The Antiquarium
Visiting Italy felt like a trip to the past. The Umbrian valley was a place for keeping antiques and remnants of the past. Time stood still among the cobbleston...
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Visiting Italy felt like a trip to the past. The Umbrian valley was a place for keeping antiques and remnants of the past. Time stood still among the cobblestone streets and the meaning of the word “old” only referred to things over 1000 years old, while “new” things were less than 500 years old. Ancient texts and images were integrated into ordinary life and considered normal. While I walked the streets, I was filled with pure fascination and looked at everything with a foreigner’s gaze. I had never seen things this “old.”
Once, when I was visiting the commune of Citta di Castello I wandered into a domed hall, only to look up and be faced with images of grotesque decorations, beautifully rendered and preserved over centuries. I fell in love with the imagery and this led to the creation of this image.
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Once, when I was visiting the commune of Citta di Castello I wandered into a domed hall, only to look up and be faced with images of grotesque decorations, beautifully rendered and preserved over centuries. I fell in love with the imagery and this led to the creation of this image.
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SONY ILCE-7M2
Aperture f/2.8 ISO 200 Shutter 1/1000 Focal Length 28/1 
Corciano, Umbria, IT
Jun, 2019Views
61
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Corciano, Italy. This field was located 1/4 mile from the home I was staying in. Many of my images are self-portraits, this is one too.Time
During my trip to Italy, most of my days were well filled and planned out. On this particular day, I had a few hours of free time. Originally, I wanted to shoot this image with another model, but due to the limited time I had, I figured it might be easier to make a self-portrait. This was shot around 6 pm, as the sun was setting.Lighting
I wanted the light to glow around the subject, but keep the character in the shadow, as if in a cocoon. The bright spots are rays of sunlight hitting the grass and much of the rest of the lightning was focused in Photoshop.Equipment
I shot on a Sony a7ii with a 28mm f2.0. A cheap tripod supported the camera. That's it!Inspiration
While visiting Italy, almost every moment was filled with inspiration. It was hard to even focus on one thing. This image was inspired by grotesque vaulted ceiling images in a nearby town. Their floated so delicately on the tan ceiling, I could not forget them.Editing
I usually intensify the colors and focus the lighting, I avoid over-processing images. So besides some layer masks, my process is pretty simple.In my camera bag
Just what I use to shoot the image. A Sony a7ii, 28mm f2.0 or 55mm f1.8 most of the time, a tripod, and a phone. I keep it pretty minimal.Feedback
Timing is everything and natural light is your best friend. Learn to pay attention to light throughout the day. Is it harsh and contrasting or soft and diffused? Where is it coming from? Are there deep shadows or soft edges? Learning to understand natural light will elevate your images no matter what your preferred subject is.
