Inside Diocletian's Palace, a photo from Splitsko-Dalmatinska, Coast

Photographer's Note

The most important part of Split old town is Diocletian’s Palace, which dates back to around the 4th century. At 215m x180m (705ft x 590ft) it is the largest and best preserved of all Roman palaces. Parts of the walls are as high as 28m (92ft). Diocletian became Roman Emperor in AD284 and had the palace built for his retirement in AD305.

The original walls, gates and various features of the palace remain in various stages of repair, but much of the interior has grown up over the years into narrow streets and squares, with houses, shops etc. incorporated into the remaining structures. (See here for an example) Occasionally you come across a modern building which spoils the look of the place, like this square modern hotel top right.

This is the view looking towards the Silver Gate in the east wall of the palace. A closer view of the gate is in the WS.

ISO200, FL40mm,

rigoletto, robiuk, jean11-3, Sne011, dareco, LamCam, shevchenko, Wandering_Dan, TopGeo, coco, fabio_ts, snunney, cbrman, Maged, Royaldevon, Dyerco, Cricri, JCG, crckt, carper, riclopes, AlexandraR, danos, Jonas_Schmitt, Sistercosmo, zeca, abulafia, xuaxo, Emile, josepmarin, plimrn, mortijo, gunbud has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

rigoletto (30532) 2008-07-27 12:46

Hi Kath,
Split was one of my intended destinations in Croatia, but i only could visit Zagreb and Dubrovnik in 9 days. I regret, but vowed to go back.
Here is a great tight crop on the door, lively coloration on the nice light. Walking figures were essential indeed.
Cheers,
Deniz

npecanhuk (53919) 2008-07-27 13:09

Hello Kath!
I really like the photo!!!!!
The colors are so natural and beautiful!
The POV and composition, using the arch as some kind of framing, are very smart and nice!
People in the scene do very well to the image!
TFS - Congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

robiuk (10805) 2008-07-27 13:18

Hi, Kath!
High contrast with the light is great, but I wonder if
you lightened shadowed area in post processing?
The chosen POV is great and I wonder if viewers will
realise the amount of space and details presented in
this shot (therefore, thank you for the WS photos!).
I truly like this shot!
Robi

mark_mk (266) 2008-07-27 13:29

Hi Kath,
the gate was perfect! Compositinally wise and technically a perfect shot, colors are wonderful and your POV is superb, as usual great quality. Very nice work!

Take care
Mark

jean11-3 (2799) 2008-07-27 14:01

Hello Kath, this one stands out in the thumbnails; a great composition.The people lead us into the town,(they could have been coming out and away, which wouldn't have been half as effective,)and we look towards the features of the old buildings.
Good light and shade.
As always, you give us 'value for our money' with extra shots in the w/shop.
Tfs, regards Jean.

Sne011 (3084) 2008-07-27 14:15

Wow Kath, this photo is fantastic! Great composed and this place is worth a visit!
Good night..
Sneza

dareco (17134) 2008-07-27 14:34

Another very interesting place. Awesome detail!! I like the lighting and colors very much. TFS and have a happy day!

LamCam (3603) 2008-07-27 15:01

Hello Kath, Your POV shows the incongruous mix of building styles and details of the pillars and walls very well, and in a very attractive light. I only visited this place for a few hours whilst waiting for a ferry to Hvar - but it made quite an impact. The way that the remains of the ancient palace still dominate the city - and over such a large area - is quite bizarre.
Best wishes....Maggie

Glint (5575) 2008-07-27 15:43

hello Kath,
a perfect light and nice colours, this picture is framed within your frame by the arched entrance. I feel as if I too walk through the archway.
Bev

shevchenko (18243) 2008-07-27 20:16

Hi Kath,
Interesting composition to show Roman's architectures, it look like a labyrinth in this pov, nice to see modern paints hanging in the old wall in WS photos, thanks for sharing.
Ally

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2008-07-27 21:13

Hi, Kath -

We should all retire like this!

Nice use of the arch as a framing device. Good positioning of the people, too. The modern hotel is a bit of a spoiler, but I've seen lots worse attempts to blend old and new.

Best,
Dan

TopGeo (37994) 2008-07-27 23:16

Hi Kath!Need prompted the persons to use occasionally and the public buildings for private use! Here the gate with the view in the gate Diocletian's palace has been recorded with perfection
A important work.
Georgios

John_F_Kennedy (41368) 2008-07-27 23:24

Wonderful shot. The light is very warm and the view to the arches is excellent. Beautiful shot!
Best wishes,
Achim

devimeuxbe (58557) 2008-07-27 23:27

Hi Kath
THis is a perfect cropping with the arche on the ruins of the old Split.
Excellent
Bertrand

coco (30433) 2008-07-27 23:30

Hi Kath.

Technically your work is perfect and I like very much this photo with this door or arch as frame.
Also the light and the colour look great.

Well done.

fabio_ts (13694) 2008-07-28 0:20

You have used some of the elements that make a good photo ( light, shapes, composition...) in a superb way, really a fine work Kath, I like it a lot, BRAVA+++

have a nice week,
Fabio.

snunney (67430) 2008-07-28 1:19

Hello Kath,
A good capture of this interesting street scene. I like the framing from the archway and the sense of depth as the eyes move through the architectural details. Very good sharpness.

cbrman (21637) 2008-07-28 2:55

Hello Kath,

Une très belle vue de cette place. J'aime bien voir ces pierres éclairées par le soleil. Il ya un très bon contraste entre le ciel et la place illuminée. J'aime bien l'encadrement créé par les colonne.
Une image bien composée. Bravo.

A+

Dominique

PixelTerror (0) 2008-07-28 3:01

Hi Kath,
A good framing using this arch, it seems the Romans have designed it with the portrait format in mind ;-) Nice image that shows how these ancient remains are mixed with the city buildings.
Have a nice day JY

Maged (1747) 2008-07-28 3:06

Hello Kath
Excellent , really Excellent , the colors and the lighting are pretty , your FG, this gate is pretty, Extra details and beautiful place.
Well done
Best Regards
Maged

zeynepe (9828) 2008-07-28 5:24

Hi Kath,
A superb gate , with lovely architectural details .
Technically a perfect shot as usual.
Congrats,
Zeynep

Royaldevon (17811) 2008-07-28 6:11

Hello Kath,

You are really selling Croatia to me!
I love to investigate old ruins, especially ones like this which are very much alive!

I think it is often difficult to convey ruins to other people and still keep them interesting. You have done a fine job with this. Using the beautifully detailed archway as an intro has really drawn us in! We are joining the other tourists, investigating!

Good architectural details and excellent, natural colours.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

Dyerco (10185) 2008-07-28 6:36

Hi Kath
Nicely framed with the arch with lots of repeating arches. The lighting is well handled and the texture on the walls is clear and sharp. Including the people adds life to the place. Well done indeed.
Phil

ysabaner (1069) 2008-07-28 7:20

Hi Kath,
Wonderful historical building, colors very nice, well done.
Yahya

Cricri (86535) 2008-07-28 9:35

Hi Kath,
Une belle présentation avec l'arche qui invite a la découverte des ruines et des détails plus résent, belles images complémentaires en WS
Best regard
cricri

JCG (35129) 2008-07-28 11:21

Hi Kath,

A very beautiful series of photographs on this old city. I like much this point of view with this arch like framing, that gives a beautiful prospect and depth to the image. Qualities of the image are appreciable and I like the reflection on the paving stones. A city which seems really interesting and pleasant. Thank you Kath.

With all my friendships and I say to you with soon, after having taken some colors and some photographs… but I would pass from time to time to see you all the same.

Jean-Charles

gilou530 (34) 2008-07-28 11:57

hello kath
one will say a HDR your image, the light and contrast are well balanced, the stormy sky especially gives a beautiful environment on the WS, this country is really very interesting
friendships
gilbert

crckt (7216) 2008-07-28 19:10

Hi Kath,
WOW! This is a really gorgeous shot! I can't pin point on what it is it that is so striking, but there is something about it that is fascinating! May be the warm tones on the bricks contrasting with the grey clouds, may be the play of light and shadows or simply the POV. Put together, it is a really amazing shot.
TFS,

Shaeri

Graal (88982) 2008-07-28 23:50

Hi Kath,
an interesting old historic place in Split, I know it and remember from my trip. Good two images. Nice natural frame here, excellent quality. Fine work.
Gr., Aleksander

syrus_persia (2270) 2008-07-29 0:32

Salam Kath
It is the good composition with better colors.I like the architecture place in all of earth.
Good work
syrus

carper (96) 2008-07-29 3:08

very nice one Kath,
good looking through, you create a fine depth in the shot, with nice details and a pleasure to look at, good photojob here, have a fine day.
gr. jaap

riclopes (35567) 2008-07-29 3:29

Now, I'm convinced that the bad weather not only didn't disturb the result of your photography, but even helped :) You can never resist to such framings, can you? :))) All 3 images show how beautiful Split is. This is the best one of course and I love the detail of the girl entering in. Really, this wouldn't be so nice without the people. The guy with the umbrella is also a funny bonus. So good that you managed to have sunlight so many times - the sky in the WS2 is great. A pitty that those kind of hotels ruin so many nice places of the world...that one is not too bad. I mean, it could be much worse.
ric

Paolo (41216) 2008-07-29 3:31

Wonderful one Kath, with an excellent work on the tones and the contrast and a great depth of field.
thanks, ciao

AlexandraR (80) 2008-07-29 4:04

I like the texture and tones of the photo. The composition and pov were very well choosen, ading a natural frame to the image.

danos (74064) 2008-07-29 11:27

Hello Kath,
very nice presentation of the Diocletian’s Palace,with this arch stone entrance and the walking tourists in the interior.This scene,with the other in the WS, create a more nice complementary viewpoint of the space.I like the vivid lights and the colors as the sharpness and the clarity of the photo.Well done.

Regards,Danos

Jonas_Schmitt (3074) 2008-07-29 12:47

Hello Kath!
Wow, a really nice new picture you brought from Croatia. The composition is just perfect with the arch in the foreground, the people, the architecture and the part of the sky....great! What I also like a lot is your point of view, the feeling of depth you have and the colors, of course. Well done, Kath! And thank´s a lot for the Workshop, I also like it very much.
Have a nice day,
Jonas

Sistercosmo (242) 2008-07-29 13:41

Hi Kath,
you once again show that you have an excellent eye and a terrific technique. Sharp with good contrast and great colors. But I especially like you pov.
Thanks for sharing!
Linda

gneufeld (15870) 2008-07-29 18:08

Hi Kath,
Great idea to use this huge arch to contain and display the daily life activity. Great details and I like the sharpness and crisp lines of the arch rock structures. Well done and TFS. Gerald

zeca (19762) 2008-07-29 21:52

Hi Kath!
Beautiful photo! The contrast is very nice, as the colours! Excellent lights! I also like the point of view, with the nice framing.
Regards,
Zeca

abulafia (4900) 2008-07-29 23:18

I,ve heard a lot about split and all the old architecture. Must be a great place to visit.
As always a technical good shot from you Kath.
Harry

trekks (14348) 2008-07-30 18:21

hi Kath

I would love to be in this spot for a portrait shot, it is a great backdrop. Your pov is superb to frame the view with the arch and using the light well for this capture.

I wonder how if lookf if they walk in opposite direction to you?

tfs, bill

albertz (2468) 2008-07-31 9:13

The light is perfect enough to reveal the detail of the wall. You were right about the building on the top right as it spoils the overall scenery but still the antiquity of the place dominates the overall scene. Tfs and i also like how you frame the shot. Well done.

ElAprendiz (30) 2008-07-31 12:14

Hello Kath:

Surely that is an elegant and well balanced takes, to locate the arches with great accuracy within the scene, bringing its strength and composition.

The terracotta tones are beautiful, and the depth of field is unmatched.

John

xuaxo (6830) 2008-07-31 13:05

Hi Kath
This is an obvious framing, but it is very well done. And the light is wonderful.
F.

Angshu (51174) 2008-07-31 20:42

Hello Kath
Arches, arches & more arches as we look into the picture. Your trademark framing is done to perfection. Seeing the WS#2, this place is more touristy than what appears in this original pix's POV. The sheen on the old stone floor showing some reflections also adds interest IMO. Good work!
Best Regards
Angshu

Emile (20348) 2008-08-01 21:18

Hola Kath.
Good idea to use the arched door as a frame and be able to get a magnificent view of the Roman ruins. The light, colors and sharpness are very good, nice daily life view with the tourists enjoying such wonderful place.
Well done. TFS.
Wish you a nice weekend.
Cheers.

josepmarin (55063) 2008-08-03 11:15

Hello Kath,
Good idea to use the portico as frame for the people who visits this place, and where we can see a fantastic mixture of different architectural styles, in a very balanced composition and with a vertical perfectly select setting.
I like the light and the colors, in an image with high quality.
Thank you very much for your words of condolence, my friend.
Best wishes,
Josep

sacavem (18578) 2008-08-04 2:18

Olá Kath,

The Croácia is a country of central Europe very beautiful e with monuments similar what if it can see in Portugal.Very good colour, contrast and definition.
Regards,
Filipe

marietom (34603) 2008-08-04 3:57

hello Kath,

Nice PP work for this beautiful composition. I like colors, and atmosphere here.
Have a nice sunday.
Marie

skippy007 (12500) 2008-08-05 1:58

Hello Kath, So much history & so well captured. A very interesting & beautiful scene, the colour/light, detail & framing are all stop on, the people are all well placed, beautiful & well done on an excellent job.
Thanks
Santo

Greg1949 (9011) 2008-08-05 5:06

Kath, your color is awesome and the dynamic range is fantastic. There are so many of these type shots that are grossly misframed but you have done it perfectly. The detail that is visible and the girl in the shadow that is not obscured by the lower light really make this one magic. Great capture.

Greg

plimrn (21344) 2008-08-06 9:47

Hi Kath,
I love the way you have framed this through the arch. Good work minimizing the ugly hotel and including the lovely sky. I particularly like the way the three arches against the sky repeat the theme of the framing arch.

It really does take both of the additional pictures to have any comprehension of the magnitude of the palace, in spite of your considerate inclusion of our backward measurements in feet. Fascinating view on the use of ruins.
HLJ, Pat

mortijo (12828) 2008-08-06 12:12

Excellent shot of the palace of Diocletian: Hasn't chaged much since I have been there some 38 years ago. Beautiful, warm natural colors. Excellent crop. Congratulations
Regards
John

keribar (43841) 2008-08-20 21:27

This picture is twice interesting for me: I didn't know that there were such important Roman Ruins at Split, and the picture you took under the arches is fabulous. -I like to include tourists in such views. I am little disturbed by the way they built an ugly house at the top
Best - Izzet

gunbud (34052) 2009-01-12 20:00

Hi Kath,
Crystal clear colors and warm light from the clearing skies.
Love the shadows on the ancient stone walk way and the sharp details to the stone arch and lovely Roman ruins.
Regarrds, Tom