Idyll of Odile, a photo from West-Vlaanderen, Flanders

Photographer's Note

Odile is the evil reflection of Odette in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. The title refers to that character instead of the good one, because of its dark mood. The photo was made after sunset, almost in darkness, also under a heavy December 31st sky. Thanks to f4, ISO 800 and 1 sec. exposure, the lighting is a bit weird. The clouds reflected the city lights in a pinkish haze. The yellowish tones were obtained by warm white balance.

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For most visitors the Minnewater and its lovely park are the entrance to the beautiful city of Bruges. The Minnewater is a canalized lake. From the bridge (1740) one can already enjoy a nice panoramic view over the town. Because of the idyllic surroundings it is mostly referred to as 'the lake of Love', the Dutch word 'Minne' meaning 'love'.

Actually, the origins of the lake are less romantic. It was here that the coastal river 'Reie' entered the city. The river was later canalized and made to continue until the center of town. It is not sure where the name 'Minnewater' comes from. An explanation could be 'water van het gemeen', which could be translated as the 'common water'. The lake was used as a water reservoir, to keep the water of the canals at a constant level. Next to the lake is the Minnewater park, where sometimes in the summertime (rock) concerts are organized.

One of the symbols of Bruges is the swan. There are always plenty of them on the 'Minnewater'. There exists a nice legend about the swans of Bruges. In 1488 the people of Bruges had executed one of the town administrators belonging to the court of Maximilian of Austria, husband and successor of duchess Mary of Burgundy. The town administrator was called 'Pieter Lanchals', a name which means ' long neck'. The Lanchals family coat of arms featured a white swan. Legend has it that Maximilian punished Bruges by obliging the population to keep swans on their lakes and canals till eternity. Most of these legends and romantic interpretations come from the 19th century. Believe them or not : the beautiful 'Minnewater' deserves them.

Vato_Law, Carolineryca, SnapRJW, BennyV, brianmcc, Bluejeans, Kofman, Kofman, yedirenk has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Vato_Law (12718) 2012-01-02 17:12

hello Deniz,

First let me wish all the best for 2012 and may your wishes be all achieved.

Well that's really something different frm what we're used to see around Brugges.

Something like a classical photo approach, not the usual blue hour photos (which i also like btw). Your photo is more like a painting, like a classical "ballet" here interpretated by the swans.

I like this soft, yellowish light resulting from a warm WB and the softness like if your were shooting with a light diffusor.

Curious to see more of this pot and your usually different approachs to the places.

Cheers.
Paulo

Carolineryca (152) 2012-01-02 22:31 [Comment]

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SnapRJW (18690) 2012-01-02 23:55

Hello Deniz - I don't really know where to start with a critique of this shot, I just love it. The light (or lack of it) is spectacular and I love the way the swans appear to glow on the still dark water. The buildings are softly lit with just enough detail visible. A strange and mystical image. My wishes for a happy and productive 2012 Rosemary

Ricx (13435) 2012-01-03 0:03

Hi Deniz, wow - amazing image of the bright white swans against the dark and cold back ground. good sharpness.. . it looks more like a painting than a photo. well done and a great reference to a piece of music thjat is just beautiful Rich

DarkoG (8) 2012-01-03 1:08

nice work. like it
Regards Darko

Juzo (4240) 2012-01-03 2:06

Hi Deniz,
Now this is a creative use of long exposure to create atomosphere. The swans on the lake are sinister, beuatiful, as is the scene, but I sense many a haubted tale here too. The dark light, smooth long exposed tones, simply magic.
Happy new year
Justin

BennyV (12747) 2012-01-03 2:38

Hello Deniz

My daughter is heavily into Tchaikovsky's ballet and happens to be on a day out in Brugge right now, but I do wonder if she'd make any connection there! Haha!

A very playful, atmospheric, even arty picture. The swans seem to glow from within. One of the best Brugge shots I've ever seen it, certainly one of the most original.

With thanks for the photographical details in your notes and with my best wishes to you and yours.

Stay fine.

Benny

GFSSD-1 (3134) 2012-01-03 13:20

Beyaz kuş lekeleri anlatıma çok kuvvet katmış.. Son derece başarılı bir sunum..Selamlar.. r yuksel

bantonbuju (51733) 2012-01-04 2:35

Hi deniz,

Seeing this photo on my new iPad fabulous screen is a real pleasure, a crisp, clear, ideally exposed and prezentem image...

All the best in 2012, buddy!

Best, j.

sayeed_rahman (5985) 2012-01-04 7:18

hey, you are back and i can see the dream already. i still maintain, if you were breathing centuries back, you would have loved painting these scenes. i am always concerned with the final output of the photo and the light hss that touch of surrealim.

show me the streets..

hugs
from the fourth most populous city in the world, the pulse of the city is fascinating.

brianmcc (5536) 2012-01-04 11:43

hi deniz,
the atmoshpere in this picture is very dramatic. it must be the combination of colours, light and shade, and the composition with the swans moving on the water like slient swimming ghosts. superb notes also to set the scene.
regards,
brian

Bluejeans (64221) 2012-01-04 12:04

Ola Deniz,
Está brutal esta tua foto tem uma estranha atmosfera , gostei , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

bostankorkulugu (40778) 2012-01-04 14:16

güzel olmuş... aferin...

yedirenk (11242) 2012-01-05 14:42

kasvetli atmosfere inat kuğuların beyazlığı ve zarifliği çarpıcı.eline sağlık Deniz.selamlar,iyi seneler.

Cevdet

efi (5145) 2013-04-19 8:37

mrhb deniz;
harika fotoğraflarını gezdim hepsi birbirinden güzel ellerine sağlık.bu dpğuştan gelen fotoğraf gözünün akıl ve teknikle yoğrulması..buysa ayrıca muhteşem.gölgeler ve ışıkların dansı..see u.