HELLO YOUNG LOVERS Photo

Photographer’s Note

HELLO YOUNG LOVERS

“Hello young lovers, whoever you are,
I hope your troubles are few.
All my good wishes go with you tonight,
I've been in love like you.”

Anna, the English schoolteacher in the employ of the King of Siam, immortalized these lyrics by Richard Rogers in the 1956 musical, “The King and I.” If you know the tune, it might make an appropriate accompaniment in viewing this image.

On August 12-13, 2008, the Crystal Serenity, the cruise ship on which I had been serving as a guest lecturer, visited the northeastern Italian port city of Venice. The city is unique for its canals that serve as streets, its bridges as cross-walks, and its Grand Canal, wider and longer than any of the other canals, as its main boulevard. The Grand Canal is defined by its serpentine shape, resembling a backwards letter “S,” and has a length of approximately 5 km (3 miles). For those who have not visited this magnificent city before, but will have an opportunity in the future, I recommend taking a public waterbus, a vaporetta, through the Grand Canal and circumnavigate the island to get a good lay of the land. Countless majestic palaces, many dating from the Italian Renaissance, and, indeed, many of them converted to hotels, line the Grand Canal. With a close friend who had just joined us for the second of two cruises in tandem, we took a vaporetta ride. As the waterbus came around a bend, the exquisite white marble edifice, Ca' d'Oro, came into view, carved ornaments, columns, and fleur-de-lis window traceries. I immediately took a few shots, and only in viewing the image on my computer screen recently did I notice the pair of young lovers — sequestered in their own private world — in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Where else could you step out of your front door into a waiting boat! I dedicate this image to all those who have experienced love…

As for the Ca' d'Oro (House of Gold), it dates back to the 1420s. It is known to have been designed and carved for the Contarini Family by the father-son team of architect/sculptors Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon, who also worked on the Doge's Palace at Piazza San Marco. The Contarini Family produced eight of the Doges spanning the years 1043 to 1676.

— Bulent

Nikon D-200, 28-200 Nikkor lens, ISO-200. Neutral density filter: 0221_3186

PS Marjan reminded me of an excellent complementary image to mine in his photo of Ca' d' Oro submitted last year.

Colombiana, polpo56, BWJ, TGULUMSER, daddo, PixelTerror, snunney, carper, meltemi, feather, Wandering_Dan, jafadabret, stelli, saylan-cb, papagolf21, gracious, ALIRIZA, Glint, stego, jaywalker, marjan, isabela_sor, danos, Didi, paololg, Buin, riclopes, emjleclercq, Angshu, kdialyna, parbo, clio, edal has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Colombiana (2544) 2008-11-10 14:06

Hello Bulent,
Lovely catch... these two add some
zeal to the already romantic architecture.
Very beautiful scene!
Regards... MAryori :)

emka (21578) 2008-11-10 14:55

Hi Bulent, What a romantic picture! well, all Venice is the symbol of it. You were very lucky to observe a scene like this. Splendid view of Ca' d'Oro, one of the most beautiful palazzos on the Grand Canal. Such a lovely picture. I like it very much.

Warm regards

Malgorzata

jonathan_hart (22576) 2008-11-10 14:56

that title caught my attention, it's well chosen because we have to search the couple at first look we don't see. it's more than an architecture shot thanks to it, and it's fine that they are the only humans on the photo
regards
jc

polpo56 (7952) 2008-11-10 14:57

Hi Bulent,
recently I have been in Venice and I have seen also I two lovers at this balcony… Perhaps it is an initiative of the municipality of the place.
Much romantic picture, in tune with the romanticism of the place.
Ciao
Ludo

danyy (68887) 2008-11-10 15:52

Bonjour Bulent,

Le cadrage parfait et le format vertical appropriés sont, avec la netteté évidnte de la photo les principales qualités de la réussite de cette photo.
Regards, Daniel

BWJ (1773) 2008-11-10 20:21

Hello Bulent,
A magnificent majestic scene capturing a magical moment of intimacy. I wonder if the young lovers chose Venice, "one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world," for their honeymoon. The architecture of this building is stunning and the carvings incredibly beautiful. Your picture is so clear and the colors very realistic. It is a lovely post!
Kind regards,
Betty

TGULUMSER (12514) 2008-11-10 23:56

Bulent Bey merhaba,
"I hope your troubles are few" cok guzel ve anlamli bir dilek. Harika bir mimari ve sevgililer buraya hayat katmis. Ben hep, ister modern ister gerikalmis,sevgililerin olmadigi ulkelerde hayatin bittigini dusunurum. Harika goruntulemissiniz,
Elinize saglik,
Tulay

daddo (11331) 2008-11-11 1:22

Merhaba Bulent Bey. Splendid vision- so rich, so confident, yet elegant and endearing.Wonderful details under this marvelous Venetian light. I like the ornate right angle triangle of sky. Cok guzel. Selamlar. Klaudio.

jrj (34779) 2008-11-11 1:59

A kind of different view Bulent from this famous town, slowly sinking in the sea. And good for the compo to have the persons on the gallery there. For sure a town often connected to romance but also trade, explorations and fight for power.
The presented result good by the tight crop of this ornamented facade - typical of Venezia.

azaf1 (15547) 2008-11-11 2:22

Good morning Bulent
An ode to love from an amorous city, Venice. Great front that reminds of all those romantic stories from the past
Have a good day and TFS
Argiris

PixelTerror (86192) 2008-11-11 2:55

Hi Bulent,
A nice detail in beautiful surroundings that you have well seen and captured, the light is excellent but I wish you had framed it a little bit higher.
Have a nice day JY

snunney (34974) 2008-11-11 3:05

Hello Bulent,
A superb capture of this magnificent piece of Venetian architecture. Perfect perspectives and good tight framing to concentrate the gaze on the wonderful craftsmanship to be seen here. The amorous couple adds much the mood. Excellent natural colours and good clarity to bring out the fine detail.

carper (64948) 2008-11-11 3:52

a good and well seen shot Bulent,
a fine place for lovers, the pov is exelent my friend, good details and a well taken shot complete with a fine note, thank you Bulent for sharing, have a nice day.
regard jaap

meltemi (9746) 2008-11-11 5:28

Hello Dear Bulent,
you makes this picture look easy, I am sure it was not. You have captured a very nice image of a city that becomes a part of you once visited. Your colors are grand and the detail is awesome and all shot from a boat I think. Well seen and captured.
All the best.
Stella

Oh, I almost forgot, very lovely note as well.

fkokol (1614) 2008-11-11 7:20

Bu harika mimarinin yaninda, genc sevgililer de ekstra guzellik katmis kompozisyona. Yillar once gitmistim Venedik'e. her kosesi aklimda yinede. bu guzel hatirlatma icin tesekkurler.

figen

feather (49862) 2008-11-11 8:43

Very well framed image of this ornate edifice. I love all the intricate detail. The young lovers chose the perfct place in the frame; they must know about the rule of thirds. ;D
Kath

Wandering_Dan (3243) 2008-11-11 8:59

Merhana, Bulent -

(I was tempted to start the salutation as: "Hello, Young Bulent!")

One almost has to suspect the couple of having been hired by the city to pose there; they are so perfectly placed! (Although one does have to look to find them.) Great capture, even if inadvertent (and hasn't that happened to all of us!). Good architectural shot, too.

It's been many years since I was in Venice, and I should go back; no telling how much longer it will survive the onslaught of the sea and the modern world.

Best,
Dan

jafadabret (39731) 2008-11-11 9:08

Bonjour Bulent.
Cette photo d'architecture est remarquable. La dentelle de pierre est d'une grande beauté. Le couple d'amoureux donne de la vie à l'édifice. C'est vrai que cette ville est un peu la leur.
Jacques

stelli (2949) 2008-11-11 10:28

Very good tight framing and excellent light management although the color of the building was helpful! Great note! Thank you for sharing! Regards Stella

saylan-cb (12726) 2008-11-11 11:45

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
Venedikten harika bir mimari yapı.Çiftin varlığı ayrı bir güzellik katmış dokuya.
Emeğinize sağlık
Selamlar/Saygılar

papagolf21 (56451) 2008-11-11 14:07

Bonsoir, mon bon ami Bulent,
De quel royal éclat tu brillais, ô Venise! - Au temps où te peignait Paul Véronèse, assise - Sur un velours d'azur, tenant un sceptre d'or!
Citations de August, comte von Platen-Hallermünde.
La beauté de cette façade est remarquablement mise en valeur à travers cette composition.
Amitiés.
Philippe

toto (18713) 2008-11-11 22:06

Bonjour,
belle photo de ce batiment superbe qui au bord de l' eau attend les amoureux qui arriverons en bateaux ou en gondoles.
Belle architecture, jolies couleurs, bonne netteté et excellent moment, lorsque ces deux amoureux la s' embrassent.

Amitiés Thomas

anokutan (7685) 2008-11-11 22:17

Merhabalar,
Bakış açınız,kadrajınız,renk,ışık ve mimari yapının detayları...Herşey mükemmel.Selam ve saygı.

gracious (20017) 2008-11-11 22:31

Merhaba Bulent,
Selamlah!
Here I see a different side of Venice from the usual posting with the canal and boats! but this truly unique with a awesome architecture with it's beautiful design and texture above water!
the image is perfect in exposure and focus especailly the lighting over it
I loved it and truly thank you for the sharing
greeting from distance NZ
Tony

ALIRIZA (16197) 2008-11-12 1:13

Merhaba Bülent Abi,
Işığı çok iyi kontrol etmişsiniz, mimarinin detayları enfes bir şekilde ortaya çıkmış. Aşıklarda kompozisyona ve mimariye renk katmış. Ellerinize sağlık...
Selam ve saygılarımla...
Ali Rıza

Tezic (16927) 2008-11-12 4:12

nefis detaylar arasında insan figürü ile çok güzel bir kompozisyon olmuş... tebrikler...

Glint (3042) 2008-11-12 10:00

hello Bulent,
how nice for you to catch a beautiful building that is decorated not only be the fine work of the stonemasons but by these two sweet young lovers.Your heart i still young, let it ever remain so.
regards
Bev

stego (22360) 2008-11-12 13:04

Hello dear Bülent,
It's hard to imagine a more romantic place to date than an old palace in Venice. I confess that yesterday I gave it a quick look and I didn't notice the young couple, but now I think that they manage to almost stand out despite they occupy very little space in the image. Anyway, the image has much less to see. I like how you framed so carefully and nicely and corrected flawlessly the perspective.
TFS, Regards,
José.

jaywalker (12190) 2008-11-12 14:10

Hi Bulent, This is really wonderful architecture, amazing columns to break up the balconies, they look like a line of key tops, you have picked up the detail very nicely, great light & TFS, kind regards Wilson.

marjan (6083) 2008-11-12 22:41

hi Bulent, beautiful motive from beautiful place. It is interesting how Venice mix of renaissance and gothic was full of influence from all countries they made business with. It is unique and need full respect. Your notice is very nice and directly conected by your photo.
I have almost the same photo here

Marjan

jhm (82629) 2008-11-13 4:34

Hello Dear Bulent,

Here can the architect are very proud on this type of architecture.
You show us a very nice picture with wonderful details.
Four different colours of the buildings, this is wonderful.
A real summer picture, quiet and soft picture, very nice through the a lot different art work in this front.
Very well composition pleasant picture for look it.
Very nice done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

gunbud (27933) 2008-11-13 6:14

Hi Bulent,
What a lovely vertical presentation of this majetic Venitian architecture that is seen in all its remarkable intricate details.
The young lovers add wonderful scale to this beautiful scene.
Excellent tour guide note for potential visitors.
Regards, Tom

isabela_sor (42175) 2008-11-13 11:34 [Comment]

Show Comment

delic (6735) 2008-11-14 9:14

It was hard to spot the two at first but there they are. The tight composition works very well, though you could probably zoom in even further. A refreshing picture from Venice... Regards,
Hakan

chpp (3986) 2008-11-14 10:10

hi Bulent
definetly a love scene from a movie :)
very nice shot and very well framed, with excellent light and sharp details on the architecture
TFS
C

danos (32588) 2008-11-14 23:33

Hello Bulent,
very nice this splendid old building with the young lovers in it.I like the elaborated facade with the soft light to bring out the details of it.I'm impressed how the houses in Venice are in this splendid condition in the sea water during the centuries.Well done.

Have a nice weekend,Danos

mesutilgim (36868) 2008-11-15 8:15

Selam sevgili Bülent kardeşim,
Mükemmel bir kare. Balkondaki çift küçük bir ayrıntı ama, hemen hemen monokrom cepheye mükemmel bir etki katıyor.
Verdiğin açıklamalar da her zamanki gibi muhteşem.
Tebrikler
Selam ve sevgiler
MESUT ILGIM

Didi (36172) 2008-11-15 8:32

Salam Bulent
Lucky couple of lovers in this nice place
Very good choice for your composition frame and nice game of lights in the magnificient architecture.
Well done.
Best regards.

paololg (13761) 2008-11-15 8:44

Ciao dear Bulent,
your homages to Venice and Italy are always pleasant and accompanied by beautiful notes. Venice is also famous for to be considered one of the cities of the lovers. This your beautiful image shows it. Compliments!
Ciao, happy Sunday!
Paolo

anesugur (16922) 2008-11-15 11:02

Merhaba Hocam,
Böyle güzel bir eserin ortasında küçük bir ayrıntı, fotoğrafa çok fazla özellik kazandırmış.
Selam ve saygılar. Uğur

lraew (42) 2008-11-15 12:24

There is a poem for those in love that goes something like "our love is like a private beach - only you and I can walk its sands and taste its fruits . . . " This capture reminds me of that. The grand architecture and magic of a city would should be the focal point become more subtle as we are drawn to two individuals, small in a big world yet lost in a moment much larger than many experience in a lifetime. Beautiful capture . . . Lisa

Graal (58065) 2008-11-15 23:33

Hi Bulent,
beautiful venetian architecture, an interesting fragment of building and town. Good presentation and interesting note. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

Buin (37756) 2008-11-16 1:36

Hallo Bulent!
What a gorgeous and filigrane architecture! You managed the light here very skilfully and so we can see each detail of this breathtaking facade. Only one facet of this unbelievable city ...
By the way - your note also is excellent - like being there with you ;-)
Greetings from grey, humid and hazy Germany!
Frank

Charo (31671) 2008-11-16 4:34

Hello Bulent,
The same Venice that I photographed in the summer but you and I in winter. Very good, making this beautiful facade in which it also caught "in flagrante" two lovers. Excellent light and very good detail.
He spends a good Sunday.
Best regards,
Charo

avene (11032) 2008-11-16 17:49

the essence of Venice, don't you think? romantic meeting, stunning architecture, clear blue sky - what more to ask for :) excellent photo, Bulent, I like a lot how you have chosen this one detail to provide an eloquent illustration of the place.

regards,
Kristine

GFSSD-1 (1267) 2008-11-17 8:16

MERHABA,
BAKIŞ NOKTASINDAN PERSPEKTİFİNİZ VE ALTIN NOKTADAKİ İLGİ MERKEZİ İLE NEFİS BİR FOTOGRAF, TEBRİKLER...

riclopes (33005) 2008-11-21 2:32

Olá Bulent, your notes are unique making your images shine more intensely. Lovely poem for the lovers - you should send them the picture ;-) They are a small presence in the picture but still a very important detail in this magnificent façade. The framing is a bit tight but works well. Maybe it would be nice to see the complete top with more sky but problably it wasn't possible. Just noticed a pigeon on top which is also a nice detail. Thanks for sharing with us the interesting similar version of Marjan.
best regards,
ricardo

emjleclercq (14324) 2008-11-25 22:37

I thought you were refering to Romeo and Juliette, untill I saw the couple embracing near the balcony. Very nice facade, and of course the little entrance for boat at the sea level would hardly be found elsewhere than in Venice.

All the best,

Emmanuel

Angshu (33729) 2008-11-27 0:45

Dear Professor 'A'
I had read an article in GEO magazine about the battle of architecture on the Grand Canal. The Ca’d’Oro was called the house of Gold as it is said to be adorned with 23,000 sheets of gold leaf encrusted at various parts of the palace. It took twelve years to build its structure & it was nearly after twenty years that the rich family finally moved to the palazzo to take up and start off as occupants.
An excellent view of the facade with the inclusion of the young lovers adding to the image. Maybe a bit tight at the top, but that bird perched at the top is a surprise.
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

jemaflor (39453) 2008-11-27 10:57

Hi Bulent,
Excellent this detail to give an original view about this monument, well seen and taken, good result.

kdialyna (3068) 2008-11-30 2:37

An inspired, very romantic shot which reminds me Romeo and Juliet.
It's really very good how you connect the very informative, for the area, shot with the special romantic touch of the particular event.
Best regards my friend.
Kostas

skippy007 (7111) 2008-11-30 20:41

Hello Bulent, I looked at your fine & interesting gallery, decided to comment on this purely because at a glance I thought it must be Venice, I agree with you it is one of the most beautiful & romantic cities in the world, I must confess that I'm more than a little biased. A very nice & detailed shot, accompanied by a lovely note.
Regards
Santo
PS thanks for the dedication

parbo (10970) 2008-12-05 8:02

Merhaba Mr. Atalay,

Your wonderful photo reminds my visit to Venezia almost 25 years ago. Magnificent architecture and richly ornamented facade created an amazing place for young lovers and you saw, capture them at exact moment. Powerful day light helps to show all details in very good sharpness and your light management is enviable under difficult conditions. Congratulations. Have a nice weekend.

Best Regards,

Ertugrul

giorgimer (21254) 2008-12-05 14:48

Hi bulent,

this extraordinary architecture is a great environment for this love scene.

Good post.

TFS

Gio

clio (22795) 2008-12-07 13:38

Bonjour Bulent,
A kiss on the terrace of the first floor of the Ca d' Oro, there is nothing more romantic!
Your centring is magnificent.
Bravo, very beautiful realization!
Diane

edal (6571) 2008-12-08 13:43

Merhaba Bulent Bey,
First of all, my greetings with the Bairam Kurban fest!

Let me express my admiration for this stone lacery house capture and for the informartive note - I intend to spend a day in Venice at the end of the year and your post is of great use to me.

Tebrikler,
Anton

Bluejeans (32439) 2008-12-12 11:29

Ola amigo ,
que bela fachada deste edifício de Veneza os detalhes de arquitectura são fantásticos , gostei muito do casas a namorar na varanda , boas cores, bom enquadramento da foto, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo