THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN Photo

Photographer’s Note

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Early in November I had posted a photograph of Dubrovnik , the jewel in the crown of the Dalmatian Coast. In that view of the rugged coast my vantage point had been a small outdoor restaurant perched on the side of a cliff outside the virtually impenetrable city walls. And in the distance one could see the cruise ship, Crystal Serenity, at anchor. In the present image, shot a few hours later, the vantage point has been reversed, with the camera aimed at the walled city from the ship. The Serenity was getting ready to sail for Venice, with the blue skies having given way to threatening clouds (see the upper left corner).

Historically, it is known that as far back as the Stone Age, this region was inhabited. During the early Christian era a village flourished on top of a nearby mountain. The term “old town” refers to a settlement that was established at Dubrovnik in the 7th century, and which since the medieval times has seen a walled city. It is possible to climb to the top of the massive walls and see the city from the level of the roofs. It costs 20 Croatian Kuna (HRK), or between three and four dollars for the opportunity to do the perimeter of the city. The 90-minute walk can be exhilarating as well as exhausting (especially in the hottest days of the summer). Among the sites within the walled city are countless medieval buildings, an excellent copy of Raphael's "Madonna of the Chair" painting at the Cathedral (the original is in the Piti Palace in Florence). Also in Dubrovnik one can see the oldest functioning apothecary shop in the world, a drug store dating to the early 13th century, that I will post sometime in the future.

Nikon D200, 18-200 mm Nikkor lens; ISO set at 200, circular polarizing filter.

chinchini, papagolf21, Gerrit, snunney, jurgen, asajernigan, feather, stego, Wandering_Dan, Sistercosmo, belido, sucaattin, isabela_sor, ahmetgedikli, Emile, Tue, Kielia, bostankorkulugu, siolaw, Henryk_Bilor, Muse, gracious, ChrisJ, Uhu, amaryllis, Cricri, zeynepe, jmcl, Tezic, Didi, Docarmo, axiotea, parbo, Dyerco, gunbud, alvaraalto, MLINES, Colombiana, meltemi, Angshu, daddo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Valerka (8159) 2008-12-06 0:21

Hello,Master,
It's indeed a jewel in the crown!
A very inviting shot.I also like the well seen and captured light play.
TFS
Valerka:)

papagolf21 (56451) 2008-12-06 0:42

Bonjour, mon bon ami Bulent,
Il existe de par le monde des lieux emplis de charme, d'histoire et de beauté. Vous nous présentez avec élégance ce lieu magnifiquement mis en valeur.
Un intérêt majeur sans nul doute.
Amitiés.
Philippe

carper (64948) 2008-12-06 0:46

a very beautiful shot dear Bulent,
the view is nice and imposant, good pov, nice contrast, very good photojob, thanks for sharing dear friend.
have a nice weekend
regard jaap

jhm (82629) 2008-12-06 1:03

Hello Dear Bulent,

A place with a very great history, ,you write this excellent in your note.
Splendid image with the city between the sea and the higher mountains
Excellent colourfully picture, nice perspective.
Composition and presentation are perfect.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

Gerrit (35793) 2008-12-06 1:24

Hi Bulent,
a fantastic stronghold and a beautiful place and photo.
I like the well defined layering with on top a glance of a great sky.
Regards, Gerrit

emka (21578) 2008-12-06 2:43

Hi Bulent,

Indeed, it is the jewel in the crown, the biggest pearl , and this crown has many jewels. The Croatian coast is so splendid and one can be happy that tourists can admire all these marvels again. I visited most of the cities in Dalmatia in memorable 1968 and for me it was the first trip to "west". Great POV here, splendid view of the walls surrounding the city. I remember this apothecary shop you write about.

Warm regards

Malgorzata

snunney (34974) 2008-12-06 4:04

Hello Bulent,
A fine capture of this famous and imposing fortress. The diagonal lines of the rim of the hill and the tree line make an interesting contrast with the vertical lines of the walls. Very good colours and clarity.

tober (3960) 2008-12-06 4:48

Merhaba Sayın Hocam, Dubrovnik'i alışılmışın dışında bir açıdan, denizden görüntülemişsiniz. Polarize filtrenin de yardımıyla ışığı da iyi kullanmışsınız.

Hırvatistan'da yaşayan bir arkadaşım, Dubrovnik'in aslında pek de öyle abartıldığı güzellikte olmadığını, örneğin Malta Valetta'daki Medina mahallesini gören bir kişinin Dubrovnik'den pek fazla etkilenmeyeceğini, buranın reklamının ve dış tanıtımının iyi yapıldığı için hakettiğinin üzerinde bir üne sahip olduğunu söylemişti. Ne derece doğrdurur bilemiyorum ama en iyisi gidip görerek bir fikir sahibi olmak.

Bu vesileyle bayramınızı içtenlikle kutluyorum.

Çok saygılar, Tolga

jurgen (1994) 2008-12-06 5:16

Hello Bulent:
A very good story you wrote with the picture.
Interesting to see that the city sits on top of some cliffs, at least this part you pictured here. The sea is as blue as in every brochure ar ad of Croatia, but the colours of the trees and the hill in the background are a little bit dull. Probably there was too much water aerosol in the air.
As I can see in Wikipedia, the city is small but full of history. Perhaps worth a visit.
Regards,
Jürgen

asajernigan (14170) 2008-12-06 5:21

Bulent,
This is a nice shot of this fortified town. Your composition is great including the blue water in the foreground and moving upward with the different layers of color and texture. The lighting and colors are great with excellent sharpness and detail. The slope of the mountain creates a nice diagonal through the shot.
TFS,
Asa

feather (49862) 2008-12-06 5:38

Not for the first time I can say that your vantage point aboard the cruise ship affords you a unique POV. It is not often we see the walls from the outside and the mountains in the background. Despite the threat of inclement weather you have good light on the scene. Well done
Kath

stego (22360) 2008-12-06 8:33

Hello Bülent,
It's a very picturesque town indeed, placed in a very scenic location, on the bottom of that rocky slope partially forested. I can see that they integrated the scarped shoreline as part of the defensive wall, making it much more effective and imposing. It really looks impenetrable. I like much the compo, that makes a great use of the vintage point. The blue sea below, the scarps, the walls, the white and red houses, the green forest, the stark rocky slopes and the little piece of stormy sky make a very nice ensemble.
Warm regards, José.

Wandering_Dan (3243) 2008-12-06 9:52

Merhaba, Bulent -

Very different from the usual postcard photos of Dubrovnik; in fact, I had to look twice to make sure it was the same town! This one gives it much more of a sense of a small town nestled at the foot of the mountains. The odd combination of bright light and building storm clouds is one that we don't see enough of, as well.

Best,
Dan

devimeuxbe (55867) 2008-12-06 11:32

Hi Bulent
Dubrovnik is a really amazing place. Your POV show a different vision on the city than the traditionnal perspective from the top of the hill.
Excellente picture
Bertrand

anesugur (16922) 2008-12-06 12:32

Merhaba Sayın Hocam,
Üstteki karanlık bulutlar, aradan güneşin çıktığı bir anda bu ışığı yakaladığınızı gösteriyor.
İlginç ve görülmeye değer bir yer.
Selamlar. Uğur

Sistercosmo (2581) 2008-12-06 13:32

Hi Bulent!
wonderful shot of an amazing city and an excellent note to top it all off! The water is so peaceful, but the clouds are very threatening. Excellent work!
Thanks and see you around TE!
Linda
P.S. Early 2007, I had wanted to book a trip to Dubrovnik for August 2007, to celebrate our wedding anniversary, but I missed a deadline didn't get the good price I had wanted. I was sad, but thought that it was just not meant to be. And then when August came around, Dubrovnik was surrounded by flames. Strange feeling, like I was being protected from above!! Someday soon, I'll make it there!

belido (16577) 2008-12-06 15:22

Hello my friend,

there is something is this picture that reminds an canvas painting. I think it's because of the theme and the particular color treatment of you. Very beautiful scenary. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

brano14 (1884) 2008-12-06 20:28

Bulent,
Yes , this is not the view that we see so often,but it is still impressive,with great colors and clarity.
Pozdrav!
Brano

sucaattin (354) 2008-12-07 0:03

Merhaba Bülent bey,
Doğa ve kültür yapıtlarını içiçe gösteren harika bir kare. Çok güzel bir fotoğraf. Elinize sağlık. Anlaşılan bu Ağustos ayında güzel bir gezi yapmışsınız.
Selamlar,
Sucaattin

isabela_sor (42175) 2008-12-07 10:00 [Comment]

Show Comment

ahmetgedikli (21924) 2008-12-07 10:00

Tarihi Dubrovnik'ten, doğal güzellikleriyle de desteklenen nefis bir manzara...
Ellerine sağlık, selamlar ve iyi bayramlar Hocam.
Ahmet

edal (6571) 2008-12-07 10:12

Merhaba, Bulent Bey,
You have got the greatest pov for the place. The result is an excellent townscape of a romantic place.
Tebrikler,
Anton

Silvio1953 (41901) 2008-12-07 11:43

Hi Bulent, great view of fantastic architecture and superb nature, wonderful fortress up a splendid rock on the beautiful sea, great light and colors, I like a lot, ciao Silvio

Emile (20001) 2008-12-07 13:20

Hola Bulent.
Very good shot of the wall that surrounds
the Old Town in Dubrovnik, good POV from the cruiser, nice way to capture this well known place at the right timing with the good light of the late evening, great colors contrast and sharpness. Wonderful composition.
The cruise we took last September on the Crystal Serenity was different than your, we embarked in Venice and from there we went to Dubrovnik, Taormina, Sorrento and Capri, Rome, Livorno and Florence, Elba and then we end at Monte Carlo. It's a beautiful cruise.
Best regards my friend.

Tue (25608) 2008-12-08 3:30

Hi Bulent,
A great view from the ship to the cliffs and the city of Dubrovnik. The light is very pleasant and I like the background for the city too with the hills and the dark clouds in the upper left hand corner. Thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

BWJ (1773) 2008-12-08 7:37

Hello Bulent,
How clever to post a second image from the ship looking back to the restaurant where you were earlier in the day. That little restaurant, I think is located toward the far left of this picture, gives an excellent idea of the size of the old walled city you captured so beautifully in its entirety.

Your picture and note inspire me to want to take a trip to Croatia and see Dubrovnik.
Kind regards,
Betty

Kielia (8509) 2008-12-08 11:11

Hello Bulent,
a very fascinating impression of this jewel! (Your title is nice and very appropriate.)
Once again Your POV from the ship is outstanding and the beautiful light and shadows are creating wonderful contrasts. Thanks a lot for the interesting and informative note. I agree to Malgorzata, it is fantastic that treasures like this can be admired again. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

TGULUMSER (12514) 2008-12-08 15:02

Bulent Bey merhaba,
Muhtesem bir sahil. Denizin rengi, manzara harika,
Elinize saglik,
Tulay

bostankorkulugu (33656) 2008-12-08 17:55

dubrovnik akdeniz çanağında en çok görmek istediğim yerlerden biri, sadece dubrovnik değil aslında, tüm dalmaçya kıyıları... ışık çok iyi değil sanki bu karede, ama şehirden hoş bir kesit sunmuşsunuz...

selamlar sevgili profesör, iyi bayramlar size...

korkut

siolaw (25774) 2008-12-08 18:39

Hi Bulent
Nice POV from out at sea giving a comprehensive view on the fort and surroundings of Dubrovnik, formerly known as Ragusa.
Good framing, nice colors and sharpmess quality.
The note is well informative too
Greetings
Laurent

Henryk_Bilor (20367) 2008-12-09 0:57

Hi Bulent
Amazing fortress just above the rocky cliff. Great place, perfect capture.
Regards

ymrk (8817) 2008-12-09 1:29

Sevgili hocam;
Harika bir görünüm,enfes bir manzara.Bütün doğa maddeleri bir arada.
Kendinize has,harika fotoğraf üslubunuzla, çok güzel görüntülemişsiniz.
Elinize sağlık,iyi bayramlar dileklerimle...

YAĞMUR

Muse (31011) 2008-12-09 7:35

Hello Bullent,
Un emplacement bien choisi pour ces murailles en bordure de mer.
Un pov bien choisi et de jolies couleurs.
Best regards
Denise

gracious (20017) 2008-12-09 9:43

Merhaba Prof.Bulent,
Selamlah!
Thank you for this fantistic view of this massive and impenetrable wall of the city and the rugged cliff!!
the lighting is so pleasant that gives nice warm colouration and details over the place! always much appreciated for the most informative notes on each of your image!
thank you once again
from NZ, Tony

yedirenk (7387) 2008-12-09 14:33

Merhaba Bülent hocam,
çok şık,kartpostal tadında bir tanıtım karesi.oldukça zengin detaylar var.deniz,doğa,tarihi yapı ve şehir hepsi tek bir karede ve yerli yerinde.Dubrovnik bakış açınızla daha da güzel sanki.ellerinize sağlık.selamlar,saygılar
iyi bayramlar

Cevdet

hay_kes (28562) 2008-12-09 23:44

Merhaba Bülent Hocam,
Harika bir tarihi mekan çalışması.Mükemmel bir ışık ve perspektif.Elinize sağlık.
Selamlarımla..
Mutlu bayramlar,

hAyAti

Graal (58065) 2008-12-09 23:55

Hi Bulent,
oh yes, Dubrovnik is beautiful. I had trip in 2000 to this town. Great historical town. Good shot and presentation. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

ChrisJ (70293) 2008-12-10 0:53

Merhaba Bulent

Good sharpness, with excellent layering, & attractive pastel colors, in this attractive, historic coastal castle, at Dubrovnik. Tfs!.

Uhu (7392) 2008-12-10 7:56

Medicine was such a mockery of medicine in 13 century... And still there were drug-stores, and one of them there, in Dubrovnik? It's really interesting, never knew that.
Great photo and quite a note attached!

amaryllis (17549) 2008-12-10 8:20

Bonjour
une superbe photo de cette ville avec cette forteresse au bord de la mer
un beau paysage et une mer bleue malgré le petit coin de ciel sombre que l'on voit
bonne soirée
juliette

Cricri (43132) 2008-12-10 10:27

Hi Bulent
Excellent POV, une image de la ville qu'on a peu l'habitude de voir et que je trouve magnifique, ça donne aussi un bel aperçu de ce qui l'entoure
compliment
Have a nice evening for you
cricri

zeynepe (9342) 2008-12-10 11:10

Merhaba Bulent Bey,
Oncelikle bayraminizi kutlarim, Dubrovnik'te en sevdigim yeri harika bir acidan çekmişsiniz. O sicakta 90 dakikalık yuruyusu yapip cok yorulmustum. Ben de size workshop'da ayni yerde kayaliklardan denize girenlere ait bir kareyi hediye etmek istedim, en guzel olan denizin muhtesem mavisiydi bence.
Tebrikler, iyi gunler,
Zeynep

[workshop] [compare] +

jmcl (13899) 2008-12-10 15:32

Hi Bulent,

The combination of cliff face and walls backed by the barren hillside makes is imposing .. I think my instinct would have been to shoot for (or crop) a tighter image of the walls and cliff .. but looking at this image I would have missed how effective it is to have the stark landscape surrounding this place. very nice. take care, John

toto (18713) 2008-12-10 16:53

Bonsoir,
belle photo de ces rampards imprenables au bord de ces hautes falaises.
Ce village abrité par ces rampards est de toute beauté.
Belle prise de la mer qui donne un bel aperçut d' ensemble.

Amitiés Thomas

Tezic (16927) 2008-12-11 11:14

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
iç içe geçmiş doğa ve yapı dokularını deniz ve gökyüzünü de içine katarak gerçekleştirdiğiniz kompozisyon çok güzel olmuş... tebrikler...

Didi (36172) 2008-12-11 15:54

Hi dear friend
This is a wonderfull place
Very good lights ambiance on the town, your point of view is great
Best wishes for the Adha Eid with a little late.

Docarmo (8840) 2008-12-11 21:52

Hi Bulent,
There is an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements, which are naturally arranged in layers, and you got it perfectly. The title fits very well to the picture.
Thanks for sharing,
MCV

axiotea (16133) 2008-12-11 22:14

Bonjour Bulent
Indeed an imposing fortress(I think I might have increased a bit the sharpness) perched on the cliffs and dominating the sea!
You made an interesting framing and I like to see on the upper left corner the overcast sky. The photo #3 is also interesting, quite dynamic with the man jumping in the sea and I think if you would have crop on the right side, it would have been a good main post ;))
Have a nice day
Marilyn

parbo (10970) 2008-12-12 16:53

Hello Mr. Atalay,

Your photo is include a creative view of famous place in natural colors that I liked a lot. Amazingly mix of green and white-terracotta colors creates a very nice background for the historical castle located at top of rocky cliffs. The dark blue on sea and partially cloudy sky are noticeable. Congratulations. Have a nice weekend.

Best Regards,

Ertugrul

Dyerco (9104) 2008-12-12 18:41

Hi Bulent
Great write up for this image. I like the POV being it is the opposite of the one from shore.
Phil

pablominto (40788) 2008-12-12 23:28

Hello Bulent,

This is a fine coastal landscape, where the fortification of the old town falls easily into my eyes!
I guess the combination of walls and cliffs were effective defence measures back then...
A well framed view with fine details!

Greetings,
Pablo -

jemaflor (39453) 2008-12-13 4:47

Hi Bulent,
Very nice pov, a good choice for a well managed presentation, good effect alos with the nice blue of the sea.

gunbud (27933) 2008-12-13 18:21

Hi Bulent,
Lovely shot of this beautiful old city clinging to the rugged mountainside.
The lovely walled city red roofs contrast brilliantly the lush evergreens clinging to the rocks.
Wonderful historic not about this beautiful coastal city.
Regards, Tom

alvaraalto (5231) 2008-12-14 7:15

Hi Bulent,

Hi Bulent,

Beautiful image of the famous historical city.
The wall of the city are remarkable contrasting with the rocks below.

Groet Rob

dokadak (11490) 2008-12-14 12:29

Sevgili Hocam,

Renk gecislerini, isik ve kadraji begendim...

saygilar
hasan

MLINES (10884) 2008-12-14 15:06

Hi Bulent, A wonderful "as being there" POV which shows the defences along this coast well. I had no idea the hills behind were so steep as shown in this image. TE, is certainly a place to learn, especially with comments such as yours. TFS. Murray.

Colombiana (2544) 2008-12-15 21:24

A historical jewel from this part of the world and a nice view accompanied with an informative note! The town as a background enhances the quaint scene. The medieval walls seem imposing and strong like they were just built recently. Very pretty photo Bulent!
Regards,

Maryori

anokutan (7685) 2008-12-16 12:56

Bülent bey merhaba,
Çok güzel bir bakış açısı.Harika ışık kontrolü ve kompozisyon.Selamlar ve tebrikler.

azaf1 (15547) 2008-12-16 23:42

Good morning Bulent
Indeed a real jewel the castle in Dubrovnik. You were given a perfect POV from the boat and which has brought out its beauty.
Have a nice day and TFS
Argiris

trekks (14320) 2008-12-17 8:52

hello Bulent

Very nice POV to show the cliff and the walls. Good composed view .

Interesting note about the history.

tfs, bill

sunamoon (5057) 2008-12-17 9:50

Me gusta mucho tu captura,
bonito encuadre, con el agua la roca y la montaña, unos contrastes atractivos y bonitos colores,
debe ser un lugar muy bonito con la muralla y el pueblo, he oido hablar de Dubrovnik, buen captura!

Un saludo,
Elena

meltemi (9746) 2008-12-17 11:19

Hello Bülent,
you've managed to catch an amazing light: shadows and highlights worked very well together in your favour with the result of a sort of 3D effect. Your very good point of view adds excellent view of this spectacular landscape, at every layer there are interesting details to look at. Different textures, shapes and colours to discover. The result is wonderful, and very interesting note as always.
All the best.
Stella

chinchini (27627) 2008-12-19 7:34

Bonjour Bulent,
Très belle réussite avec cette superbe vue de la forteresse de Dubrovnik.
L'endroit est superbe. J'aurais aimé voir un format classique avec une partie haute visible pour mieux apprécier l'environnement montagneux de la ville.
Un endroit du littoral croate que j'aimerais visiter !
Mes amitiés
Pierre

Aviller (3106) 2008-12-23 10:11

Hi,
a very well composed shot. I especially like the bit of the sky that you've managed to include in the top right. Perhaps it would have been interesting to even see a bit more of that. It really is a great picture though.

Angshu (33729) 2008-12-26 7:13

Hello Professor 'A'
Have seen quite a few pictures from Dubrovnik, but most of them are distant views with this walled city standing amidst the cliff on the blue Adriatic Sea. The red roofs provide a good contrast. Not for the first time you're showing us views of a place in an original way from your cruise ship
Wishing you & your family a very happy & prosperous New Year, from me & my family
With warmest Regards
Angshuman
PS : How's the response to your new book? It's still ot out in India

daddo (11331) 2009-01-15 3:39

Merhaba Bulent Bey.One of the best shots of Dubrovnik I have seen in many a year. Wonderful POV, most revealing shot which shows how well protected the city was from sea attacks.I love the inclusion of the pines and the moody sky in the top corner. My compliments. Selamlar. Klaudio.

Photo Information

Copyright: Bulent Atalay (batalay) (20984)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-10
Categories: Castles, Architecture, Ruins
Camera: Nikon D200, 28-200mm F3.5-5.6 ED AF Zoom Nikkor, 67mm Circular Polarizer
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2008-12-06 0:15