Lens-Artists Challenge #408: Over the Top

At one point or another, we all come across things that simply don’t fit our personal definition of regular and common. We look, pause, and say, “Whoa, that is over the top!” A common definition of over the top includes something too extreme, too dramatic, or more than what is expected and needed. But is it a matter of personal preference or choice? Perhaps so. I remember when HDR first appeared on the horizon. My early attempts were nuclear — colors so intense they could probably be seen from space. So, for this week’s challenge, I would like to see what you consider over the top (OTT). There is no right or wrong here; OTT is a very personal thing.

I’m certain my OTT examples may not match yours, and vice versa. Think of too much of anything — the Griswolds’ Christmas lights come to mind! Maybe it was someone’s dramatic reaction to a mundane occurrence, or an outrageous clothing style. I’ll give you a handful of what I find OTT, and you be the judge.

I’m starting with one of several churches we visited on our trip to Brazil. When I was researching what to do in Ouro Preto, every search mentioned the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar. Besides its Brazilian Baroque architecture and Rococo interior, one detail always came up: the basilica holds an estimated 881 to 957 pounds (400 to 434 kilograms) of gold in its interior decoration. We simply had to venture down and up the steep hills to see that for ourselves. The light reflecting from its interior was intense — or shall I say, over the top.

Turquoise is used a lot in the American Southwest. Although one can find inexpensive pieces of turquoise jewelry, high-grade natural stones fetch serious collector prices. The stone shows up in all types of jewelry, but is it really necessary to own three nearly identical necklaces of the same stone? Call me a simple country boy.

If you have ever taken a cruise, you know how overwhelming some of those floating cities can be. But why travel with a few thousand close friends when you can use a private yacht? I spotted this one docked in Venice, presumably waiting for someone far more important than me. I, meanwhile, was riding a vaporetto — definitely not OTT.

Speaking of transportation, I certainly would not discard a 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II. It could be kept among the Bentleys and Lamborghinis until that special moment came along when only a royal vehicle would do.

And if you can afford a few fancy cars, then perhaps you won’t find this “simple” ballroom over the top at all. Look at the chandeliers and the golden-accented decorations on the walls! I suspect even the dust in there feels underdressed.

So, share with us what you find over the top. I’m sure you’ll surprise me and many others. Please remember to link to this post and use the “Lens-Artists” tag so we can all find your response.

Thanks for all the wonderful responses you shared with celebrations in your life. Great posts! Next week, we will feature a guest host. Steve Hyde (of Steve Hyde Photography Blog) will lead the challenge starting at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites. Here they are:

• Tina of Travels and Trifles.
• Patti of P.A. Moed.
• Ann-Christine of Leya.
• John of Journeys with Johnbo.
• Anne of Slow Shutter Speed.
• Sofia of Photographias.
• Egídio of Through Brazilian Eyes.
• Ritva of Ritva Sillanmäki Photography.
• Beth of Wandering Dawgs.

That is the story behind the shots. For more like this, enjoy these related stories: Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Pilar, Brazil, Churches, Cityscapes, Italy, Lens-Artists, Ouro Preto, and Venice. Until the next shoot, keep chasing the light and the wonders it reveals.

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Sources:

• Wikipedia — Our Lady of the Pillar Mother Church (Ouro Preto) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Pillar_Mother_Church_(Ouro_Preto)
• Google Arts & Culture — Basilica Nossa Senhora do Pilar, Historic Town of Ouro Preto — https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/basilica-nossa-senhora-do-pilar-historic-town-of-ouro-preto/3AHVq5gK_Zd2zg
• Wikipedia — Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (includes Silver Wraith II, 1977–1980) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Silver_Shadow