Red Doorway, Forbidden City, Beijing
This is a doorway into the heart of the Forbidden City. It provides a bright frame to isolate and draw your attention to the interior and those enjoying their visit. It is a contrast between the very old surroundings and the modern age where the public can enter what was once the exclusive domain of the Emperor. There is an interesting consistency of colour tones in the flaking paint on the wall, the bright red portal and the buildings in the background that all create a consistent colour theme for this picture.
Overall 490 x 390
Gondolas by moonlight, Venice
Those who have visited Venice know that the days there are filled up with walking many hours to explore countless narrow laneways, being spoilt by fine food and absorbing the busy and vibrant retail energy that envelopes you everywhere you turn. It is only when you slow down and find a place to sit and enjoy the view that the scale and beauty of Venice is most evident. Sitting by the water’s edge I waited until the moon was the primary lighting source and set up a long exposure, aided only by the flash from my second camera, used from the side to lighten the shadows and give some definition to the rocking gondolas. The rocking of the gondolas on the water made them blur on the photo, giving them a ghostly appearance.
Overall 490 x 380
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Ribbon Dance, Imperial Theatre, Xian
Photos of stage performances are made difficult by the relatively low light conditions and rapid movement of the subjects. In this picture I was able to find a compromise with a shutter speed that still kept some slightly blurred movement in the silk ribbons but was able to maintain the principal subject in sharp relief within the single spotlight of white light. The vivid colour of the stage lighting helped to dramatise the scene and transform the otherwise white ribbons into bands of fire.
Overall 485 x 385
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Town Gate, Germany
Rothenburg Ob der Tauber is the best preserved mediaeval city in Germany – still encircled by an intact 12th century wall. Its clock tower gates are iconic landmarks featured in countless postcards and movies. All the buildings inside the city wall are in their original state. It is like stepping back in time. The town's name means Red Fortress and with its many red roof buildings you can see why. Rothenburg has been lucky to escape damage and it remains largely the same as it been since the 10th century. Many shops have ornate wrought iron signs that are intricate, quaint and distinctive.
Overall 480 x 390
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Arc de Triomphe, Paris
Everyone recognises the Arc de Triomphe, so it is hard to portray it differently to the clichéd image of cars whizzing around the Étoile roundabout. By waiting for the late afternoon and fading sky it created a much deeper blue to better contrast the well lit facade. A low strength flash directed at the reflective street sign made it appear to be illuminated.
Image 245 x 185
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