This photo is for the ONS4 challenge (and my get-pushed-35 challenge with @atooner) to capture an "Urban-Ex," which Jerry explains as "the examination of the normally unseen or off-limits parts of urban areas."
Constructed in the 16th century, the Archiginnasio was once the main building for the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe. This photo fits the Urban-Ex notion of normally unseen areas as you can only enter it by invitation to an event. It shows the conference room, the Stabat Mater, where I gave a short talk on behalf of the opening of the 50th Anniversary Bologna Bookfair, the largest children's book fair in the world.
I find it interesting to see the room depicting its history represented in all the coats of arms of honored students contrasted with the projector and computer that depict its use today.
Great shot here Junko. Thanks for your challenge, that sounds like great fun...I'm going away tomorrow to see my best mate and my godkids and I'm sure I can get something that will sum up the fun we'll have without words!!! I've lived flicking through your album, some really interesting shots in your project so far. Reading your biog and some of the narratives, I'd like to see you play with exposure a little, try a high key shot on a subject of your choice. Hope this is ok, if you want something different give me a shout!
I love the juxtaposition of those historical coats of arms and the contemporary computer/projector. Very interesting glimpse into that unseen area. My cousin attended University in Italy, but I think it was Gonzaga in Florence.
Wow, the ornate wall decorations completely overwhelm the massive cases of books! That takes some doing ;) I too like that juxtaposition of old and new.
're your plea for help, your push was for high key not low key but either sounds like they will push you! For high key, you will need to over expose your shot, ensure your ISO is set low and your shutter speed will need to be slower than normal in bright conditions. I suggest you start by taking a shot in auto, check the settings and then adjust the shutter speed from there. For low key the technique is slightly different, you need to make sure your "dark" set up is lit in such a way that the subject is not in full on light, you will need a longer exposure as there is less light, but you won't necessarily have to come off auto!!
@sparkle -- yes, I am so confused that I thought you were challenging me to low key when I saw Judi's photo but I appreciate your saying "either" would challenge me, because that's very true. I'm leaving Bologna today to head home to Berlin so let's see which of the two I can figure out in the next day or two. I have ultra-slow/impossible internet access here so I will upload my week's worth of photos when I get home.
@steampowered and @roadshow -- LOVE those sentiments about books, especially given that I am here for the largest children's bookfair in the world!
@anwan -- you're right! It's an overwhelming sensation to walk into this room.