Juan F. Griffin

Ponts couverts at night

6th September 2016

| 2016, Architectural, Bridge, Canal, Cityscape, France, Night, Ponts couverts, River, Strasbourg, Tower, Travel

Ponts couverts at night (Strasbourg, France)

The Ponts couverts (Covered bridges) are named as such because they “used to” be covered in the old days. They were seen as a strategic military building that could be used as a defensive measure in times of war. They are at the end of a set of streets classified as Petit France in Strasbourg.

After been traveling around France for a bit I can say that in general, I’m quite impress on how well illuminated and well maintained most main landmarks are. The illumination alone is often an artwork in itself.

I like drawing upon night lights and reflections as a source for my photographs. This set of bridges is something I really enjoy looking at.

It does however require patience to capture the right image. Just when you think everything is in place a boat passes through the scene, …. and you need to wait another 10 minutes for the water to calm down. You laugh, and then, just when you feel its ready again for you to work on the photo, the boat passes again …

Ponts couverts at night – left tower close up (Strasbourg, France)

The best reflections I have seen are often during the night time, with the absence of the reflection of the sun, in small rivers and canals with quiet waters. The reflection adds even more romance to the scene, adding that special something in a way that will not be there without them.

These are the scenes, amongst many other things, you really want to be sharing with your loved one.

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Old port of Marseille

16th August 2016

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| Boat, Church, Cityscape, France, Marseille, Port, Sea, Sunset, Temple

Old port from above at night (Marseille, France)

The old port (Port Vieux) of Marseille, from a unique point of view. This particular image was taken at the same moment that the night lights of the city turned on. Lately I have been enjoying photographing places during the hour following the sunset. There is something about the quality of the light, you can see everything so clearly.

Old port from above at night – close up Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille, France)

From a distance we can appreciate Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Catholic basilica fully lit up. I’m intending to do some dedicated posts in a different time. For me the most interesting part here is how the port boats lead to the hill in turn then leading to the fully lighted basilica. This looks appealing to me , like a classical little town build around a hill.

Old port from above at night – close up boats (Marseille, France)

Every single little boat has a small blue light to advertise its presence. All of them are perfectly sorted in this, an active but not very busy port as the calm waters show. This is a small refugee of quietness in the middle of the busy downtown of the second largest city in France.

Old port at nightfall (Marseille, France)

Bonus Photo: How the port looks from the opposite side, an hour afterwards.

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Fushimi Taisha shrine

8th August 2016

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| Cemetery, Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Gate, Grave, Japan, Kyoto, Shrine, Temple, Torii Gate, Travel

Fushimi Taisha shrine stairs at night (Kyoto, Japan)

Both beautiful and sinister at the same time, this old cemetery was voted as one of the favourite tourist attractions in Japan and not without reason. This place never sleeps and I heartily recommend a visit at night. I actually visited it three times. Yes, I’m really encouraging you to visit a cemetery at night, but don’t worry as it is very well illuminated.

Fushimi Taisha shrine main temple at night (Kyoto, Japan)

The shrine also holds a series of events during the year. The lantern festival is around the 18th of July. As shown on the above image, you will find the place surrounded by typical Japanese lanterns.

Fushimi Taisha Shrine doors path (Kyoto, Japan)

This shrine is famous for being built around a mountain. It has over 10.000 Tori gates. It is also home to several sub shrines. Walking from the bottom to the top is a distance of a few kilometres and will take you about two hours. Experiencing that walk uphill during the solitude of the night feels exactly like doing a small pilgrimage. It provides a rare and wonderful opportunity to relax, reflect and lose yourself in your own thoughts.

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