Castel del Monte Photo

Photographer’s Note

Castel del Monte was built in the first half of the 13th century by Frederic II of Hohenstaufen (Federico II di Svevia) the famous German emperor and King of Sicily (to which belonged the whole of Southern Italy). He was also known for his interests in the arts and science. Even if it is not sure if he had ever visited the castle at all it is seen as the most famous symbol of his power.
It is impressive for its location, on the top of a smooth hill 540 meters above see level, overvewing the hole region and for its geometry: an octagon with octagonal towers at each corner and an octagonal courtyard in the center.
A curiosity, underlining the importance of the castle is its image on the back side of the italian 1 Eurocent coin.

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Well, I didn't shoot this one with the purpose of the hunt (I discovered it only afterwards) but I think it fulfills the conditions. :-)

pamastro, Zanni, ale, pirulesco, phi729, jhonny_blue, Gix, giorgimer has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Gatis (899) 2004-06-18 17:28

I would not say that picture is perfect but it is very pleasant to look at. The building looks quite impractical but interesting

pamastro (7211) 2004-06-19 1:01

Beautiful shot of the castle. The sky is great, the strong lighting on the stone is to my liking and the grass with all the colorful flowers really adds that final touch. Rather than a heavy fortress it really sets into the landscape here and lets the landscape soften it. Perhaps to fool the would be attacker in this kind of situation. Your point of view was great here. Maybe rotating it a bit counter-clockwise to straighten out the castle will help a bit. It's a great castle and a very good shot of it.

Zanni (5885) 2004-06-19 1:43

Very good point of view and nice composition. I am agree with Paul about the slight rotation. I'd like more contrast but I imagine that you photographed this castle late in the morning with a strong sun light. Notes very useful. I did a little workshop.

[workshop] [compare] +

Signal-Womb (11141) 2004-06-19 5:45

This looks like an interesting castle but I'm not sure about your composition. I would maybe have elevated the shot alittle to see more of the castles base and moved the tree just off to the right alittle but still tried to keep those bright little red flowers in the foreground. An impossible task maybe some shots are!

Good footnote.

ale (1819) 2004-06-20 14:26

Ciao Guenther,
come sei produttivo, ho già perso due delle tue foto.
Mi piace molto la prospettiva che hai scelto per questa bella architettura con il prato fiorito in primo piano. Very well done!

phi729 (2099) 2004-06-24 16:41

On this shot, I like the layout of colors and their tonality a lot (vivid and natural colors). The castle is enhanced gorgeously with this rustic nature. The off-center framing is well seen. History of the castle is documented very well. Very good work, Guenther !

I took the liberty a small WS in order to correct a very light defect: The slant of the castle is very nearly on the right (3°-5°).

[workshop] [compare]

jhonny_blue (4938) 2004-06-25 5:21

Very beautiful picture, alittle oversposed, but no problem.
It has a very good light and a good composition.
Congratulations

chinchini (25550) 2004-07-01 13:29

Magnifico, bellissimo. mi piace molto. Le sujet est excellent et la photo est d'une netteté parfaite. Je ne retrouve à dire que sur la perspective. Je te propose mon atelier.

[workshop] [compare] +

Gix (3559) 2004-09-14 5:01

Ciao Guenther!
chissa perchè, questa me l'ero persa...
Sono due foto in una, perchè anche per i papaveri in primo piano ho sempre una preferenza!
Nitidissima e piena di luce, bisogna che io ricominci a viaggiare... questo è un posto da vedere!
e grazie per la nota!
ciao, Giorgio

bazal (7894) 2005-02-09 4:23

Impressive building you present here ! The massive aspect is enhanced by the POV. Good light and beautiful natural colors. A taste of springtime !

giorgimer (17490) 2008-06-18 4:46

Ciao Guenther,

ho sempre adorato questo imponente castello dall'aspetto quasi esoterico. Bello vederlo emergere dal verde.

Complimenti!

Gio