San Gimignano, a photo from Siena, Tuscany

Photographer's Note

San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, north-central Italy. It is mainly famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, which may be seen from several kilometres outside the town. The town also is known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, grown in the area. San Gimignano was founded as a small village in the 3rd century BC by the Etruscans. Historical records begin in the 10th century, when it adopted the name of the bishop Saint Geminianus, who had defended it from Attila's Huns. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance era, it was a stopping point for Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome and the Vatican, as it sits on the medieval Via Francigena. The city's development also was improved by the trade of agricultural products from the fertile neighbouring hills. In 1199, during the period of its highest splendour, the city made itself independent from the bishops of Volterra. Divisions between Guelphs and Ghibellines troubled the inner life of the commune, which nonetheless, still managed to embellish itself with artworks and architectures. Saint Fina, known also as Seraphina and Serafina, was a 13th century Italian saint born in San Gimignano during 1238. Since Saint Fina died on March 12, 1253 her feast day became March 12. Her major shrine is in San Gimignano and the house said to be her home still stands in the town. On May 8, 1300, San Gimignano hosted Dante Alighieri in his role of ambassador of the Guelph League in Tuscany. The city flourished until 1348, when the Black Death that affected all of Europe, compelled it to submit to Florence. San Gimignano became a secondary centre until the 19th century, when its status as a touristic and artistic resort began to be recognised.

abmdsudi, jhm, lakshmip1949, ikeharel, baddori, golus, adores, ChrisJ, ourania oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

lousat (139332) 2012-04-01 3:06

Ciao Valter,spettacolare bianco e nero con un altissimo contrasto per avere il miglior impatto visivo,mi da' l'impressione di uno scatto del periodo post bellico,grandissimo lavoro ed eccellenti luci e dettagli.Buona Domenica e complimenti,Luciano

jhm (211736) 2012-04-01 3:46

Ciao Valter,

Thank you very much for your interesting note.
I like the old buildings and architecture, a pity that alone black and white and not colors.
You chose a perfect angle for a nice depth and perspective picture.
Excellent captured and composed.
Sharpness and clarity be superb.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice Sunday,
John

brianmcc (6223) 2012-04-01 4:17

hi valter,
the black and white presentation here really creates some wonderful contrasting tones here. the low viewpoint brings the stone paving to live and produces a dramatic perspective. the clouds and sky also add to the impression of the scene.
regards,
brian

lakshmip1949 (19081) 2012-04-01 4:44

Hello Valter,

I am glad I am able to open your image today. it was impossible yesterday. Beautiful architectural buildings with a vast open space in the foreground. Nice stone paved foreground with some activities by the people. Like the texture and sharpness.

Lakshmi

npecanhuk (79329) 2012-04-01 5:02

Ciao Valter!
Beautiful ancient urban environment!
Very attractive architecture and black & white picture!
Chosen pov, composition, exposure and sharpness really pleased me!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

Afsanehbagheri (3228) 2012-04-01 6:57

Hi my friend

Black White good and excellent the best

abmdsudi (95869) 2012-04-01 7:57

Hi Valter
This is a superb image that suits in mono as it looks so rustic but lively old town square and so appealing. Detail is spot on and focus is pin sharp, it's very obvious a lot of thought has gone into this, the towers are excellent focals. Well-composed and it is a very well worked out shot in particular I love the textures in the wall and all the grittiness. A sight with the yesteryears feel. Great work, Congrats
Best regards

mesutilgim (0) 2012-04-01 11:39

Hello Valter,
Nice b&w capture with good pov and perfect ligth management.
Great sharpness and perfect graphcal effect, created by the patterns at street and on the fassades of the buildings.
Interesting notes.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

baddori (20341) 2012-04-01 12:21

Valter
Il bianco e nero era necessario , ed ha ottenuto il risultato .
Nitidezza e un pavimento che la lente ha scolpito.
Bella la prospettiva che "sostiene le torri.
GF

bona (15057) 2012-04-02 12:38

Hi Valter,

superb photography. The B&W here is formidable. The floor has a nice visual effect. Like it!
Have a nice week
Andre

golus (2893) 2012-04-02 13:10

Hello Valter,

I know you like B&W just like me and come back often as you can with B&W shots like this. This is another lovely B&W effort from you prominent with strong composition and self confidence (because of aggressive contrast and sharpness pick), though I highly appreciate your choices here, they made easier to the perception of patterns in the floor and on the facades of the buildings and add character and atmosphere to the overall shot. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice evening.

Suleyman

adores (46979) 2012-04-02 19:06

Hi Valter!
Seems a really nice little square, with all those interesting old buildings around. I like the b&w and the contrast. The sky also creates a nice atmosphere!

ChrisJ (171884) 2012-04-03 0:04

Ciao Valter,

A wonderful b&w image with perfect sharpness, good tonal range & outstanding graphism. The man at right adds scale & fills the fg as an addition to the smaller crowd of people in the centre bg. Nice shadow detail and management of perspective. Tfs!

Silvio1953 (221729) 2012-04-03 1:20

Ciao Valter, bianco e nero di gran fascino, fantastico cielo e splendida luce, bella vista di quasta incantata cittadina medioevale, bravo, ciao Silvio

ourania (51103) 2012-04-03 13:57

Ciao Valter,
una foto meravigliosa grazie al punto di vista che dirige lo sguardo verso l' angolo opposto dove s' incontrano i palazzi antichi. C'`e grande prospettiva, splendido senso di spazio. Le persone vicine e lontane stutturano la profondit`a. Nitidezza e chiarezza sono eccellenti e il bianco e nero rende la foto forte ed affascinante, enfatizza il senso che il tempo ha per questo luogo. Il cielo rende la composizione pi`u drammatica. Complimenti e grazie!
Saluti,
Ourania

jemaflor (147224) 2012-04-09 8:31

Hi Valter,
Well taken, the photo is perfectly balanced, interesting contrast with the b&wversion, good sharpness.