could benefit from a sharper focus in certain areas to further accentuate the play of light and topography. Overall, the photo presents an intriguing study of form and light, but a little more clarity might enhance its impact.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Semi-flooded duck (DUKW) headlight #photo #duck Guess? It's the semi flooded headlight of a duck (DUKW) photographed in Union Square, San Francisco, California. )

Comments

Rob Ellison

Not close!

Rob Ellison

Close

Hilary Ellison

A Rolls-Royce headlight with a stickleback in it
having been through a ford (water not make of car)?

Ron Harlev

Lighthouse?

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