A street in Rome

This street, not far from the vibrant center of the eternal city, shows everyday life circumstances for many Romans. We might have a romantic notion about the sense of being part of the greater city, but it certainly doesn't feel that way when you're walking down this street. Your comments are very welcome.

Are you shure that you are Vincent Oiseau and not Eugène Atget? :o) Best regards, Franz

Hi Franz,

 

I consider your comment a great compliment, thank you very much! Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent, I find myself attracted to photographs of winding country roads, curved railroad tracks and trails through the woods; I also am enchanted by photos of urban two-lane roads that curve in the background. This image is a paradigm case. Although as you noted the area in which it is located may not have the appearance or atmosphere are more often visited parts of the city, it nonetheless has its own charm - indeed, its own identity. I'm quite impressed by the detail and texture here; it wears its age in a dignified way.. No doubt, as evidenced by the hanging laundry and the power-end automobiles, the residents of this neighborhood are either middle class or poor. I am confident that, like their wealthy counterparts, they are proud of their neighborhood. Indeed, if this street can allow parked cars, it certainly can house street festivals and al fresco dining. To me, the architecture you portrayed is just as enchanting as that in the vicinity of the Roman Steps. And who knows? The road may intersect with one that takes one to an uppercrust vicinity. - - - My best always, michael

Most interesting, unpretentious presentation of everyday life. Your post-process is superb. I especially like, in this image, a relatively homogeneous lack of highlights and shadows. Brilliant. And the car with the shattered windshield, for me, makes this Photograph (note capital P) superb. DG

Hi Michael,

 

thank you for your most interesting comments on this photo! I agree with you about the probability of the inhabitants' pride in their neighbourhood and the obvious character of this slice of Rome. Many thanks for your valuable feedback! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Daniel,

 

as you rightly assumed, I edited the photo less dramatically than possible, i.e. with less highlights (the shadows are there) and an overall darker appearance. I like to think that I didn't overdo it, but it's always a thin line between what you want and 'too much'. The shattered windshield emphasizes the statement of this photo indeed. Thanks for your insightful comments! Kind regards, Vincent

Great shot Vincent. Hope I am using the correct word, but I love the "muted tone" of this photo. For me, it implies a bit of sadness which I find very compelling. BR Patrick

Hi Patrick,

 

thanks for your insightful comments! I think the word 'muted' is a good choice; it is in keeping with what I had in mind when editing this scan. There is definitely something sad about this street, certainly when you are walking around the center and experience the huge contrast with the dwellings of the more prosperous Romans. Kind regards, Vincent

This is the second time I'm trying to comment on this picture; the PN software ate my first attempt which pissed me off a little. This is backstreet Rome just as I remember it - a maze of narrow twisting alleys, nicked up, scruffy, rife with graffiti and tattered posters but still with a measure of style and honest charm most modern cities can't begin to match. A great picture and a wonderful memory.

Hello Vincent: Thank you for your kind reply. While seeing once again your great photograph, it resembles the classic 60s and 70s, where "they" capturing reality with different tools that we now have. A two-dimensional, flip of the coin caught at mid-air. Magnificent that you can actually "reproduce the past", where no one would notice the difference between 60s vs 2019. Regards once again. DG

Hi Jack,

 

I've recently seen a comment disappear too and it can be quite frustrating, especially if you've typed a longer comment. But I'm glad you took the trouble of re-writing it. I agree with you that Rome's version of backstreets easily beats those of most cities that don't have a past like Rome does. There is style and beauty to be found even in streets like these. Thanks for your comment! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Daniel,

 

thanks for your well-worded and friendly addition to your comment! Kind regards, Vincent