First Signs of Christmas Photo

Photographer’s Note

Is it too early to be posting Christmas shots? Still nearly five weeks to go, but I couldn’t wait to post this shot! Last week this local chateau, Schloss Bottmingen, switched on their seasonal lights. Noticing them on my way home, I rushed back out eagerly, armed with camera and tripod. The results were disappointing as the sky was too dark and all you could see were the lights themselves. Second attempt on Saturday, this time with my new tripod… not much better; again sky too dark. Third attempt: Sunday. Not to be deterred, I made sure I got there well before sunset and ended up loitering around for ages waiting for the sky to darken. I found that there was a very short time window in which the lighting was optimal, and just at the crucial time, an elderly lady came past, stood in the way and tried to engage in a long conversation – just typical!

After all that perseverance, I hope you like it :-).

As for Schloss Bottmingen, I do not know much about its history but it privately owned and is now a rather smart restaurant. It was a shame that the place is closed on Sundays because through the entrance one can normally see into the courtyard with more beautiful lights.

PS. If anyone wants to correct the verticals, I challenge them (though my choice here will definitely be for the original ;-) )

Levels adjusted (brightness, contrast, tones, colour balance)
Resized, resharpened.

Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed )
2.5
Av( Aperture Value )
8.0
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
10.0mm

capthaddock, hispic, bibiweb, nwoehnl, stefpat has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

larssolb (271) 2005-11-21 6:01

Great shot! Hard work behind this one, both on the preparation (3 times shooting) and probably in PS as well. Really appreciate your background info - fun and interesting, but not too long. Thanks!

Quentin (5278) 2005-11-21 6:21

Salut Susanne
Dis donc! Ca c'est de la décoration de Noël! Ta prise est très
belle et bien composée. J'aime le cadrage un peu penché. Bravo
A bientôt
Quentin

cg134new (565) 2005-11-21 7:29

Looks like you picked the right time. the sky is that wonderful blue colour which you get after sunset. to be honest i like these distorted images where the verticals aren't "realistic". they make for dramatic effects.

great!!!

mike

fabio_ts (13672) 2005-11-21 10:25

Christmas is coming... beautiful shot Susanna.. but exaggerated decorations.. :o)
..lovely composition, compliments!!
have a nice week, Fabio.

bibiweb (8) 2005-11-21 12:50

Salut Susanna,
Woowwww! Tu t'es vraiment donnée beaucoup de peine pour faire cette photo. Rien que pour ta persévérance tu mérites un bonhomme vert! ;o)
Et en plus le résultat est superbe. Ici, le tilt ne me dérange pas du tout et ça ne me serait même pas venu à l'idée de te proposer de le corriger. Beau ciel bleu et bel éclairage du château et de ses décorations... même si à mon goût je trouve que c'est un peu surfait et surtout un peu tôt pour mettre des décorations de Noël!
Bonne soirée
Brigitte

jbweasle (9294) 2005-11-21 15:25

Hello Susanna, this is a wonderfully exposed evening shot. The house looks like it is dripping with light. The colours are rich and contrast well against the deep blue sky. Great composition with the railings leading the eye to the front door.

nwoehnl (118) 2005-11-21 15:51

Hi Susanna. Well, your perseverance eventually paid off, I think (good storytelling in your note, I'm still smiling). Besides the impeccable exposure work and the beautiful framing where the wooden walkway enhances the view towards the "golden" decorations, I particularly like the wide-angle effect of the 10mm which gives a special touch and (similar as in your previous photo) is not at all in urgent need of being corrected.

capthaddock (28640) 2005-11-22 9:50

Hi Susanna - incredibly festive, captures the essence of the season, wonderful lighting of course, but what I like most is the distorted geometry, bottom part leaning left and top part leaning right, makes a great balance. I would not try to correct it either.

hispic (7399) 2005-11-23 8:22

Salut Susanne,
Wonderful Christmas decorations and lights!
Captured it in the exquisite brightness of the deep blue sky.
I really like this picture.
Hisashi