Godshuizen Brugge Photo

Photographer’s Note

© 2009 - All rights reserved. The photos taken by photographer John Maenhout are registered and copyrighted. Use in any form (web, paper publication, public exposure, etc.) is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the photographer. To contact with photographer please use johnmaenhout@yahoo.com

Another picture from Bruges, much photographers come toward Bruges, perhaps have to these people sometime more walk through the streets, than you shall find the most picturesque places of the old city.
This is a narrow street middle of the centre, name: St-Jan van de Meerstraat, in background you can see the tower of the St Salvator Cathedral.
The visitors who take the time to walk through the beautiful city of Bruges will notice after a while that a certain type of houses can be seen quite often in the city. Those houses are mostly late medieval-looking and bear a name and a year on the outside wall. These houses are called 'Godshuizen'. Literally translated this would mean 'Houses of God'. However, this translation could mislead one to believe that these houses were small churches, or places of worship. A better name would be 'Houses for the poor and the needy'. Indeed, as early as the 14th century rich families and rich corporations of Flemish cities built houses for poor and needy widows and widowers. Sometimes the houses were constructed by corporations or guilds, for their members who had lost their income or were unable to work because of illness, handicaps or other mishaps.

Thank you for visiting

Canon EOS 5D
Shooting Date/Time
23/05/2009 13:11:09
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/100Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F14
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
100
Lens
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Focal Length
70,0 mm
Image size
4368 x 2912
Image Quality
RAW
Picture Style
Landscape

ChrisJ, carper, Buin, Graal, snunney, Amaz, bukitgolfb301, papagolf21, pierrefonds, vasilpro, Urs, belido, josepmarin, yedirenk, Philippe, xuaxo, gervaso, Vasa, John_F_Kennedy, greek, danos, mortijo, ciakgiak, JCG, jlbrthnn, Longroute, adramad, siolaw, jusninasirun, Loic_bzh, ellelloo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

carper (66108) 2009-09-20 23:03

goed foto John,
prachtige kleuren, mooi standpunt van de camera,
uitstekende details, goed fotowerk hier.
prettige dag verder.
groet jaap

Buin (38574) 2009-09-20 23:19

Good morning John!
You again show us a wonderful place in this outstanding city. Because of the skillfully chosen angle the picture has a good depth and all the scenery transmits a homely atmosphere. I also like that you managed to take a photo without masses of tourists ;-)
Greetings from a foggy Westphalia!
Frank

bema (9230) 2009-09-20 23:22

Hello John,

a very pretty capture indeed, godd clarity, fashionable colors and a very good pov, you´ve choosen here..

have a fine day, best regards Bernd

Rafer (4642) 2009-09-20 23:22

Preciosos edificios y muy buena composición...saludos

saxo042 (16554) 2009-09-20 23:27

Hi John,
This is the way this fantastic city should be presented; in beautiful sunshine! When we were there in May, it was gray and rainy... This is a very good picture where you have included some persons to this marvellous street scene. The architecture of this place is very interesting and there are many available motives, and sunshine helps!
Kind regards
Gunnar

TopGeo (22475) 2009-09-20 23:50

Hi John! Very beautiful picture and frame of houses "godshuizen" and note. I liked the style architectural and the combined chromatically atmosphere! Beautiful perspective the cleanliness the detail and the presence of persons add. Praise you!
Regards
Georgios

devimeuxbe (56532) 2009-09-20 23:52

Hi John
i like the beautifull perspective on the street. Nice F14 for this composition./
Well done
Bertrand

pauloog (7083) 2009-09-21 0:04

Dag John,
Een mooi plaatje van Brugge, met de huisjes en hun typusche gevels mooi in beeld gebracht met mooi licht en schaduwspel.
Groetjes,
Paul

Graal (59090) 2009-09-21 0:16

Hi John,
an interesting backstreet and old architecture. Good shot. Nice vertical composition. I like it. Well informations and done photo.
Gr., Aleksander

rodgerg (25489) 2009-09-21 0:25

Dag John,

Je connais cet endroit, un des coins les plus pittoresques de Bruges avec ces belles "Godshuizen". Une vue pleine de vie, pleine de charme avec un belle perspective. Beau travail photo.
Goed week voor U.
Roger

snunney (35808) 2009-09-21 0:52

Hello John,
A fine perspective down this delightful street towards the archway. The people contribute much to the mood. Very good light and colours; excellent sharpness.

Amaz (7868) 2009-09-21 1:27

Excellent capture, John!!
Wonderful perspective of this colorful street!!
Perfect composition and really amazing colors!

My congrats!!

Best regards,

bukitgolfb301 (5136) 2009-09-21 1:35

Hello my dear John

What an another great artificial shot!
Super perfect framework, very sharp, nice composition and color management are splendid as usual!
Congratulation on your masterpiece!
Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Have a good blue Monday !

Takero

delkoo (35014) 2009-09-21 1:37

hi john,
Great photo. Well composed with excellent depth and perspective. Good colour and details also. Thanks for sharing.
didier

mauro61 (16620) 2009-09-21 1:43

Ciao John,
bella immagine di quest'angolo di Bruges piacevolmente animata e sotto una splendida luce.
Ottima la definizione e mi piace il contrasto tra l'azzurro del cielo e il rosso dei tetti delle case.
buona giornata
maurizio

gildasjan (24219) 2009-09-21 1:45

Bonjour John
Une image verticale parfaitement cadrée et les personnages apportent beaucoup dans ce paysage urbain bien coloré.
Bonne journée
Amicalement
gildas

papagolf21 (57003) 2009-09-21 2:34

Bonjour, mon bon ami John,
Nous avons l'impression de faire partie intégrante de la photo dans ce choix de cadrage.
Je me vois assez bien marcher tranquillement tout en admirant cet environnement très agréable. Pas d'éléments perturbateurs.
Excellente réalisation, une fois de plus.
Amitiés.
Philippe

ifege (2063) 2009-09-21 2:46

A great Bruges photo John without the tourist hype.
good composition and light management for a quiet back street shot.
cheers
Ian

npecanhuk (15142) 2009-09-21 4:06

Hello John!
Very nice and pleasant picture!
Sharpness, exposure, depth of field and colors are excellent! The pov was very well chosen, but it's the composition the real highlight in this image! Every single detail in this image was smartly placed in the frame and that pleases me a lot! Architectural elements are so beautifully presented and people made it lively and inviting!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

pierrefonds (26797) 2009-09-21 4:33

Hello John,

The presence of the persons has an effect of scale. THe point of view takes our eyes toward the arch which is giving depth to the composition. It is also showing the details and colors of the architecture of the houses and church. The afternoon light is enhancing the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

vasilpro (9767) 2009-09-21 4:43

Hello John,
Beautiful architecture composition with many details, very good POV, lovely colors. The people's walking adds life to the scene.
Have a nice day, Vasilis.

dta (6540) 2009-09-21 4:44

Hello John ,
A simple , but effective post card of this so beautiful city . I like a lot the sunny atmosphere , here , in this perfect springtime day .
Regards

Urs (3438) 2009-09-21 4:44

Hi John,

Very nice capture of a downtown street with some people walking by. Great sun light from the right, helping to produce vivid colors and dynamic contrasts. DOF is fine due to the road leading to the gate in the BG. Well done

best regards
Urs

belido (17129) 2009-09-21 5:30

Hi John,

lovely catch! A beautiful day and architecture could not result anything different than an attractive composition. Very well chosen angle and format and pleasant natural color/lights. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

danyy (69903) 2009-09-21 6:43

Bonjour John,
un endroit bien choisi dans cette manifique ville qu'est Bruges et qu'on reconnait à ce beffroi. Teintes et lumières bien gérées et j'aime aussi pas mal cette vie calme dans la rue.
Une photo très nette.
Amitié.
Daniel.

izmirli (3339) 2009-09-21 6:47

merhaba my dear friend john
how are you?
excellent daily life and street.wonderful colours and lovely houses.well done.
friendly greetings from Istanbul.
gürkan akçakır.

josepmarin (34243) 2009-09-21 6:49

Hi John,
Good framing and good perspective in this capture. I like how you have caught the beauty of this interesting architecture, from a good POV and with a perfect angle.
The result is obvious, the photo has a strong visual attraction and is very dynamic due to the presence of people.
A beautiful work, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

wolf38 (13153) 2009-09-21 7:25

Hi John. Even today's photo shows again the beauty and the usual quality of your works. I read with interest that you are now traveling with a telephoto lens. This lens offers many opportunities for experimentation. Have fun. Best regards, Wolfgang.

yedirenk (7563) 2009-09-21 8:42

Hi dear John,
great photo with nice light,excellent sharpness and perfect vertical format.very beautiful street scene with well-groomed old houses and nice people.also depth and framed are superb.TFS
Greetings

Cevdet

Philippe (11789) 2009-09-21 8:48

Dag, John. Deze Godshuizen hebben zeer mooie gevels en vormen hier een mooi geheel. De mensen die wandelen maken het beeld maken het beeld levendig. Een interessant perspectief en goede contrasten tussen het blauw van de lucht en de bakstenen en daken.
Ik wens u een prettige avond,
Philippe

hdl (6737) 2009-09-21 9:00

Hij was aangekondigd... Moest ik natuurlijk eens gaan zien. Wel, hij verrast me. Ik had een ander soort verwacht, misschien denk ik dan wel een beetje te klassiek. Maar het is juist het verrassende van het standpunt van een ander dat het allemaal zo interessant maakt. Heel netjes en echt typisch Brugs. Weer heel mooi gedaan.

peppe59 (2322) 2009-09-21 9:10

Ciao John,
foto da cartolina, i colori e le case così colorate sono di grande risalto.
Saluti e complimenti
Peppe

xuaxo (5909) 2009-09-21 10:41

Hi John,
Beautiful view, well composed.
I just don't like the gray frame, but that's not so important for the photo itself.
Greetings,
Francisco

john1 (2561) 2009-09-21 10:50

Hi John,

Je hebt betere tijd dan ik. Hier kleur en helderheid ontstaat over een compositie.
Wij waarderen de rustige straat.
Een prachtige architectonische stad van Brugge.
Goede avond.
John

gervaso (5788) 2009-09-21 11:56

Hello, John!

Really beautiful the medieval architecture of these houses, with the tower of the cathedral standing out in the picture, which has very good colors and sharpness! Wonderful composition!

gilou530 (35972) 2009-09-21 12:06

salut john
une luminoisité dans cette photo qui met cette ville que j'ai eu la chance de visiter, une rue typique prise en toute simplicité, bravo
amitiés
gilbert

TravelerNL (2971) 2009-09-21 12:28

Hoi John,
Mooie plaat met goede compo. Goede keuze om rechts van de poort nog een stuk muur te plaatsen.
Het licht diagonale shot geeft een goed zicht op de verschillende ontwerpen van de huizen, er is er geen een hetzelfde.
De voetgangers voegen het nodige leven toe.
Fijne avond,
Harko

cobra112 (12028) 2009-09-21 13:03

Hi John. Excellent DOF and contrast here with great light on the perspective. Nicocolour and amazing compo.

Roberto

Fis2 (46681) 2009-09-21 14:11

Witaj John!
Curious place,
interesting architecture.
Good frame and perspective.
Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

barrufeto_77 (25957) 2009-09-21 15:39

Hi John.

Excellent picture in which we can appreciate the architecture of Brugues.

Nice daily life pic!

gunbud (28261) 2009-09-21 16:02

Hi John,
Wonderful capture of these beautiful old homes that are seen in all their marvelous intricate details.
The colors are brilliantly clear and the beautiful architecture stands out nicely against the clear blue sky.
The people add effective scale to this fine daily life offering.
Regards, Tom

cbrman (19097) 2009-09-21 22:44

Hello John,

Une vue tout en perspective comme à ton habitude.
La présence des personnes qui marchent dans la rue donne de la vie à cette image. Une jolie série de façade qui aurait peut-être mérités une meilleur lumière.
A+

Dominique

Vasa (6589) 2009-09-22 0:53

The Planet is on your side, John. With reason: so many nice and worth seeing pictures you offer generously. This corner of Bruges is really inspiration to be there. I finish with my felicitations of your 80.000 smiles. I am proud of my contribution. Friendly,

Branko

maltese (21539) 2009-09-22 7:49

Hello John
Une très belle lumière sur Brugge et tu as su retrouver tout le charme de cette belle ville avec ces petites maisons et ces églises superbes!!
Beau travail
Amicalement
Hervé

John_F_Kennedy (32308) 2009-09-23 1:32

Hello John,
I like the composition of this romantic hosues in thsi little street. Great shot with perfect shaprness.
Best wishes,
Achim

ChrisJ (70485) 2009-09-23 7:33

Hello John

Missed this one. Good lead in lines & diminishing linear perspective, provided by the road. The people add scale & context. Tfs!

greek (7522) 2009-09-23 22:24

dear john,

lovely place, noce to live, sunny day and beautiful colours, interesting atmosphere, kisses to beautiful belgium and its people, galantis

ahmetgedikli (22243) 2009-09-24 4:47

Very beatiful shot. It's a nice photo of the daily life and architecture in Bruges. Very well done.
Best regards.

ahmetgedikli

danos (33680) 2009-09-24 6:43

HiJohn,
nice snapshot with food perspective and POV.I like the brilliant light of the scene as the vivid colours too.The existence of the walking people add life in the scene.Well done.

Have a nice afternoon,Danos

celmaleite (3038) 2009-09-24 7:04

Excelente ângulo, luz bem definida, boas cores. Otima foto. Parabéns!

mortijo (12522) 2009-09-24 7:14

Vooruit, ik maak het honderd rond. De foto verdient het trouwens. Heel mooi gekadreerd (wat een woord) en met prachtige, warme kleuren. Brugge heeft zijn mooie, kalme hoekjes voor wie ze weet te vinden.
Hartelijke groeten uit een grauw Luxemburg
John

ciakgiak (11582) 2009-09-24 8:52

Hello John,
thanks once again for the sharing of such a beautiful picture. I know that Bruges is splendid, and the place that you show us in your image is the confirm of this.
The colours are really superb so that the choice of the vertical format; moreover the quality is perfect!
Congratulation and TFS.
Best regards
Giorgio

JCG (25863) 2009-09-24 12:24

Bonsoir John,

Va falloir que j'y retourne un jour et à cette époque... Je suis allé deux fois à Bruges mais toujours en hiver et c'est vrai que l'arrivée des beaux jours comme ici donne une toute autre lumière et fait ressortir toutes ces belles couleurs. Joli format verticale sur cette rue et cette architecture si typique. Merci John.

Avec toutes mes amitiés et une très bonne soirée,

Jean-Charles

AiresSantos (43250) 2009-09-25 1:42

Hi John
Fine daily life picture from Bruges with people walking
Excellent POV and colours, Well framed and done
Have a nice day
Aires

jlbrthnn (39451) 2009-09-25 3:10

Hello John,
I like this framing in diagonal towards the arcade, which generates depth. The natural colors and the light give the impression to be a direct witness of the scene. Excellent pleasant and alive image. Cheer.
Have a nice day.
Cordially.
Joël

dip (13000) 2009-09-25 10:22

Hi John,
good capture of the beautiful daily life scene,
interesting architectural details,
great light managment and sharpness!
greetings,
Dimitris.

mkamionka (5028) 2009-09-26 8:40

Hi John,
beautiful original shot from this charming town.
I like the townhouses -your shot allows us see that they are crooked a little. Really pretty architecture and composition,
pleasant to look at,
M

Longroute (10085) 2009-09-27 6:47

I'm always late and backwards in commenting your photos, because I'm more off than on during this long summer.
I like very much this back street - not so well known as the other more photographed road but still very interesting and picturesque as well. Your very clear photos has a fine and serene atmosphere and makes one wish to be there to walk in that relaxed and inviting town. Very good light and bright colours which enhance the view of the texures of the brick walls. Fine and original.

Best regards,
Donato

adramad (4150) 2009-09-30 10:13

Hello John.
A precious composition in diagonal of so attractive place, I like the different volumes that form the garrets of the roof, a good color and great brightness, very good it works also with the frame.
Regards and good day.
Luis.

siolaw (25882) 2009-10-03 7:03

Hi John,
The vertical format fits the architecture and scene very well. The picture is luminous and colorful in sharp details.
POV and framing are well chosen
Greetings
Laurent

ivo (376) 2009-10-09 4:58

John,

Brugge is zowat uw speciliteit in de loop der jaren.
Maar toch vindt u plaatsen dat ik niet zomaar kan thuiswijzen.
Het is wel zeer mooi, een andere lens zie ik, in onkosten gekomen!

Emma

jusninasirun (10361) 2009-10-14 5:52

Kodiang 2009

Hi John,

You have photographed this pace nicely with sunny day and people walking along this narrow street. the architecture and shade are so well exposed creating a pleasing effect to the eyes. Superb shot in tall frame with natural color and setting.

Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Jusni

giorgimer (21640) 2009-10-26 15:06

Hi John,

very nice street, wonderful architecture, excellent composition and perspective

Very well done!

G

raszid62 (3657) 2009-10-30 8:04

Hello
The pearl of Flanders Bruggia be called, and justly. Old City very bautiful. Perfect colours, light and sharpness.
Best regards
Joseph

anesugur (17114) 2009-11-22 5:16

Hello John,
Very beautiful shot with the vertical frame.
Superb sharp and clear composition with very beautiful colors.
Thanks and best wishes. Uğur

ellelloo (5019) 2009-12-12 7:07

Hello John,
A charming place and an excellent presentation of it. A good POV and composition. Beautiful light, fine colours and good clarity, which together with the few people create an impression of both serenity and life. An inviting photo!
Greetings,
Lasse

Photo Information

Copyright: John Maenhout (jhm) (83742)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-23
Categories: Architecture
Camera: Canonn 5D, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L IS USM, Sandisk EXT.III4GB, B+W 77 010 UV-Haze 1x
Exposure: f/14.0, 1/100 seconds
Map: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-09-20 22:57