A quiet day in Independence Square, a photo from Kyyivska, West

Photographer's Note

As I leave Vietnam in 2008 I move temporarily to Ukraine in 2011 with a photo that is quite different from what I usually show here.

This is a view towards Maydan Nezalezhnosti, Independence Square, in Kiev, capital of Ukraine. This was my very first photo in Ukraine, taken a few minutes after I had checked into my hotel. I stepped onto my tiny balcony to admire the view from my very well placed hotel. Below me was the main street, Khreshchatyk, and just a block to the right I saw the famous Independence Square.

Maydan Nezalezhnosti was the centre of the "Orange revolution" in late 2004 and early 2005, when hundreds of thousands of people gathered for several weeks to protest against cheating in the presidential elections. Viktor Yanukovych, who had been declared the winner, had to accept new elections which were then won by his rival Viktor Yushchenko.

Now, nine years later, Yanukovych is president after all and has now decided to call off an agreement of cooperation with the European Union. Once again hundreds of thousands of people have gathered in this square to call for a free and democratic Ukraine, facing western Europe, instead of a corrupt state dependent on Russia.

Maydan Nezalezhnosti covers a much larger area than can be seen here. It stretches for several hundred metres on both sides of Khreshchatyk Boulevard.

For my second photo in Ukraine I turned left and pointed my camera towards the northern end of Khreshchatyk, where now thousands of pro-government demonstrators have gathered at the Evropeyska Square. You can see that shot as a workshop.

Here is a larger version of the main photo.

Subhogen, SnapRJW, PaulVDV, ktanska, ourania, Zengi001, carlo62, trevormoffiet, jhm, macjake, Romano46, saxo042, chrislo, Miguel82, claudeD, maloutim, mcmtanyel, ikeharel has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Subhogen (4067) 2013-12-15 8:33

Hello Gert,
Nice shot of this square in Kiev under bright sunlight.
I like the way you frame your photo with this beautiful tower. Splendid architecture on the structure. The white building acts as a good focal point. Excellent shot from a country we do not see often with natural colors, clarity and superb light.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Subho

SnapRJW (31631) 2013-12-15 9:02

Hello Gert - The scene pictured here is far removed from that which we see played out on the news daily. Peace seems to be such a tenuous thing in so many parts of the world and those at the bottom of the pile have no choice but to voice their dissatisfaction with corrupt, self-serving governments. One positive aspect though is that democracy has brought about the freedom to protest, we hope that the powers that be will heed the cry. Your shot shows a clean and well-appointed city with spacious open areas and attractive architecture. Have a good week ahead. Warm regards Rosemary

PaulVDV (54759) 2013-12-15 9:19

Hello Gert,
The view of Independence Square in Kiev reminds me a bit at the Liberty Square (Tavisuplebis Moudani) in Tbilisi where you also find a very tall column (there St George and the dragon are on the top) and which is also surrounded by stately buildings. For the rest, both cities will probably not have much in common. Also the history of both countries is very different. Albeit, a lot of people in the two countries like to develop more and better relations with the rest of Europe.
According to my personal, humble opinion this Independence Square isn't particularly beautiful. But your picture shows a place where events occurred and still occur that determine the history of the country.
Best regards, Paul

Fis2 (155487) 2013-12-15 9:20

Witaj Gert!
This square is hot today.
I do not know how to end the fight for the EU?
Good frame, colors and light.
Well done.
Good evening
Krzysztof

pajaran (102508) 2013-12-15 9:26

Dobro vece.
Interesantan i dobar tekst o mestu ...
Lep pogled ...
Dobra kompozicija i perspektiva, lepo pokazano mesto i arhitektura.
Dobar rad i kontrasts, lepe boje.
Prijatno vece i mirna noc, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good evening.
An interesting and good article on the place ...
Nice view ...
Good composition and perspective, nice place shown and architecture.
Good work and contrast, beautiful colors.
Good evening and peaceful night, all the best.
Paja.

ktanska (40013) 2013-12-15 9:35

Hej Gert,
A timely shot, as news show demonstrations from this place. Impressive clean white building and that tall column. Good framing and excellent high viewpoint.
Kari

ourania (51103) 2013-12-15 10:31

Hello Gert,
a very comprehensive and interesting picture, most enjoyable in this large format. I like very much how you built your composition with layers of perspectives and details that engage our interest for a long time. We are transported into this central part of the city, to study the architecture, the daily life and the atmosphere. You managed the light, coming from a difficult angle, superbly, clarity and colours are wonderful. I like the workshop picture and the playful perspective of its buildings too. As far as politics are concerned, not knowing much about the Ukrainian internal affairs and judging from the sufferings of Greece, I feel utterly confused. Congratulations on your photos and note, thank you!
All the best, have a great evening,
Ourania

Zengi001 (2883) 2013-12-15 11:04

Hi Gert,
I've been here in September 2011, Big square at the end of busy Kreschatyk Boulevard.
Nice big town and busy square in the center.
Good presentation, thanks.
My regards,
Engin

williewhistler (16606) 2013-12-15 12:28

Hello Gert,there are a great many architectural features to view and enjoy,not least the towering column that holds the image in very well,your choice of Hotel was most fortuitous to capture such a stunning view.
Isn`t it strange that some English want less contact with the European Union whilst some Ukrainians want more! Funny old world I guess.
Happy week ahead,
Regards Les.

carlo62 (81265) 2013-12-15 14:39

Ciao Gert
hai cambiato paese, ma questo è il bello di questo sito, si può viaggiare il mondo con pochi scatti.
Bella piazza, ripresa da un ottimo pov, la piazza è ben visibile, con la sua colonna altissima e con le persone che passeggiano.
Bella condivisione.
Carlo

emka (152102) 2013-12-15 14:59

Hi Gert,

again this Maydan Nezalezhnosti is full of people protesting against the corrupt government. I remember the Orange Revolution in 2004, my son went on Christmas Eve as far as Kharkiv as a voluntary to observe the election. And after so many years the same events repeat. Nice view of this square in a quiet day. I like the tiny figures of people busy.
Good post in these days.
Rgds M

kato (11630) 2013-12-15 20:59

Hello Gert,

You're capturing well this place by a good angle and excellent tone/clarity, so it's interesting and impressive to see many cars which have stopped at the parking lot and the wide Independence sqaure with the tall monument tower and tasteful building. I know that there are influence in which the political group of this country continues friendship with Russia, and influence which promotes the EU subscription. However, I cannot judge that whether it is good or bad as when considering a historical background and fact. Although Gorbachev changed the rudder of the direction of a country into rapid democratization and liberalization by perestroika once, I know the fact that it brought people wild confusion as a result, and many people became destitute. Even if he is high evaluation in western societies, he is still unpopular and low evaluation in Russia. I think that it is good to open a door abroad and for the social system of a country to change gradually. To each nation and people in the world have feeling of different sense-of-values, state and religion views as a troublesome thing. In the real world, the world seems to move in the political balance of power.

Kind regards,
mikio

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2013-12-16 1:26

namaste Gert,
another nice composition from you here. The square is really interesting and you presented it superbly using a high POV. Depth and sharpness are superb. A bit problem in colour tone but I think it can be rectified in PP. Though, it made a very little harm to this very well composed frame. I enjoyed it a lot. Tfs.
Subhendu

trevormoffiet (3112) 2013-12-16 3:06

Hello Gert,
A topical shot. I was just watching the demonstrations on the news a few moments ago. In contrast, every thing about your image(s) suggests a contented, calm and peaceful society.
Best regards,
Trevor

jhm (202871) 2013-12-16 4:20

Hello Gert,

Your second picture is very lovely taken on very high height.
Kiev, today not the excellent vacation destination through the politic troubles
Excellent perspective and depth picture.
Lovely composition, splendid presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice week,
John.

macjake (96157) 2013-12-16 4:27

Hi Gert
the Ukraine...as i've said before...a country that totally peaks my interest.
I really don't know what to expect from the Ukraine.

So ironic to call it Independance Square, when after all of that its seemingly back to the corrupt way of being again....or maybe it never really was democratic and independant?

the photo, the note, the country peaks my interest for sure. A fine post for TE, perfectly suited.
cheers
craig

Romano46 (18472) 2013-12-16 8:47

Ciao Gert
hai avuto la fortuna di vaiggiare in molte parti del mondo ed ogni volta la tua macchina fotografica ti ha seguito permettendoti di raccogliere una documentazione imponente di luoghi e di persone.
Questi ci permette di conoscere luoghi e realtà territoriali che altrimenti ci resterebbero quasi sconosciute, quanto meno nel trascorrere della vita di tutti i giorni.
Anche questo pertanto appare come un importante contributo alla conoscenza del mondo e delle sue peculiarità.
Grazie della condivisione.
Ciao, buona serata e buon inizio di settimana
Romano

rychem (72179) 2013-12-16 8:52

This image corresponds perfectly to recent events in Kiev,very nice view of this interesting place, well done
regards Ryszard

saxo042 (38078) 2013-12-16 9:49

Hej Gert,
En annan sorts bild än den vi har sett på TV den senaste tiden. Det är ju ganska folktomt här men bilden har ju ändå ett högt aktualitetsvärde. Många intressanta byggnader här.
Hälsningar
Gunnar

chrislo (4097) 2013-12-16 10:32

Hello Gert,
A good shot of this tranquil square, free from demonstrators and police action. The surrounding buildings show a mix of classic and modern architectural styles, however not always based on the best choices. The imposing column makes a good focal point and really stands out as a rallying point to all those people claiming fraud and demanding democracy. Excellent informative note.
Kind regards,
Christian

eldancer1 (36343) 2013-12-16 10:38

It was quiet back then but I don't know about at present time, they seem to be having problem over there now. I just hope they resolve their problem peacefully. I like the architectures, nicely presented with good lighting and nice details. Well done, tfs.

Miguel82 (47106) 2013-12-16 13:49

Buna,
a brillant picture and global view of Kiev, it matches very well with the context of the news, the light and hues are excellent, instructive photo comment, a parking, impressive monuments and a remarkable architecture
multumesc domnule, la revedere
pe curand!

fabbs99 (17179) 2013-12-16 18:54

Hello Gert,

Excellent POV and perspective, beautiful colors and light, good sharpness in this image.An excellent and beautiful job perfectly done, congratulations my friend.TFS.

Cheers
Farhat

serp2000 (47063) 2013-12-16 22:37

Hello, Gert,
I see you have got a machine time too.
Oh, yes, Ukraine is one of the main newsmakers today. Another interesting topic. And I don't have an ideas about the results of this political drama. Good presentation of the Maydan.

First time I've read about Malmo in "Polis, polis, potatismos!"

Best wishes from cold Ural region! We have got -24 C today.

Serghei

mesutilgim (0) 2013-12-17 13:18

Hello dear Gert,
Nice capture from Kiev, with good birdseye pov.
Nice soft colors.
Many interesting notes makes your entry a perfect TE entry.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

abmdsudi (88445) 2013-12-18 6:07

Hi Gert
What an interesting busy city square, people everywhere enjoying life walking and beautiful old buildings to admire. Lots of detail in this shot and the tall column-statue is the icing on the cake. There are some strong elements to this with excellent fg detail, it's bright and clear nicely processed to bring out the brashness of the place. Lots to see lots to enjoy, good comp well captured. Congrats
Best regards

rigoletto (34279) 2013-12-20 22:40

hi gert. this is indeed much less "authentic" than your usual stuff, but much more close to my liking :) despite the cheap flights and no need for a visa, i've never been to ukraine, but will certainly be there one day, just waiting for the locals to settle down :) your balcony indeed was in the heart of the town, i guess i can follow your steps and check in at the same hotel one day.

mcmtanyel (58830) 2013-12-21 21:52

Hello Gert,
What a nice first photo in a country! The structures in this photo are very elegant. Your POV and framing are excellent. The tall monument is very well placed. Congratulations on a job well done and TFS!
Regards,
MT

npecanhuk (79329) 2013-12-24 20:35

Hi Gert! Interesting and attractive urban picture! Sharpness, exposure, colors, vertical format, chosen pov and composition truly pleased me! Tfs! Merry Christmas! Neyvan

mkamionka (61082) 2014-01-01 10:23

Hi Gert,
great view from your hotel window. Interesting note full of the most recent history. I like the column plus several other interesting structures. Having a national flag is also always a nice touch.
Very well done!
Have a happy New Year!
M

Putler (0) 2014-06-03 3:52

Excellent shot - but now this place is red because of blood of innocent victims

ikeharel (105835) 2020-12-08 5:48

Hello Gert,
The white impressive columns edifice is a marvelous eyes-catching object on the scene, while the surrounding offer many other details to look at, people all around and different styles buildings.
Well included the whole tall monument on left, prominently above the city.
Good afternoon,
Ike