Springtime.., a photo from South Yorkshire, England

Photographer's Note

On my way back from Rotherham, through some rather dour post-industrial landscapes, I came across this quite incongruous sight, and thought I ought to stop and preserve the moment.

Alas, I should have stopped longer. It turns out that Conisbrough Castle, for this is what it is, is one of the best examples of a Norman Castle in the country. It was made famous around the world by Sir Walter Scott as it featured in his novel 'Ivanhoe'. It is unusual in that the keep is circular, not square, a feature not seen elsewhere in Britain.

For those of a curious bent, more information may be found here

The splash of yellow on the south facing bank of the keep is a real harbinger of spring; the first daffodils I have seen in bloom outdoors this year. So this is for Rosemary, who is used to hotter climes, and who kindly noticed a sad but obvious flaw in my first posting of this image.

That post was a full sized image, now in WS, which I like for the tracery of the tree and the shadows below, but on reflection, feel this posted cropped image flatters the castle rather more. You choose !

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prasun984, annjackman, jjcordier, tyro has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dta (51510) 2012-03-15 3:43

Hello Martin ,
yes , this is springtime in Western Europe . But not yet leaves in the trees ... nevertheless , the branches and their shades on the grass provide a fine frame to this beuatiful old castle . Like especially the contrast of the walls with the blue sky .
Reards

SnapRJW (18792) 2012-03-15 3:48

I'm glad you reposted the shot Martin ... I'm not sure which version I prefer, the original did have a wonderful shadow tracery on the ground but here the daffodils and castle keep have more emphasis. On balance I think I prefer the former as it has a beautifully strong composition . Thanks for this ... Bluebell woods soon!! Warm regards Rosemary
PS. I intend getting back to you on your WS asap.

rdalfovo (471) 2012-03-15 7:52 [Comment]

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prasun984 (5590) 2012-03-15 12:38

Hi Martin,
Beautiful picture of the landscape architecture with very good lighting...nice textured golden tone wall...
like the frame work by the naked tree on top with its shadow on the green field in FG...

Prasun

emka (58224) 2012-03-15 16:23

Hi Martin,

I prefer this one, as the castle here is bigger. Wonderful ruins, I would like to explore it a bit :). Nice view from under the tre. beautiful light and colours. And I see there some yellow flowers, Daffodills? Spring is coming..

WArm regrads

MAlgo

annjackman (13233) 2012-03-15 23:41

Hi Martin,
Oh how I love seeing daffodils - a real sign of spring. Time for a visit to the wild daffodil woods in West Sussex soon.
I like the way that you have framed this castle with the branches. The light has given some lovely golden tones on the castle which, together with the daffodils gives a super feeling of the season.
The weather seemed kind to you that day.
Best wishes,Ann

jjcordier (62394) 2012-03-16 1:29

Martin
Jolie photo de ce château en ruines bien mis en image sous cette jolie lumière.
Amicalement
JJ

tyro (13149) 2012-03-16 13:08

Hello Martin,

A fine Spring-like day indeed with beautiful true colours, excellent lighting and some lovely shadows.

I've had a look at your workshop picture too and like it but I think the shadows of the branches in that version are perhaps a bit too dominating of the whole picture. I prefer this one.

Perfect exposure, lovely colours and, as always, stunning detail and sharpness.

Lovely!

Kind Regards,

John.

AliMoein (780) 2012-03-19 15:39

Hi Martin
Very nice shot,Very beautiful photo of a historic place
It has Very good composition and details
Good Night
Ali

Alfoja (672) 2012-04-19 14:15