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Staff Winter Selection 2015
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the Great Mosque in Mahdia Tunisia and depicts the north portico which houses the main entrance. I had attracted the attention of a local trader who decided to give me a private tour, allowing me access to areas not normally shown to tourists but also including a lesson in the prayers performed by women so I could show my respect and not inadvertently go where women were not allowed.Time
I took this shot late morning in mid June.Lighting
The whole of the portico was in shade so there were no tricky shadows or pools of light in the main body of the photo. The light was very even coming in from the right hand side of the photo which was South.Equipment
Canon 7D, Tamron 18-270mm lens, 21.0mm f/6.3, 1/160s, ISO 160 no flash, hand held.Inspiration
I loved how the arches framed each other drawing the eye away from the first arch to what looked another stone wall and dead end. In fact it led to a storage area off to the left which today held plastic wrapped slabs of bottles of water but had in ancient times been a well.Editing
The only post-processing was a slight crop and colour correction. Having been using film for over 30 years, which does not have the benefit of instant critiquing, I have learned to get the shot as correct as possible in camera. It saves time in the long run and is also a true representation of what the public see rather than a manipulation.In my camera bag
I have now invested in 2 more lenses - a Canon 1.4 50mm and a 2.8 70-200mm with which I am having lots of fun experimenting - and my stock lens the Tamron 18-270mm. I still have the Canon 7D only. I also recently invested in a Manfrotto tripod but that is yet to venture abroad.Feedback
Be patient, wait for people to move themselves out of shot if you don't want them in frame, go back at different times of the day to experiment with lighting. I took this shot standing but now wonder what it might have looked like from down low. Pay your respects by wearing appropriate clothing and head gear, and make donations for the upkeep of this beautiful Mosque - the gentleman at the entrance here was lovely and after my third visit in 3 days we developed a nodding acquaintance. He didn't mind that I was trying to get the shot right and allowed me in each time with a smile, on the end of my Dinars of course.