During our trip to Italy last year I had the opportunity to capture some images of Pompeii patterns and details during our walking tour of the archaeological site.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.
Pompeii has a number of open areas that feature repeating patterns of columns. These immediately due my attention.
It can be a challenge when visiting popular tourist sites like Pompeii to time one’s shutter release to avoid having other people rambling through compositions. Sometimes having other tourists in images could not be avoided.
When we travel with Nikon 1 equipment I typically create the vast majority of my images with a J5 body. The 20.8 MP BSI sensor is noticeably better in terms of dynamic range and colour depth. This is very helpful when shooting under very bright conditions.
Like many archaeological sites, Pompeii has a lot of restoration going on. I find a sense of order and patterns in scaffolding.
And, even in the shadows of a railing from a higher elevation.
Repeating patterns of courtyard walls caught my eye and helped to create a feeling of depth in some of my photographs.
I’ve always been attracted to rough textures.
Mixtures of colours and textures that intersect at different angles also draw my eye.
I love finding geometric details and often compose images with them on an angle to create more visual interest.
The interior of structures often have more colour and details than the exteriors do.
It is always a challenge creating photographs when in a tour group. Working quickly, usually sightly ahead of the group, typically yields the best opportunities to create unencumbered photographs.
Our favourite Nikon 1 lens for travel is the 10-100 mm f/4-5.6. The focal length range is wonderful for a wide variety of subject matter, and reduces the need to constantly change lenses.
Many of the ruins at Pompeii had beautifully, carved details in the stonework.
Other stone carvings were of a more crude nature… suitable for the services that were being advertised at the time.
Our guided walking tour progressed through the streets of Pompeii at a brisk pace. Composition opportunities were fleeting so speed was of the essence.
As colours, shapes, textures or patterns caught my eye, I’d quickly grab an image and quickly move on. No rest for the wicked… even when photographing antiquities.
Technical Note:
All photographs in this article were captured hand-held using camera gear as per the EXIT data. Images were produces from RAW files using my standard process. Most are displayed as 100% captures without any cropping.
If you enjoyed the images in this article you may want to check out our Nikon 1 eBook: The Little Camera That Could. It is available for purchase and download. It is priced at $9.99 Canadian. Readers interested in purchasing a copy can use the link below.
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