Photographs of Spain - Alcazar, Alhambra, Sevilla
Spain is exotic. The Moorish influence in the architecture and foods like tapas and paella create a culture that is truly unique. The rhythm of life itself moves to a different pace than the rest of Europe. Although I intended to spend much longer in the country than I did, circumstances beyond my control prevented me from experiencing the trip I had envisioned and planned.
I visited Spain in 2010 in the midst of an economic crisis. A crippling nationwide strike severely affected my travel plans, itinerary and ultimately even the impression it left on me. The night before my departure from the states, my flight was cancelled and rescheduled for a week later. This required rebooking hotels and reconstructing and cutting short my itinerary. The chaos we experienced upon arrival created a rollercoaster-like-ride as we went from one day to next. One day we would think - This is nice... and the next day - what a mess let's go home.
Upon my return home, I was amazed to see how many photographs I had taken and I was quite pleased. Whenever I review them and look back on my trip I think - Maybe I could give Spain a second chance... maybe.
Alhambra Courtyard
The Alhambra is simply amazing. This great Moorish palace in its worn state still gives a hint of the grandeur it possessed. This photograph captures the bold warm colors of Spain reflected in a palace courtyard. This scene as well as others captured in the Alhambra do not convey the difficulty of obtaining the image. The palace is flooded with tourists, and group after group paraded through this courtyard. It took time and patience to photograph this scene.
Alcazar Courtyard
The Alcazar in Sevilla is another Moorish palace that recalls the splendor of this culture in Spain. I was drawn by the compositional elements of this scene as well as the warm colors.
Sevilla at Night
What better way to express the culture of Spain than a night scene. The nightlife in Spain is well known worldwide... the country comes alive after dark. Sevilla is at the heartbeat of Andalusia and this scene captures the essence of that. This photograph is among my top selling images.
Andalusian Blue Door
The bold blue color of this doorway attracts immediate attention. However, the black iron and touch of yellow that accent the composition create harmony amongst the elements.
Alhambra Chair
The simplicity of a single chair in the midst of the Moorish architecture, and looking out into a courtyard in the Alhambra, is a setting than beckons one to sit and relax. I had to vie with weary tourists to get an image between their turns at taking a seat.
Alcazar Urn In a Niche
This little vignette in an Alcazar courtyard makes for a nice still life. The dappled light on the urn and ivy creates a sense of seclusion.
Columns and Arches in Sevilla
I particularly likethis photograph because I was drawn by the interplay of warm light and shadows with the architectural elements.
Night in Madrid From the Rooftop
I thought this scene, located in our hotel, captured the romance of Madrid at night. We had the place to ourselves this particular evening.
Lamp and Window in Sevilla
The simple composition of this photograph speaks volumes. I think it captures the essence of Andalusia. It is the warm colors and thin outlines of deeps shadows under the bright and intense sun that create the feeling that accompanies this scene.
Palacios Nazaries Garden at the Alhambra
The garden at Palacios Nazaries is one of the many gardens that grace the complex of the Alhambra.
View From the Alhambra
This photograph is a composite created with layers from my nature images. The textures and tones yield a pleasing rendition of the view from the Alhambra.
The view, looking out over Granada and the Sierra Nevada Mountains has the look of an old painting after this technique.
Granada at Night
The main plaza in Granada at night ,as seen from above. This view was from the balcony of our hotel room.
Evening View of the Alhambra
The grand complex of the Alhambra as seen fro macros the valley at dusk.
Detail View of the Alhambra 1
The complex of the Alhambra is huge. By the use of a long focal length I was able to isolate portions of the complex in a series of scenes I have named simply as detailed views of the Alhambra. This is view number 1.
Detail View of the Alhambra 2
The complex of the Alhambra is huge. By the use of a long focal length I was able to isolate portions of the complex in a series of scenes I have named simply as detailed views of the Alhambra. This is view number 2.
Detail View of the Alhambra 3
The complex of the Alhambra is huge. By the use of a long focal length I was able to isolate portions of the complex in a series of scenes I have named simply as detailed views of the Alhambra. This is view number 3.