El Convento de San Bernardino

[OldSchool]

I processed this for the "My Town" challenge. This 500 yr old church is across the street from where I currently live. So, I've been shooting it a lot. I thank you in advance for any comments you may have on it.

BR,
Tim

[jar_e]

I like it, though minus the shadow casted on the front face of the Church. Either more shadowing or none. Also, I didn't realize the vast size of this until I noticed the person standing behind the fence on the right hand side...quite and impressive building though I might have tried to take a different take on it, maybe mix up the angle a little. That being said, that blue sky is picturesque and that dove (?) flying is a great, symbolic touch IMO.

Neat shot, a few things I'd change, but I'm interested to see how others feel about it,

Jared

[OldSchool]

Jared,
How the heck have you been? It's been a while...

Thanks for the great comments. I do have many shots of this shrine (the convent is huge). This one was shot in the morning, and I liked how the sun angle/shadows brought out the texture in the stone behind the cross. I do, however, see what you mean about the larger shadow.

Cheers,
Tim

[jar_e]

Jared,
How the heck have you been? It's been a while...

Thanks for the great comments. I do have many shots of this shrine (the convent is huge). This one was shot in the morning, and I liked how the sun angle/shadows brought out the texture in the stone behind the cross. I do, however, see what you mean about the larger shadow.

Cheers,
Tim

Tim,

I've been hectic. I wrote a little write up in VF, check it out if your interested. I must say, I could probably shoot 100+ pictures of that site...is it easily accesible to get into?

[gahspidy]

Wow, Tim. That place is a photographers playground. I like everything about the image,except the shadow as Jared stated. But, it is not too bad because there is still detail in the shadow. I really dig the fuzzy grass and the amount of it included in the fg. The bird is a plus.

[GB1]

Good subject, and good technical approach. But the photo has a few things working against it. The sky is a little plain (what can you do about that? Not much, except maybe try a polarizer). I like the bird btw. I feel that the building is cramped on both the top and bottom. I would have given it a little more greenery there, and got the high tip of that structure farther away from the top of the photo. Also, not sure you caught it at the best time of the day, for the light seems a bit bright and somewhat plain.

Since you're so close maybe you can get up before dawn and take a few shots between sunrise and 2 hrs after I think it's worth it -- this place is Nice.

GB

[LeeIs]

Lovely shot Tim. Love how you captured the beautiful blue skies, the bird (top left) and the texture of the building is very strong as well. Would love to see more of this place.

One question though, was there another bird (top right) above the cross?

[Overbeyond]

It's saying come and get me to all photographers. I just love these places. All the different patterns and textures in one wall. It's a lovely place and a lovely photograph of it.
Tom

[PlantedTao]

This is a great shot and I have to agree with everyone that looks like a photogs playground.
I really like the time of day you choose to get this and the shadow does not bother me because of the soft sunlight hitting the building. Also that shadow does not touch the cross which is the only way it would of taken away from the photo, IMHO.
I like the added elements of the bird and person to give good scale to the photo.
My only complaint is the little bit of building or tree creeping into the photo on the right hand side...I just want to see that sky with no interruption.
Cheers.

[OldSchool]

Hi Everybody,


The thing that was unique about this shot is that just 5 minutes before, the whole wall was in shadow. The two birds were a bonus that I lucked out on. I didn't expect the comments about the shadow, thanks for pointing it out. Also, I didn't think the composition would come off that well either. Thanks.

PT, how the heck are you? I sure have missed your work. You are right about the tree in the upper corner. It could be easily cloned out.

Yes, this convent is a photographer's playground (there are banana groves on the grounds even). Unfortunately, this makes it even more challenging for me to shoot. I'm having a hard time capturing the grandeur properly.

I do continue to shoot this building (did some more today). I have an invitation from one of the Franciscan Monks to go into the back chambers and stuff. I’m looking forward to it. Sooner or later, I’ll put out a gallery on it.

I’ve attached a few more shots. One is the same wall, but with a full moon rising (I wish I had my tripod down here); one is of the front, and one is of the alter.

Cheers,
Tim

[jar_e]

Tim,

Those three new pics...very impressive and wonderful to see such a beautiful building through photo. The last picture is probably my favourite...the whole thing of the three kids just kind of absorbing and pondering everything there; a great touch.

Well done,

Jared

[OldSchool]

Tim,

Those three new pics...very impressive and wonderful to see such a beautiful building through photo. The last picture is probably my favourite...the whole thing of the three kids just kind of absorbing and pondering everything there; a great touch.

Well done,

Jared

Thanks Jared,
Ummmm.... One of those kids is their mom (and I am their Dad).
;^)
Tim

p.s. We both seem to be on the late shift again...

[jar_e]

Thanks Jared,
Ummmm.... One of those kids is their mom (and I am their Dad).
;^)
Tim

Ouch....I just dug myself into a hole.

[McMadCow]

Wow, I'm really digging the third shot in that second set! Including the family in it was a nice choice. The lighting is really nice, especially with the slightly overblown windows. Great composition, too. All around a really nice shot. I'm wondering how it would look with a bit more contrast, but under the difficult circumstances, I'd say you took a marvelous shot. Great work!

[PlantedTao]

I like these new photos almost more the original posted. Really like that night shot and I would grab your tripod and try to do some night shots. It give the building a totally different feel, yet stills fits in with the other photos, IMHO.
Like everyone said the family shot is just great and you captured perfect poses by everyone and a nice composition.
So, I guess you no longer live in the Pacific NW? Your missing all this beautiful rain we have been having
Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[OldSchool]

Thanks for the nice comments MadCow and PT,

As far as lighting goes for the interior shot, those are actually long florescent lights. I didn't have a problem with a green color cast one usually gets from this source because I didn't have to deal with mixed light. The camera nailed the white-balance. Also, it was hand-held, ISO640, at 1/40sec. I too am surprised it came out as it did.

PT, I still live in the NorthWet -- and that is where my tripod is. We are down here in the Yucatan for a six month sabbatical. I'm teleworking; my wife is volunteering, and the kids are enrolled in the local school. It's been a good adventure. I've plugged this a few times on these boards, and I guess I'll do it again... I have a BLOG on it:

http://t3sadventure.blogspot.com/

Best regards,
Tim

[freygr]

Thanks for the nice comments MadCow and PT,
Clip....
PT, I still live in the NorthWet -- and that is where my tripod is. We are down here in the Clip....

It's still raining and it's getting colder as the day goes on in PDX that is.