Burano lace
Dec, 2017Views
477
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in Creative Hands Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superior Skill
Superb Composition
Genius
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Behind The Lens
Location
I am used to travelling in exotic countries searching for tradition and authenticity, which are hard to find in western countries. But somehow I found what I was looking for in my home Country: Italy. Burano, just a few (nautical) miles from Venice, is worldwide famous not only for its brightly colored houses mirroring in the placid canals; it is also home to an old lace school which has been able to resist the advance of technological progress.Time
The early spring mid-morning sun created a mild greenhouse effect just behind the windows, where two old ladies enjoyed the warmth (and views!) while performing their skilful art.Lighting
The pale-colored walls and the white window curtains contributed to creating a diffused light effect, just as the one a professional photographer would have had to put in place artificially.Equipment
All that was needed was a "normal" camera (a Panasonic DMC-FZ1000, in this case). Needless to use a tripod with a 1/1600 aperture time.Inspiration
My tradition and authenticity goal was rewarded as soon as I saw those old, wrinkled hands working slowly but firmly over the lace, mastering every little movement, learned to perfection over countless years. Seeing it and shooting it seemed to me as just one action, instead of two.Editing
Tradition and authenticity was my goal: was that compatible with post-processing? I really don't think so. Though I wouldn't object to a (mild) post-processing, in principle.In my camera bag
Air travelling (especially when economy-class baggage policies are concerned) do not leave much room for photo equipment: my camera's only companions are usually a light tripod, a couple of protective lenses (UV and skylight) cleaning tools and a spare battery. Luckily, memory cards are so small nowadays!Feedback
Pictures like this need to be "real"; therefore, having people posing for us is not an option. To avoid spoiling the authenticity of the shot, the photographer needs to sneak in without being noticed, more or less as a thief would do. This is why I like to call this kind of shots "Stolen Pictures".
