walled city, a photo from Shaanxi, Centre

Photographer's Note

Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals, is a firm classic on any tourist trail in China. Not only is this where the famous 'terracotta warriors' were found, Xi'an also has impressive city walls, a unique muslim quarter and a couple of fascinating temples and museums.

The fortifications of Xi'an represent one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. Construction of the first city wall of Chang'an began in 194 BC. The existing walls date from the Ming Dynasty in 1370. They 11.9 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15-18 m in thickness at the base.

The wall makes a great place for an evening stroll. You can also rent bicycles and cycle around on the walls.

This picture was taken near the south gate. Although some PP was done on the sky, it still has a visible summer haze hanging over it. August 5, 2007 was another hot and humid day in China.

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ISO-200

bukitgolfb301, feather, triptych2003, macondo, Wanda1, Bluejeans, bakes888 trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

aadilj (18102) 2009-06-27 2:16

Hi benny, I love that dusty hued feeling of this superbly composed image which has a nice and brilliantly applied POV and perspective

pastadog (13111) 2009-06-27 2:39

Good framing and POV; I also esp. like this contrast level

bukitgolfb301 (53894) 2009-06-27 4:14

Hello my dear Benny

Good framing, and clear and keen focus as usual.
Stone walls at both sides make a good atmosphere.

Thanks for sharing and best regards,

Takero

feather (51130) 2009-06-27 6:21

The heat haze had had a pleasant and unusual effect on the architecture, somehow making the lines almost drawing-like. I like the idea of using the side walls as a frame, but they would have been better in focus too. That's not easy when hand-holding. If you had used a smaller aperture, which would be possible when you have 1/250 sec - that might have helped. Also careful choice of focal point about a third of the way into the scene would have been beneficial. Possibly pre-focusing on the trees below and then re-composing. On the other hand if you wanted the walls out-of-focus ignore this! ;D
Kath

triptych2003 (1534) 2009-06-27 6:24

hi benny

i like the pov here. the height of the wall gives a good scale. the framing is also very well executed. the flags along the top and buildings in the distance add some great depth. excellent job.

macondo (20449) 2009-06-27 10:56

Hi Benny.
Great shot, with marvellous detail despite the haziness caused by the pollution. The viewpoint gives a strong sense of perspective and depth, and I like the framing effect of the window sides. Good work and good note.
Regards,
Andrew

Wanda1 (15142) 2009-06-28 0:47

Hallo Benny,
I really like that the scene is framed between the two stone edges on either side and the impressive wall and the line of red flags brings us into the focal point of the beautiful buildings at the end. I somehow don't mind the haze, it gives a soft distant kind of feel to the shot.
Groetjes
Wanda

jimkil (1706) 2009-06-30 2:07

Hi Benny
I love the mystical shot, also the POV and DOF you have chosen here. This is very clean and crisp as a shot and must have been a fascinating place to photograph.
Well done
Jim

molla (7129) 2009-07-03 13:53

hejsan Benny
To have an chines image with out a chines in site is almost impossible what I consern... but you manage.
nice dusty blue sky that gives this picture just the right imagination of China
Anders

Bluejeans (64251) 2009-07-15 5:35

Ola Benny,
Beleza de foto na Cidade Proibida , é um lugar fantástico muito bonito e com belos detalhes de arquitectura gostava de volta aqui , belo ponto de visão , boa profundidade de foto , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Selmik (3641) 2009-08-01 23:17

Hello Benny,
thank You for comments.
Nice composition of this hazy environment,good *wall* framing, details and perspective are superb.
Nice capture.
Mike

bakes888 (18499) 2009-11-01 0:46

Hi Benny.
The hazy air has given this shot nice pastel colours. Good definition and sharpness and well composed. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good Sunday, Paul.