The Venice of Savoie Photo

Photographer’s Note

Back to the waterways.

The city of Annecy is sometimes called the 'Venice of Savoie' because of its location at the point where the Thiou River or canal meets Lake Annecy. The delightful architecture and numerous footbridges certainly bring the Italian city to mind. This shot was taken in the centre of the charming old town, not far from the oft-photographed Palais de l'Ile, which completed its utilitarian life as a jail for German prisoners of war during the later part of WW2.

Annecy is beautifully placed at the northern end of what is claimed to be one of the world's cleanest lakes, and is surrounded by the French Alps, with Mont Blanc and the ski resort of Chamonix not far away. I have found that people from all parts of France who know the city will sigh wistfully in describing its beauty and charm. Historically it has been through turbulent times and numerous invasions and ownerships. At various times it's been under the control of the Count of Geneva and the Count of Savoie, and also under Sicilian, Sardinian, Spanish and Austrian rule. It was finally 'bought' by France in 1860 in return for military assistance afforded to the King of Sardinia, and has been since made the capital city of Haute Savoie.

This back-lit polarised photo of the 'Les Jardins de l'Auberge' restaurant was taken in the late afternoon, has had only some cropping done and removal of distortion after conversion from RAW.

SNOOP_Chan, besnard, bobocortis, hispic, Cretense, paura, jlbrthnn, snunney, Kielia, Charo, phwall, ellelloo, mikolaj_kawa, dareco, josepmarin, nostromo47 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

aadilj (17950) 2009-07-01 5:59

A lovely and peaceful image Andrew that has been captured well and has been able to freeze the calmness. The hues are lovely as well

astronautilus (94) 2009-07-01 6:10

A lovely composition, and the vantage point on the lake creates a scene of utter tranquility. I love the saturated colours from using a polarising filter.

Rod

Nicou (44407) 2009-07-01 6:32

Hello,

Superbe maison au bord de l'eau, elle a une très belle formes, de douceues couleurs l'éclairen et sa forem est superbe, très bel ensemble, el plan d'eau donne encore un plus à cette belle iamge.

Bravoe t amitié

Nicou

alive (926) 2009-07-01 6:33

Olá Andrew!
Pretty photo.
With very good colors and clearness.
Parabéns.
Luis(Portugal)

holmertz (9484) 2009-07-01 6:41

Hello Andrew,
You have captured some exceptionally fine old buildings and have had the advantage of a very fine, warm light. The atmosphere radiates pleasantness. The red sign is a bit of an eye-catcher, especially against the green wall and being surrounded by various green plants.
The sharpness and light management are superb.
Regards,
Gert

gildasjan (23621) 2009-07-01 8:10

Bonjour Andrew
Une lumière qui met bien en valeur les volumes de cette composition.J'aime beaucoup cette image de très bonne qualité.
Bonne journée
Amicalement
gildas

SNOOP_Chan (822) 2009-07-01 8:10

Hello Andrew, i like your POV from the water, and the colors are great! The buildings seem to be so old but in such a good shape! A complete note also, tfs!

wolf38 (12626) 2009-07-01 8:43

Hello Andrew. A indeed beautiful motive. It lives particularly by the light and the fantastic contrasts. Compliment. Regards, W.

besnard (30446) 2009-07-01 9:13

Bonjour Andrew
Une bonne luminosité qui met en valeur ces vieilles maisons au bord de l'eau. C'est un très joli cliché de cette belle ville.
Merci pour le partage et bonne journée.
Nicole

bobocortis (14136) 2009-07-01 10:41

Hello Andrew.
I know this place, a beautiful town on the shores of a great lake.
The light of the low sun is perfect to give evidence to the facades.
Best regards.
Bobo.

saxo042 (15428) 2009-07-01 16:21

Hi Andrew,
You have really found a place in this attractive city where many different colours meet. There are also many good lines in your composition leading up to the highest part of the restaurant, thus creating a pyramidical form.
Kind regards
Gunnar

hispic (7399) 2009-07-01 20:11

Bonjour Andrew
Magnificent capture of an attractive scene by making good use of the subtle lighting, which gives a luminous impression to the greenery of the restaurant. The contrail is also put in the perfect place.
Regards, Hisashi

alftrek (2767) 2009-07-01 23:15

Hello Andrew,
You surely knows your subject when you shoot, in this case the fascinating restaurant building well framed to show its context. I like the way that the window proportion changes, and the colour variations captured here. I think the shadows from the warm lighting actually works well to enhance the 3D depth.

Cheers
Alfred

p/s When will you be back to Melbourne? We are thinking of another meeting for photo shooting.

Waylim (10717) 2009-07-02 0:36

Andrew,
I do like the rustic charm here. There is a little of Venice essence here. the color buidling and windows, but the colors here are more subdue than of those in Venice. the light is very soft and warm, at lease it appear so here though it seem a very clear day and you would think the shadow and contrast would be really strong, but it got it just right. Maybe it's just me, and I am abit picky, but I bugs me a little that the line ends at a cornor. in this case the line where the water meets the base of the building, it end right at the cornor, I would like to see more water which mean you would have to lower your POV a bit, but still have enough sky. That's just me I think, I have seen it in many shots, so I guess it doesn't bother anyone else. Have good day.
Way

Cretense (55528) 2009-07-02 2:11

Hi Andrew!

Beautiful photo from a beautiful place! Great composition and framing, great light managment, although the sun wasn't at the best possible position, and beautiful colours! congratulations!

Hercules

paura (38176) 2009-07-02 4:19

Andrew,
Beleza de fotografia, mostrando os bonitos detalhes arquitetônicos. Gosto especialmente do enquadramento.

Abraço

Paulo

jlbrthnn (37505) 2009-07-02 4:40

Hello Andrew,
You appear to me to be impassioned by the discovery of France. I share your passion :) a beautiful typically French image, with sight on a symbol, a restaurant. The light is excellent. Cheer.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

delkoo (34120) 2009-07-02 5:54

hi andrew,
Annecy is a splendid city, Your photo is another incentive to sneak through its streets,i like this view, nicely spotted and well executed.

didier

skippy007 (6949) 2009-07-02 19:58

Hello Andrew, How are you? It was the Venice part of your title that caught my attention, love Venice but I admit I'm biased. It sounds as though there some similarities, the water & the building in colour & mortar falling off at the water line certainly remind me of Venice. A good quality image with good colour, light/contrast & detail.
Take care
Santo

snunney (34538) 2009-07-05 5:56

Hello Andrew,
I love the way the light plays across the back of these buildings and along the rippling waters of the river. A very pleasing ensemble of architectural styles with different heights and shapes which present a harmonious whole. Lovely warm colours and very good sharpness.

kschanna (2632) 2009-07-06 0:02

Hello Andrew,

You've this special talent of making urban façades look so beautiful with fine light and ample sharpness.

this one is impressive indeed. I love the contrasty green and the blow and in the mix the beautiful earthy colors

Cheers
Kmran

hay_kes (28562) 2009-07-06 0:16

Hi Andrew,
Very beautiful architectural view vith great POV, colours, light and perspective.TFS.
Cheers,

hAyAti

MarianneS (14262) 2009-07-06 10:52

Hello Andrew,
Annecy! Such a lovely city!
With this photo, you remind me wonderful childhood souvenirs :-)
A very peaceful atmosphere! This terrace, close to the water, is very appealing. Very good light to enhance the scene.
Regards,
Marianne

Royaldevon (5888) 2009-07-07 14:29

Hello Andrew,

Your sharply focussed photograph supplies exquisite details of the varied shapes and stucco exteriors of these buildings.
The light is lovely, creating long shadows, and soft reflections in the water whilst your pov gives a nice triangular f/g.
A very well composed shot.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

John_F_Kennedy (31087) 2009-07-08 8:22

Very attractive city scenery, The lighting is perfect. I enjoyed this view to this old buildings.
Best wishes,
Achim

Kielia (8367) 2009-07-08 8:25

Hi Andrew,
this famous city offers a lot of rewarding places and you took a great advantage of it. Excellent perspective! The colors of the facades are really harmonious. The only problem I see is this strong light on the right side but it is a beautiful impression anyway. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

Charo (31665) 2009-07-08 13:17

Hello Andrew,
Annecy is a beautiful town that I had occasion to visit in winter, I did not have the same luck with your time.
A beautiful view from the channel that shows the magnificent architecture of its houses.
Excellent light and detail.
Best wishes,
Charo

mjdundee (3498) 2009-07-09 5:18

Hi Andrew,
I'd like to sit right there and enjoy a glass of french red wine.
Beautiful place and great capture. TFS.
Thomas

phwall (5530) 2009-07-09 15:33

Hi Andrew,
I don't know how this capture slipped past me, it's a wonderful shot. I love all of the different straight lines and angles. The buildings look fantastic, especially with all of the different colours.
A superb image full of interesting areas of contrasting light and shade.
A marvelous note too, I'll be putting this location on my wish list.
Regards
Peter

ellelloo (4729) 2009-07-09 23:50

Hi Andrew,
An attractive shot! Very interesting old architecture with such a variety of pleasant colours. A good composition with the inviting looking restaurant catching the eye. Good control of light and beautiful warm colours creating a a pleasant tranquil atmosphere. Excellent sharpness. With your informative note a great TE contribution. TFS!
Greetings and have a nice weekend!
Lasse

daddo (11277) 2009-07-13 17:27

Hi Andrew. Welcome back. I see you were itching to post an Australian scene and not dip into your treasures from your trip. Firstly I must comment on this one- it is pretty as a picture. No sign of modern bells and whistles. Just a quiet confidence in being old and surviving the hurly-burly of today's tempo, basking in the sun as the caressing waters flow past. Beautiful image, a lovely subject for a painting. Regards. Klaudio.

anesugur (16770) 2009-07-15 12:56

Hello Andrew,
Wonderful shot, good lighting!
Great sharpness and beautiful colors.
Best regards.Uğur

batalay (20804) 2009-07-18 7:11

Hello Andrew,

Indeed, it deserves the title, 'Venice of Savoie,' with the buildings rising from the canal. The colors and textures are unimaginably beautiful in this image produced in the low angle sunlight. The contrail left by the high altitude jet plane — I have a little ambivalence about. I like the dynamism it creates, but it does distract slightly from the pristine scene itself. It is a superb shot, nonetheless.

Warm regards,

Bulent

mikolaj_kawa (29738) 2009-07-21 0:56

Hello Andrew! Nice gouses, very nice river, beautiful place. Good natural lightness and colours. Good contrast and sharp. Nice frame. Well done!

polpo56 (7880) 2009-07-25 9:51

Hi Andrew,
I visited this lovely town many years ago, when my sons were little children...
Beautiful light and nice colors in this shot.

Ciao

Ludo

cherryripe (18869) 2009-07-31 2:09

Hi Andrew
I really like Annecy but haven't visited it for awhile. Should do so now that the driving time has been cut thanks to the new freeway from Geneva. The light here is lovely and soft at the same time. Funny with the plane making a nose-dive between the rooves.
Regards
Nikki
P.S. Yesterday my 11 year old son opened his birthday presents from my Mum: a Demons windcheater, a Demons beanie, a Demons watch and Demons stickers. :-)

dareco (17100) 2009-08-07 21:50

A lovely place. I really like the lighting here and colors. Great pov and an interesting post. TFS

Ninello52 (3266) 2009-08-08 5:44

Ciao Andrew!
Molto bella la luce del sole che disegna e scolpisce le case! Molto belli i colori pastello dei muri, e le case sull'acqua hanno sempre un grande fascino!
Ti auguro buone vacanze, ciao Nino.

josepmarin (33755) 2009-08-08 9:07

Hi Andrew,
This traditional architecture constructed on the lake makes us think about Venice, though its houses are very different.
The used framing is a good choice, and gives a nice perspective to the elements, under a fantastic light of the afternoon.
Nice work, I like.
Best regards,
Josep

nostromo47 (737) 2009-08-15 8:08

Hi Andrew,

thanks so much for showing us a lovely corner like this :)

Best regards.

clio (22540) 2009-09-08 12:08

Bonjour Andrew,
Attractive architecture full of geometry, triangles, rectangles, squared overlap as in a Cubist painting . You caught a particularly beautiful light full of sun, heat and transparency at the same time.
Congratulations!
Diane

mafegan (4093) 2009-09-13 19:48

Hello Andrew
The warm lighting is having a dynamic effect on these such interesting buildings. However what first grabbed my attention is the jet trail which seems to be heading for the V angle in the roof line. Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Tfs, marlene

InsideMi (16) 2009-10-15 8:54

Hello,
I have a particular attachment for houses at the edge of the water.
On this photo, everything pleases me.
The shadows, the light, the contrast of the color and the current which follows are road in the hollow of its bed...
I thank you for being crossed(spent) towards(as for) my photos.
Goodbye Michel

Bonjour,

J'ai un attachement particulier pour les maisons au bord de l'eau.
Sur cette photo, tout me plait.
Les ombres, la lumière, le contraste des couleur et le fil de l'eau qui suit sont chemin au creux de son lit...
Je vous remercie d'être passé du côté de mes photos.
A bientôt
Michel

Photo Information

Copyright: Andrew McRae (macondo) (13063)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-06-11
Categories: Architecture
Camera: Pentax K200D, Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DiII, Cokin 62mm Circular Polarizer
Exposure: f/11, 1/30 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): France [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-07-01 5:50