Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik, a photo from Dubrovacko-Neretvanska, Coast

Photographer's Note

The cloisters of the Franciscan Monastery in the old town of Dubrovnik. This cloister, built in mid-14th century rate as one of the most beautiful late-Romanesque structures in Dalmatia. Master Mihoje Brajkov of Bar is said to have been the architect/builder. At the end of the cloister is a pharmacy founded in 1317, the third oldest in the whole world, and continuously functioning until the present day.

tyro, Royaldevon, No_One, macjake, jhm, annjackman, Mics has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

rigoletto (34279) 2014-05-01 6:19

i highlighted the pic and saw two standing figures deep into the left, which gave life to the place. however i like it better with such gloomy darkness. fine rotten textures on the walls and glossy marble on the ground. your previous minimalist seascape was a fine pic too.

tyro (30513) 2014-05-01 7:24

Hi Will,

This is a lovely monochrome architectural study, very well composed and with the most lovely light, tones, textures and contrasts. Despite the great contrasts in light levels, yet we can still see full details in the deepest shadows as well as in the very brightest parts of the image. Excellent details and sharpness too.

And, of course, an interesting note about this place, particularly about its harbouring the third oldest pharmacy in the World!

Kind Regards,

John.

holmertz (103564) 2014-05-01 7:35

Hello Will,
I was here too. It's definitely one of the nicest places in Dubrovnik. This is a fine shot with a good greyscale and nice depth in both directions. You were lucky to take this without a herd of tourists spoling the view, just these two persons standing in the shade, where they contribute nicely to the atmosphere.
Kind regards,
Gert

lousat (139926) 2014-05-01 8:13

Hi Will,very good 3D effect made by this prospect and point of view,a good capture in a very difficult backlight,soft detail and excellent black and white.Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

tatadalou (7459) 2014-05-01 10:10

Hello Will,
I like the framing, the two sides of the cloister makes a nice impression of perspective and adds some movement. Otherwise, I'm quite disappointed by the low quality of the picture, what happened ? It looks quite blurry and noisy.
Regards,
Delphine

Royaldevon (86392) 2014-05-01 11:37

Hello Will,

Your b&w photograph has wonderful textural qualities and, along with the materials and style, help to create that sense of age.
It is a very well composed shot, the corner sitting nicely on the thirds line, giving the l/h side increased status and a focal couple as well.

Thanks for sharing this,
Bev :-)

No_One (4) 2014-05-01 12:09

Hi Will
I know B&W is your medium, but still I must say, a beautiful choice for black and white. There is a spooky sense to this image which seems so appropriate and the view splits the scene perfectly in two. The available light had made a fascinating image and gives the feeling that the two people in the scene are actually ghosts of times past. Evocative image, full of drama and intrigue.
Thanks as always for sharing
Noel

carlo62 (81265) 2014-05-01 12:13

Ciao Will
ottima inquadratura, bella esposizione e interessante scelta del b&w.
Uno splendido risultato, molto affascinante.
Saluti
Carlo

macjake (98544) 2014-05-02 0:36

Hi Will
A pharmacy from the year 1317? wow, what were they selling back then in a pharmacy?! I wonder what was their #1 selling item????

I would never have guessed that this was taken in Dubrovnik - it certainly doesn't have that touristy feel that we often see from that city.

love the tiny amounts of light pushing through the circles at the top.
fine shot
cheers
craig

jhm (211738) 2014-05-02 1:15

Hello Will,

This is a very difficult picture through the dark situation.
Through your choice of black and white get we exactly a image of hundred year ago.
Perspective and depth are wonderful.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John

kasianowak (17676) 2014-05-02 2:32

Hi Will
I really like the atmosphere you created in this image. There is darkness lurking in the corners with hints of brighter world on the other side. A metaphor of monastic life I guess.
Nicely converted to b&w but that's no surprise as I realise now you know everything about digital retouching. :-)
Have a nice day
Kasia

Ps. Thank you for your comment on my last post. You are right - although I had been thinking of doing that since I went to see the old house at the beginning of March what really made me sit down and do it was your Tyneham phone box shot.

dekanski (9419) 2014-05-02 11:21

Hi Will,

You are "stealing" my idea! I've had good luck with the setting sun. View: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Croatia/Coast/Dubrovacko-Neretvanska//photo1445850.htm

Your version has more of patina, black and white was the right choice! I like it!

Regards!

danos (110407) 2014-05-03 2:28

Hi Will,
nice the B/W scene of the interior of the Franciscan Monastery's cloister with the light management to brings out the details of it.The presentation of the couple adds life in the scene.

Have a good weekend,Dannos

saxo042 (38078) 2014-05-03 4:47

Hi Will,
Beautiful contrasts between dark and light parts here. A fine perspective and a well composed view. Interesting architecture.
Kind regards
Gunnar

annjackman (23019) 2014-05-04 0:10

Hi Will,
Cloisters make wonderful photographic subjects but I seem not be successful when I take them as I don't handle the contrasting light well. Here you have capture a timeless mood by converting to b/w and I like the darkness in the corner with a single light hanging from the ceiling. Two people also add interest to that area. A super shot and one that I shall remember.
Kind Regards, Ann
p.s. we may be going to Croatia next year on a walking holiday so I would like to find out more from you when we meet in June.

mesutilgim (0) 2014-05-04 2:32

Hello Will,
Nice b&w capture of this monastery in Dubrovnik.
Perfect pov and layout.
TFSand have a nice weekend
MESUT ILGIM

Mics (1020) 2014-05-09 2:58

Hi Will,

It also made me wonder upon first look why the photo seems old and I have to look at the date it was taken. But as what you've said, the "old photo" with scratches effect was deliberate. Not really an aberration for me, I think this is just perfect for historical documentation. Still a beautiful work.:-)

Kind regards,
Mics

GyurMaster (25012) 2014-05-18 13:49

Dear Will,

Excellent photo, however I may apply a more symmetric composition. The handling in PS is excellent!

Best Regards,
Gy鰎gy

mjw364 (1466) 2014-05-31 5:44

Hello Will

A classic composition in many ways and an excellent subject for black and white! I may have lightened the shadows slightly especially around the couple on the left who are, on my monitor at least, barely discernible. Nonetheless - a cracking shot.

See you on Tuesday!

Have a good weekend.

Mike