Mittelbergheim Door

Any comments or ratings are appreciated! :-)

I saw the decorations in the middle of these doors and had to at least TRY to capture them. The problem was that the alley was VERY narrow and I had a LOT of trouble getting a shot in focus with my 28mm (my widest lens). Another problem was that if I stood directly across from the doors (for a straight-on shot), there was something (I can't remember what ... some obstruction) in my way, so I had to stand a little bit farther to the right than I wanted.

 

Thus, what you're looking at has been altered according to perspective. Notice that the door was on a little hill (see the little piece of wood under the left door), but I straightened it so that it looks more like you're looking at it straight-on. Unfortunately, if you look at the doorframe, you can tell that this is not the case.

Here's a detail of the decorative design in the middle of the door.

Intricate doors. Looks like the light may not have been the best as well.

Howard, why do you say that about the lighting? I thought it was okay ... this part of the street was protected from the very bright sun, so it was a good filtered light situation. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The light looks a bit flat to me. There are few variations in contrast. That was my reaction. Maybe some post processing might help.

 

I do like how you frammed the shot.

This is a good shot of this old door, Lou Ann. I think a levels or curves adjustment is about all it needs to brong out the design. Regards.

Great looking doors...I agree that an increased contrast would highlight the detail even more. May we see a color version?

I'm assuming that the keystone is Anno Domini and not the address. What a great looking door; they didn't get that one at Home Depot!

The lighting is good and sets a mood; the sepia reinforces that mood. But to bring out the details and texture of the door, and the stone blocks too, contrast adjustments need to be made. It depends what you are trying to say with this photograph.

Did you journey on the Route des Vins d'Alsace? I understand that it is something like the Romantic Road in Bavaria, except that you do it drunk ;0) Regards.

I don't think you'd survive the Route des Vins drunk ... the twists and turns on the narrow roads are difficult to handle for a sober driver! :-) But, this part of Alsace certainly does turn out some wonderful white wine. And, you're right ... Mittelbergheim is near the northern end of the Route des Vins. Take a look at the image "A French Village", and notice all of the vinyards in the distance. That's what I drove past for hours and hours. It was a fun drive, and the towns were beautiful and the wines delicious!! :-D

Linda - Here is the original version. Notice that I ended up fixing the perspective on the left and cropping a bit. I also removed that leather door-handle-thing from the door on the right. I'm often an advocate of taking out the color if it doesn't really contribute anything to the shot. That's why I used the B&W for the post-processing ... the sepia idea hit me as I was working on the B&W.

Hi, Lou Ann,

Long time I didn't visit your photos! I'm very busy and, besides, since I moved to live up in the mountains I don't have Internet in that wilderness and only get connected in the local cybercaf鮼p> This one is great and you did a great job in correcting perspective.

Regarding the postprocessing I agree with those that suggest tweaking levels and curves.

Finally, I appreciate your visit to my new folder.I'll answer your very appropriate request in the photo where you made it.

Wow, Great door Lou Ann. I can see why you took this shot! I agree about tweeking for ^ contrast.

I'd take advice from Walter & Alberto anytime! :)

Well, far be it from me to disagree with Walter, Alberto and Jayme all at once but I quite like the look you have in the upload. It looks like an old photo and goes with your sepia effect. The suggested variations have a rather modern look to them. Confusing eh?

Well, Lou Ann, I was going to say something about post-processing, but I see that most of it has been said. Yes, it looks a bit flat as is, but I rather like the subtlety of it. I tend to over process my own pictures, and I am learning to appreciate the wider range of tones that comes with conservative post-processing.

 

In any case, it is an excellent subject.

 

--Lannie

I do agree with Colin and Lannie on the perils of excessive post processing (something I'd been indulging in too often...)

Lou Ann, I also feel that the lighting is a bit flat to showcase the pattern of texture on doors. However, the toning does improve the image.

A beautiful door, Alsace is next to the German border and was historically French and German in turn. A lot of the Alsacian architecture is of German inspiration. These beautiful, imposing doors from the 17th century are a good example of the German influence. Beutiful shot. I like it. Higher contrast enhances the details, I guess. Congratulations, Lou Ann. You really brought beautiful pictures back from France. It is a pleasure to read your threads, and a great opportunity to learn about photography too. Kindest regards, Laurent.

Thank you for spending time looking at my photos from France, Laurent. I will eventually upload a few more, taken in Normandy, on the day that I visited the American Cemetery and the beaches at Omaha.

 

I believe that my family (at least my mother's side ... but possibly my father's as well) is originally from the Alsace region, on the German side of the mountains. They came to the U.S. in the mid-19th Century.

 

Mittlebergheim was the first of the "Beaux Villages" that I visited last summer ... and it was a wonderful place to start! This door absolutely captivated me ... the workmanship that must have gone into it. It was a very difficult shot to take, as the main road of this village was very narrow, and the door very wide. I stood back and leaned my head practically into the wall and tried it from a slight angle (as you can see above) and finally was able to get the whole door into the image.

 

Thank you again for your attention. It is important to me to hear from French people ... not necessarily for "approval", but more for validation that I have done justice in capturing glimpses of your country's character. Thank you!!

 

Warmest regards!

My pleasure, Lou Ann. Normandy is another region I like so much. You know, my wife comes from Normandy! So, we often go to Normandy to visit the family, and these are places I know very well. The beaches, of course, are so moving. So many brave men that had the extraordinary courage to fight and die for liberty there. Did you visit the Memorial museum for Peace in Caen? A great place. I wish you a great Independence Day, Lou Ann.

 

Warmest regards, Laurent.