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From the darkness into the light


From the darkness into the light
Photo Information
Copyright: Hans Spruijt (GreenBaron) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3184 W: 941 N: 11458] (48878)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-07-07
Categories: Architecture, Mood
Camera: Nikon D70s, SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8-4, 58mm UV
Exposure: f/3.3, 1/45 seconds
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Religious houses in the world [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-07-10 0:52
Viewed: 726
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 90
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
from the darkness into the light

An intermezzo from the air show photos.

A bit pathetic title isn’t it? Isn’t all our life like this. Some go from the light into the dark, some from the dark in to light, many live in the darkness and some of us seems to live in clarity. But one thing for sure to we all have to climb or descent the stairs to get somewhere, except the ones who decided to stay in the dark. For so far your philosopher Green Baron :-)

Well In the late afternoon of Saturday 7-7-7 I visited the beautiful city of Rouen. As many cities in France this town has a cathedral and although not religious (anymore) these stunning buildings are attractive no mater if you are a believer or not. I must admit the outside (see my WS) is more attractive than the inside if you compare it with or he cathedrals like the St. Peter in Rome the St. Pauls in Londen, the St. Bavo in Haarlem and the St. Maria op ‘t dak in Almiskerke.

Anyway I saw the light literally (no I’m not converted) on these stairs and took some pictures and indeed all the different types of brightness are visible; from underexposed in the left lower corner to over exposed half way the stairs. I know it isn’t the perfect picture (I’m working on it :-) so tips and tricks are most welcome (indeed use a tripod, a smaller aperture higher ISO and shorter shutter speed? All tips are welcome except the advise to buy a C*n*n camera :-)

PP-work:
Shot in RAW, adjusted brightness, contrast and saturation. Sharpened and cropped, add frame and text converted to JPEG.

Image details:
ISO: 200
Metering: matrix
Shutter: 1/45
Aperture: f/3.3
White balance:sunlight
Focal length:28mm

Rouen

Rouen is the historical capital city of Normandy, in northwestern France on the River Seine, and currently the capital of the Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy) région. Once one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe, Rouen was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy in the Middle Ages. It was one of the capitals of the Anglo-Norman dynasties, which ruled both England and large parts of modern France from the 11th century to the 15th century. It is in Rouen where Joan of Arc was burnt in 1431. People from Rouen are called Rouennais.
The population of the metropolitan area (in French: agglomération) at the 1999 census was 518,316 inhabitants. The city proper had a population of 106,592.
Rouen is the capital of the Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy) région, as well as a commune and the préfecture (capital) of the Seine-Maritime département.
Rouen and 36 suburban communes of the metropolitan area form the Community of Agglomeration of Rouen Haute-Normandie, with 393,621 inhabitants in it at the 1999 census.
History
Rouen was founded by the Gauls who called it Ratumacos; the Romans later renamed it to Rotomagus. Rouen was the chief city of the Secunda Provincia Lugdunensis under Constantine. In the 5th century it became the seat of the bishopric and later a capital of Neustria. In the 9th century, it was overrun by Normans and since 912 has been the capital of Normandy and residence of the dukes.
In the 1100s, Rouen was the site of a yeshiva; at that time, about 6,000 Jews lived in the town, comprising about 20% of the population, in addition to a large number of Jews scattered about another 100 communities in Normandy. The well-preserved remains of the yeshiva were discovered in the 1970s under the Rouen Law Courts, and the community has begun a project to restore them.
On June 24, 1204 Philippe Auguste entered Rouen and definitively annexed Normandy to the French Kingdom.
During the Hundred Years' War, on January 19, 1419, Rouen surrendered to Henry V of England who made Normandy a part of England. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431. The French recaptured the town in 1449.
The city was heavily damaged during World War II on D-day and its famed cathedral was almost destroyed by Allied bombs. During the Nazi occupation, the German Navy had its headquarters located in a chateau on the École Supérieure de Commerce de Rouen campus.
Sights

Rouen is known for its Notre Dame cathedral, with its Tour de Beurre (butter tower). The cathedral was the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet, some of which are exhibited in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
The Gros Horloge is an astronomical clock (16th century), located in the Gros Horloge street.
Other famous structures include the Gothic Church of Saint Maclou (15th century); the Tour Jeanne d'Arc, where Joan of Arc was brought in 1431 to be threatened with torture (contrary to popular belief, she was not imprisoned there); the Church of Saint Ouen (12th–15th century); the Palais de Justice, which was once the seat of the Parlement (French court of law) of Normandy and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics which contains a splendid collection of faïence and porcelain for which Rouen was renowned during the 16th to 18th centuries.
Rouen is noted for its surviving half-timbered buildings.
In the centre of the Place du Vieux Marché is the modern church of Saint Joan of Arc. This is a large, modern structure which dominates the square. The form of the building represents the pyre on which Joan of Arc was burnt. (Texts:Wikipedia.com)
kulimpapat, xvs1100, Helkoryo, Bianca, Jens, PierreFrigon, inaam, vandana2923, kokos101, shifty9, shelbeesmom, milas, coquelicot79, cleocat, Ejtaan, TheMystic, Mas, Silke, ioana_tm, Silvio2006, c_rapp, Refugee, guinness_fr, Tomek, s_a_s_h_a, jitro has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To deud: Thanks!GreenBaron 1 07-20 04:24
To Mas: LichtGreenBaron 1 07-11 14:28
To PierreFrigon: ?!GreenBaron 3 07-11 10:12
To xvs1100: WSGreenBaron 2 07-11 00:04
To TheMystic: FigureGreenBaron 1 07-10 16:29
To joopschotsman: Own powerGreenBaron 1 07-10 10:01
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi

this is nice shots and you ar eplaying with the colour very nicely

Amri HMS

Goede morgen Hans,

This is a wonderful image, full of life and form.

I like the detail and colour, but the area where the light falls, is overexposed and, as a result, the detail fades and breaks the wonderfull rythm.

I'll see if I can fix it in a workshop.

Nevertheless, a wonderfull view and grand colours.

TFS

Dirk

I like the title, I love the composition, and the note is great too. It's almost a masterpiece photo, with exceptional detail and geometry - but there's an overexposed area where the sunlight hits the stone, and that really does take away from its perfection.

Maybe it could be fixed with post processing, I don't know.

Even so, it is an excellent shot - you did well my friend!

Rew

Nice POV and great composition

TFS

Olivier

  • Great 
  • Fons Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1299 W: 2 N: 202] (15596)
  • [2007-07-10 1:57]

Wat een mooi lichtspel op die houten trappen! Ook de muren en het gewelf is prachtig

Good morning Hans

Thsi capture is absolutely beautiful, you really show the atmosphere of the building with the lighing here. Wonderful work.

TFS regards Helen

Hi Hans,

Beautiful composition and wonderful (and yes...philosophic :-))note. I like the somehow dark atmosphere as that suits this cathedral. And...nothing wrong with a c*n*n...haha...
TFS! Greetings from Bianca.

  • Great 
  • Jens Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 558 W: 52 N: 1139] (4661)
  • [2007-07-10 3:02]

Hi again Hans
Once again a very good photo. The colors, the shadows and the POV make it perfect. TFS
Jens.

Hi Hans,

No no no, no Canon hahaha.

I like the light, yeah a slight over-exposure.
Shoot in RAW and use a soft ND Grad filter 0.4 from top right to left bottom - moved as far as possible to the top right. Well, just my tip of the day. ;-)

Greetings! Dennis

I think you made a stunning pcture here, Hans. Great colour and light with a warm calm mood. I like it.
You are working around he, with your new camera? haha.
But 777? Was a quick visit? For work?

groetjes,

Don

Alleluia! Our Brother has seen the light! (:-])
Excellent capture. Good sharpness, composition and details.
TFS
Brother Pierre

  • Great 
  • inaam Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1719 W: 5 N: 389] (1376)
  • [2007-07-10 5:21]

Hoi Hans,

A beautifully composed image and its columnar presentation is fantastic. Variation of light is nicely managed where texture is providing an excellent feel of fine art. Well done Boss.

Thanks for sharing this image.

Hello Hans,

This is beautiful architecture shot. Good play with shadows and light. Very nicely captured mood. TFS

Vandana

hello hans!
wonderful composition and great details.
tfs
zoran

Hello Hans,
Awesome use of natural light here. Well composed with great sharpness. A wonderful photo!

-JD

  • Great 
  • jawa Gold Star Critiquer [C: 1372 W: 0 N: 1] (12003)
  • [2007-07-10 7:25]

Hallo Hans
Inderdaad een erg mooi licht in deze foto.
Gr Jos

  • Great 
  • linus Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1477 W: 10 N: 738] (10767)
  • [2007-07-10 7:50]

Hi Hans,
Beautiful composition. I like the way you slightly off set the picture, with the arch not perfectly symmetrical. Good work.
Sunil

very gothic Hans. fantastic light and mood! nice PP. TFS

Very excellent commentary Hans on darkness and light! My favorite saying is "The darkness can NEVER overtake the light, but the light can illuminate the darkness" WONDERFUL shot of this stairwell, in a church, I presume?? One of your BESTEST ever! Absolutely love it, my friend! Keep shining!!
B-)
Linda

  • Great 
  • milas Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2726 W: 412 N: 2985] (32789)
  • [2007-07-10 8:36]

merhaba myfriend Hans;
This is beautiful architecture shot. Good play with shadows and light. Very nicely captured mood. TFS
SELAMLAR

Hi Hans,
I was a bit confused ! Searching for after burners, I found stairs to climb the height at own power. ;-)
Very good image, technically and substantively ('inhoudelijk' hoop ik). Good light and colors.
greetings,
Joop!

Wonderful architecture, Hans, and a mystic light inside, a place to sit down an watch to see all the details.
I missed so many of your shots during the last time, they are all so special. I have so many work at my office, sorry.
Bye and greetings
Sabine - wishnugaruda

There is an old mysterious quality to this photo that makes it perfect for me. And I find philospher Green Baron's views quite interesting.

Hello mon ami,

I'm particularly spoiled between you and Marcel to "Bayeux" and "Vienna".
How centuries ago, men could realized these wonders. Cheer for the clearness of the details of the sculpture of the staircase, the genuine lace.

Amitiés françaises,
Corinne

  • Great 
  • Ejtaan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 977 W: 99 N: 2253] (11367)
  • [2007-07-10 13:46]

A great image Hans! Lovely light and a wonderful composition. I really do like the details showing here. Very nice entry!

Cheers,
Anneke

Super photo, Hans: very spiritual - the light shining on the lone figure, seemingly lost in contemplation. The composition is reminescent of the style of Kaspar David Friedrich.
Nice work!
Cheers
Otto

Hallo Hans,
sehr schönes Bild, wunderbar komponiert
Karl

  • Great 
  • Mas Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 53 W: 62 N: 250] (2677)
  • [2007-07-11 1:32]
  • [+]

Hi Hans, Heel mooi deze cathedraal !! Perfecte plekken om te fotograferen. Hele mooie lichtinval. Nice catch !!
Je titel is bijna een citaat van deze tekst uit de Bijbel (vers 9 met name) en nodigt uit om een relatie te leggen met de note van deze foto: Coming Home

sorry Hans, kon het niet laten ;-), maar deze was voor open doel

TFS Mas
ps your camera is fine, You don't have to buy a K*d*k.

  • Great 
  • lion Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 598 W: 66 N: 31] (5814)
  • [2007-07-11 3:24]

Wow, this really looks beautiful.
I love that arhitecture and winderful soft, perfect light

OOooo it looks sooo nice it looks great, very clever seen and done with this frame.
The light is very good balanced and we can see nice details.
Cheers Hans.

Evan

  • Great 
  • Silke Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2847 W: 263 N: 5947] (23588)
  • [2007-07-11 5:15]

Stunning composition and use of light. The message here is powerful
Well-seen and well-presented
TFS
silke

Hi Hans,
wonderful one! Great angle of shot and a view to admire... Nice feeling in it. The note is great! I really like this one. TFS

Kindly regards,
Ioana

Hi Hans, fascinating composition with wonderful light, splendid gothic architecture, I like a lot, very well done, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • c_rapp Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 957 W: 20 N: 1282] (7282)
  • [2007-07-11 17:54]

Beautiful detailing and a very cool pov! Very nicely taken. TFS
Christan

Hi Hans, a lovely image. Well composed, good colour and light and sharp in detail. TFS,
David

Many thanks for your comment on ‘Happy Birthday Pierre Frigon’. No idea how old he is he wouldn't tell me :)

Great capture of the light with the impressive architectural background.
Thanks for sharing
Mark

  • Great 
  • Tomek Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1312 W: 47 N: 2917] (16778)
  • [2007-07-12 13:45]

Hey Hans... This is like O MY God!!! - great shot, amazing lighting here and composition is splendid.
Thank you - pleasure for eyes.
Greetings - Tom

Hi Hans,
Thhis is a wonderful architecture shot full of light and shadows. Looks mystic.

Best Regards,
ALex

Enorm mooie foto Hans :
komt recht uit een sprookje !

Greetz
Jan

  • Great 
  • Viking Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 996 W: 63 N: 782] (4383)
  • [2007-07-15 19:34]

Absolute fab! Excellent and even a touch of the mistique f the Churche is in this shot.
( sorry I do not read very long notes )
Perfect Hans
Rob
* follow

Great shot! I like the soft lighting and the composition. The staircase is impressive as well. Well done

  • Great 
  • deud Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 175 W: 5 N: 19] (1130)
  • [2007-07-20 4:19]
  • [+]

wow! great image! amazing subject! very well realised. tfs

It is a shame I didn't get to critique this earlier.
Great angle shot, perfect lighting, nice framing.
Well done. :)
TFS
Leanne

Hi,
Very well composed shot. You thought that out very good! The light part is a bit OE, but that's even better for the great contrast in the picture. It's a real mood-shot, maybe also because of your melancholical note ;)
TFS, Darlene

  • Great 
  • jitro Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 94 W: 0 N: 40] (528)
  • [2007-07-25 13:15]

Hi Hans,
great photo! I like the atmosphere.
Nice colors and compo.
TFS
Jitka

Hello Hans,
The crop is perfect, your black frame does serve a purpose here : to enhance your subject and it does that wonderfully .I also enjoy admiring the scene(i often shoot in churches too) and it's all about light here true ,i sort of like you playing with it in a good way , the strong glare off on the right pillars a tad less bright and i'd say you've got yourself a most perfect picture ,overall you did an excellent job my friend !
BTW Hans,
your philosophy of life suits me well! Your notes are informative ,long but pleasant to read , yes down to the last word!
TFS,
Carol

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