Busy crossing Photo

Photographer’s Note

If you drive to Italy from where I live it usually means plenty of SUNSHINE … and especially after snow fall and cold temperatures behind the Alps you make up these plans in your mind before you leave, like sitting outside on one of these lovely piazzas bathing your skin and soul for some hours with pleasant temperatures, a gelati in one hand and sun glasses in the other :))) I was standing at the kitchen window staring outside not believing my eyes. Snow-rain GOES right through your bones, trusting me, the worst ever. But kitchen afternoons mean food, hot discussions, baby cries, baby food, the dogs running around, Antonella on the cell phone, Marcello cleaning the dishes, Barbara playing with Franci, Elena Sofia checking sms, Mateo calling girl, Andrea kissing Chiara, Bénnnno reading paper, and finally some photos until everybody complained behind my back that it was cold and if I could please close the window. Thank your for your patience, you are wonderful!

Some soul food for cold days: Take lemon leaves (organic please), put mozzarella cheese on the leaves, sprinkle some olive oil over the cheese, sea salt and a little pepper freshly ground, throw it in the oven (just some minutes) and trust me, the lemon flavour mixing with the cheese is simply unforgettable.

Mother … daugther

Miss Italia :)))

Dyerco, ciakgiak, serp2000, bostankorkulugu, MarianneS, gunbud, fulvio52, rasto1893, crhieatt, cherryripe, Sistercosmo, Waylim, avene, Buin, syd1946, alftrek, AiresSantos, fanni, charlotte_iona, xavshot has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ingvar (546) 2009-03-07 6:11

The play of colors between white striped
crosswalk and umbrella I really liked.

Very interesting the point of shooting.

Good day, Barbara!

I.S.

Dyerco (9122) 2009-03-07 6:29

Hi Barbara
Sounds delicious. Your patience paid off. This was just right. A good diagonal with the umbrella providing the colour and matching the shape of the one manhole cover in the road.
Phil

jonathan_hart (22578) 2009-03-07 6:41

good use of the diagonal
an interesting graphic in this composition, even on the umbrella
jc

mesutilgim (36906) 2009-03-07 7:18

Liebe Barbara,
Einfach toll ! Diese Vogelperspektive'n sind immer wunderbar.
Etwas aehnliches war mein 600.post (http://www.trekearth.com/viewphotos.php?l=5&p=802129) aus Paris.
Hier insbesondere der rote Einkaufsbeutel und Schirm sorgten fuer einen besonderen Grafik im Kontrast mit den Zebrastreifen.
Danke schoen und ein schoenes Wochenende.
Mfg
MESUT ILGIM

wolf38 (12899) 2009-03-07 7:30

Hallo Barbara. Linien, Formen, Strukturen, - Grafik pur. Die Frau mit dem rotem Schirm ist sozusagen der I-Punkt der ganzen Geschichte. Das Photo mit Blick von oben wirkt hervorragend. Es ist ein Eyecatcher. Ich wünsche dir ein schönes Wochenende. Hier in Kassel scheint die Sonne und es ist schönstes Frühlungswetter. Ich freue mich, dass die Wettervorhersage wieder einmal nicht gestimmt hat. Gruß, wolfgang.

Nicou (45039) 2009-03-07 7:32

Hello Barbara,

Superbe image, quelle recherche ce personnage avec son parapluie de couleur rouge qui traverse , le fond fait un super graphsieme avec la bandes blanche, très bien vu tu captage, très original, il me plait bien.

Belle soirée et bien à toi

Nicou

brevbrev14 (372) 2009-03-07 8:12

ciao Barbara, very good view from the top
the red umbrella creates a great contrast
good game with the stripes too
have a great week end... :))
ciao
Valeria

rlrad (1189) 2009-03-07 9:23

Ciao Barbara -

I like this image, it's very nicely cropped and composed, color is very natural and it depicts the falling rain from a unique perspective. Great photo - Congrats!

Reed Radcliffe
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

chriswhitley (1458) 2009-03-07 10:25

Hi Barbara. A very simple shot, but expertly executed. Chris

ciakgiak (10858) 2009-03-07 10:41

Hello Barbara,
this is one of my favourite subject, the man with the umbrella :-)). Great POV and great realization, I like this coloured umbrella crossing the street, really excellent and well done.
Have a great week end.
Hugs, Giorgio.

serp2000 (9571) 2009-03-07 11:09

Privet, Barbara,
Unfortunatelly, I never been in Italy. Very interesting note. Good shot, fine POV. Well done! TFS!
Greetings from Ural,
Serghei

bostankorkulugu (33688) 2009-03-07 13:48

a walking umbrella... looks so cool barbara on the zebra crossing... loved the diagonal compo and the geometric lines... loved the red details too... something i would have loved to be the one who had taken it... all the best... korkut

MarianneS (14304) 2009-03-07 22:43

Hello Barbara,
Thanks for the recipt, I wil try it :-)
I understand your suprise when arriving in Italy with high expectations and having such a weather, as I experienced exactly the same a few weeks ago.
But still, despite the weather, I loved this short stay and the beautiful places I could see!
I like your photo but even more both ws. Beautiful ladies! The one with mother and daughter is superb, with the shadow adding a graphical effect.
Very nice serie.
Cheers,
Marianne

brandstaetter (14202) 2009-03-08 0:09

Hallo Barbara,
zuerst mal die besten Wünsche an Dich als "Weltfrau" ! Hier hast Du einen schönen grafischen Effekt, die Diagonale passt (vielleicht wär´s symbolträchtiger oder wünschenswerter wenn die Frau von unten nach oben gehen würde?) und das Rot sticht schön raus aus dem Grau des Alltags.
LG Christian

jimkilgallon (0) 2009-03-08 0:26

Barbara
Very creative work, I like the POV chosen while the sharpness of the umbrella and softness of the road works very well
Regards
Jim

gunbud (27955) 2009-03-08 8:45

Hi Barbara,
Another very imaginative shot that goes well with your disappointment with the weather.
The diagonal lines shot at this angle really works well with the bright red umbrella.
Like you I like a bit of fresh air coming through an open window.
Regards, Tom

fulvio52 (8314) 2009-03-08 11:43

Hi, Barbara.
Too bad for the weather, it can get extremely lousy in Italy too, the good thing is you came up with a great shot. Perfect timing, piercing angle on that diagonal, strictly duochromatic with the exception of red umbrella and bag, which accounts for great contrast, atmosphere, and eye-catching effect. Chapeaux! Have a nice evening, I'll see you soon. HUGS,
Fulvio.

clio (22849) 2009-03-08 11:49

Bonjour Barbara,
Very attractive graphic contrast between the crosswalk and the umbrella.
The scene is perfectly centred. Bologna is the "red city", even in umbrellas!
Brava!
Diane
I like very mutch also Mother... daughter!

rasto1893 (1768) 2009-03-09 3:34

Hello Barbara,
Very nice capture, good composition and very nice colour photo with very nice effect, good capture
My best Regards
Rastislav

crhieatt (5145) 2009-03-09 5:19

Barbara,

Wandering from your usual themes - and a pleasing diversion - even if the weather is not to your liking!
"Busy Crossing" - clearly a veiled reference to Italian Catholisism!

Regards
Colin

cherryripe (19031) 2009-03-09 5:41

Hi Barbara
Your note is so hilarious. Bye the way the first time I went to Italy was once in January and it was freezing. I nearly fell off the Leaning Tower of Pisa too as it was before they straightened it, it was windy and there were no group tours.
Anyway you did right in leaving the window open long enough to wait for an original and contrasting umbrella to contrast with the zebra crossing. Nice tilted framing too.
Regards
Nikki

Sistercosmo (2589) 2009-03-09 7:23

Liebe Barbara,
schade, dass das Wetter dir einen Strich durch die Rechnung gemacht hat, aber es scheint als hattest du trotzdem eine recht schöne Zeit!
Mir gefällt deine Komposition sehr gut, besonders das Bisschen Farbe in einem sonst schwarz-weißen Bild. Gut gesehen!
Wenn ich die WS Fotos ansehe, scheint das eine richtig hübsche Familie zu sein!
Ganz liebe (wenn auch verschneite) Grüße!
Linda

BlueRaven (35) 2009-03-09 8:53

Liebe Barbara,

tolle Bilder können so einfach sein, man muß nur zur rechten Zeit am rechten Ort sein. Perfekte Komposition mit den Diagonalen und dem wunderbaren Farbtupfer. Super hast du das eingefangen, klasse Timing! Das war es wert, daß ein paar Leute ein paar Minuten frieren mußten - für die Kunst muß man halt Opfer bringen! ;o)
Das Rezept klingt übrigens gewöhnungsbedürftig, aber sehr verlockend. Muß ich bei Gelegenheit mal ausprobieren!

Liebe Grüße aus München, wo gerade mal die Sonne scheint (wahrscheinlich für zwei Minuten!)
Claudia

Waylim (10899) 2009-03-09 9:35

Barbara,
Well I'm not surprise it rained, after it rained on you in Goblin Valley, I prepared for all kind of weather. Sometime it's really a frustration, when you go to places that you expect nice weather and it is not. I have a friend from the north, visiting So Cal and obviously he expect it to be warm, and it rain all three days that they were here, and as soon as he left, it is sunny again, and I can't tell people anymore that it is always sunny in Southern California. But at least for you, you're there to see friends and you have such a good spirit always. I wish you better weather next time where ever you go. Oh, and this photo, I like that all is mostly black and white but the umbrella in red. I like your composition with the strips in a diagonal symmetry. Have a good week.
Way

gneufeld (15177) 2009-03-09 12:39

Hi Barbara,
A very different perspective but very curious and appealing. Nice details and colors. Well done and TFS. Gerald

avene (11052) 2009-03-09 18:43

hi Barbara :)
I've said it before, but I'm happy to repeat - I love your notes :) you have a way with words, you put them together just right to describe that one moment, your notes are like little pictures themselves :)
but back to the photo - minimalism a la Barbara as we know her. the cheerful red and black umbrella seems so out of place in this world of military precision in white lines. you may have provoked complaints from your friends, but I'd say the result is well worth it :)

best,
Kristine

polpo56 (7968) 2009-03-10 0:30

Ciao Barbara,
nice graphic effect, enriched by a beautiful splash of color.

Brava!

Ludo

Buin (37816) 2009-03-10 9:41

Hallo Barbara!
Ein rundherum toller Beitrag - schön, interessant, amüsant, einfallsreich ... Hut ab!
Grüße aus dem klatschnassen Siegen, wie auf Deinem Foto - bei 3°C! Wenn das der Frühling ist, möchte ich den Winter zurück! ;-)
Frank

syd1946 (17913) 2009-03-10 10:09

Hello Barbara,
Perfect form,amazing image in its simplicity...I enjoy it very much together with your words in the note!
Best wishes,
Thomas

bigtim (3487) 2009-03-11 6:32 [Comment]

Show Comment

sevy (13578) 2009-03-12 5:34

Hello Barbara,

Nice fly shot :-)
Very good composition with the marks put on the diagonale and the umbrella well sharp, providing a non linear shape and a piece of color.
Be patient, the sun is coming back.

Yves.

aadilj (17950) 2009-03-14 2:00

Nice pov and a lovely vantage point to get this shot from. i like the composition and the way you have compsoed it

alftrek (2825) 2009-03-14 7:02

Hello Barbara,
This is a very simply but extremely pleasing composition with diagonal crossing all in B&W including the 2 manholes, then comes the red/black umbrella. This is simply great. Well done.

Cheers
Alfred

kensimage (8543) 2009-03-14 8:12

A nice graphic photo, Barbara...it's a good thing someone with a red umbrella came by before you had to close the window! I like the way the manhole cover echoes the umbrella shape. If there are any points taken off, they are because, well, you're not the first person to take this kind of photo. But if execute it this well, who cares if someone else tried it before? Have a nice weekend, regards, Ken.

ilvao (2248) 2009-03-14 15:32

Hi Barbara,
this image from the top work so well
for me it's due to your excellent framing, colors and speed
also like the special umbrella
take care - olivier

roges (1204) 2009-03-15 4:12

Hello Barbara!
An interesting photo. Good surprise.
Have a nice day.
Regards,
Adrian

jafadabret (39777) 2009-03-15 11:16

Bonjour Barbara.
Le parapluie prend ici toute l'importance de la composition avec un graphisme précis et des couleurs qui claquent. J'aime le décor qui, par opposition, donne tout son relief au sujet.
Bien fait !
Jacques

ktanska (16611) 2009-03-16 4:34

Hi Barbara,
Classic theme well presented. Red details show so well against black and white background. Feeling of wet day is obvious, including those fast falling drops.
Kari

kevinos (6927) 2009-03-16 5:39

A nice, bold,abstract impact, Barabra,everything is perfectly placed and the rain gives it added atmosphere. Regards Kevin

sacimar (7423) 2009-03-20 11:56

Hi Barbara,

beautiful composition, I like the contrast between the umbrella red colours and the rest of the image. You captured a great moment, good job!

Regards

Sergio

derek3755 (2341) 2009-03-23 1:31

Hi Barbara

I have to agree sleet is horrible, cold and wet and makes the roads and paths very slippy, but it was worth looking out of your window and getting a bit cold as you ended up with a great picture. Lovely composition with the crossing on the diagonal and the colourful umbrella draws your eye in.

Regards
Derek

IgorDeleze (9247) 2009-03-23 6:24

Hello again,
This new picture style is realy good !
Excellente shot.
Greetings.
Igor

Flavia (10202) 2009-03-24 6:41

Hi Barbara,

Great one! The sligted blurred bg, is it a panning? Anyway the effect of mouviment is great and the red umbrella is perfectly focused. You chosed the perfect girl walking in your frame. The square format works so well here.

Regards,

Flavia

delkoo (34414) 2009-03-24 13:11

hi barbara
it couldn't have been better framed with the white stripes in diagonal and that surprising red umbrella crossing the road.

well seen and well executed.

didier

Pascale (10184) 2009-03-26 6:40

Bonjour Barbara
Excellent point de vue.Le parapluie rouge offre une beau contraste avec le passage pietonnier .La diagonale apporte du dynamisme .J'aime beaucoup
Bonne journée
Pascale

NickPavlakis (492) 2009-03-28 15:49

This reminds me of an old master's of photography shot. Very good and vivid. May I suggest: desaturate everything except the walker's umbrella. Should be better.
Nikos

nirvana73 (8696) 2009-03-29 2:16

Hello Barbara
good observation
good idea
good timing
very simple and strong picture
tsf
regards
Ozhan

fanni (8737) 2009-04-06 14:39

Hello Barbara,
I like this simple shot :) I like the criss-cross effect of the photo: several visible white short diagonal lines - and one invisible...... (I don't know how to explain my idea clearly! LOL But it looks like big X )
I have an impression that the scene looks very dynamic because of that.
That's funny: just someone carrying a red umbrella - someone who happened to step between two hatches on the road at that very moment when you took this shot ;)
Best regards,
Elena

charlotte_iona (1098) 2009-04-14 4:37

Beautifully composed and well-timed image... and a great note! TFS.

yso (3185) 2009-04-28 11:26

Hi Barbara,
Very beautiful contrast of color between the umbrella and the ground, the diagonal is just perfect, well seen !
Bonne soirée,
Yves

amazon (10695) 2009-04-28 11:29

merhaba barbara,
first class job,
big big thanks,
regards from istanbul,
iffet

xavshot (62617) 2009-04-28 11:31

Bonsoir Barbara
j'aime bien ce genre de photo avec un POV qui domine la scène. Le graphisme me plait bien et la seule touche de couleur rouge donne une très belle image.
Xavier

marietom (32018) 2009-04-30 12:50

hello Barbara,

très beau coup d'oeil, sur cette image bien graphique. J'aime bien comment tu as utilisé les lignes sur le sol.
Bonne soirée
Marie

GLEM (2998) 2009-05-17 11:17

salut Barbara,
excellent coup d'oeil et belle exploitation des contrastes de couleurs; pas évident de shooter par temps de pluie. Composition impeccable.

gaetan

BilboCA (734) 2009-09-09 21:48

Hi, Barbara,

I'm struck tonight by the contrast between your stream-of-conscious (and interesting) photographer's notes and your spare (and interesting) photographs!

This image features stark contrasts delivered in bold strokes. Black and white pavement and a bright red (okay, and black, too) umbrella. Big white stripes, diagonally arrayed. Circular umbrella with a fine radial grid pattern. The sense of motion, from the leg positions, adds a nice punctuation!

Regards,
- William