We were outside of the Old Town Hall in Prague waiting (along with about 5000 other tourists) for the famous Astronomical Clock to do it's thing. But before it chimed, a wedding party came streaming out of the Town Hall. Though the bride and groom were Czech, the wedding looked like it could have occurred in the US - rice, flower girls, photographer, videographer and all the rest. Notice the couple to the bride's right - did they just have a fight?
Europe
04-09-09 The Old Jewish Cemetery - Prague
The Jewish cemetery in the Jewish Quarter of Prague is one of the most memorable experiences of my last visit to Prague. There is something powerfully symbolic, if not ironic, in the survival of this cemetery given the fate of the Jews in Eastern Europe. Some of the markers in this cemetery go back many centuries.
Photographically, this is a fascinating place but challenging, in that creating a focal point is somewhat difficult. This photo was taken in color but I felt, as I often do, that color adds even more distraction. Thus, I created a fairly high contrast B&W image. As I look at this photo, the scene appears very well lit. But in fact, the exposure information will tell you that this is another photo that would normally demand a tripod. The trees and the cemetery walls create fairly deep shade. Again, I am grateful for the 24-105mm f/4.0L image stabilized Canon lens that I carry when I travel.
Canon 5D 1/25s f/4.0 ISO400 105mm (Canon 24-105mm f/4.0L)
04-08-09 The London Eye
By Scott Shephard
I've been told that the London Eye is not a Ferris Wheel because Ferris was a Frenchman and the French and the British have their differences. So don't called it a "Ferris Wheel." Whatever you call it, the London Eye is an impressive feat of engineering and technology. And it offers a very comfortable Ferris-Wheel-Like ride. It was expensive (over $20); but it is certainly worth it.
The clouds in the background add interest to this photo. Another things that is interesting to me is the tiny airplane that seems to be flying through the spokes.
Canon 5D 1/1000s f/14.0 ISO250 73mm (Canon 24-105 f/4.0L IS)
03-21-09 Early Morning On the Canal
It's good for a photographer to be a morning person and this photo is evidence. The light is good, the breeze has yet to pick up and there is a serenity in this scene that I doubt exists an any other time of the day.
This was taken is the picture-perfect city of Brugge, Belgium, on a trip Deb and I took in June, 2008.
03-02-09 Kunsthistorisches Museum - Vienna, Austria
By Scott Shephard
So here's the second of my "Museum Interiors" theme. The Kunsthisoriches Museum is one my favorites, largely because of the Brueghel Room, which is not the room we are seeing here. Another thing I like about this museum is the fact that there are the large, welcoming sofas - very user friendly. Incidentally, my wife, Deb, is in this picture. She looks likes she's enjoying art though I think she is enjoying the rest, as well.
Canon 5D f1.2 1/60 Canon 50mm 1.2L iso400
02-27-09 Public Display of Affection - Barcelona, Spain
By Scott Shephard
And now, as Rocky would say in the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Show," for "something completely different." Aside from my portraiture, I don't take many photos of people. But this is one of my favorites. I was in Barcelona Spain with a student group in the summer of 2003. We were visiting the famous Park Goell, designed by Antoni Gaudi. The trio in this photo was sitting on one of the mosaic covered benches on the terrace that overlooks the city. In our culture public displays of affection are frowned upon. But in Spain. . . why not? The couple is oblivious to the hundreds of tourists like me who were sharing their space. But my favorite part of the photo is their friend, whose frown is mysterious. Is he disgusted with his friends, does he feel left out, or is he just bored? Who knows.
Canon 1D f9 1/400 iso320 135mm lens unknow (Photo taken on July 17, 2003)