For our second day at Bagan, we hired a local professional photographer, Maung Maung (pronounced Moo Moo). As with almost everyone here, he speaks very little English, using mostly, “you happy?” What else were we to say other than "yes, very happy." The other word he used often is, “shoot!” I would often try to argue with him about camera settings, where he would listen impatiently for a moment, then look me in the eye and say, “shoot!” So, shoot I would. And the photo would be good. I stopped arguing. During our sunrise shoot, he dropped his telephoto lens. It was broken. I was going to tell him he could use the word, “shoot” for this but decided to keep my mouth shut. The outshoot of this mishap is he would come to me all day and want to borrow my lens. Then he would borrow my camera saying he was setting up a shot for me. After a bit, I was unsure whether I was shooting or he was shooting. It didn’t matter as there was some really nice shots on my camera. Moo Moo worked more from the artistic side of photography than the technology side. This turned out to be great for me as it pushed me to see the scene in a different way. He kept “talking” about using layers (not Photoshop layers), shadows, and mist. It took a while but I think I finally got it. [caption id="attachment_4587" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Mystical Sunrise at Bagan. Notice the layers of mist and trees.[/caption] After sunrise we did some staging, renting a local monk. Rick Sammon, a professional I have been following, always says, “make the shot, just don’t take the shot.” Well, make the shot we did. We made good use of shadows and light while positioning the monk just so. [caption id="attachment_4595" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Our rental monk amidst the shadows and light.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4596" align="aligncenter" width="600"] We finely positioned him getting the color and shadows we desired.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4597" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Our Monk and his shadow.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4598" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Candle light is beautiful. Our monk had to sit very still.[/caption] The day concluded with us being “very happy” - we really were. Moo Moo really has a fantastic eye. Wanting to see more of his photos, we stopped by his store (you really can’t call it a store, it is more of a stall). After sitting for tea with Moo Moo and his wife, we settled on a book of his images for purchase. He gladly autographed it for us. [caption id="attachment_4567" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Maung Maung and Us[/caption] What a day… Remember, it’s all about the light, layers, shadows and mist!

Thank you so much for traveling with us over the past couple of weeks as we toured the Mediterranean. When comparing this trip with our safari, we found that we shot quite a few less photos. On the safari, we each shot over 6,000 photos, on this trip we each shot about 2,000 each (and this trip was longer!). Since city's and buildings don't move, we only needed to take a couple of shots at a time, keeping the totals low. When we were shooting the animals, we would rip off 20 or more in just a few seconds! Over our two weeks of travel, we found the larger cities (e.g., Rome and Barcelona) the hardest to photograph. Sites and architecture were so tightly packed into the city we had trouble isolating the interesting buildings or icons. Street views were filled with people and traffic. It was the small villages and towns (less interesting to the masses) that we enjoyed the most. The back canals of Venice , the reflections in the water in Sete ’, views from Ravello , and the local markets to name a few. We also enjoyed our experiences such as the private bell concert with the priest in Triluke Bay . We continued to push out of our comfort zone with a lot of street shooting of people. We had to ask a stranger from a foreign land whether it was OK to photograph them. What if they say no? Being rejected is one of the toughest things we humans have to go through (men, think about asking a woman out for a date!). Luckily for us, most of the people said yes. There were a couple who did not. There was a great shot of an older gentleman smoking a cigarette, leaning back in a chair against an old weathered building. I asked with the photographer’s universal motion - pointing at my camera. He used the universal no by shaking his head. Communication completed. Photo, not so much. Ah well, there will be others, I thought at the time. Another person allowed me to photograph her painting a mask - but only from outside the store. Does this make any sense? Of course not, but I guess she wanted to show who was in control. In the end, I got the shot: [caption id="attachment_3876" align="aligncenter" width="600"] She didn't say no but also didn't say yes.[/caption] And, how could I ask this lady? Since we could not see her face, it was OK to shoot. [caption id="attachment_3702" align="aligncenter" width="600"] I didn't want to interrupt her. She should be happy as I moved around to take the picture from the side, not the rear![/caption] Other than these restrictions we got mostly yeses. You can see some of the shots in this earlier post: Venice and its People . As we walked the cities and towns we found ourselves looking at the light. Is there something interesting where the light is shining? The pursuit of light became our mantra. This is great departure from shooting a mountain. We learned a lot from our trip. But most importantly we learned we want to take another one. Thanks for following us and remember, its all about the light!

We arrived in Barcelona on another overcast day. It was as if the world was as sad about us leaving our wonderful cruise ship. But alas, Barcelona stood waiting to be explored. We decided to tour via the "hop-on hop-off" bus with three 2-hour routes covering the city highlights. A two day pass would enable us to be quickly transported to key areas and allow for a possible second visit, if the site warranted. We boarded the two-decker open-topped bus next to our hotel (how convenient, I guess it pays to stay at the Ritz - really) and we were off. Our first stop was the historic Gothic area of town. Big plazas and narrow winding streets enticed us to go further. [caption id="attachment_3880" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Interesting side streets in the Gothic area[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3893" align="aligncenter" width="600"] You never know who or what is looking down on you, in the alleyway![/caption] [caption id="attachment_3879" align="aligncenter" width="464"] Front of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross[/caption] We enjoyed a visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The 7 Euro price of admission was worth it as it greatly reduced the crowds and enabled a leisurely exploration. But the rest of the city beckoned, so we headed out and back to the bus stop. [caption id="attachment_3874" align="aligncenter" width="400"] The church has a simple architecture, very pleasing to the eye.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3873" align="aligncenter" width="400"] The stained glass in this church is exceptional.[/caption] With the fresh air around us, the open air bus was a delightful way to see the city.... until it began to drizzle. At the next stop we chose to switch to a bus that had a covered top. Although the cover limited the views upward and outward, it was more pleasant than getting wet. The temperatures continued to drop, the wind picked up and the drizzle turned to a downpour. Cameras were put away for safety. It was now too late to go below, as it was packed. Now at the furthest point from our hotel, 90 minutes across town, we found ourselves huddled under the flimsy roof tarp. Around each turn, the rain pour over the roof and across the seats. Beautiful Barcelona had become a raw and miserable endurance event. Dismayed we took very few pictures, but we still had two things going for us: A hot shower and a second day in Barcelona. We awoke late to rain... As soon as the pavement began to dry we were back on the bus and headed to the Barcelona icon La Sagrada Familia basilica. We soon found that the bus system was over capacity and people were lined up at each stop. Those that dared get off the bus had a minimum of a 30 minute queue awaiting them to get back on. Similar queues wound around each site's entrance, and views of the mobs inside did not motivate us to brave the queues. Hours later, the only thing we accomplished was waiting for the bus. We had seen nothing. Not everyday works out for the photographer. And our two days in Barcelona were a bust! It may be all about the light, but a few breaks along the way wouldn't hurt.

[caption id="attachment_3839" align="alignleft" width="400"] Church of Sant Feliu in Girona from across the river.[/caption] If you know Jeff and I, you know we love to explore beautiful places. But we don’t like to share them with hoards of people. The New Yorker in Jeff, gets frustrated with anyone impeding his intent, and I get a little claustrophobic in crowds. This makes is difficult, if not impossible, to see some of the iconic tourist places. Tours are a convenient way to see these places that are more remote, but often at the expense of sharing them with everyone else (definitely a trade off). In addition, they are scheduled for the middle of the day when the light is at its worst. A simple shot of a street or monument becomes snapshot at best. Normally, the Seabourn puts together a personal and pleasant tour. So we took our chances and opted for a tour of the well preserved old walled city of Girona, Spain, outside of the Port of Palamos. We looked forward to being chauffeured and educated. This tour was atypical. On board an over packed tour bus that had compacted the seats like the airplanes to fit more people, we set out like a can of sardines for the hour ride to Girona. Despite numerous requests for AC, the heat was on and we began to roast. Ramon, our guide, liked to talk. He seemed to know a little about everything but not a whole lot about anything. It was hard to concentrate as many of us gasped for breath and dreamed of fresh air. [caption id="attachment_3840" align="aligncenter" width="600"] View of Girona from the bridge. An almost "Venice" feel with multi colored buildings reflecting in the river.[/caption] Our 50+ person group was split in two as we entered the city. Eager to leaving rambling Ramon behind, we went with the new guide who’s English, we quickly discovered, was poor at best. It was not a surprise that our group began to mysteriously shrink as we wound our way through the old section of the beautiful city. [caption id="attachment_3844" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A view into the old Jewish Quarter[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3842" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The backside of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3843" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Old stone architecture in the corner of the plaza[/caption] After an hour plus into the two hour tour, and about an hour later than we should have, we left the group to explore on our own. [caption id="attachment_3841" align="alignleft" width="600"] Intricate patterns of vines on the old buildings[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3846" align="aligncenter" width="400"] One of many narrow and winding alleys[/caption] Despite another overcast day, we tried to make the most of crowds and limited time. [caption id="attachment_3848" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Drawn to the color and textures surrounding this window[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3847" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Terra-cotta tile roofs, blue painted window frames and red geraniums seem to be the common theme.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3845" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The corners of this iron window railing all had this hissing dragon.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3849" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Cobblestone streets are the norm in Europe. These were particularly difficult to walk on, but more decorative than most.[/caption] How do you think we did with our people and light challenges? And remember, it’s all about the light.

After being burned by our “leisurely” walk from Ravello to Amalfi, we were more than skeptical about the supposed new route to Portofino. Thirteen years ago this 3 mile walk along a very narrow road had almost ended our honeymoon as we plastered ourselves against a ledge to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. Would the notes I had found online be true? Had they really extended the sidewalk from Santa Margarita to Portofino? Starting out from Santa Margarita on the promenade by the bay, I was willing to gamble the marriage again with another adventurous walk (heck, I already got the best years from him). [caption id="attachment_3821" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A local watches us start our journey[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3823" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Plenty of local character on this walk.[/caption] The first mile was definitely easy. A nice level sidewalk brought no complaints from Jeff. Then we hit the new boardwalk – basically, a planked sidewalk somehow strung next to the narrow roadway. Safe so far… At Paraggi, 1.8 miles into the walk, the boardwalk ended. A sign pointed to the hills, “recommended route”, it said. We had no choice but to head upward to the hillside above the roadway. [caption id="attachment_3824" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Jeff on the new boardwalk, just before it ended at the next turn.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3825" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A view from above the road looking back[/caption] Although hilly, the sidewalk on the hillside turned out to be quite pleasant, and we arrived in Portofino unscathed. [caption id="attachment_3829" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Beautiful Portofino from the water's edge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3828" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Looking down across to Portofino[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3830" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Awaiting the bus back to Santa Margarita - Walking one way was enough.[/caption] In hindsight, we should have taken the bus to Portofino and walked back as the light would have been better and the crowds fewer – because it is all about the light.

Our last day in Venice, was one of contrasts, from dingy grey to charming gold. After three windy days, we hoped that our last morning might be calm enough to provide one more opportunity to capture canal reflections that are the hallmark of a Venice photo. Early in the morning, the residents and shops put out their garbage from the day before (daily garbage service, not bad, eh?). Convenient for the locals, ugly for us photographers. Of course, everything is picked up and swept clean by mid morning when the most of the tourists arrive, but for the early bird… it created two new challenges, to frame pictures (without garbage bags), and to stay ahead of the garbage barges with hopes of capturing the shot before the wake of the boat ruined the scene. [caption id="attachment_3753" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Early Morning Reflections[/caption] Midday, we crossed town and boarded our cruise ship for the next part of our trip. Wouldn’t you know, as we embarked the sun came out for the first time in three days? [caption id="attachment_3754" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Late Afternoon View into Venice[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3756" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Venice Canal at the Golden Hour[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3755" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Venice Waterfront Reflects the Golden Sun[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3758" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Lido[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3759" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Golden Venice and the Grand Canal[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3760" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Ciao, Venice![/caption] But the late afternoon sun, the “sweet light”, made for a glorious golden send off as we cruised out of Venice. ...and as you know, it is all about the light .

Ah, Venice… if you have been, you know. If you haven't been, you should plan to go. As I write, the bells throughout Venice are ringing; it is 6pm. From the window of our hotel room I can gaze across the terracotta rooftops. There is a romance here, something special in the air. The man from the market this morning said, “Peace and love in Venice”. Venice is quiet canals, gondolas, open markets, hand blown glass, stunning hand painted ceramic masks, black ink pasta and centuries of history. We have been here 2 days and walked close to 20 miles through narrow alleyways, through open markets, along numerous canals and over many bridges (there are over 400 of them). Here’s a bit of our experience in photos… [caption id="attachment_3720" align="alignleft" width="600"] Traditional Black Ink Pasta, and it's good![/caption] [caption id="attachment_3728" align="alignleft" width="600"] Early Morning at the Fish Market[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3727" align="alignleft" width="600"] Swordfish anyone?[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3726" align="alignleft" width="600"] Fruit & Vegetables (don't mind the cigarette)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3721" align="alignleft" width="600"] Gondola on the Grand Canal, complete with barbershop-like striped mooring poles, called, "briccole"[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3732" align="alignleft" width="600"] A Gondola Ride[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3742" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Typical Gondolier manuever - kicking off the wall[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3729" align="alignleft" width="600"] Quiet Venezian Canal[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3722" align="alignleft" width="600"] Yes, another beautiful, peaceful canal[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3731" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Love is in the air...[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3725" align="alignleft" width="600"] Venetian Mask Shop at Night[/caption] What do you think of when you hear "Venice" or as the Italians say, "Venezia"? And wouldn't you say it's all about the light?

Architecture Archives - Page 2 of 3

The Many Faces of Buddha
Gallery

The Many Faces of Buddha

By Kathryn Dannay|2016-02-16T22:10:09-07:00February 21st, 2016|Architecture, Cambodia, Cityscape, Culture, Landscape, Photography Genres|

We arrived an hour before sunset to shoot The Bayon Temple. Late afternoon at the Bayon Temple - seeking the many faces of Buddha [...]

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A Thousand and Two People Watching the Sunrise
Gallery

A Thousand and Two People Watching the Sunrise

By Kathryn Dannay|2016-02-16T22:56:40-07:00February 19th, 2016|Architecture, Cambodia, Cityscape, Culture, Landscape, Photography Genres|

The iconic shot in Siem Reap is the sunrise at Angkor Wat temple with temple reflected in the one of the ponds. The photography aspect [...]

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Maung Maung
Gallery

Maung Maung

By Jeff Dannay|2016-02-06T21:20:08-07:00February 9th, 2016|Architecture, Landscape, Myanmar, Photography Genres, Portraits|

For our second day at Bagan, we hired a local professional photographer, Maung Maung (pronounced Moo Moo). As with almost everyone here, he speaks very [...]

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The Little Faces of Bagan
Gallery

The Little Faces of Bagan

By Jeff Dannay|2016-02-06T18:38:43-07:00February 7th, 2016|Architecture, Cityscape, Myanmar, Photography Genres|

Since joining up with WorldPix, I have found that my photography has begun to change, or maybe improve. Instead of the focussing on the beautiful [...]

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Mediterranean Wrap
Gallery

Mediterranean Wrap

By Jeff Dannay|2015-10-21T09:15:34-07:00October 21st, 2015|Architecture, Cityscape, Photography Genres, Portraits|

Thank you so much for traveling with us over the past couple of weeks as we toured the Mediterranean. When comparing this trip with our [...]

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Busted in Barcelona
Gallery

Busted in Barcelona

By Kathryn Dannay|2015-10-21T08:31:35-07:00October 20th, 2015|Architecture, Cityscape, Photography Genres|

We arrived in Barcelona on another overcast day. It was as if the world was as sad about us leaving our wonderful cruise ship. But alas, [...]

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Girona – On Tour
Gallery

Girona – On Tour

By Kathryn Dannay|2015-10-19T13:08:40-07:00October 19th, 2015|Architecture, Cityscape, Photography Genres|

Church of Sant Feliu in Girona from across the river. If you know Jeff and I, you know we love to explore beautiful [...]

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A Walk to Portofino
Gallery

A Walk to Portofino

By Kathryn Dannay|2015-10-16T18:15:56-07:00October 18th, 2015|Architecture, Cityscape, Photography Genres|

After being burned by our “leisurely” walk from Ravello to Amalfi, we were more than skeptical about the supposed new route to Portofino. Thirteen years [...]

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