A Gift From Catherine, a photo from Saint Petersburg, Northwest

Photographer's Note

Like magic in the sunlight. These onion top towers glisten - made for a perfect day, jewels in the sky.

This "Catherine Palace" is a Rococo palace located in the town of Pushkin, about 25 km south-east of St. Petersburg, Russia. It's main use was a summer residence of the Russian tsars. Behind it is a wonderful park.

Parts of this palace outside are rather bare, needing, I felt, more landscaping. During WWII and before much of this pretty palace was destroyed by wars and fire and has been slowly rebuilt. I am not sure what remains today is even a shadow of what was originally constructed. Still beautiful today however.

ikeharel, ourania, PaulVDV, holmertz has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2013-07-03 9:03

wow, great... Clarity and sharpness of this image is just outstanding. Superb colours. You brought a nice depth including these flowers and trees using a nice POV... Excellent composition using such bright light. Tfs.
Best wishes.
Subhendu

ourania (51103) 2013-07-03 10:30

Hello David,
you have composed this picture superbly and your bold division of the vertical frame between the splendid palace and the fresh foliage and flowers is wonderful; you've framed the building effectively and created a lovely sense of balance and chromatic contrast. Sharpness and depth are exquisite, you gave equal consideration to the two parts of the composition. The blue sky is a delightful backdrop against which the splendour of the gold textures and the elaborate architecture stand out in a fascinating way. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely day,
Ourania

PS Thank you so much for your kind words!

PaulVDV (58533) 2013-07-03 11:25

Hello David,
The onion domes shine in the sunlight as if they were first cleaned. This palace looks like a real jewel and the blue colour of its towers and facade fits well with the blue sky.
You've framed the view very attractively with the branches, perfectly complemented with the white flowers. I think you might have done a small step forward so that the highest cross no longer touches the branches. It's just my personal opinion and it certainly does not preclude the quality of this photo. Rather a little nit-picking. I also often forget such details.
I'm impressed by the sharpness of the palace and its domes.
Best regards, Paul

holmertz (97626) 2013-07-03 11:30

Hello David,
So maybe not all of this palace is equally beautiful, but you certainly found a nice part of it for this photo, and you composed it extremely well. It's a very attractive combination of stylish architecture and the beauty of nature. The light is perfectly handled and the colours are enchanting.
Regards,
Gert

jemaflor (140789) 2013-07-03 11:34

Hi David,
Very nice shot about this great Palace, light is perfect on the towers, nice golden colors, well framed with trees, a good memory for me, wonderful interior with the amber room.

Silvio1953 (212991) 2013-07-03 11:46

Ciao David, great view of beautiful architecture, fantastic light, wonderful colors and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

nikkitta (17070) 2013-07-03 11:56

Hola David

Interesting note to introduce this super shot, beautiful golden domes shining at the sun with a smart frame given by the flowers, impresive shapness
Congrats and TFS
Maria

cargus (13455) 2013-07-03 12:39

Colour, light and contrast excellent, good together in a successful picture.
Regards
Adrian

abmdsudi (92669) 2013-07-03 20:26

Hi David
You have made used of the space efficiently to capitalise on the beauty of this famous icon. The perspective and viewpoint ensure the eyes is focused in firmly aided by the array of colors and the branches are wonderful inclusion for the natural framing. Sublime light blessed by fine weather with such subtle colors making this is so pleasant to view and the goolden touches. Very elegant shot. Congrats. TFS
Best regards

GiovanniG (3914) 2013-07-04 8:30

Ciao David,
Wonderful capture of this iconic place. Your point of view is perfectly chosen with lilacs in the foreground providing a nice context and counter point to the gilded copulas. Well done David and congratulations!
Warm regards,
GiovanniG

dta (98848) 2013-07-07 3:15

Hello David ,
A splendid capture of this golden church towers , under the fresh spring greenery and blossom of the trees .
Regards

Vitaly (1025) 2013-07-08 10:48

Hi, David!
Composition of a picture is just wonderful. To supplement these golden dome bunches of lilac blossoms, breathe vitality into this historic building.
Good luck.
Vitaly

colinbrenchley (6431) 2013-08-02 11:41

David - beautiful clarity in this shot of the towers on the church. The framing with the tree and blossom frames the gold tower perfectly.
Regards
Colin

dthomas3 (3) 2013-08-06 12:28