Hey, look at me! Photo

Photographer’s Note

If you go to Vernazza you must not miss a climbing to the ancient Doria Castle at the top of the village. The stairs that lead there are tiring but you’ll be rewarded with a fine panorama. (I’ll post another photo of this Castle and Tower where you can see its position relatively to the village)

DORIA CASTLE

The castle was built around the half of XI century during the domination of Obertenghi, who immediately understood the strategic importance of Vernazza's main port of the Cinque Terre.
Built on a rocky ridge high over seventy meters in the south part of the village, the building was virtually inaccessible being largely surrounded by sea and having only one narrow entrance.
From the properties of Obertenghi passed to the Bishop of Luni, and then in the second half of the twelfth century to Da Passano family and after that to the Fieschi.
But towards the end of the twelfth century the Fieschi had to sell the feud to Genoa.
Also in this century the castle was temporarily occupied by Pisani which were chased out almost immediately by the Genoese helped by the people of the village. This gave to Vernazza a greater independence and a deputy in the Republic of Genoa.
Centuries later, it passed under the yoke of the French.
Between its walls there was an ancient bronze cannon bearing the inscription "Comunitas Vernatiae" that was taken away by the British and still visible at the British Museum in London.
In the second world war it was occupied by the Nazis who used it as an outpost for anti-aircraft artillery. Now renovated, it is home to exhibitions and a fine panoramic point both from its high cylindrical tower and from the yard that surrounds it.

ITALIANO

Se andate a Vernazza non perdetevi una visita la Castello Doria, posto alla sommità del paese. Le scale per arrivarci vi affaticheranno ma sarete ricompensati da un gradevolissimo panorama. (Ho intenzione di pubblicare a breve un’altra foto di questo castello e torre dove si vede la sua posizione alla sommità del paese).

CASTELLO DORIA

Il castello fu edificato intorno alla metà dell'XI secolo durante la dominazione degli Obertenghi i quali capirono subito l'importanza strategica di Vernazza principale porto delle Cinque Terre.
Eretto su un costone roccioso alto oltre settanta metri nella parte sud del paese, la costruzione era praticamente inaccessibile essendo circondato per buona parte dal mare ed avendo una sola strettissima entrata.
Dalla propietà degli Obertenghi passò al Vescovo di Luni, quindi nella seconda metà XII secolo ai Da Passano e dopo ancora ai Fieschi.
Ma verso la fine del XII secolo anche i Fieschi dovettero vendere il feudo a Genova.
Sempre in questo secolo il castello fu temporaneamente occupato dai Pisani che comunque furono cacciati quasi subito dai Genovesi aiutati dalla gente del paese. Questo valse a Vernazza una maggiore indipendenza ed un deputato nella Repubblica di Genova.
Secoli più tardi, passò sotto il giogo dell'impero francese.
Tra le sue mura vi era custodito un antico cannone in bronzo portante la scritta "Comunitas Vernatiae" poi portato via dagli inglesi ed ancora visibile al British Museum di Londra.
Nella seconda guerra mondiale fu occupato dai nazisti che lo utilizzarono come avamposto per la contraerea.
Ora ristrutturato, è sede di mostre e punto panoramico sia dall'alta torre cilindrica che dal piazzale che la circonda.

danos, fanni, magalik, Cretense, vasilpro, paololg, Kielia, feather, Clementi, subhendu_bagchi, Silvio1953, AiresSantos, ellelloo, giorgimer, jhm, ChrisJ, jlbrthnn, paura, jafadabret, gentedilivello, maloutim, Fellini, JCG has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

rodgerg (25575) 2009-09-09 0:35

Ciao caro Donato,

Un'ottimo fotolavoro, complimenti. Hai riuscito a captare una piacevole scena di vità ed un'bello elemento del patrimonio architetturale in una sola vista. Mi piacono anche i bei colori caldi e l'equilibrata della composizione.
Ti auguro una buona giornata,
Roger

danos (33766) 2009-09-09 1:29

Ciao Donato,
really the climbing on the top of the tower of the castle must be a good experience, especially if he wants to shot a person with a specific POV like in the snapshot who present us.I like the sharpness and the clarity of the scene.Well done.

Have a nice day,Danos

fanni (9045) 2009-09-09 2:10

Ciao Donato,
excellent capture in very many respects :)) I like the composition and the POV very much! two people - one (looking tiny) is at the top, the other (of a "normal" size) is at the bottom... they add life and a little intriguing moment to this scene :)
The tower is impressive... and in a way reminds me of a Chess piece :)
Warm regards,
Elena

delpeoples (7016) 2009-09-09 3:43

Ciao Donato, buon usa della taglia verticale. L'imagine e molto nitida con bel contrasto e toni. La ragazza accanto darla prospettiva a taglia. Complimenti, Lisa.

dta (6622) 2009-09-09 4:13

Ciao Donato ,
The tower is beautiful , and very well framed . But the whole scene is interesting , with the woman and the photographer . It is really a good thing to include such elements in architecture pictures . Not allways easy (I don't know to do that) . An outstanding sharpness , too .
Regards

macondo (13361) 2009-09-09 5:50

Hello Donato.
This shot has an excellence I was unaware of from the thumbnail - now I can see the man with the camera at the top of the tower! I like this one a lot. The couple, looking at each other from a distance, really make this shot stand out. It is also very sharp and has a lovely light. Those cacti make a good contrast with the texture of the stone work in the tower. I like this inclusion of people in a picture of a building. Very well done.
Regards,
Andrew

magalik (1488) 2009-09-09 6:19

Caro Donato,
C'est une véritable photo de metteur en scène que tu nous proposes là ! J'adore ! Elle me plaît beaucoup pour plusieurs raisons :
- la composition et scène tout d'abord : quand on regarde la jeune fille en bas de la photo, notre regard est alors dirigé vers le haut de la photo et quand on regarde le haut de la photo, le photographe au sommet de la tour, notre regard est attiré vers le bas. C'est superbe ! C'est très rare de voir ce double-sens. C'est à se demander si les deux protagonistes étaient tes complices. La taille de l'homme au sommet de la tour comparé à celle de la fille permet de se faire une idée de la hauteur de la tour. L'effet est intéressant !
- le cadrage de ta photo est parfait
- une belle netteté qui rend cette photo très agréable à regarder
- les tons qui me rappellent d'autres photos de ta galerie : la photo de St Peter's church et certaines de Vernazza, tons qui font un peu partie de ta signature !
C'est une très belle réalisation Donato, très bien étudiée. Félicitations.
Buon pomeriggio.
Magali

Cretense (57608) 2009-09-09 7:11

Ciao Donato!

At first glance, someone can see an excellent architecture photo and a beautiful tower! The on a second look, a beautiful daily life scene is revealed, and also a great photographic subject, "Photographing the photographer"! Excellent framing and composition, perfect light managment, beautiful colours, impressive definition! Congratulations!

Hercules

emka (22841) 2009-09-09 8:01

Hi Donato, Pleasant photo, photografer pthotographed and the nice girl as a bonus . beautiful old tower surrounded by aloes and agave. Very nice composition. The tower seems not so high, so not so tiring.

Regards

Malgorzata

vasilpro (9823) 2009-09-09 8:36

Hello Donato,
Excellent composition and POV, interesting architecture tower, lovely colors, very good clarity and sharpness.
Have a nice evening, Vasilis.

paololg (14573) 2009-09-09 9:30

Bellissima caro Donato, grande colpo d'occhio e prontezza di riflessi. Certi scatti li devi fare in un secondo oppure li perdi, ma non è il tuo caso. La foto è ricca di particolari architettonici e ben animata dalle persone, insomma, una composizione completa e piacevole, fatta con la tua proverbiale qualità fotografica. Bella la luce. I complimenti sono d'obbligo!
Ciao, passa una buona serata!
Paolo

carper (66148) 2009-09-09 10:07

very nice one Donato,
good composition and the details are good fine contrast and a pleasure to look at, have a nice evening.
regard jaap

Kielia (8811) 2009-09-09 10:44

Hi Donato,
very interesting architecture! And a funny composition that is telling a pleasant story. Most of all I like the agaves, they are adding a very nice botanical touch to the impression of the mighty tower. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

Silvio1953 (43458) 2009-09-09 10:51

Ciao Donato, bella composizione con la torre, grande l''averci messo un fotografo in cima, ma l'attenzione è fatalmente attratta dalla ragazza in primo piano, nome cognome e indirizzo, prego, ti ho dedicato anche la foto di oggi, qualcosa in cambio me la merito, no....
Bravo, ciao Silvio

feather (50588) 2009-09-09 13:17

It's touching to see the photographer at the top of the tower photographing his girlfriend waiting down below. You were probably forced into this composition so you could include the girl on the bench, but I do like the fact the tower is de-centred. The side-light works well for good contrast, mainly on the tower, but also generally. Well done
Kath

BilboCA (734) 2009-09-09 21:31

Hi, Donato,

I don't know if you are a student of photography theory. I'm not myself, but having an adult daughter with a degree in art history, I've picked up bits by osmosis. One of the ideas she taught me is the role of the "punctum" in transforming a good photo into a special one.

It is hard to find a precise definition of punctum, but here is a quote from George Powell: "Punctum is an object or image that jumps out at the viewer within a photograph- ‘that accident which pricks, bruises me.’ ... Punctum is the rare detail that attracts you to an image..." (Source: http://georgepowell.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/studium-and-punctum/).

Your photographer at the top of the tower is an example of punctum. You called our attention to this point in your title. It is intriguing to think whether it might have had more impact had you _not_ called it out to us, but rather just let your viewer make the discovery. (Of course, the risk is that we would miss it or maybe think it an unintentional blemish of an architectural photo.)

Other nice features have been pointed out in your other critiques: the agave, the sharpness, the offcenter positioning of the tower, the interesting lighting (again drifting toward the sepia).

Nicely done!
- William

pablominto (41700) 2009-09-09 22:40

Hello Donato,

The diagonal axis of communication is what catch my attention!
She is obviously preferring to wait "downstairs" while her company explores the tower...
Situation is well framed with good details, the image is telling the story well!

Greetings,
Pablo -

rossofuoco (6412) 2009-09-10 0:37

Ciao Long.
Bella foto ben calibrata e molto nitida. Ottima saturazione e bei colori.
Ciao Renzo

rikko77 (6776) 2009-09-10 1:09

Ciao Donato,
davvero simpatica questa foto. Oltre a mostrarci la maestosità della torre, hai colto l'attimo dello scatto della foto-souvenir. Ci hai visto proprio bene, bravo!
Un saluto
Rikk

Clementi (45929) 2009-09-10 1:26

Ciao Donato,
molto bella questa scena tipica dei turisti che si chiamano per farsi la foto, mi piace la torre in verticale slancia molto l'immagine.
ottimo lavoro
Giorgio

John_F_Kennedy (32340) 2009-09-10 2:08

Hello,
An excellent perspective and an exciting architecture of this tower. I love the inclusion of photographer.
Best wishes,
Achim

subhendu_bagchi (3804) 2009-09-10 4:37

Namaste Donato,
great tower. You have captured it with great depth. Detailling is so good that we can count the bricks of wall. The couple added life to it. Sharpness is great. I am eager to see the view from top. Tfs. Have a great day.
Subhendu

bobocortis (14146) 2009-09-10 5:31

Ciao Donato.
Immagine architetturale e istantanea curiosa, due immagini in una, entrambe valide.
Composizione corretta con una linea diagonale che unisce le due figure umane e divide la foto in una parte a destra quasi-tutta-cielo e una parte a sinistra quasi-tutta-terra.
Non so se un vestito piu' sgargiante della donna avrebbe migliorato l'immagine, così è in effetti molto equilibrata.
Ciao.
Bobo.

toto (18783) 2009-09-10 14:34

Bonsoir,
belle photo de cette tour superbe, avec ce banc qui attire le regard et cet homme qui le prend en photo, chez nous on dit ( tel est pris qui croyait prendre )
Belle prise rehaussée par ces deux cactus énorme qui l' entoure des deux côtés.

Amitiés Thomas

AiresSantos (43298) 2009-09-11 1:18

Ciao Donato
Fine picture with very interesting details.
Excellent colours and sharpness
Very well seen and framed
TFS and have a nice weekend
Aires

PixelTerror (87215) 2009-09-11 9:54

Ciao Donato
I see towers are not only in Sardegna, nice one and good connection between the 2 people
Have a nice day JY

ellelloo (5045) 2009-09-12 11:42

Ciao Donato,
An excellent photo, which has many interesting details. In addition to the architectural attraction of the tower, the communication of the couple, which you have caught at the right moment, adds charm to the shot. I also like the beautiful light, pleasant colours, the excellent clarity of details and perfect sharpness. Bravo!
Greetings from still warmish Finland,
Lasse

lousat (16492) 2009-09-12 16:07

Aaah che bella idea! Molto molto carina davvero la scusa della foto per trasmetterci la bellezza di questo angolino senza cadere nel solito scatto anonimo.Grande qualita' fotografica,davvero un bel lavoretto ed una idea...da copiare! Buona Domenica,LUCIANO

giorgimer (21710) 2009-09-13 10:21

Carissimo Donato,

hai colto l'attimo alla perfezione, chissà se il fotografo è appassionato come noi, io debbo ammettere che tralascio spesso le foto 'personali' dedicando la maggior parte degli scatti all'ambiente, e tu?

Un abbraccio

G

Greg1949 (8551) 2009-09-13 13:25

Donato, you've been back and I have not been paying attention. Colors here are nice and when i git back to this lovely part of the planet I will not miss this opportunity. Great stuff.

Greg

cobra112 (12076) 2009-09-13 16:21

Ciao Donato. POV eccellente, luce e prospettiva intriganti e nitidezza al top.

ps. Di la mi hanno sospeso.... Solo per avere difeso due ragazzini...o forse la punizione per non avere accettato il contraddittorio. Ma non vi fa di parlare con i pagliacci.

Roberto

TopGeo (22509) 2009-09-14 3:45

Hi Donato! I observed your discussions with other and the problem with the diversity that feels each one when it sees a picture! This they is reason in the art photo. Here impressed me the dynamic and originality of composition and captured! impressed me the perception of moment shot of subject! They is a model course of frame vertical perspective,,
Bravo, ciao
Georgios

jhm (83802) 2009-09-14 4:51

Ciao Donato,

Nice title for these picture.
The young woman look at to her friend high in the tower.
Pleasant moment for take.
An excellent detailed picture, sharpness and clarity be superb.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

ChrisJ (70569) 2009-09-14 7:18

Ciao Donato

A good capture of the photographer at the top of the stone tower, & his girlfriend or wife at the bottom in the fg. A marvellous pov with good sharpness. Tfs!

jlbrthnn (39533) 2009-09-15 3:31

Buongiorno Donato,
La vostra immagine mostra con serietà questa superbia giro, ma è attraente anche con questa composizione che diverte. La qualità di realizzazione è ovvia. Bella luce, bei colori, chiarezza perfetta. Congratulazioni.
Passa un buono giorno.
Amicalement.
Joël

paura (39632) 2009-09-15 4:06

Donato,
Muito interessante a fotografia, mostrando o casal em plena atividade fotográfica nesse lindo marco da história. Enquadramento e composição muito bons.

Abraço

Paulo

emilbo (9753) 2009-09-15 6:59

Ciao Donato,
Très intéressante la photo de cette vieille tour avec le photographe tout en haut et qui prend une photo de son amie en plongée. Excellente composition, bel éclairage et intéressante note.
Tous mes compliments,
Amicalement,
Emilius

jemaflor (39895) 2009-09-15 12:04

Hi D,
Well presented this tower with the women and the man on the top, original result to show us this view, good light nad sharpness.

jmdias (20213) 2009-09-18 2:59

donato

very nice image, the dialogue between the 2 personages and the shapes of these plants and the old tower created a nice subject for photos. well done, nice framing, soft light and sharpness

hugs

jorge

jafadabret (40717) 2009-09-18 9:25

Bonjour Donato.
C'est une belle composition avec cette tour qui a vu passer des hommes et des siècles. J'aime le premier plan avec l'aloès et la fille au repos. Le photographe perché donne une touche d'humour à la photo.
Amicalement
Jacques

gentedilivello (2133) 2009-09-21 14:18

Ciao Donato,
hai fatto un'ottima composizione con questa torre. L'immagine è molto gradevole, mi piace molto la presenza del fotografo sulla sommità ed anche quella della donna che lo osserva. Molto piacevole.
TFS.
Buona notte.
Gabriele.

COSTANTINO (23487) 2009-09-22 9:40

Ciao Donato,
mi piace questa foto, la presenza umane da
una altra sensazione alla foto.Ottimo POV ed
inquadratura. Bravo.
Saluti,
Costantino

gunbud (28325) 2009-09-25 19:50

Hi Donato,
Creative inclusion of the young man high in the castle tower getting a shot of his lady friend.
Love the rich textures to these old stones that enjoy a natural frame of these giant plants.
Regards, Tom

Ninello52 (3481) 2009-09-27 13:30

Ciao Donato!
C'è una storia, un film in questa foto! Lui, dall'alto della torre, che fotografa Lei, lei che se lo guarda facendosi fotografare e tu che li incornici tutti e tre! Lui Lei e la Torre! Bellissime le agavi nel parterre, ottimo il croma e calda la luce che avvolge la scena!
Saluti, Nino.

lamentforicarus (387) 2009-10-08 15:42

Great shot, Donato!

This photograph immediately caught my eye not only because I have visited this particular castle in Vernazza but because of its striking sharpness and superb framing. The title here is very apt and the viewer is drawn into the moment as he is compelled to "look up" with the woman on the bench to see the "voyeur" above snapping a not-so-candid picture. Well done and thanks for sharing!

Brian

Fellini (4988) 2009-10-12 11:00

Molto molto nitida, quasi plastica, complimenti Donato per queste regolazioni, la qualità risultante da questo scatto è elevata.
Mi piace molto anche la scenetta, la mia macchina in un tipo di scatto così avrebbe sicuramente tirato fuori la deformazine verso il centro della torre.
Buona serata, Ales

JCG (25911) 2009-11-17 7:05

Hello Donato,

A judicious use of this original and unexpected situation to present this splendid tower, I like much this perfectly graduated framing which balances this image of good quality as well in the natural colors as in the luminosity. Beautiful and interesting photograph… until in the title and thank you Donato for the instructive note.

With all my friendships and a very good end-of-day,

Jean-Charles