9am – 9pm.
12 Prompts.
12 Photos.
1 City.
While my submissions are still being processed and I honestly don’t even know I’ll not be disqualified (since my camera photo counter wrapped around 9999 and the submission system seems to match files to prompts by sequential file name, which one cannot change in post, and Austrians are Austrians), I think it’s a fine time to collect my submissions and some alternative shots on the LUX website. Under each prompt, the top one is what I submitted.
I approached this as another opportunity to tour this city. I recognise the competition does not naturally come with the “marathon” component as some entrants do finish all 12 photos from their own garage or even dining table. I am not local, of course, so I chose the path that I did.
For the challenge, the photos must be produced in order and straight from the camera. The versions you see here are of course processed through a basic tone mapping pipeline. This did highlight a few of my workflow limitations. My horizons aren’t always level, stuff gets cut in or out in corners, and I habitually underexpose by 0.7 steps …
Task 0. Starting Number
This year I got number 356. That was a easy scene to plan, but I printed a racing number 356 at UVie just in case this Porsche (originally Austrian built!) doesn’t ring a bell. The final composition has the Austrian National Natural History Muscum in the background on a sunny morning. This was the start point of my long drive back home last year, during which the smattering of notes called the “Vienna song” first entered my mind.
Task 1. Farbenspiel (Play of Colours)
Usually a LUX Strong Suit but I was kinda at a loss for realisable ideas … The area I explored for this prompt was Donaupark, where I visited for parkrun the previous morning. I’d have been so much happier if there’s a loose tennis ball in the court. Well, too late now.
Task 2. zerkleinert (Shredded / Crushed)
I took this prompt literally and just went for an Altglas bin. I wanted to know what the inside looks like anyway.
Many thanks to a friendly neighbour who asked “are you okay” but quickly understood what I was doing, tossing in a few more wine bottles for me. All the ones with motion were discarded in the end due to distracting shadows. Still. Thanks.
Task 3. Herzensmomente (Heartfelt Moments)
I was still in Donaupark when it was time to do this one. I saw a Swan couple that kept on calling on each other as they slowly paraded the lawn, but they never cared to get close to be photographed together. To me this kind of freedom from displaying of affection is the actual Herzen-moment. But what do I know. The final submission was at Stefanplatz, revisiting my first stop last time. The difference of course is in 2025 FW was with a mini studio in backpack, calm and collected prepared to people-watch, whilst 2024 FW was driving in circles looking for parking and questioning life choices.
Task 4. halbe Sachen (Half Things / Half Measures)
The idea in the submission came from an accident in Innsbruck (I visit Austria a lot huh), where I used my left hand to adjust a filter when I still held my phone. The reflection from the front glass made a half-half composition. This submission marks the evolution of that idea. I could also wait for twelve and a Half™ but that’s dumb for no practical value.
Task 5. unter Strom (Under Power / Electrified)
I assume there’s also a meaning for stressed / in a hurry? Anyway, from the time I saw this I thought the trams would be a nice match.
Task 6. filmreif (Cinematic / Ready for the Movies)
With A. Wisłocka of UniVie, we created a series utilising a hallway, two mirrors with adjustable infinite reflections, and my portable lamp held under an acrylic ball. It’s a synthesis of many of my common artistic motifs. See also the cover art of my music Afar.
The submission came from that.
Task 7. am Wegesrand (By the Wayside)
The final submission is a community garden / library by the wayside in 19th district. I absolutely adore this kind of community-run facilities.
Alternative takes were numerous for this one. My favourite among these is a music shop by the wayside. I also looked for tiny critters by the way side in the Observatory to no avail.
Task 8. architektonische Meisterwerke (Architectural Masterpieces)
Duh.
Task 9. strapazierfähig (Hard-Wearing / Resilient)
In the end we chose an old watchtower in the Vienna Observatory complex. Ideas abound for this one also.
Task 10. Wo Licht ist, ist auch Schatten (Where There is Light, There is also Shadow)
LUX is called LUX.
Still, we went slightly more creative and constructed a little dark room with bubbles and 100% controlled lighting.
Task 11. aus anderer Perspektive (From Another Perspective)
I was on the way to Meidling Bf already. A graffiti on glass made it look like a drawing (and dripping) from the sky. Not a strong piece of work.
Task 12. im Eimer (In the Pall)
I took the prompt as “done” and just held up my Vienna song. It is probably very far from what others would submit.
Ah there’s a (beta) new LUX watermark used here… I am still working on it.
Yourong Frank Wang 