Old World Doorway - Castillo San Cristobal

(comments welcome, with thanks, Gail)

Please note...While on a Cruise in '06 with my Parents, Dad offered to let me take pics with his Olympus E-1.....I'd never used a DSLR before, the Buttons may have well as been in a Foreign Language....I did not know how to operate any of the settings, except (Auto)....I could have taken my Fuji S5000 but the opportunity to use a 'DSLR' with exchangable Lenses was a challenge I couldn't refuse.

 

However, many photos didn't turn out too well....but I did manage to capture a few half decent ones. I've always been fascinated with Doorways and Windows as are many on Photo.Net. This was taken in the old Fortress 'Cristobal'...in Puerto Rico..it's history on a Government site on the Internet is fascinating if you ever have the opportunity to 'visit' the site. Thankyou for your patience with my inexperience...Gail

Hi Gail,

 

I love this shot. So much color and character. New shiny things just can't give up the rich tones and textures old wood and metal can. Of that I am convinced. You did a great job composing this. Yep the palouse is starting to green up. More each week. Some people like it better in it's golden stages in the later part of summer. Not me. It's amazing when it becomes this rolling sea of green. I had the pleasure of flying over it last year during the early summer. What a treat. Hope your better and things are settling down.- Jim

Thankyou for your appreciation of 'all things old'....guess that puts us there too!!! LOL......a lot...........groan...but I agree.......love old architecture......especially when it dates back to the 1400's.....these places amaze and enthrall me. Flying over the Palouse must have been wonderful.........I hope our earth continues to have some more years of such visual delights....one wonders these days. We must enjoy every moment. I'm 'all better'.........and Mom came home from hosp. Sunday. Everyone is glad she is home....especially Maggie, the dog.....she is Mom's shadow...although she isn't walking a lot. She even laid on the bed beside her when she napped ......dogs are wonderful companions and so intuitive when one is gone, or healing. Tnks for your kind words of critique and your concern, sincerely, Gail

Hi Gail

 

This is a lovely old doorway, the wood is beautiful. It makes one wonder how many people passed through it and the kind of lives they lived. I visited a church in Bosham, England one time that had markings made by returning crusaders, happy to be home on English soil. This door is a "legacy" from a craftsman long ago. Solid tactile history. Much better, in many ways, than a book

 

Back to the post, quickly, I see a bit of magenta cast in this and to my eyes it's a little light, but a wonderful shot that evokes the mists of history.

 

The presentation of one's image is always the authors choice, but I did try a little tone mapping for richness.

 

Glad to hear your Mom's home and in the recovery stage.

 

All my best, Bill

Another great creation....The contrasts of color and composition are superb!

Gail: Great photo and post processing, Castillo San Cristobal had yielded many good images for you. I'm glad to hear that your mother is home now. Tom

beautiful piece, Gail. dp

Very moody picture - love the colors. Regards.

Excellent work Gail,tones are great in this one.

Beautiful shot,Gail!I like the warm colourtones.

Thanks and cheers,Jim

Thanks very much Bill....actually I noticed a 'tint', but I tried adjusting with 'Hue and Saturation' and got nohwhere...to me it appeared as a greenish grey tint, yet it didn't seem to matter what color I tried adjusting, I didn't notice appreciable changes....glad to see you managed to 'single it out'. I've never done 'tonal mapping' before . I'll have to do some research into it.....tnks very much.....Gail

Thanks Bob for your kind comments...you're a great support...much appreciation.....Gail

many thank Tom for your comments....I've had this shot for ages and just couldn't get satisfied with the results...so yesterday I played with it and came up with this. Your concern for Mom is very touching....and I truly appreciate it. Just talked with her and today she had a very good day.....talk again soon, Gail

Your kind critique is much appreciated...many thanks for your visit and support, Gail

Although I don't have as many interesting places as you to take my shots, this one vacation we took yielded a few good ones....your visit is much appreciated....sincerely, Gail

Thankyou Birte for your support and inspiring words, sincerely, Gail

Gail,

 

I am glad to see someone besides me likes old doors. I love this image, it tells such a wonderful story of days gone past. Thanks for sharing. Well processed. Take care, Patsy

Wow!!! Wonderful shot, Gail...And in a new genre...I love the old doors very much...its texture reflects so much story...my best

Great work, Gail ... ´Regards.

I love the old main doors!

"Behind closed doors" is a phrase often used in the UK to describe hidden events and mysterys, and I guess the fascination of doors, openings, apertures, entrances, and exits are fairly widespread. The more character the door exhibits from the outside, the more desire we feel to have a nose at the inside. The presence of the padlock on this one accentuates the feeling that something interesting lies within and itches my curiosity, I think I missed my calling in life I should have been a burglar : - )

JIM was spot on with his analogy of "New shiny things" Versus old material steeped in history and character.

This well used doorway has seen counless faces, felt hundreds of hands, plus a good few boots, and continues to guard it's secrets into infinity.

The only time I really don't like doors, is when they close behind me with a resounding thud or clang I and I feel momentarilly a sense of panic and impending doom, followed closely by an overwhelming urge to try the door to make sure its not locked itself, strangely this feeling manifests itself at the Dentists quite a lot, but never at the doctors lol : - )

Nice thought provoking image Gail, Well done!

 

Regards

 

Alf

 

Thanks Alf for your lovely words and always entertaining critique!.....love old doors and windows and your description why is most correct......re doors closing behind you...dentist doesn't scare me at all.....Public washrooms these days are a bit iffy....don't know who you'll find in there.....but the Doctor doesn't bother you at all....hmmmmmm he hasn't asked you to "bend over and cough" lately????

Thanks for your visit Patsy...we are on the same page as are many re the 'old doors'....I love the old windows also...I think it is the 'mystery' for me....and many times I think....we could be astounded and disturbed but what lies behind 'closed doors'....but that pertains mostly to those in the present.

 

Old ancient ones are a different story. Alf's comment says it all.....tnks again for your kind critique......Gail

My goodness...your enthusiasum always encourages me on my 'creative journey'....many thanks Kallol...........sincerely, Gail