Tag: Europe

Capturing Rome: Blue Hour Moments

I’d always dreamed of visiting Rome and the dream came true this autumn. I wanted to explore many places. But there was really only one photo. The Bridge of Angels and Vatican on the River Tiber in the “Blue Hour”.

I headed for a vantage point on the Ponte Umberto on our first evening to give me a “second chance”. The right decision, as it turned out!

After months of dry weather, it rained that day. Luckily the clouds lifted slightly and the skies were lit in an amazing orange light for a few minutes. But then a heavy rain shower hit us and we fled for shelter. The photo session was well and truly over, so we headed to Piazza Navone for pizza and wine.

Lo and behold, I’d captured an image that was exactly what a client wanted as a throw blanket. 2 metres by 1. 5 metres, now that is some canvas. Thank you so much and enjoy! See my blog for the Making of!

So how did I bag my blue hour scene? On our last evening we were returning from the Vatican tour and passed over the Ponte Umberto again, by chance.

It was perfect timing:-)

The lights on the Bridge of Angels, the Vatican and bookstalls along the river came on. Wispy clouds floated in the dusk skies. I didn’t have my tripod so I improvised using the bridge. Wow, am I pleased with the results, even if I say it myself.

You have memories of your visit to historic Rome, or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover?

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by Categories: Cityscape, italy, Nightscape, Rome, SunsetTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Capturing Rome’s Magical Sunset Moments

I’d always dreamed of visiting Rome and by chance I had the opportunity this autumn. When my travel companion asked what photos I’d like to take I said there was only one. I hoped for an early evening scene over the River Tiber from the Ponte Umberto with the lights of the Bridge of Angels and the Vatican illuminated in the Blue Hour.

I suggested we went there on our first evening to give me the slight possibility of a “second chance”.

After weeks or even months of dry weather, it rained that day and was cloudy. I kept my fingers crossed that this would give us a special sunset and wasn’t disappointed. The clouds lifted slightly and the setting sun lit the skies in an amazing orange light, just for a few minutes. The light was reflected in the calm river as a boat set off for a tour, adding movement to the special scene.

Very shortly after, a heavy rain shower hit us and we had to flee the bridge for shelter. We headed into the historical district near Piazza Navone for a delicious pizza and glass of wine. And I kept my fingers crossed that I had captured at least one special shot:-)

If you’ve been paying attention you’ll be asking “what about the blue hour scene”? Well, by chance, we were there again a couple of days later and I bagged that too. To follow.

You have memories of your visit to historic Rome, or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover?

Many ideas for gifts for you or a loved one are available as

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by Categories: Rome, SunsetTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Eilean Donan Castle: A Scottish Highlands Gem

A must-visit location in the Scottish Highlands for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. The tide was out and the shore was lined with shiny seaweed, the clouds provided a moody backdrop. The island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh is near the pretty village of Dornie.

Actually I set off in the morning for a tour of the Isle of Skye. Unexpectedly, I ended up here at the end of the day. I was ever so lucky to arrive in time to enjoy this amazing view of iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Although I nearly ended up getting stranded. Read on below…

So how did I get on this adventure? During the Skye tour I was offered a lift here. There was a regular local bus back to my hotel. Why not? I double checked the bus time beforehand and checked again with the waitress in the nearby pub at dinner. Yes, the last bus is at 7.45 p.m. from the castle.

I took photos of the castle and the pretty village of Dornie. Then I went for a lovely meal in the village before heading for the bus ahead of time.

But it didn’t come… and I didn’t have an internet connection.

My phone worked so I called my hotel on Skye who gave me the numbers of the two local taxis. One didn’t answer and the other was already on a long trip up the coast. “No way today, sorry.”

Remember, I am on the west coast of Scotland, 9 miles on a dark road from the next town, without a footpath, 11 miles from my hotel on the Isle of Skye. The last bus has officially gone. The only two local taxis are not coming. It is getting dark and cold. I listen to music, dance a little to keep warm.

Suddenly I see an “Out of Service” bus approaching. I almost run out in front of it. I learn that my bus had broken down and this was the replacement bringing people from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. I hopped on gratefully and eventually got back to my hotel. Where everyone in the meantime knew about the “Glasgae bus breakdoon”.

You have memories of your visit to this iconic castle or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or maybe a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover? This image and many more from Bonnie Scotland are available as

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by Categories: Grand Tour, Highlands, ScotlandTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

A Scenic Day Trip to Bavaria’s Lake Chiem in Winter

It was so peaceful and that view took my breath away. I stood up on the deck and thought – how lucky I am.

Enjoyed from the ferry boat on Lake Chiem on my day out from Munich in late January.

I was yearning to get out of the city to the lakes and mountains but there were always things going on or the weather didn’t play along. Originally, I’d checked out the trip details for another lake. But yet again the German Railways had railworks and disruptions on the day. Maybe I should thank them because I ended up going to Lake Chiem for an amazing day out.

Prien am Chiemsee is just an hour by train from Munich but you still need to get to the lake from the station – either wait almost an hour for the local bus or walk 25 minutes to the shore, which I chose to do. Got lost and took 40 minutes. My Fitbit was happy:-)

Lake Chiem is a pretty big ice age lake – 80 sq km or 31 sq mi – in Bavaria, Germyn, with inhabited islands including Frauenchiemsee, or simply Fraueninsel with over 300 residents, and Herrenschiemsee or Herreninsel. The local ferry runs throughout the winter to serve these islands which means visitors can enjoy the trip too.

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by Categories: Bavaria, Germany, MountainTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Vibrant Vittoriosa

On a memorable trip to Malta, we took the local ferry from the capital city of Valletta across the Grand Harbour to Vittoriosa. Together with the districts of Senglea and Cospicua, Vittoriosa is oldest part of the so-called Three Cities (Maltese: It-Tlett Ibliet). These fortified villages are joined together like the umbilical chord near Malta’s historic heart.

We sailed up Harbour Creek, passing luxury yachts moored in the marina that contrasted with the backdrop of historical towers and facades of the impressive waterfront buildings include St. Lawrence’s Church and the Maltese Maritime Museum in the Ex-Naval Bakery. These fascinating places and much more are well worth exploring to find hidden gems of days gone by.

The Yacht Marina in Vittoriosa (Maltese: Birgu), on the island Republic of Malta located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

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by Categories: Cityscape, Malta, Gozo, Comino, MediterraneanTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Rugged Algarve Coast

It is well worth travelling to the breathtaking, wild west coast of the Algarve, driving down the winding cliff roads to the stunning shores, which are the perfect destination for beach lovers of all kinds.

Enjoy captivating views of Castelejo beach where striking cliffs and rugged coastline meet the glittering Atlantic Ocean, creating a mystical sea mist that adds to its allure.

To the north is the Pedra da Laje, a rock formation which extends into the sea and is popular with anglers because of its abundance of fish.

The strong waves along these shores provide prime surfing and bodyboarding conditions. While the sandy beach and calm waters behind the rocks invite you to take a dip in the cool ocean.

Praia de Castelejo, Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Algarve, Portugal

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by Categories: Portugal, SeascapeTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment