Silence in Gent Photo

Photographer’s Note

I delved into the archives for this photo. I like looking at it, and had thought that I had uploaded it on TE a long time ago. But looking through my Belgium shots I couldn't see it. So here it is, a shot from the winter of three years ago, of the little red boat that was moored for ages in front of the old Gent fish market. I have seen the red boat in some other shots of Gent, and two of my own in my Belgium gallery. I thought it 'belonged' there, but returning a year later to Gent I found it had gone; perhaps it has been returned to its old place. Maybe a member like John Maenhout will know if it has returned.

I remember the month in Gent was marked by many days like this, very gloomy and very cold, but with not a faint breath of wind. It was not hard to find deserted sections of the town beside the river on any freezing morning. I took this photo from just outside our favourite cafe of the time, the Calisto, so well positioned near this curve in the River Leie, and at one end of a pedestrian bridge which can be seen in this photo, along with the fishmarket and red boat, again!

besnard, snunney, KLB, feather, Buin, maltese, carper, daddo, phwall, skippy007, rginer, gildasjan, saxo042, guytoc, Royaldevon, Kielia, paura, Photo65Net, jaywalker, danos, azaf1, Cricri, Charo, jlbrthnn, jhm, bakes888, judesta, paololg, asajernigan, vinicio, fanni, Loic_bzh, jafadabret, swiatopelk777 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

besnard (31292) 2009-03-17 5:00

Bonjour Andrews
J'ai cru que tu étais revenu en Europe. Une belle image de ces bâtiments qui ne semblent pas tout jeunes et de leurs reflets bien saisis.
Merci pour le partage et bonne journée.
Nicole

snunney (35780) 2009-03-17 5:11

Hello Andrew,
A good composition taking full advantage of the curving footpath on the right and the beautiful reflections. I like how we can only see the roofs in the reflections and, also, the textures in the walls of the building on the left. The red boat is a nice bonus making a splash of colour against the greys.

jackyt (95) 2009-03-17 5:17

nice scenery and beautiful warm colours

KLB (18335) 2009-03-17 5:24

Hello Andrew

This is a really appealing view.
You've done a great use of the footpath to create an interesting and dynamic curve.
It seems to be a grey sad light but despite these conditions you've achieved a bright picture.
I like this silent mood, thanks for sharing the peaceful of the canals.

Regards
Karine

Miha2ou7 (4959) 2009-03-17 6:11

Hey Andrew,

Amazing post-processing work. The textures and colors just seem to stick out of the photo. Otherwise, a gorgeous motive, with some nice lines and curvature to it, and of course amazing reflections.

Best regards.

feather (50460) 2009-03-17 8:23

The clarity of the reflections is stunning; almost like the reality. Well composed image with the inclusion of the curving path and the dead buddlia overhanging the water. It has a slight HDR appearance, or it could just be the result of the gloomy weather.
Kath

Longroute (10035) 2009-03-17 8:53

The composition is perfect, the subject very interesting and fine, and surely that reflection on the water makes it appealing. I have some reserves on pp, is that an HDR?
The colours are not natural and it's oversharpened...
Best regards,
Donato

Buin (38546) 2009-03-17 9:26

Hallo Andrew!
An at the first glance a bit cunfusing photo - but at the second one a picture with wonderful details and a skillful composition. Tthis mirroring water simply is great! An inviting scenery ...
Greetings from rather cool and grey Germany!
Frank

maltese (21539) 2009-03-17 10:18

Hello Andrew
De très belles reflections bien mise en valeur par ton cadrage et une composition bien pensée, ces couleurs d'hiver donnent une belle douceur à la photo!!
Très bon travail
Amicalement
Hervé

carper (66056) 2009-03-17 10:46

very beautiful Andrew,
a very good point of view, fine atmosphere, good balance, a good painting with the camera, with compliments, have a nice day.
regard jaap

daddo (11641) 2009-03-17 14:24

Hi Andrew. Fascinating composition with so much detail.Beautiful reflections and evocative stillness. I was struck by the palour/morning glare of the atmosphere, so I decided to do a little workshop in which I tried to imagine a less bright morning, a more wintry mood. Hope it didn't compromise the original moment too much. Regards. Klaudio.

[workshop] [compare]

phwall (5811) 2009-03-17 18:59

Hi Andrew,
There is a special calm and quiet quality to mirror smooth water, that quality is presented perfectly in this capture. At first I thought the image lacked saturation, but the more I look at it the more I like what you've achieved. The only thing that does bother me is the slight tilt, I find it just a little distracting.
Very nice capture, it does look very cold, I hope you were getting stuck into a hot and hearty breakfast.
Cheers
Peter

skippy007 (7437) 2009-03-18 0:28

Hello Andrew, Too many photos in your hard drive could be the reason it escaped you otherwise I'm sure you would have posted it earlier, Rather than tell you what I like I'll keep it brief & tell what I don't like, I have nothing to say.
Well done, a lovely well framed scene with nice colour, amazing reflections & pleasing lines & curves.
Take care
Santo

rginer (608) 2009-03-18 2:23 [Comment]

Show Comment

gildasjan (24211) 2009-03-18 2:39

Bonjour Andrew
Quartier très photogénique de cette ville et ici une très bonne image avec ce reflet et ce petit bateau rouge.Il doit y avoir de belles promenades à faire le long de ce chemin sur la droite de l'image.
Bonne journée
Amicalement
gildas

Jean-Luc (5488) 2009-03-18 2:39

Bonjour Andrew,
J'aime bien aussi retrouver des clichés anciens qui ont retenu mon attention et de les proposer aux amis de TE.
Ces réflexions dans l'eau sont superbes de mêmes que les couleurs.
Amicalement
Jean-Luc

lousat (16368) 2009-03-18 4:52

Hi Andrew..how i like this kind of pic! The old houses reflected in the water are always a great spectacle! Maybe the pic isn't perfectly horizontal,but the sharpness and the colors are reallt fantastics! I can't believe that a beauty like that sleep 3 years in your hard disk..ehehe...my best compliments,have a nice day,Luciano

saxo042 (16522) 2009-03-18 6:34

Hi Andrew,
The very calm water here gives an almost mirror perfect reflection. The curved railing and the red boats are important details in the total picture!
Kind regards
Gunnar

guytoc (1586) 2009-03-18 13:22

Hello Andrew,
What an amazing atmosphere in your picture! I just don't know if it is due to the PP or to the winter light but it actually works. The quiet water gives a beautifull reflection and the curved footpath, with that bending over budleia ( butterfly tree), makes the image much more dynamic.
Job weel done. TFS.
Have a nice evening in Australia.
Friendly yours.
Guy.

Royaldevon (5968) 2009-03-19 2:56

Hello Andrew,

The unbelievably calm conditions have enabled you to take a shot, with the river so still, that it is the best mirror-image that I have ever seen! I love to be able to see details in the water that are only visible in reflection!
The sharp focus, everywhere, is to be commended as it allows all the details to be scrutinised with interest.
Excellent positioning and composition.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

Kielia (8799) 2009-03-19 11:38

Hi Andrew,
this is really a very moody corner of Gent and I can understand why you liked it. The scenery is very attractive and the colors are superb. I am convinced that in bright sunlight the colors would not have been as interesting as they are now. The red boat is of course the icing on the cake! Great POV! TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

dvlazar (6492) 2009-03-20 3:34

The reflections here are intense - great sharpening work for an eye popping image.

Dave

delpeoples (6986) 2009-03-20 3:37

Hi Andrew, those archives of yours are full of little treasures arent they? This is a beautiful shot of a place we don't see enough of on TE. The reflections are superb, as are the colours. Shade has been managed so well here and has resulted in an excellent photo. Congrats, Lisa.

albertz (2310) 2009-03-21 1:54

the reflection is almost real.. a cup of coffee with this view is refreshing. the curve add some interest in the compo. beautiful shot.

paura (39580) 2009-03-21 4:25

Andrew,
Fantastic composition here. Really a "pure art" composition with excellent graphic effect outcome.Well done!

regards

Paulo

mafegan (4613) 2009-03-21 22:25

Hello Andrew
A good composition - a perfect reflection, interesting curved railing leading the eye beyond and a red and blue boat as a bonus. Thank you, Marlene

Photo65Net (43106) 2009-03-22 9:59

Hello Andrew,
Superb reflections here.
Nice job on brightness too.
Have a nice day,
JB.

jaywalker (12391) 2009-03-22 12:25

Hi Andrew, A great photo beautifully composed with the walkway curving round on the right, the reflections are excellent & I love the overall effect, a really superb piece of work, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

danos (33624) 2009-03-22 13:09

Hello Andrew,
spectacular this calmly and tranquil environment of Gent with the reflections to make the scene marvellous.The narrow path creates depth in the scene.Well done.

Have a nice week,Danos

azaf1 (15615) 2009-03-24 2:27

Good morning Andrew

What can I say! A perfect reflection that could have been upside down. Sharp details and that curve on the right a nice addition. Really impressive

Have a good day and TFS
argiris

Cricri (44048) 2009-03-24 9:26

Bonjour Andrew
Bel effet de miroir des bâtiments joliment présenter avec la courbe du chemin en cadrage, belle préservation des couleurs naturels
friendship
cricri

Charo (32086) 2009-03-24 16:51

Hello Andrew,
Fantastic composition with the walk along the river and the beautiful reflections of the buildings in the water that looks like a mirror.
Excellent light and details.
Greetings,
Charo

jlbrthnn (39405) 2009-03-25 7:03

Hello Andrew,
The reflection is obviously the element which one notices immediately. It is superb. The colors of the boat adds to the attractive effect. Framing is excellent. The image is very clear, perhaps a little too. Cheer, a good work.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

jhm (83684) 2009-03-26 3:44

Hello Andrew,

I am very late, this coming through my accident, I am little bit absent-minded.
This is indeed a part of the old "VISMIJN" I see these picture for first time.
I know these place very well, I come here almost every week
Very nice composition and good presentation of these night picture.
I was late but never to late.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

bakes888 (18353) 2009-03-28 0:48

Hi Andrew. You have certainly captured a calm mood in this shot, wonderful reflections. Nice compo with good balance between reality and reflection. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

judesta (992) 2009-04-01 3:40

Hi Andrew
Now this is a real mirror imagine, one of those shots that if you turned it upside down it would be hard to tell. Absolutely stunning landscape and refelction. The little colourful boat really stands out.
Cheers
Jude

windosil (826) 2009-04-01 5:19

Lovely 'painting', Andrew.
I too found the thumbnail puzzling, but am glad I clicked on it. I had the feeling that the buddleia was not quite right and am fascinated by the effect Klaudio has managed to achieve with it. Always something new to learn on TE!
Winifred

molla (6931) 2009-04-01 7:42

Hej Andrew,
I went to Brugge some years ago and what I've heard of people Gent is even more beautiful,
and your way of presenting some of its channels gives us an slight idea of it's beauty,
Good but different comp with a nice curve.

Anders

ElAprendiz (7370) 2009-04-04 8:34

Hello Andrew:

The high point of view that you used, can create a balanced composition, with infinite details. They very well made, with balanced contrast and appropriate management of the light.

Reflections in the water are beautiful, where the elements are highlighted with brightness and focus. The side street, gives a touch of harmony to the environment. I like it, congratulations.

John

paololg (14495) 2009-04-06 14:26

Ciao dear Andrew,
stupendous photo with an excellent sharpness. Water seems really a mirror that stupendously reflects the old houses. You have done excellent work, compliments!
Ciao, have a nice day!
Paolo

foozi (4747) 2009-04-08 6:43

Hi Andrew,
really lovely shot. excellent reflection and the sharpness is superbs. Very stylish and colour contrast and textures is wonderful.
i like the composition very much.
well presented with splendid skills.

regards,
foozi

asajernigan (14368) 2009-04-10 5:29

Andrew,
The reflection is amazing here creating fantastic depth for the scene. The curving path provides a nice sense of direction for the shot. The lighting and colors are great with excellent sharpness and detail.
TFS,
Asa

MarcT (21105) 2009-04-11 13:21

Hi Andrew,
Nice reflections of those roofs in the water.
A beautiful place indeed.
Best wishes
Marc

vinicio (22488) 2009-04-11 15:18

Nice reflection, a bit poor of colors but I can imagine the weather, anyway the image and the place are very nice and I wish a day to visit the city.
Compliments.
Ciao
Vinicio

emka (22701) 2009-04-12 15:48

Hi Andrew, i have just seen old photos from Bruges by Antonio and here another Australian goes back to Belgium :) Wonderful calm water giving beautiful reflection. Nostalgic photo.

regards

Malgorzata

npecanhuk (15090) 2009-04-19 6:10

Hi Andrew!
In this one, the reflection is the highlight and I really like it! TFS - Congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

fanni (9009) 2009-04-22 23:37

Hello Andrew,
I am surprised! It's almost unbelievable that there can be such still water which looks absolutely like a mirror! But I know how it can be, in reality...
Very beautiful photo, beautiful reflection which is the essence of the shot, imho. I also like the POV, with the curved walkway on the right. Very lovely quiet natural colours!
Best regards,
Elena

Loic_bzh (7061) 2009-04-23 4:55

Hi Andrew,

I know very well Bruges but I fisrt discover Gent only one month ago. It's a very intersting city but your pict shows very well the big difference between the two cities: the biggest part of Gent is old & dirty, like if they didn't care about tourism... Strange. Anyways, I'll be back there ASAP with, I hope, a better wetheir than last time.

Cheers,

Loïc

jafadabret (40601) 2009-05-06 9:17

Bonjour Andrew.
Tes archives recèlent de bien belles photos. J'aime cette composition où les reflets dévoilent plus de choses que la partie haute. Les couleurs et le graphisme sont superbes.
Salutations,
Jacques

swiatopelk777 (9706) 2009-07-31 4:15

Hi Macondo!
Amazing reflection. Wonderful mirror. Perfect contrast and sharpness. Good frame.
Greetings from Poland!

berek (29093) 2009-08-29 21:45

Hi Andrew,
what a wonderful reflections. I love old architectures and pastel colours. well done.
Have a nice Sunday.
Burak

clio (23405) 2009-09-10 10:17

Hi Andrew,
The composition is beautiful with the canal's curve . These grey reflections are very surprising and original. It is disturbing because we don't see the roofs which are in the reflection, there is thus a false symmetry which is really interesting. Tints are very sweet without being sad.
It is really a great work. Congratulations!
Diane