Millennial Reflection, a photo from Tyne and Wear, England

Photographer's Note

I like bridges in Newcastle upon Tyne. They are so photogenic. This one here, Millennium Bridge, you could have spotted in some of my previous uploads from Newcastle (CLICK HERE for example). Here I have struggled again how to present it. On one hand a close up would be nice. I could introduce some confusion and disorientation and create some interesting geometrical effect at the same time. On another hand it will raise the question of how this bridge looks like as a whole. As you see I went for a postcard-like less creative but more informative view.

This was an extraordinary day in the North East with almost no wind at all, and so the reflection was almost 100%. In fact it was perfect before I took out my camera.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist tilt bridge spanning the River Tyne between Gateshead's Quays arts quarter on the south bank, and the Quayside of Newcastle upon Tyne on the north bank. The award-winning structure was conceived and designed by architect Wilkinson Eyre and structural engineer Gifford. The bridge is sometimes referred to as the 'Blinking Eye Bridge' or the 'Winking Eye Bridge' due to its shape and its tilting method. In terms of height, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is slightly shorter than the neighbouring Tyne Bridge, and stands as the sixteenth tallest structure in the city.

The bridge was lifted into place in one piece by the Asian Hercules II, one of the world's largest floating cranes, on 20 November 2000. It was opened to the public on 17 September 2001, and was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II on 7 May 2002. The bridge cost £22m to build.

Six 45 cm (18 in) diameter hydraulic rams (three on each side, each powered by a 55 kW electric motor) rotate the bridge back on large bearings to allow small ships and boats (up to 25 m (82 ft) tall) to pass underneath. The bridge takes as little as 4.5 minutes to rotate through the full 40° from closed to open, depending on wind speed. Its appearance during this manoeuvre has led to it being nicknamed the "Blinking Eye Bridge".

The bridge has operated reliably since construction, opening to allow river traffic to pass. It also opens periodically for sightseers and for major events such as the Northumbrian Water University Boat Race and the Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race. One of the principal requirements for opening the bridge is to allow access to HMS Calliope where Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Example is based.

The construction of the bridge won the architects Wilkinson Eyre the 2002 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize. and won Gifford the 2003 IStructE Supreme Award. In 2005, the bridge received the Outstanding Structure Award from International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).

Tilt times for the bridge are displayed both on the bridge itself, and also on a page on the Gateshead Council website.

Romano46, fds, ikeharel, No_One, macjake, janjan1897, aliabazari, timecapturer, tyro, holmertz, PaulVDV, kordinator, COSTANTINO, adramad, Angshu, Kielia, jhm trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

Romano46 (18472) 2015-01-16 9:36

Ciao Mariusz
straordinario sia il soggetto quanto la fotografia che lo ritrae.
Composizione ben riuscita e nitidezza eccellente mettono in particolare risalto tutto l'insieme con un effetto a specchio nell'acqua che crea un riflesso particolarmente efficace.
Complimenti
Ciao e buiona serata
Romano

janneman (4037) 2015-01-16 9:44

Wonderful!
Yhe compostions is perfect. I love this bridge.
Lucky you with those weatherconditions,

Regards, Jan

lousat (140082) 2015-01-16 9:45

Hi Marius,absolutely beautiful! Great point of view and perfect light to take the fantastic reflections,the diagonal perspective is a winner,like the bright details and colors,i like it! Have a nice weekend and thanks,Luciano

fds (9963) 2015-01-16 10:00

dear friend
very beautiful picture and postcard from Newcastel with very great and originaly brinde and the reflection in the water of Tyne

jemaflor (148398) 2015-01-16 10:25

Hi Mariusz,
Lovely view with this perfect water mirror, excellent result for the presentation of the bridge.

No_One (4) 2015-01-16 10:44

Hi Mariusz,
An ideal capture of this bridge which looks like a giant eyelid winking. That reflection really is incredible, one of the finest I have ever seen. Beautiful presentation of the bridge and ofthe city, i really like this. Another item for my must see list when I visit the uk someday for pleasure!
Have a great weekend
Noel

macjake (98544) 2015-01-16 10:47

Hi Mariusz
have you thought about adding in a WS photo of a more creative/abstract version? that may work.

its pretty hard to resist NOT pulling out the camera when the reflections look like this right!?
you've just gotta go for it and snap off a few.

I would certainly have a field day here myself!

the longer I look at the scene closely, there are more and more things i like about it.

the lighting in the sky was a bit harsh, but thats hardly your fault! the underside of the bridge deck is quite cool indeed.

wonderful shot, glad to see you posting a bit more frequently too.
cheers
craig

janjan1897 (2301) 2015-01-16 11:06

Hello Mariusz,
This is quite an amazing creative piece of architecture. You have captured this so well, using the water as a mirror. The POV, the clean light and tones, and the way the reflection of this elegant bridge creates a circle allowed you to deliver a very nice eye-catching picture where the stunning quality makes the difference. Perfectly shot and technically well done.
Have a great weekend.
Jean

HimalAnda (10671) 2015-01-16 11:19

Hello Mariusz,

The reflection is beautiful, the picture too, with nice polarized sky.
Well done.

Stéphane

dta (98848) 2015-01-16 12:22

Hello MAriusz ,
It is similar as a Calatrava work !
A splendid composition with outstanding light , clarity , contrasts and reflections .
Regards

iacobi (330) 2015-01-16 12:30

Very good picture, impressive bridge, all the elements in a mix of quality
regards
Jacob

mesutilgim (0) 2015-01-16 12:51

Hello Mariusz,
Very nice capture of this scenery in Newcastle with perfect pov. The mirroring effect here is more than great !
TFS and have a nice weekend
MESUT ILGIM

Royaldevon (86598) 2015-01-16 12:51

Hello Mariusz,

I know you like bridges and your photograph proves the statement. This photograph has been taken with loving care. The tranquillity of the water has been a great asset, allowing you to create a shot which portrays a beautiful, mirror image.
It's a fine composition with colours nicely deepened by your hoya filter.

Have a great w/e,
Bev :-)

aliabazari (23429) 2015-01-16 21:01

Hi dear Mariusz
Beautiful and stunning compositions. A good shot of this very beautiful and attractive. Exposure clarity and well performed. Thanks for sharing

emka (158988) 2015-01-16 21:04

Cześć Mariusz, Widzę, ze zmobilizowałam Ciebie do zdjecia tego mostu. Fantastyczne zdjecie przy olśniewajacej pogodzie, niebieskie na górze i na dole. Idealne odbicie, na wodzie nawet najmniejszej zmarszczki. No i ten most niezwykłej urody. Super. Miłego weekendu

MAlgorzata

timecapturer (49288) 2015-01-17 4:14

Hello Mariusz
a beautiful and gloriously spectacular shot of this famous bridge. Your POV and composition are just perfect as is your execution. Graceful lines and sublime light make this so eye-catching, with the crystal clear reflection just adding that little bit extra too!

Awesome!

Enjoy the weekend - B.

tyro (30513) 2015-01-17 5:37

Hello Mariusz,

This is another of your absolutely beautiful photographs of Newcastle's Millennium Bridge! You have very carefully chosen exactly the right time of day and exactly the right lighting conditions and you have also been very expert in your use of a polarising filter to enhance both the sky and the lovely reflections in the calm water. I'm wondering exactly at what time of day you took this and whether or not this was a long exposure?

An excellent, well balanced and pleasing composition with beautiful light which makes the distant buildings and the bridge stand out perfectly against the darker sky and water. The reflections are absolutely stunning, your colours are true and the details and sharpness, as always, are exquisite. A true masterpiece!

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

dkmurphys (79209) 2015-01-17 6:10

Hello,
Well, this is a masterpiece. Everything is perfect: the POV, the quality, the colors. Well done!
Enjoy a fine weekend.

Daniel

Sergiom (117241) 2015-01-17 6:18

Bonjour Mariusz,

Ce pont vaut vraiment le déplacement. Tu as bien réussi à le capter lorsqu'il offre un spectaculaire reflet dans les eaux bleues et calmes. La lumière et les couleurs sont spectaculaires.

Bon samedi

Serge

willperrett (14215) 2015-01-17 8:58

Hello Mariusz

Thanks for the informative shot! I agree with you about the reflections: they make the photograph. But I would like to see some of your more creative, abstract efforts too. It doesn't have to be either/or in these days of digital, when we don't have to be conscious of the cost of film!

Regards

Will

holmertz (103762) 2015-01-17 11:43

Hello Mariusz,
I had to smile at the last sentence of the first section of your note. It was perfect before you took out your camera. ;-). How much more perfect than this could the conditions ever get? It's rare to see a stretch of water looking more mirror-like. With a superbly elegant bridge like this under these circumstances you have really managed a very sophisticated composition of rounded shapes and a lot more.
Kind regards,
Gert

Waylim (25436) 2015-01-17 17:06

Hello M,
Beautiful shot, one of those rare day with perfectly blue sky, I love the contrast and shade of blue created by the polarize filter. Beautiful color and light the reflection doubles the beauty.

Excellent quality always and very good composition.

W

npecanhuk (79329) 2015-01-17 17:19

Hi Mariusz!
Wonderful picture of very beautiful details!
Sharpness, exposure, colors, chosen pov and composition with reflections are all excellent!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

Gigidusud (21679) 2015-01-18 6:17

Hello Mariusz,
A beautiful architectural composition with the bridge on FG, the reflections are fantastic a real mirror. I like a lot!
Best regards.
Gigi

Graal (103040) 2015-01-18 6:29

Czesc,
to ujecie mostu tez fajne. Swietny temat z Newcastle (chyba to miasto Stinga)tutaj tez bdb zrobiony. Jak widac, woda spokojna bo odbicie lustrzane. Podoba mi sie.
Pozdrawiam serdecznie.
Aleksander

PaulVDV (63580) 2015-01-18 15:25

Hello Mariusz,
The bridge looks very elegant and this is further emphasized by the additional mirror image.
All the other buildings are also reflected well in the river and their colours contrast strongly with the blue of the sky and the water.
Wonderful photo job.
Best regards, Paul

gervaso (28439) 2015-01-19 2:33

Hello, Mariusz!

Very interesting modern architecture of this bridge! It even looks like a flying saucer, especially with its beautiful reflection on the calm water! Wonderful composition, caught with excellent colors and sharpness! Well done!

williewhistler (16606) 2015-01-19 4:16

Hello Mariusz,
whilst the weather conditions may have been in your favour, the final spectacular result is down to your photographic skills,the exposure settings are spot on , the composition is top class with the bridge plus it`s reflection crisp,clear and perfectly placed in the frame.
Superb shot.
Best wishes, Les.

serp2000 (47063) 2015-01-19 4:37

Czesc, Mariusz,
I also like bridges, they are good symbols of connection between opposite parts of something. It brings us some philosophic idea, and I also like this picturesque composition. The quality is great! TFS!
Best wishes from Russia!
Serghei

Fis2 (172115) 2015-01-19 4:57

Witaj Mariusz!
Jak juz wiesz uwielbiam konstrukcje mostowe.
Tutaj zadowoliles moje oko!
Piêkna konstrukcja.
Znakomita kompozycja z odbiciem.
Podoba siê.
Milego popoludnia.
Krzysztof

kordinator (8738) 2015-01-19 6:53

Dear Mariusz
A wonderful postcard from Newcastle.
An impressive Millennium Bridge and buildings reflection in the water of Tyne.
Nice diagonals.
Excellent composition and presentation.
Great photo job.
Kind regards
Saša

ikeharel (114777) 2015-01-19 8:06

Good evening Mariusz,
Exquisite picture of the arch and beautiful reflection it offered, a well done photojob.
Modern design mingle with older architecture style.
Cheers for this beauty.
Ike

rychem (72187) 2015-01-19 8:33

Nie dziwię się, że lubisz te mosty, futurystyczny kształt i idealne odbicie w super gładkiej wodzie, wspaniale
pozdrawiam Ryszard

COSTANTINO (117940) 2015-01-19 10:37

Hello my dear friend Mariusz
and have a nice time
I love bridges in Newcastle upon Tyne
wonderful execution with the greatest
lightness and sharpness
I love this geometrical effect creating
wonderful environment
lovely view with this perfect water mirror
regards
Costantino

Matyas (0) 2015-01-20 0:26

Cześć! Czy to w tym Newcastle mówi się, że nie wozi się węgla do Newcastle? Piekne miejsce. Piekna kolorystyka. Ładny efekt lustra. Ciekawa tonacja światła i kolorów. Ładna dominacja odcieni niebieskości. Świetne zdjęcie, mówię to z ręką na sercu. Kłaniam się!

Silvio1953 (223141) 2015-01-20 5:58

Ciao Mariusz, lovely composition with fantastic bridge, fascinating reflections, excellent clarity, splendid light and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

adramad (73524) 2015-01-20 7:00

Hello Mariusz.
A great composition, which is quite a spectacle of beauty and craftsmanship.
Love the POV giving prominence to the modern and beautiful bridge, reflections both the bridge and buildings of the city are perfect, it is as accurate and inverted image.
Very nice colorful, giving much appeal to the image.
Magnificent management brightness, sharpness is also perfect to enjoy with the details.
Very well seen and well taken.
Have a nice day.
Best wishes.
Luis.

PiotrF (56210) 2015-01-20 8:48

Czesc Mariusz
Zainteresowałeś mnie ta prezentacja. Ciekawa i niespotykana konstrukcja mostu, az obejrzałem sobie jak przepuszcza się pod nim statki. Chyba ewenement na skale swiatowa.
O ile opisow w sieci troche jest o tyle takiego pieknego lustrzanego kadru nie spotkałem. Swietna jakość.
Pozdrawiam
Piotr

[2]

abmdsudi (95869) 2015-01-20 20:14

Hi Mariusz
A much-photographed landmark, the quality, colours, sharpness and composition makes this stand out with perfect reflections to finish off, an icing on the roll for me. Congrats and tfs
Best regard

chawax (20764) 2015-01-25 10:53

Hi Mariusz,
Very nice reflection and great light on this beautiful bridge. Sharpness is excellent too.
Have a nice day,
Olivier

Angshu (56760) 2015-02-05 5:19

Hello Mariusz
Brilliant light and fantastic clarity. The picture has wonderful colours. The bridge is quite amazing, with two arcs, one horizontal & one vertical. The reflection is near perfect with the perfectly blue polarised sky. The pencil like church steeple somehow drags my eye.
Fantastic!
Best Regards
Angshu

Cricri (176) 2015-03-11 12:36

Hi Mariusz
Des reflets qui font une image extraordinaire, belle dans les couleurs et la presentation
Belle soiree
cricri

tatadalou (7459) 2015-04-04 9:10

Hello Mariusz,
I like the curve lines formed by the bridge and its reflection on the river. The weather conditions, with full sun and no wind, offer a great quality of reflection .
Lovely light.
Regards,
Delphine

Kielia (24077) 2015-05-06 8:12

Hi Mariusz,
this image is full of atmosphere and power. An excellent shot accompanied by very interesting notes. My compliments!
Warm regards
Harriet

jhm (211738) 2015-05-09 0:50

Witaj Mariusz,

Graceful lines and sublime light make this so eye-catching, with the crystal clear reflection just adding that little bit extra too.
An excellent composition, lovely presentation too.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

claudeD (47754) 2016-04-03 0:28

Hello Mariusz,

wow! what a wonderful view and what a perfect fotojob you have done here. Excellent composition, very good sharpness and clarity for this real piece of photographical art. I like your blue hour shots really very much.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

JC