I should have posted this the first day in Krakow as this is the "welcoming" original gate into the city (taken with the fisheye and over-processed using HDR for fun). Junko @jyokota and I thought the fisheye lens made it look like a face with small black eyes and a giant mouth. This was the first line of defense in medieval times, to protect the city's walls. If a battering ram broke down this door, the invaders then had to made a right angle turn of the ram to break into the city wall. With archers along the old wall (looks small here because of the fisheye but it's quite high), the invaders would be picked off as they turned the ram. It apparently worked effectively!
I'm now back in Chicago after too many adventures on the third and final flight of the day, consisting of a 'mechanical' on the plane and a three hour delay that involved them taking the plane for a 'trial run of full taxiing' (not designed to build confidence, but clearly, I made it home safely).
Thank you for putting my Toy City shot at the top of TT this week, and the Pose at the Bean shot on it as well. What a thrill! And for your thoughtful comments on the photos posted of the more horrid side of Krakow's history - it is hard to believe what people can do to one another.
Ironic title to go with the story of "welcome" and what it meant to the invaders! It really is a funny perspective you've depicted here with that fisheye. So sorry the way home was longer, but at least safe. Missing you here already . . . the wet cobblestones yesterday were fabulous but I just didn't have the energy to get my camera out .
Wish I'd not read that about the plane, not a fan of flying and we do next week, comforted though that my risk of being in an air crash is as probable as me being the next prime minister here in the uk....which is comforting. Any how glad you're safe... Loving this fish eye again. Is this yours now or the rented one?
I remember once I was in a plane and we were building speed for take off and then lightening struck and the plane just instantly slowed and turned back to the gate. We were checked out and then took off again. And boy are you hoping they know what they are doing. After trips like that home always seems so welcome. Really wonderful shot.
I love this shot! The architecture, the symmetry, the texture. Great with the fisheye and I like the processing. It all just works together. Welcome home.
@newbank I've not been a fan of flying either. A necessity, tho. Always glad when it's done! This is still the borrowed lens. Will probably buy an inexpensive one when I have to return it. More like a lensbaby than a 'go to' lens so I don't want to invest a lot in it.
The fisheye makes this building look so ominous and foreboding. For some reason, I find your HDR processing delightfully ironic in the otherwise intimidating shot. :)
I just loved this image, thank you for the interesting history, and for the excellent series. @rosiekerr And I see what Rosie is saying about the HDR, hadn't thought it myself, but I do agree about the irony it introduces to an otherwise rather threatening image. Fav.
The fisheye gives an interesting effect - think it works well, and the processing does too. I don't generally like over-processed HDR, but there are always exceptions, and when it's used for a purpose it can be really effective.
I'm so behind in my visiting and I see I've missed some wonderful pictures of yours. I didn't think I'd ever be a fan of the fisheye lens but your photos have me thinking differently. The HDR touch really brings the details to life. Interesting info you've shared as well. Welcome back to the States! Glad you made it safely.
Wow, Taffy! While I was laying on a beach, you were seeing some of history's most interesting sights! I may not make a comment on every photo, but I do need to see your travels. This community couldn't ask for better documentation than from you!
INSTANT FAV!