Monday, March 30, 2015

10 Photo Ideas for Spring

I made a post similar to this back in February, called "10 Photo Ideas for Winter", and since spring is here (or about to arrive for others), I wanted to turn my attention to this season. In this post I want to share some photo ideas for spring, that can be of inspiration to you. But on the other hand, I also want to share the beauty of the season, the things that can be seen. It's important to act fast when it comes to spring, because in a short period of time, those bare trees become green, and dirt fields get covered in flowers and fresh grass.


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1. Macros and Close-Ups

If there ever was a season for close-up, then it's spring. So much is happening in nature, that it pays off to stop and get close to the action. Insects, buds and various other small details are changing right now, and there is so much beauty to see and uncover with the lens.

2. Spring Showers


I know it seems like you shouldn't go out in rain for photography, and sure, have your car close by, but I love spring showers (especially if I get to shoot them form a distance). Like in the shot above, I was minding my own business in the field, when I noticed a heavy rain storm in the distance. I got out before it arrived to where I was, but I just loved standing there and listening to the sounds of nature.

3. Woods and Forests

Forests and woods are places where most of the transitional beauty of spring is to be seen. Having the green leaves return is surely something to draw you to these places. Don't go at night into the deep woods, but being there during the day is surely something to consider.

4. Flowers


This one seems obvious, but it has to be included as well. So many flowers are blooming right now, and there isn't one that won't look good when you shoot it. Here is a tip: try to shoot flowers from unusual perspectives, like straight from above, or duck beneath the flower and try to capture some of the sunlight through it.

5. Animals


Animals are waking up from their winter sleep, and those that didn't sleep are more active. It's the right time of year to capture their behavior and life. Like in the shot above: I found myself in the landscapes of south Herzegovina, when I spotted a herd of sheep, freely roaming the fields. I had some great light from the sunset, and I think the shot turned out harmonious.

6. Colorful Seasonal Decor


A lot of change is also happening in our homes. Sometimes you don't have to leave it to get something good. For example: try shooting Easter decor, colorful flowers in vases, food, fresh vegetables or fruits of the season, like strawberries.

7. Blossoms


I could have put this under, close-up or macro, but I think blossoms deserve a special mention. They show a very fragile kind of beauty, that I simply love to photograph. To make it more interesting, try shooting groups of them, and always watch out for the backgrounds. They need to be simplistic and not draw to much attention to them.

8. Portraits


Having a blooming scenery or green fields as a backdrop can create an interesting plain for portraiture. But don't think of portraits as merely close-ups, show the whole person, the place they are in. During spring you can capture many sweeping views with people in them.

9. Gardens and Parks


Not everyone can simply hop in a car a drive away into nature. But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying springtime. Go out into your garden or city park and be inspired. Blossoms, flowers and green trees, will be there waiting for you. Try shooting at dusk or night with your tripod, for some special night photography magic.

10. Life in the Countryside


Life in the city is also changing, but it's much prettier in the countryside. Dirt fields are showing sings of growth, cherry blossoms are filling the air with their rich scents and fields are growing fresh green grass. Try shooting orchards during spring, as much of the transition will happen right there. Go wide but shoot up-close as well, like fruits or vegetables growing from the fields.



What are your favorite Spring subjects?

Friday, March 27, 2015

Inside the Walls of Pocitelj Tower

I have featured Pocitelj before on this blog: in the recent 10 Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina post, as well as the 5 Best Places to visit in Herzegovina post. Then there was the extensive three part travel series to Pocitelj, from which you are about to see some outtakes and other previously unreleased images.

The images in this post are focused on the old walls of Pocitelj, or at least what is left of them from over the years. Pocitelj presents one of few urban ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina preserved in their integrity to the present time developed through the several phases of the history, beginning with the medieval period.

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Wonders of the Past

When you stand here, inside the walls, surrounded by so much history, you start to wonder about the place, of what was here before, and who stood in these spots. There is quite a lot of the old structure left here, and the main tower is very much accessible. From many places, you can gaze out of the windows and look into the surrounding nature and river Neretva, which is flowing beside the town.


Inside the Tower

The main tower in Pocitelj is accessible by narrow steps that lead you right away from in entrance, in circular motion, to the upper deck of the tower. You have to be very careful here, since the steps are steep and broken off in places. There is nothing to hold on to here, and almost no light, but the journey up the tower is not long, and only lasts a minute or two. And the rewards for the adventurous traveler are more then great.




Roaming the Structures

Visiting Pocitelj is free of charge, and it's one of the most visited locations here in Herzegovina. You can leave your car in the parking lot at the foot of the hill, and make the climb up. Make sure to bring water with you. You will find good food in one of the restaurants below the town. Up here, there are many paths, and nothing is marked, which is actually good, since it doesn't spoil the fun of exploring.



5 Reasons you should visit Pocitelj

1. It makes a great afternoon trip from Mostar. 

If you are exploring the area, around Mostar, and you have your base set up in Mostar, then this is an ideal two-three hour visit. Pocitelj is only 25 minute car or bus ride away from Mostar.

2. Entrance is free. 

While there are many shops and resturants here, there is no entrance fee into the structures.



3. Exploring the ruins. 

The climb up the hill leads you through the old town. You will see many old structures, new houses, places of worship, until you reach the top where the tower is. There is lots to see and explore!


4. Other points of interest. 

Only 5 minutes south is the town of Caplijina. You can visit Blagaj (15 minute car ride north) on that same day as well.

5. Photo opportunity galore. 

As you will, hopefully, gleam from these images here, Pocitelj is a very iconic spot for photos, and no matter where you turn your camera, you're going to get a good photo.



The Mix of Old and New

There are also some residential houses in Pocitelj, and you will see new doors that look like old ones. Since the city is in UNESCO's World Heritage List, the new structures have to be in code with the old ones. This makes for a harmonious look of the whole place, and really transfer to the overall enjoyment of visiting Pocitelj.



I hope you have enjoyed this little outing into one of the southern historic spots of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

14 Sights of Spring from Bosnia and Herzegovina

It's a while longer until I will see such sights here in person, but these images are here to welcome the new season that is upon us. Although spring allergies, dampen my joy of the season, there is nothing that will keep me in the house, when the trees start to bloom, green colors return and nature awakens from its winter sleep.

I hope you will enjoy these, and If you happen to live in colder parts of the world, where snow perhaps still lingers on the ground, maybe these will help to bring some color and light to you.

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1. Awakenings



2. Inside



3. Up close


4. River Flow

5. Spring in the Countryside

6. A Pop of Color


7. Lone Trees


8. After the Rain


9. On the Ground


10. In the Fields


11. Drops


12. Found


13. Tree Tops

14. Above the Valley


Monday, March 23, 2015

A Quiet Evening on the Adriatic Sea

Sunset and dusk at the sea, are really special times to go out and take photos. I took these shots on the coastline of the Adriatic Sea in the small town Drvenik in Croatia. The sun had, in fact, already set, but there was still some afterglow in the sky, which gave me enough light to take the images. I hope you will enjoy these and have a relaxing start into the new week.

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The day was coming to an end and a certain calm could be felt in the air. I walked along the rugged shorelines, managing big rocks and stony beaches to find perfect spots for some photos.



A lone sailor out in the sea.


Anyone for a swim? The water was getting uneasy, and arrived on the beach in a bold fashion, creating big splashes everywhere.





The weaves clashing at the rocks on shore. A golden glow from the sun can be seen on the stones.


I really enjoyed taking these last two shots. I put the camera on the tripod, focused only on the ferry boat in the background, and let the long exposure give a silky effect to the seawater. 


As I gazed at the ferry boats, sailing into the night, my little walk came to an end. It was a very relaxing time spent on the beach, and I ended up staying after the sun had set to simply enjoy the views.



What is your favorite place to relax in nature?
Mountains, sea, fields, woods, something else?