Ponte di Rialto, Venice, a photo from Venice, Veneto

Photographer's Note

The Ponte di Rialto across the Canal Grande, Venezia.

February in Venice: couldn't believe our luck with the weather! It stayed like this for the three days we were there, and we were able to picnic on Torcello.

A wooden bridge stood in this place from 1255 to 1524, when it collapsed for the final time. The idea of rebuilding the bridge in stone was first proposed in 1503. Several projects were considered over the following decades. In 1551 the authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the Rialto Bridge, among other things. Plans were offered by famous architects such as Jacopo Sansovino, Palladio and Vignola, but all involved a Classical approach with several arches, which was judged inappropriate to the situation. Michelangelo also was considered as designer of the bridge.

The present stone bridge, a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, was finally completed in 1591. It is similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted future ruin. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice.

PecoBud, Kofman, CLODO, timecapturer, tyro has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dta (51510) 2012-05-04 8:30

Hello Will ,
Sometimes , including strong elemnts in a FG , with an interesting subject in the second ground is not a good idea . But in this case , that works very well , Because the coloured elements are attractive , but teh balance with the bridge and the buildings is excellent , and the DOF is perfect . Sharpness and colors are perfect . May be it would have been better with a little correction of te distortion .
I make a WS .

Regards

[workshop] [compare]

GREGG (8243) 2012-05-04 9:05

Hi Will,
may be too aggressive at the forefront of blue poles,
but here it makes the picture takes on a certain attractiveness,
nice contrast with the white bridge
and red facade the house,
Regards,
Greg

Bluejeans (64239) 2012-05-04 12:33

Ola Will ,
Interessante ângulo de visão com estes mastros em azul e verde , gostei dos detalhes desta famosa ponte em Veneza , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom fim de semana

PecoBud (3778) 2012-05-04 12:49

Interesting POV here Will, and I feel the same as the others, you pulled off something that normally doesn't work. Excellent color saturation and light management, with superb clarity. Wonderful Job Will!!

TFS.........Your Friend from California.......Buddy

CLODO (24734) 2012-05-05 1:42

Hello Will

You've looked for a vantage point to take this picture, to get rid of the many post cards of it. By doing so, you've found colored poles on the canal and red houses to enhance this famous white bridge under a deep blue sky.
Have a nice WE
CLODP

timecapturer (30394) 2012-05-05 3:59

Hi Will
great POV and nicely conceived and different shot of this TE favourite. Love the fg detailing and the mix of blue and green is so appealing, plus it contrasts so beautifully with the other colours. Excellent work, I really like it!

Have a great weekend - best wishes Brian.

tyro (13149) 2012-05-06 14:33

Hello Will,

A very interesting and informative note and a very fine photograph by way of illustration.

I love the composition here, refreshingly different to the "usual" pictures we see of this iconic bridge, those colourful poles in the foreground making a real statement and the largest and tallest one very nicely balancing the tall tower on the right.

Perfect exposure, excellent depth of field, lovely colours and exceptional sharpness.

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

npecanhuk (53919) 2012-05-06 14:45

Hello Will!
Always wonderful Venice!
A very interesting, attractive and beautiful picture of it!
Special regards to the colors, chosen pov and original composition!
Sharpness, exposure, contrasts and horizontal format also pleased me!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

Silvio1953 (98259) 2012-05-07 0:57

Ciao Juan, great POV on famous bridge, wonderful colors, splendid light and excellent perspective, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Hanssie (9921) 2012-05-07 22:50

A photo full of details and textures of the well-known place. I like how you used the foreground here, that's nice done !

ciakgiak (30331) 2012-05-10 6:52

Hello Will,
you completed a very nice image with the add of these colored elements in FG. You choosed an effective POV to obtain this result, and a marvelous light helped you too. The quality of the photo is really excellent.
Congratulations and TFS.
Best regards.
Giorgio

patdeph (35738) 2012-05-15 10:55

hello Will
The colors of this original picture are superb,enhanced by a magnificent light.And of course, the architecture is splendid.
Regards
Pascale

wolf38 (28226) 2012-06-17 21:48

Hi Will. Venice is a must for photographers. If you're in the city of the problems start. What do you want to photograph, how do you photograph it, which angles, etc. I must say approvingly, you have published a small and elegant masterpiece. It is a very beautiful and worth seeing photo. Rgds, Wolfgang.