This photograph was taken early in the morning before the tourists began to explore the town. It is a good example of the care I take in composing my images, which comes from my film days (before Photoshop). There is actually a car in this scene and although some might just shoot and clone it out in Photoshop, I carefully explored angles and perspectives that allowed me to hide the car. Shooting low, I was able to allow the menu sign to hide it.

This old medieval lane houses a row of local artisans and is bustling during the day, but in the early morning it was empty of people.

I have an affinity for art nouveau and this little café on one of Tallinn's side streets just off the main square captured my eye. It was actually difficult to photograph because the street is narrow and has a constant flow of pedestrians. During early morning, before opening hours the painted shutters are closed creating an unimpressive view of the shop so it could only be photographed while people were passing by. It took patience to capture the moment.

As stated above, I have an affinity for art nouveau and this little café on one of Tallinn's side streets just off the main square captured my eye. It was actually difficult to photograph because the street is narrow and has a constant flow of pedestrians. During early morning, before opening hours the painted shutters are closed and the menu sign is absent, creating an unimpressive view of the shop so it could only be photographed while people were passing by. It took patience to capture the moment.

As I frequently mention, doors can be difficult to photograph in Europe because streets are narrow, making it difficult to get the right perspective. In morning hours there may be cars parked in front of them and during daytime there can be a steady flow of pedestrians. I was therefore happy to capture this one because the combination of colors is appealing in my opinion.

Minimalistic and with a simple composition this scene has an appeal because of the color combinations coupled with the architectural elements.

Kinga Street is a small side street just off the main square in Tallinn's old town. I think this view captures the charming character in the early morning. The street looks charming from most angles during the day when shops are open, but during morning hours when the shops are closed up many of the doors and shutters are covered with graffiti. It is the side of Tallinn that many tourists do not see.

This quiet little medieval courtyard was a pleasant respite from the hoards of tourists that filled Tallinn during the day. Many Baltic cruise ships visit Tallinn during the day flooding the town with tourists, but then they disappear in the evening. 

Another view of Tallinn in the early morning hours. There were few people walking the streets in the early morning, but not as few as many European cities I visit. There is a night life / party scene thatis quite active. I encountered quite a number of people, sometimes in groups who had been partying all night. Being approached by a group of drunk men on a deserted street never makes me feel comfortable. Most of my experiences of this nature have occurred in eastern European countries but I have always managed to avoid problems.

I was drawn to the simplicity of this still life in a café window.

I was drawn to the fun, quirky display in this window. Europe is filled with little touches like this but one must keep a keen eye or they will be missed.

From the upper part of the old city, there are several vantage points looking out over Tallinn's old town with its walls and towers.

Another minimalistic photograph, I was attracted by the composition of this scene.