Blue Terrace
This is the front outside terrace of the Magisterial Palace within HMS Fort St. Angelo in Birgu, Malta. This medieval palace feels like a place stuck in time. ...
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This is the front outside terrace of the Magisterial Palace within HMS Fort St. Angelo in Birgu, Malta. This medieval palace feels like a place stuck in time. I love this staircase area because of the number of nooks and resulting shadows.
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Sep, 2019Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Castellan's House belonging to the Knights of St. John. This is an ancient medieval building found within the Castrum Maris (Fort St. Angelo) in Birgu, Malta. It has been beautifully restored and is open to the public but some parts are private and only viewable once or twice a year during open days.Time
The photo was taken in the early afternoon when the location is well lit. It is also beautiful later in the day but those strong shadows would not feature otherwise.Lighting
I had to work out a level of exposure that balanced the darkness of the revolving stone staircase from where I took the photograph and the blidningly bright sunlight which flooded the terrace and cast the strong shadow of the ballustrade.Equipment
I used my smartphone Samsung Note 8 to take this shot. I trust my back against the stonework, held my breath and hopefully kept it sharp.Inspiration
I decide to work on this photo because I was intrigued by solid yet flowing architecture and many minute details that were added to the stone walls over the ages. The ironwork and stonework give a very strong sense of mediecal ancestry to the place.Editing
The original stonework is honey coloured. I opted to tone the photo in blue because this muted the brightness of the stone and I felt this also transmits the coolness which emanates from the revolving staircase leading to the terrace. The staricase itself is nearly damp despite the constant breeze from the sea surrounding the fort.In my camera bag
I do not own expensive equipment. My phone allows me to crystalise moments which often would be lost. I carry an FZ330 and filters which is does not weigh me down.Feedback
In my case, the secret is knowing about these places and timing the right time to be there (or wait for it), so as to benefit from optimal lighting conditions for different locations. I believe expensive kit helps minimise post processing efforts but is not mandatory. By switching to manual mode and experimenting a lot I am very likely to get pictures I am pleased with. I rarely do without auto-focusing though, unless I am experimenting with depth of field.
