The Windmills of Consuegra I, a photo from Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha

Photographer's Note

Most Spanish windmills described in the Don Quixote can be found in the community of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. The best examples of restored Spanish windmills are found in Consuegra where several mills stand on a small hill, giving a spectacular view of the 12th-century castle and of the town.

As it is just around 1.5 hours drive from Madrid, I would strongly recommend visiting this spot if you are in Madrid. But try to stay overnight at the accommodation just next to the windmills - the El Retiro de la Mancha - they have newly built 3-bedroom townhouses that are quite well equipped. Being close means you can enjoy the sunset till blue hour when the moon comes up, and just drive or stroll back to your accommodation.

This shot is my favourite although I had taken many, many shots. I like the wild and ruggedness of this windmill in this light and perspective. I was lucky to have some dramatic clouds to adorn my windmills; and searching for the right angle to play with the strong setting sun, with the use of an ND filter, create an interesting effect.

pajaran, holmertz, ikeharel, papagolf21, kasianowak, daddo, PaulVDV has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

holmertz (103660) 2017-05-13 6:44

Hello May,
Several factors contribute to making this a very catchy photo. The clouds, the light, the contrasts of the sails and the slight tilt all have an effect, and most likely the filter also contributes. I also like the dark strip of land at the bottom. It's a well taken and attractive photo.
Kind regards,
Gert

ikeharel (114659) 2017-05-13 9:14

Hello May,
Those windmills are intriguing subject. In your picture, you gave this a special texture with the side light condition, shadows from thin clouds above and the upwards POV taken from.
A bit mysterious...
Have a nice weekend,
Ike

Silvio1953 (222991) 2017-05-13 9:28

Ciao May, fascinating view of beautiful windmill, great POV, splendid light and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

papagolf21 (152607) 2017-05-13 10:22

Bonsoir, May,
Très jolie composition, le moulin se détache joliment sur ce ciel d'une grande beauté.
Un choix de cadrage judicieux.
Très bon résultat.
Amitiés.
Philippe

kasianowak (17676) 2017-05-13 10:39

Hi May
Excellent shot with lots of atmosphere. Indeed, it's not easy to capture this kind of light while visiting for a couple of hours at midday. The colours are captivating and the dark vignetting adds to the mood.
Best wishes
Kasia

peterpap (2863) 2017-05-13 16:09

Hello there! Nice picture, the ND filter was a good idea to make the sky more interesting, looks a bit like in a dream. Tilted angle lets the windmill look more dramatic. Interesting how you have framed it, to leave lots of space on the right works well. Congrats.

abmdsudi (95869) 2017-05-13 21:36

Hi May
It's really a tempting location, the scene looks romantic with the famous windmills and composition is well chosen. A blissfully pastel light which paints the picture in soft hues. Indeed a very evocative image, who could be bored looking at this? Lovely work indeed!
Warm regards

jemaflor (148292) 2017-05-13 23:54

Hi May,
Well presented, good angle and very interesting soft light, well managed, tfs.

Nicou (193814) 2017-05-14 0:37

Hello

quel cadrage sur ce moulin à vent quelle tonalité douce et ces pales comme elles se découpent le mur en diagonale sueprbe compo.
Bravo et amitié
Nicou

Sergiom (117241) 2017-05-14 7:00

Bonjour May,

J'avais déjà vu sur Facebook que tu visitais l'Espagne et je me souviens très bien de cet endroit. Tu as su donner un aspect assez dramatique à ta composition. La contre plongée apporte une belle ampleur à l'ensemble.

Amicalement

Serge

ChrisJ (172436) 2017-05-14 8:33

Hello May,

The yellow sunlit right side of the windmill contrasts well with the blue sky. Good sharpness and a fine upward pov. Excellent graphism of the dark blades against the lighter toned sky. Tfs!

carlo62 (81265) 2017-05-14 13:56

Ciao May
ogni tanto sparisci e poi torni fuori con una foto dall'altra parte del continente precedente!!!!
Sempre in viaggio, sempre a scoprire nuove cose, mi fa piacere.
Complimenti per questa foto, mi piace molto l'atmosfera che hai creato.
Saluti
Carlo

lousat (140026) 2017-05-14 14:34

Hi May,a magnificent way to take this old windmill,i like a lot the imposing perspective,and the light too is absolutely magic,well done! Have a nice week and thanks,Luciano

daddo (28748) 2017-05-14 17:11

Hi May. An image that demands closer attention for the reasons you mention. Dramatic angle, POV, light and strong lines. I can see why you like it. Regards. Klaudio.

batalay (41261) 2017-05-15 17:08

Hello May,

The light management is exquisite! Also, the note, succinct and informative, is highly appreciated. Among the slender twigs protruding from the ridge, I can make out the lance of Don Quixote about to charge.

Warm regard, May,

Bulent

GyurMaster (25045) 2017-05-19 1:50

Hello May,

Its a simple shot, which works well and has a lots of atmosphere as Kasia noted. I like the result.

Best Wishes,
Gy

PaulVDV (63496) 2017-06-04 0:58

Hello May,
A very atmospheric shot of this windmill.
The light on its wall contrasts well with the tones of the sky.
Also beautifully presented with the dark borders of the picture.
I've visited Consuegra on a day trip from Toledo.
Best regards, Paul