Broken Tower Photo

Photographer’s Note

As you approach the Apulian coast from the sea, they look like mere specks, indistinct bits of stone along the shoreline. They were built clinging to the very edge of the cliff, commanding an eagle's eye view of the sea.

The Norman founders of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies started building them in the 11th century and the Spanish viceroys of the same kingdom were still building them 500 years later. They all served the single purpose of watching for an enemy more feared than even the Goths and Huns who had destroyed the Roman Empire - the Saracens.

"Saracen" is a vague word; it is possibly a phonetic corruption of 'Syrian', but what it meant to Italians in the Middle Ages was 'Moslem Invader', whether the Arabs who rode the initial wave of Islamic expansion into Spain and Sicily in the 8th and 9th centuries, or the Ottoman Turks who conquered Constantinople in the 15th century.

Indeed, after that traumatic event for Christianity, the front in the war between the two faiths moved decisively to the West, and though Moslem thrusts into Europe by the 16th century were largely just harrassment, people here still remembered that the Saracens in the past had more than once attacked even Rome, itself. The word "Saracen!" was enough to set the population trembling, for it was very often the towns along the Apulian coasts that bore the brunt of raids by the likes of feared pirates.

In the early evening hours when darkness descends on the sea below, the last rays of the setting sun still illuminate the cliffs, then it is possible to stand quietly in the sunlight on the lip of the bay, looking down at the streams of the raged sea.
Obviously nobody has lived in the tower for a long, long time, but several thousand years of continuous habitation form an almost palpable presence.

Hope you’ll enjoy it.

Technical Informations:

Make: SONY
Model: DSC-T100
Software: Paint Shop Pro Photo 12,00
Exposure Time: 10/6400 sec
F-Stop: f/5.0
ISO Speed Ratings: 100
Focal Length: 1974/100 mm
Date Taken: 2007-11-19 15:45
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, auto mode
File Size: 153 kb

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Critiques | Translate

Paolo (40753) 2007-11-19 7:25

Ciao Stella, molto bella questa foto, dove hai catturato perettament eil vento molto forte che arrivava dal mare.
belli anche i colori da tempesta e bella anche la vista sulla torre diroccata.
ciao

kristofk (773) 2007-11-19 7:31

Hello,
a wonderful photo, full of power. The waves and the wind (effect seen in the yellow vegetation) driving against the coast give a real impression. And the dark clouds behind even increase the effect. Really a great example of a photo.

Best regards, Kristof

Norte (531) 2007-11-19 7:33

Hi!
A good composition there and warm fine light. The background of dark blue clouds are also enhancing the motive, and give a punch of drama.
TFS!
Jon :)

avene (11088) 2007-11-19 7:50

as others have said - powerful image. the distinct foreground gives great depth to the scene, but I particularly like how the colour of the grass in the foreground matches that of a tower, I find it nicely ties the scene together. also, the dark sky and white-crested waves add to the drama and perfectly fit your story of war and danger. beautiful colours and details, love the golden ligh. great shot.
best,
Kristine

saxo042 (16182) 2007-11-19 8:05

Hi Stella,
The foreground with the vegetation (whatever it is called in English) are framing the tower in a very attractive way. Great colours. You can really feel the drama in this picture, with the dark sky and the stormy sea:
Regards
Gunnar

francesav (614) 2007-11-19 8:20

Ciao Stella,
immmagine molto drammatica, il cielo nero ed il forte vento che piega le canna le danno un tono quasi apocalittico!
Saluti.
Francesco.

brandstaetter (14354) 2007-11-19 8:25

Ciao Stella,

molto bella questa scena con il vento fortissimo... si sente il profumo del mare..brava!!
Ciao christian

zo_tos (1084) 2007-11-19 9:05

ciao stella,
bellissima la tua regia in questa foto, mi piace tutto...
stratos

manada (6237) 2007-11-19 9:36

Ciao Stella!
Bellissima immagine della torre con il suo caldo colore in contrasto con il cupo cielo alle spalle.
Ottima anche la cornice naturale che hai voluto creare con il gioco delle canne al vento.
E che mare.......
Bravissima

Freddy

Valerka (8159) 2007-11-19 9:39

Ohaa, ciao, Stella,
A very interesting shot showing the wind force and the sea water upheaval.
A very well captured moment.
Bravo,TFS.
Buona fortuna
Valerka

evanrizo (456) 2007-11-19 9:56

Ciao Stella, I like very much such atmospheric photos, superb composed and framed, it looks very dramatic.
Have a nice night.
Evan

stelli (2959) 2007-11-19 13:14

Great POV and colors! Excellent lighting although a stormy picture! Great "motion" and sharpness! Thank you for sharing! Regards Stella

emjleclercq (14458) 2007-11-19 14:38

A very nice feeling of wind, with the barbs of the bambus blowed away and the waves assaulting the the shore. The light and colors are excellent, and this very dark sky makes a perfect background for your ruined saracen tower.

All the best,

Emmanuel

Bruno40 (6442) 2007-11-19 20:05

Hi Stella
I love the contrast of tones between the golden fg and tower versus the dark blue sky.
Besides, the composition and DOF are really good
TFS
Jorge

giorgimer (21468) 2007-11-20 0:06

Ciao Stella,

BELLISSIMA! Mi hanno sempre affascinato le torri del sud della Puglia, quando sono un po' dirocate mi piacciono ancora di più. Questa l'hai ripresa ottimamente, è fantastico il suo colore contro questo cielo minaccioso. Il mare rabbioso e la forza del vento intuibile dalle piante in primo piano trasmettono una sensazione di "potenza" degli elementi della natura.

Bravissima, come sempre!

Gio

gildasjan (24069) 2007-11-20 0:35

Bonjour stella
Très joli rendu avec ce premier plan en mouvement.Une très bonne lumière pour agrémenter cette belle réalisation.
Bravo et bonne journée.
Amicalement
Gildas

Budapestman (42694) 2007-11-20 1:03

Hi Stella,
Fascinating image the composition is picturesque. I like the gorgeous colours and the romantic atmosphere, clarity is excellent. Details are beautiful, Great! Have a nice day
George

batalay (21140) 2007-11-20 1:13

Hello Stella,

I like this windswept shot of the coastline, the truncated tower, and especially the note. The dark sky makes a dramatic backdrop to the scene, which is actually brilliant in its illumination by the late afternoon sunlight. I am not quite sure, but I believe the Saracens are the same people as the "Selçuks," who leader Alp Aslan, was regarded as a scourge of the Crusaders, in the time of Richard Coeur de Leon. The frame is understated, and complementary.

Warm regards,

Bulent

snunney (35376) 2007-11-20 1:33

Hello Stella,
A beautiful seascape with superb light and atmosphere; I can almost hear the breakers crashing against the rocks. I like the point of view towards the tower through the vegetation across the incoming tide. Very good tones and excellent clarity.

hatti52 (12654) 2007-11-20 1:47

Ciao Stella,
wonderful composition
i can feel the wind
sunny landscape and dark blue clouds are very impressive
bravo

pasternak (13576) 2007-11-20 1:56

What a beauty, Stella! Fantastic contrast of light and colour against this dark blue/violet sky... very good framing of this tower throught the high grass... also the wind is captured perfectly here! Very good, one of your best I think.

Cheers
Alexander

TGULUMSER (12514) 2007-11-20 2:13

Hello Stella,
I can feel the effect of the wind. Your photo is great,
Best regards,
Tulay

clio (23003) 2007-11-20 2:25

Ciao Stella,
Tu noi presenti una fotografia splendida. Quale dinamismo! Il vento della tempesta è così bene mostrare con queste canne che si volano quasi. I colori sono meravigliosi. Un raggio fantastico di sole che illumina la terra con questo cielo così scuro alla parte posteriore.
Brava
Diane
Non era un giorno dove avrei voluto fare la traversata per la Grecia!

dareco (17104) 2007-11-20 2:30

I LOVE THIS! And how you have captured the wind in the foreground plants. The water looks very rough as well. A very informative and interesting note about these stone structures. Your picture has PERFECT color!!! TFS

mursaloglu (5202) 2007-11-20 3:33

Cara Stella
Grazie per il tuo ultimo critico per la mia foto. I dettagli del posto si trovano nella mia foto intitolata autumn in sadness. Dunque questa tua ultima foto veramante molto drammatico come il contenuto e molto ben equilibrato grazie alle erbe in entrambi le parti che aggiungono anche un gran dinamismo con le onde insieme. complimenti carissima ihsan.

Silvio1953 (42617) 2007-11-20 6:29

Tra le tue più belle Stella, i dorati giunchi piegati dal vento, il cielo plumbeo, il raggio di luce sulla torre, il mare in tempesta, DA FAVOLA, BRAVISSIMA, ciao Silvio

kdialyna (3068) 2007-11-20 8:29

Seeing your photo I have the feeling of the wind on my skin.
Bravo Stella.
A wonderful photo which gives you the desire to be there, to walk next to the waves, to feel the salty sea water spray on the face.
Great light and excellent colors makes your photo, pleasure for the eyes and the brain.
Best regards
Kostas

markstaples (15670) 2007-11-20 9:07

Very good and moody lighting in this one. I like the inclusion of the foreground reeds which serve as a natural frame to the scene. Great rich colours too.
Best wishes
Mark

savask (1813) 2007-11-20 11:50

You almost feel the wind...The wildreness of the landscape is genuinely impressed on this picture

mesutilgim (37200) 2007-11-20 12:06

Hello dear Stella,
Very nice capture ! Great colors; very good pov and compo. Dark sky is a great background for the ruins. You can not only see the whole scenery but also hear the wind ! Very nice info's as well.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

ifanik (20542) 2007-11-20 12:16

Kalispera Stella
Impressive winters picture with very good lighting and splendid colours I like a lot the grasses in the first plan
Best regards
Nick

grigand (12756) 2007-11-20 12:51

Ciao Stella,
Brava ! Bei colori ma soprattutto bella luce e la sensazione del vento.
Ciao
andrea

tpstrek (1877) 2007-11-20 22:11

Hello Stella,
Picture which shows the power of nature. Nice colours.
Bravo,
Henri

miumiu (3866) 2007-11-21 1:15

Hello Stella!
Very impressive photo!!! Sky and crazy waves are very special!
l like the view of point, very beautiful!
Have a nice day
Agnes

papagolf21 (56675) 2007-11-21 1:39

Bonjour, mon amie Stella,
Oh ! que j'aime cette prise de vue photographique. J'ai l'impression de humer l'air marin. L'ambiance est parfaitement transcrite avec ce vent qui fait coucher les hautes herbes, le rouleau des vagues écumantes venant se jeter avec force sur les rochers.
Tout dans cette composition exprime une sorte de poésie.
J'aime vraiment beaucoup cette très belle réalisation.
Amitiés.
Philippe

PixelTerror (86691) 2007-11-21 2:12

Ciao Stella,
I first was thinking about Sardegna... I see there are towers in continental italy too, this view benefits from very nice light and a good dramatic impression from the contrast against the dark sky and the movement brom bushes and sea.
Have a nice day JY

Cretense (56888) 2007-11-21 3:38

Hi Stella!

Fantastic place, fantastic capture! The composition is great and the warm colours are trully eyecatching! Great capture and feeling of the wind. Congratulations!

Ciao, Hercules

Greg1949 (8515) 2007-11-21 11:33

Stella, what amazing color in this shot. The composition is great and the focus is perfect but the shades of blue are just fantastic. Great capture.

Greg

alainh (35385) 2007-11-22 2:29

hello Stella

i can hear the wind in the grass, the waves in the beach. i like the metallic colour of the sky giving the good atmosphere.
very nice composition
have a good day Stella
alain

vincz (19045) 2007-11-22 2:40

Beautiful warm colors, such a great feeling of wind. The dark sky completes the magic. An excellent shot.

COSTANTINO (23111) 2007-11-22 13:47

Ciao Stella,
Sembra un quadro di pitura,cosi vivo .. e con il vento che tira le canna e il mare cosi agittato,bellissimi colori,
veramente bella imaggine,
Cari saluti,
Costantino

fulvio52 (8314) 2007-11-24 13:39

Semplicemente eccezionale, Stella.
Ho commentato poco fa una foto meravigliosa di Giorgio (g_clemens) con la stessa luce da sballo.
Anche qui il contrasto tra il cielo di un blu quasi plumbeo e la luce calda che si riflette sulle canne, scogli e rovine della fortezza e` magistrale!
Colori e POV da favola.
Bravissima!
Buona domenica e a presto.
Ciao,
Fulvio.

gmg (1941) 2007-11-26 13:35

Ciao Stella!
Bella foto che rende perfettamente l' idea del vento, ed in più con uno bel cielo drammatico di sfondo!
Saluti
gmg

mumek (17504) 2007-11-27 2:48

Good morning Stella!
Windy day, beautiful light, excellent colours, nice contrast. Very impressive capture of the tower in this lovely composition. My compliments
best regards
ziggy

adores (15727) 2007-11-27 15:41

Hi Stella!
Very impressive shot! The colours are just great and I really like the effect of the wind on the sea and also on these plants in the foreground. Good work!

plimrn (19694) 2007-11-27 16:24

Hi Stella,
I love the light here. The framing is excellent with the grass blowing in the wind, the waves whipped to a froth, the tower is perfectly positioned in the 1/3 position and you got great detail in those dark clouds. You captured the feeling of a storm so well, I can almost feel the wind.
HLJ, Pat

jonathan_hart (22607) 2007-12-03 10:27

hi Stella
great contrast !
good POV and framing, well composed
well done !
regards
jo

Edyta_B (1195) 2007-12-08 10:53

Hello Stella
Lovely image of the broken tower illuminated by the Sun in very hard weather conditions: the strong wind blew, so the waves stormed on the cliffs. Beautiful colours, especially of heaven, and nice composition with the reeds in the foreground. I like it :).
Regards

apucci (958) 2007-12-10 8:17

Ciao Stella,
mi piace tantissimo il contrasto di colori che sei riuscita a rappresentare in questa copmposizione. Ottimi dettagli e controllo delle luci.
A presto,
Andrea

Floydian (30970) 2007-12-15 7:02

Hi Stelle,
I will give this one a push so it reach the 100 points barrier ;-)
But, no good picture means no two points and this one really deserves it. The light is great here with warm tones at the bottom but colder ones on top which gives you a wonderful image full with contrast. I like the view through the grass in front and the way how you captured the waves which brings a nice dynamic feeling in to it...very good work.
Regards, Henk

fserajian (4547) 2007-12-15 9:51

Hi Stella,

Beautiful shot, well composed, very dramatic shot specially with the waves...well done!

Regards

fara

Mistral (13746) 2007-12-26 10:57

Un'altra immagine che sa di mare, di essenze selvatiche trasportate dal vento e di libertà...
Brava!
Luca

delkoo (34652) 2008-01-05 1:32

hi stella,
this one is very attractive, this is absolutely great shot, full of light and colors. Excellent composition and perfect moment to capture such place and such scene.

ciao
didier

testmaniac (12262) 2008-01-05 22:53

Hi Stella, nice photo in a difficult photo conditions but you capture well this dramatic landscape with this broken tower with very nice colors and contrast.

TFS and regards,
Philip

vedra (0) 2008-01-11 1:17

Hi Stella,
This looks as a pretty dramatic view, thanks to the stormy sky, waves in the sea and additional dramatics achieved by plants in the foreground moved under strong wind. With all these interesting details, the tower in the background appears a bit forgotten, and one gets to observe it only afterwards.
I only have a little remark on the account of the slightly tilted horizon line.
Vedrana

CRATEOS (7274) 2008-02-05 5:08

every thing here is moving even the tower he is traveling throw the time..is a static but also moving fact..a piece of art in frond of our eyes..!!!my compliments

nf

Nikola (58) 2008-02-06 6:40

Complimenti, molto bella
Ciao
Nikola

Cutajar (285) 2008-02-20 5:08

Great shot indeed, nice colours, and great contrast too.
Regards James.c

Longroute (9731) 2008-02-28 13:08 [Comment]

Show Comment

labro33 (2804) 2008-03-09 3:22

hi Stella,
Fantastic shot.Perfect pov lovely colors.
The whole composition is so strong...
Have a nice day.
George

baclama (4695) 2008-04-10 8:11

ciao,
un merveilleux rendu de couleurs par un temps mausade mais où on fait de si belles photos...
rien de plus à ajouter
bravo
vero

pablominto (41200) 2008-11-17 2:46

Hello Stella,

I can feel the strong wind here!
The effect is very well depicted, and I mention the white surf and the dry straws...
The dramatic sky enhances the feeling of bad weather coming, and it contrasts well with the fine light on the tower and ground!

Greetings,
Pablo -

danyy (69357) 2009-04-15 0:09

Bonjour Stella,
une atmosphère dramatique bien rendue, un ciel noir qi fait ressortir les lumières au sol, les vagues, l'écume et les heutes herbes montrent la force du vent.
Regards.
Daniel.