David Stout, EPSA, EFIAP
October 2024 - Basilica sistern, Istanbul
About the Image(s)
A cavernous construction used as a source of water should Constantinople fall under siege. Testing lighting conditions meant an iso of 1600, and my trusty monopod assisted picture taking until I was pulled aside by a security guard tipped off by a Russian tourist!!!
While struggling with my DSLR I noticed people`s phones either side of me were showing stunning images so - once again, I submit a photograph from my Samsung.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_Cistern
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
My phone camera works well in various lighting situations where my big camera may not. I remember trying to get pictures at Longwood Gardens at night with the Canon and I wasn't happy with the results. I got out my iPhone (and this was a while ago so it was an early phone camera) and it did a good job. This is an interesting photo and the lighting is very appealing and draws me in. The combination of green and red/orange is the perfect pairing. I do wish I could see more of the figure.
Posted: 10/16/2024 22:21:06
Posted: 10/16/2024 22:21:06
Beautiful photo from your smartphone, under difficult lighting conditions. I really like the extremes of the color range. It is a very interesting sculpture and although a little difficult to make out, it appears to be a man. Any explanation of its significance? Posted: 10/19/2024 13:46:22
Michael, there are two columns that feature the head of Medusa - turned and inverted to avoid direct eye contact that, mythology tells us, turns humans into stone! There are also contemporary statues that have been added I assume to add mystery to this unique location.
https://www.basilicacistern.gen.tr/inside/ Posted: 10/20/2024 06:06:28
https://www.basilicacistern.gen.tr/inside/ Posted: 10/20/2024 06:06:28
An upright head of Medusa, took a chance on not being turned to stone for this one!!!!! Posted: 10/20/2024 06:11:43
I Like the images. Yes, smartphones can do amazing things. The latter image is great and shows a lot of detail. Was the light from the phone? Posted: 10/21/2024 14:03:54
Rich - I never use flash, I simply took advantage of the interior lighting. That particular statue was set back in an alcove with, I assume, a single light trained on it. Posted: 10/22/2024 04:23:49
Very interesting location with multi-coloured lighting (why do they do this at so many tourist locations?) But I find the central figure very difficult to make out, and hence I find the impact of the image is lost, and it's all about just the location. The closeups show good detail. Posted: 10/24/2024 06:07:50
David, your smartphone captured a lovely colorful image of whatever that object is in those amazing cisterns in Turkey. But I do not think that it would be considered a Photo Travel image and I think most judges would not. Posted: 10/26/2024 15:29:17
I certainly missed this place in 2 trips to Istanbul. It has a lot of drama with that lighting. I assume from your comment that they didn't allow tripods or monopods. Phones really come in handy in such situations. I also find I can take some pictures with my phone and get better results than with a real camera. Plus one can do some processing on a phone too. Well done, David. Posted: 10/26/2024 18:54:54