Crossing the Danube at Night
Chain Bridge spans the Danube in downtown Budapest, Hungary, with the St. Stephen’s Basilica towering over the surrounding area in the background....
Read more
Chain Bridge spans the Danube in downtown Budapest, Hungary, with the St. Stephen’s Basilica towering over the surrounding area in the background.
Read less
Read less
Dec, 2015Views
354
Likes
Awards
Spring Selection Award
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 2
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This is Chain Bridge spanning the Danube in downtown Budapest, Hungary, with the St. Stephen’s Basilica towering over the surrounding area in the background. The picture is taken from one of the terrace-like structures over the funicular heading up to (or down from) the castle.Time
It was 18:11 when I took this picture. This was my second time in Budapest, and I had hoped to get a few certain pictures while there that I didn't get the first time. However, my drive from Sarajevo to Budapest was slightly delayed and took just a little longer than I wanted, so the blue hour pictures I had envisioned did not happen. However, this gave me a chance to really explore the city at night, and since it was November and got dark early, I didn't even have to stay out late.Lighting
Just off the bottom left-hand side of the picture is a rather large, busy roundabout. I tried a few shots with the roundabout in the picture, thinking the traffic might make it look neat, but it didn't, it was just a blurry mess. The only difficult thing about the lighting in this picture was not blowing out the bridge but still having the exposure be long enough to get St. Stephen's, in the background, too show up properly.Equipment
Canon EOS Rebel T3i. It's a 5-second exposure at f11, 70 mm, and ISO 100. I used a tripod to keep everything steady.Inspiration
Budapest is full of impressive buildings and inspiring views, especially the higher you get up the hill toward the castle. A previous trip there had really introduced me to the city and only made me want to go back for more great photography opportunities. I wanted a picture that showed the famous bridge and the huge church together. I had hoped for a blue hour picture, but was delayed in getting to Budapest, so this night view had to suffice. Suprisingly, I was the only person on the terrace, so not only did I have a chance to take pictures, but I got to enjoy a peaceful view over Budapest, too.Editing
For this picture, I did not.In my camera bag
Camera body (EOS Rebel T3i) with the two lenses that it came with (EF-S 18-55 IS II, EF-S 55-250 IS II) and a EF-S 10-18mm IS STM, and a polarizer and an ND graduated filter.Feedback
As for the subject matter and the location, I would recommend poking around. The bridge is very photogenic and there are lots of nice views and angles. I'm partial to being above it by hiking up the hill or from the castle. The terraces over the funicular were great for me, but I think I got some nice shots from the other side of the river, too, right from the riverbank. As for the time of day or lighting, one thing to know is that in Budapest, the buildings and stuff are not lit up in the morning. If you want the lights on the buildings, you have to take your pictures in the evening or at night. I was pleasantly surprised by Budapest at night and ended up really enjoying the views and my pictures of the illuminated buildings against the night sky. After you've walked around the town a little, go and get a good langoš, the scone-like street food of Budapest. Mine had garlic sauce, cheese, and beef, and was pretty much awesome!
