Ruins of the temple of Castor and Pollux

The temple of Castor and Pollux was built around 500 BC and this small part of the building is one of the remains that the Forum Romanum is famous for. I was lucky enough to have some interesting clouds and dramatic light when I was there and used an orange filter to enhance the contrast between the sky and the clouds. I scanned the negative with my new scanner, an Epson V850 Pro. I am satisfied with the results, but the amount of time you have to spend on a scan to get a decent digital file is considerable. As always, your comments are very welcome.

Vincent, there is such variety in your work; you seem to be a man who has multiple interests. This photo is beautifully balanced and the point of view places this ancient survivor in a position of deserved dominance against sky. 2500 years on and these pillars are still stoically posing for photographs though they've been around so long I don't think they give you any more notice than any of the millions of birds that has perched on their shoulders over the centuries. Still, I think secretly they're proud to be noticed and not forgotten like most of their fallen contemporaries are. By the way, Vincent, I have to say how much I appreciate your involvement in PN and your beautifully expressed comments on my and other's work. You're just the type of member this site had an abundance of in the past and what it most needs today. Regards, Jack

Hi Jack,

 

thank you very much for your friendly words about this old photo and my involvement in PN. It is the exchange of views and thoughts that keeps a site like this alive in my opinion, not the mere posting of photos; there are plenty of other sites where you can just upload images. I hope more people will join and share their thoughts. Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent, it is a very nice work. It reminds me of the buildings at Xanten Archeological Park. Best regards, Franz

Amazing ancient object, Vincent! Beautiful frame, light, texture ... Wonderful result, Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana P.S. A few years ago I had a sad experience when scanning the family archive (with Canoscan 8800F). Time did not spare the negatives and slides

, alas, and there is nothing to boast about. Somewhat better result was obtained with a photo more than 100 years old, taken by a professional photographer.

Hi Franz,

 

thanks for your nice comment! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Tatiana,

 

thanks for your friendly comments and the sad story of your family archive (also one of my reasons for buying a scanner too). Kind regards, Vincent

Great tones and details!

Hi Vlad,

 

thanks for your comment, much appreciated! Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent, I'm finally catching up to you. You have provided several meaningful reviews on images I posted for critique, and I feel badly about not doing the same with your work. It appears to me the remains of this splendid monument to Castor and Pollux have been neglected, given its appearance per set and the degree to which vegetation has been allowed to dominate its location. Indeed, an ordinary neighborhood appears in the frame as well. Although the image is quite realistic, its perspective presupposes the dignity you afforded this fine, ancient temple. It's as if you did your part to keep the legends associated with Castor and Pollux alive. - - My best, michael

Hi Michael,

 

there's no need to feel any pressure to comment on my photos just because I commented on yours. The dignity I afforded this temple that you mention is well observed. I remember I felt I had to depict these remains with a sense of their former grandeur, which I think I managed to do. Thanks for your friendly comments, Michael! Kind regards, Vincent

In the time when I was about to digitize my numerous collection of negatives a film scanner was quite an investment so I decided to buy a flatbed EPSON which incorporated a film scanner too! You have here something which has always intrigued me in mild contrast visually and big contrast considering the subjects on the photo! Nicely done indeed! Compliments! PDE

Hi Pierre,

 

thanks for your friendly and personal comments! This scan has been made with an Epson flatbed too, but with technically very modern adaptations to be able to produce HQ digital images of negatives and slides. The remains I photographed in 1984 were very impressive and I remember being eager to make use of these clouds. Kind regards, Vincent

The columns are the star of the show and they contrast nicely from the rest of the scene, Vincent. It's amazing how long these structures stand after being built. Quite the contrast from the surrounding structures. Wonderful tones, light and presentation. Best regards, Paul.

Hi Paul,

 

Thank you for your friendly and relevant comments! These columns have been there for -literally- ages and have become a symbol of steadfastness. That's why I was so pleased at the time I shot the photo with the sky, that was mostly clear blue, but with some interesting clouds that particular day. Kind regards, Vincent