Stark Contrast: Palace and Prison

 One of the genuine benefits of visiting a city like Venice in early spring is the relative absence of other tourists. It is a beautiful city with a fantastic heritage and it is no wonder that millions of people flock to see it. It is also no wonder that the locals, despite a dependency on the revenue from tourism find the hordes of people that swarm over the city during the summer months quite hard to bear.

By going in March it was possible to avoid the crowds and the queues and visiting the Doges Palace was so much more enjoyable as I was able to walk in without having to queue at all. I could also get lots of photos without having to wait ages for people to move out of the shot.

The interior of the palace was as grand as you would expect, it being the hub of the wealthiest and most powerful business and political centre in renaissance times. Rich wood panelling on the walls, marble floors, elaborate frescos, ornate staircases, archways and windows, and sculptures depicting opulence and plenty everywhere you look.

The palace was not so much a residence but a council chamber where the affairs of state were administered and justice meted out to those who would destabilise the empire. Locals were encouraged to denounce anyone who might pose a threat to stability (see the "letter box" in my last post).

After a court hearing in extravagant surroundings convicted prisoners were then taken across the Bridge of Sighs to the prison on the opposite side of the small canal. Conditions within the prison were dire and convicts would likely never see the light of day again.

The selection of images above highlight the stark contrast between palace and prison.

Harbour Walls

 While seated on a bench overlooking the harbour at Whitby I spent some time watching people walking along the harbour wall across the small beach in front of me. As I did so I realised that with the layered clouds above and the weathered patterns on the stone walls this would make for an effective image. Add to that the people walking by I thought they would make great images.

Although in the first image the colours show off the richness of the stone really nicely I think the black and white images are better. Il like the lone figure walking, hands in pockets, his head slightly bowed, and illuminated by the sun which was fairly low in the sky directly behind me. I wonder what he was thinking as he walked alone, I could come up with a number of different storylines.

I was really pleased when the couple in the second image actually stopped in the frame and started to point at something off to my right, one shielding his eyes from the sun so he could more clearly see what he was being directed to. Again this scene lends itself to all sorts of potential storylines and makes this, in my mind at least and effective image. 

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Kings Dock, Port of Liverpool

 There is a nice contrast in these images of the historic architecture of the Albert Dock Warehouses (now the Merseyside Maritime Museum) and the modern architecture of the newer developments on the Strand showing how investment in Liverpool over recent years has helped improve the city centre and make it an attractive place to live, work or visit.

Even on a cold day this is a popular place for families to visit and explore Liverpool's rich history, to reflect on the positives and negatives and also to enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfront.

Cosmos

 

It is over two weeks since I posted last and it is incredible because I have so much to get through, but after long days at work mostly in front of my computer I just haven't really felt like taking more time looking at a screen and concentrating on processing images to share.

That being said today and over the next few days I can see myself spending an awful lot of time sorting through files and photos so perhaps there will be more to see. Who knows this might not even be my only post for today...

For today though I have selected two shots of a variety of Cosmos, a plant from the daisy family I believe. This one has luscious pink petals and a radiant yellow centre which really made it stand out. The texture of the petals as they curl seems to give movement to the flower even though it is perfectly still.

In the first image I just adjusted the contrast a little but in the second I wanted to try a completely different treatment, converting it to black and white, pulling up the contrast and increasing the blacks and shadows to create what I think is a really effective image. I love it, the movement in this image, to me at least, has the feel of fire and smoke. Maybe it is just me but however it looks to you I hope you will agree that it is a pretty cool photo.

Natural Contrasts

I spotted the lone feather in the grass on the cliff tops at Trefor in North Wales, before descending to the beach where I stood for a while listening and watching the waves of the incoming tide.

The feather is so delicate and I love the way each wispy frond is serrated so that they zip together to complete the structure.

I have chosen to share the image of the pebbles as a contrast to the softness of the feather. Not only is there a contrast in the textures but also the colours with the softness of the feather and the rough and hardness of the pebbles

Light Waves

At first I couldn't decide what to post today, I have some beautiful shots of a Robin that I have been wanting to share but I decided that will be for my next post and today I have chosen some abstract images.

You may have seen similar posts from me in the past and you will know that I have a fascination for the way light plays on water and the stunning images that can be created from something so simple. Next time you are by a lake, pond, canal or other body of water on a calm day take a moment to look at what is going on on the surface. Even gentle movements can create intricate patterns and the angle of the sunlight, or any light source if it is after dark will bring out the detail in what otherwise might appear a flat surface. It is always changing and by capturing a moment in time in a photograph will preserve that detail.

In each of the images above I have taken a photograph and cropped a section and adjusted the exposure and the balance to create an image that is more than was there at first sight, to bring out the subtleties of the individual ripples and reflections.

These were all captured at Burton Mere and other than the first image which is simply a reflection of the light coming through the clouds the other images are the distorted reflections of the trees around the mere.

I love these abstract images because each time you look you can see something different. 

I hope that you like them but if wildlife is more for you then be sure to take a look tomorrow because I will post something that I am sure you will like.
 

Lac de Joux

On our roadtrip travelling from Annecy to our final destination in Alsace we slipped across the border into Switzerland and we made our way through some small villages and along very pretty valleys.

Today's shot is one of the few that I got while in Switzerland because we were just passing through but I would definitely like to go back for a longer visit. 

This is Lac de Joux near L'Abbaye in Vaud region. I think the driftwood adds a nice focal point drawing you into the shot.

The second image just has a few minor adjustments to contrast and exposure in Lightroom and is as close to the real view as shot in camera. The first image though has been adjusted using a de-saturated contrast preset and I think it looks really nice.

Sticks n Stones

After a short hike to this little cove I had a bit of fun making a splash and then I spent some time experimenting with some stone balancing.

There were plenty of stones to choose from and with some of the driftwood to provide contrast (and a platform) I constructed a few cool looking stacks.  I think they look really good set against the backdrop of Lake Superior and the forest of the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Getting Under Way

The red car and the blue car had a race...

Some of you will know that the line above is from a chocolate advert for Milky Way but it seemed appropriate given that the gondoliers have different coloured stripes. I don't really think they were having a race and there was no chocolate at stake either.

I have these pictures in colour and black and white and both look fantastic. I think for the close up the black and white works better but for the whole scene I think the colour shots come out on top. They are rich and full of life and the decoration of the gondolas and the lighting from the cafes stand out beautifully.

Secluded Courtyard

Over the last few days I have been sharing pictures from a recent visit to Dunham Massey but before then I was posting more pictures from my roadtrip earlier this year.

Today's picture is stepping back to the trip and my visit to the Boboli Gardens in Florence.  We had spent a couple of hours walking around the gardens soaking up the atmosphere and the summer sun and as we were making our way to the exit I spotted this wonderful little terrace/courtyard. I love the colours in this picture and the contrast between the warm stone  floor, the rich colour of the walls and the cool green of the climbers around the gateway, And the gate, slightly rickety adds such a lot of character to the scene.

The gardens were quite busy but this little terrace was an oasis of calm and so so beautiful. 

Different Ends Of The Valley

These two shots were taken yesterday but they look as if one was taken in winter and the other in summer.

I had just emerged from the darkness of the copper mine high up on the side of the hill. Underground it had been relatively warm but coming outside I was hit with the icy blast of the wind blowing up the valley. There was snow blowing around and with the wind chill it felt like it was -14 C. From the first image you can see the snow storm approaching and even though it only left a light dusting it was enough to let me know that winter isn't ready to end just yet.

Turn 180 degrees and the scene is completely different, apart from the absence of leaves on the trees you could imagine it is a summer's day. Next stop from here was going to be Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog. It is a lovely expanse of sand with impressive cliffs and a great spot to visit so the clear blue sky was drawing me there however I wasn't sure whether I would get there before the snow...

Doxey Pool

Here is another shot from my day out at The Roaches in Staffordshire. I originally posted this picture in June 2016 but looking back at that image I think it looks a bit flat so I have reworked it to bring out the qualities that I saw on the day.

I like the reflections of the rocks and cotton grass in the pool, I love the shape of the rocks as they lean lazily away from the viewer and I like the layers of cloud that bring the image together.

I really like this image and I am glad that I have revisited it and brought out the best in it.

Creeper

I spotted this creeping fern growing on a wall alongside a canal while I was taking a call from a friend. I loved the way the individual fronds are curling and growing out in all different directions. I like the contrast of the warm green leaves against the cold stone wall and the dark stems.

Sea Holly

Today I have left Whitby behind and these pictures were taken during a visit to Ness Botanic Gardens.

I thought these were a variety of thistle but apparently it is Sea Holly or Eryngium maritimum which has been described as "a Thistle with style". They are certainly striking plants and with their vibrant blue they look great against the background of wispy grasses.

I spent a few hours wandering around the gardens so you can be certain that I took lots of photographs of bugs and flowers and of course I can hardly wait to share the pick of the bunch so please keep coming back to see for yourself.

A Trio of Nymphs and Fairies

So I realise that some of you will be thinking "where are the fairies?" but of course you know they are well hidden and you will probably never find them.

A bit like the first of today's butterflies which is an Indian Leaf Butterfly or Dead Leaf Butterfly which is so well camouflaged that unless I had stopped to take this close up would probably have been easily missed.

The second image is a close up of another Common Mormon similar to the one I posted yesterday.

The final image is of one of my favourite butterflies the Giant Wood Nymph. I love the contrast of the crisp white and bold black that work so well together, gorgeous!

ps if you spot a fairy let me know :)

Temptation

This picture, in black and white has a mysterious quality and does little to suggest the temptation mentioned in the title of today's post.

However when restored to its proper colour you can see...

... the bold yellow, so often a warning sign is used to great effect to attract and lure insects to its rich supply of pollen.

I love the contrast between these two images and I love the vibrancy of the yellow in the second image, it is my favourite colour after all.

At Brimham Rocks

For most of the day at Brimham Rocks the sky was dull and colourless but as it got closer to time to leave dark clouds formed in the distance but the sun also came out and lit up the rock formations. I love the contrast of the dark grey in the sky and the bright colours of the rocks.

Soft Top

I love the colour of the flower on this thistle but I especially love the contrast between the spiky exterior and the soft wavy flower on top. It's so cool!

...always rings twice

Yes I know I posted pictures of these butterflies yesterday but I love the contrast of the striking red against the black and flashes of vibrant white. I am also mesmerised by the eyes with the hexagonal pattern. Another thing I really like about this one is the pattern of white dots along the trailing edges of its wings that continues along the sides of its body and the back of its head, such a great design.

It's a real stunner.

Come back tomorrow for some different varieties, I know you won't be disappointed.