Magdalen Tower, Oxford, a photo from Oxfordshire, England

Photographer's Note

This is Magdalen Tower, the bell tower and one of the oldest parts of Magdalen College, Oxford, situated directly in the city's High Street.

Built in stone and completed in 1509, it is an important element of the Oxford skyline and also Oxford's highest building at 144 feet (44 m) high, dominating the eastern entrance to the city and towering over Magdalen Bridge which crosses the River Cherwell.

The tower contains a peal of ten bells hung for English change ringing. They were cast at a number of different foundries and the heaviest, weighing 17 hundredweight, was cast in 1623. The bells are rung during the year by the Oxford Society of Change Ringers on many occasions including significant royal and college anniversaries, and after some services in the College Chapel.

Location of the Tower: 51.751745, -1.246874

ISO 400, 1/400 sec at f/11, focal length 50mm.

ikeharel, ikeharel, jean113, holmertz, jhm, ricardomattos, Royaldevon, adramad, COSTANTINO has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Silvio1953 (221493) 2020-05-23 8:35

Ciao caro John, great view of fantastic tower, lovely composition with walking couple, excellent perspective, good clarity, wonderful colors, fine details and splendid light, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

holmertz (102636) 2020-05-23 9:38

Hello John,
This may look like a snapshot, but I think it is a carefully considered composition. The tower is so well placed just slightly towards the side, with the long diagonal fa鏰de bridging the gap between the pavement with a number of people and the tower. I suppose you waited for the nearest couple to come suitably close to you before "snapping". There is even some action here, as the man is making a little gesture with his left hand like he is telling his wife (I would imagine she is) to beware of an approaching car.
While being officially a photo of Magdalen Tower, there is also so much else to watch that makes it more than just a photo of a tower.
Kind regards,
Gert

jean113 (27819) 2020-05-23 9:40

HelloJohn, a well considered composition with the tower off centre. It looks in fantastic condition, ageing really well.
It is a busy scene which keeps my eyes moving around the picture.
Very sharp, lovely work.
Excellent notes.
Keep safe.
Kind regards, Jean.

jhm (211736) 2020-05-23 10:56

Hello John,

You choose a nice angle , this create depth and perspective.
Also a nice view of the Magdalen tower, also a nice city scape.
Composition and presentation are superb.
Very well done, TFS.

Have nice weekend,
John.

lousat (139198) 2020-05-23 15:15

Hi John,very nice postcard showing this elegant old bell tower of College,i like the composition with a watch on the street and of life with the people walking,great quality as usual. Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

ricardomattos (17460) 2020-05-23 17:19

Hi John,

Very nice post of this magnificent tower. The color of the tower is very nice too and with excellent sharpness. I would love explore this place. I did not understand well what is English change ringing.

Best regards

Ricardo

jemaflor (147046) 2020-05-23 23:13

Hi John,
Interesting architecture with the view of the tower, good composition with people and this couple in the FG, interesting composition between architecture presentation and life in the this street perspective, good quality for the rendering, light and sharpness, tfs.

ifege (47993) 2020-05-24 0:02

Hi John
A good oldie from Oxford. As well as the tower I like how you captured the man reaching out to stop his companion crossing the road.
cheers
Ian

emka (158058) 2020-05-24 0:03

Hello John, Marvellous composition. It is so much to see here. The high tower is impressive but there are much more lovely details to observed. Very pleasant picture.
This college is very interesting. I spent around there a lot of time.
Take care

MAlgo

Royaldevon (85862) 2020-05-24 2:44

Hello John,

Weren't we lucky with the good weather we experienced when in Oxford! I was immediately impressed by the light and also by the composition when I opened your photograph.

Did you wait for this couple to walk into the best place before you pressed the button? They really are well positioned and very nicely balanced by Magdalen Tower, in the b/g.

The road is a perfect guide into the b/g, with lots of figures and features to peruse, even a red tour bus!

You have obtained remarkable clarity!
It's a very good record of this part of Oxford.

Have a good day and keep safe,
Bev :-)

adramad (72940) 2020-05-24 9:53

Hi John.
Fascinating street of this city, with a lot of traffic of cars and people, impressive the beauty and height of this elegant tower that dominates the charm of the whole area. Also the big trees contribute to the well-being of the city.
A great photo, with very good color, very well managed both lighting and sharpness.
Well done. I like.
May you enjoy Sunday.
All the best, be careful and stay safe.
Luis

Tue (92312) 2020-05-24 12:45

Hello John,
Another beautiful view of Oxford. The tower looks so proud and elegant there and it is nicely surrounded by the lower buildings and lots of green from the trees. The busy street and the many people on the left hand side add a very attractive mood. I also like the combination of the pleasant, warm sunlight and the clouds in the background.
Lars

COSTANTINO (116405) 2020-05-24 21:18

Hello dear friend and have a nice day
and a happy new week
interesting photo with a great depth
presenting the Magdalene Tower
which contains a peal of ten bells
hung for english change ringing
welldone
regards
Costantino