Wayne Sadler 515 Posted October 3, 2013 I was totally unprepared for the experience of this Basilica in Rome.One of the workers at the hotel I was staying (who was from Manila)struggled to communicate in English and Italian about a place hehighly recommended we visit, a place he obviously found spirituallymoving. As best I could understand he said something about a greatsaint being buried there. Coincidentally, the only tour my wife and Ischeduled for our time in Italy brought us to this very place. I havenever been in a place of worship this huge, this open and (importantfor a photographer) a place with such low light. I immediately feltthe sanctity of the place and was careful not to be irreverent to theplace and the worshippers present. It is the burial place of Paul (Saint Paul the Apostle/Saul of Tarsu),a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to thefirst-century world and was beheaded in Rome between 65 and 67 A.D.Paul is considered one of the most important figures of the ApostolicAge ( fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament havebeen attributed to Paul) He founded several churches in Asia Minorand Europe and used his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen toadvantage his ministry to both Jewish and Roman audiences. About in the 4th century, Emperor Constantine built this Basilica about twokilometers outside the Aurelian Walls surrounding Rome as a place tovenerate the memory of Saint Paut. In this Basilica are a long seriesof medallions which depict all the popes throughout history. Amidstthis grandeur, history, spirituality and dim like, this photographerwas at great disadvantage. Comments and critique welcome. Link to comment
Wayne Sadler 515 Posted October 3, 2013 I am a little embarrassed about the EXIF data: Nikon D80, 1/2s, f/4.5, ISO 100, focal length 17.0mm, handheld (floor braced) Link to comment
mike_palermiti 0 Posted October 3, 2013 Hi Wayne,A certainly impressive setting my friend.Using the floor as a brace is a good start. While there can still be very small vibration from the hand motion pressing down on the camera and the shutter release, a level surface is always welcomed. Sometimes, the hardwood will cause a vibration issue that is best handled by "mirror lock-up", but the Nikon D80 does not have this feature. However, at 17 mm focal length, this is not really a concern.The ISO 100 is better served by ISO 200 (as you now know).The F/4.5 and the use of a 17 mm setting from the zoom are both limitations of what you have to work with. So, you have done a good job making the capture with what you had to work with. At this working distance, a wide open setting would not compromise the DOF and the extra light would reduce the required exposure a bit, too.For scenes like this, high quality fixed focal lengths do produce the best imagery, but at a cost . When I first starting doing weddings in large churches, I found the investment in such fine lens to pay off quickly. The floor level shot of the bride and groom going down the isle was always a favorite, with the columns, stained glass window, candles and altar being a part of the active scene.Best Regards, Mike Link to comment
museebfoto 2 Posted October 3, 2013 I really liked the position of your camera. Very nice capture. Link to comment
Wayne Sadler 515 Posted October 3, 2013 Thanks, Museeb. The POV of the floor was the only brace I could find. I tried to do it in a most pious way. Link to comment
luda_luda 0 Posted October 4, 2013 Hi Wayne, Beautiful place to be, I like your narrative it's very interesting. Nice capture, I love the light you got here!!! Enjoy there, and bring us pictures!!!!Warm regards,LuDa Link to comment
GailAnthonyHarmer 5 Posted October 4, 2013 Hi Wayne,I was in Rome on a business trip when I was only 19 (first job). I have longed to go back ever since. So much HISTORY in Rome, all of Italy really. It is a beautiful Basilica and considering the lighting, you captured the moment and the memory quite well. I know if I were to try to take images there, I would be challenged, but Mikes info really helps and I will copy it for future reference as well. When I was there, I was truly overwhelmed. While there, I also had the opportunity to visit the Mamertine Prison where Paul had been imprisoned (St. Peter as well). It is located on the northeastern slope of the Capitoline Hill, just opposite the Roman Forum. My Boss bought me a little point and shoot as I did not have a camera back then. He and his wife took pics of me outside the Vatican, in the Forum and sitting on a wall that overlooks the Forum. It was so long ago, but I will never forget that trip. Hopefully I will go back some time soon, the memory does fade and I know I'd probably not give my Camera much rest! I hope you had a wonderful time there with your wife. I found Italy to be a very 'Romantic' country, one that should be shared with someone you love. Thanks so much for bringing back so many memories with this image. Link to comment
photo by patsy dunn 1 Posted October 4, 2013 Hi Wayne, Wow.....beautiful image with amazing details & lighting. Thanks for the information. Take care, Patsy Link to comment
Wayne Sadler 515 Posted October 5, 2013 Thanks very much for commenting, Luisa, Gail and Patsy. I didn't know I was a romantic until I reached Rome. I am still learning about the things I saw. Reviewing the many images I made and doing the research tracing my steps keep my memories fresh and my excitement high. I wish I could go back, hopefully as a better photographer and better informed. Link to comment
morophaenixmau 0 Posted October 5, 2013 I know very well this Basilica and so I can say that by you we have a nice shot! Link to comment
Wayne Sadler 515 Posted October 6, 2013 Thanks, Maurizio. Your kind comment is really appreciated. Link to comment
sadeghmiri 1 Posted October 9, 2013 Perfect composition! Beautiful light and colors! Bravo! Best regards/Sadegh Link to comment
Wayne Sadler 515 Posted October 9, 2013 Thanks, Sadegh. Really encouraging from someone with your skill in this area. Link to comment
thadley 10 Posted October 11, 2013 A lovely image. I like how the central area is brightly lit. Good clarity and I like your composition. The people add human interest and give it scale. Link to comment
Wayne Sadler 515 Posted October 11, 2013 Thanks, Tony. Your comments are always helpful and informative and help advance the art. Link to comment
maria 7 Posted June 28, 2016 great composition with light and less light. Yes, the basilicas in Rome are great. At the begin I thought it is Santa Maria Maggiore. Link to comment
Wayne Sadler 515 Posted July 11, 2016 Maria,Many thanks for taking the time to kindly comment. It is most encouraging. Link to comment
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