07.13.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Travel at 9:00 am by Warren Williams
En route to Budapest we ventured through the city of Bratislava in the early morning. At just 60km away from Vienna, they’re the closest capital cities in Europe. There is a great mixture of architecture, spanning from medieval towers in the Old Town area, to the splendor of 20th century buildings. Bratislava also spans the Danube river, with the castle prominently displayed on the hill – unfortunately closed at the moment for renovations.
Statue near Hviezdoslavovo Námestie
Michalská Brána Hotel
Bastova Ulica
Bratislava Church – Kapucínsky kostol, and tram lines leading to the Castle
St Martin’s Cathedral
St Martin’s Cathedral
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07.12.09
Posted in Landscape, People, Travel at 10:11 pm by Warren Williams
With a full day to kill around Vienna, arranged to meet up with my friend René who was kind enough to show myself and Peter around the various sights and history of the magnificent city.
Donauturm Park
René borrowing my Canon 17-40L lens + Lee filter setup
(And his new 5D II)
Overlooking Vienna from up the Donauturm tower
Our trip into the city also coincided with the Tour of Austria, final leg.
In the afternoon, we visited the Schnapps museum for some exciting alcoholic beverage tasting, including gold leafed Schapps, and some stronger Absinthe.
Ann about to take a milky Schnapps shot
Grant showing the after taste effects from the hot chili Schnapps!
Following the milky drinks, René and his partner Anja took me along to the Danube River for sunset. The Danube is famous for being the only river to pass through four major cities, and also the second longest in Europe, spanning ten countries!
Long grass alongside the river… and as I figured out, a haven for mosquitos.
Anja, also wasn’t safe from those nasty mosquitos
Twilight over the Danube, with the Donauturm tower
Candid with the 85L in very low light – ISO 3200, F1.8
A massive thanks to René and Anja for the tour of the city, and following drinks alongside this grand river.
http://www.renehajek.at
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07.11.09
Posted in General, Travel at 7:30 pm by Warren Williams
After the long drive with the coach tour, we had fifteen minutes to explore Schönbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Vienna, before arriving to our hostel for the next two nights. Schönbrunn Palace was built in the late 17th century, and is the former imperial summer residence.
Schönbrunn Palace and the immaculate gardens
Gloriette, atop the 60m hill overlooking Schönbrunn built in 1775.
Nic, Warren, Ritchie, Grant & Peter all from NZ & Oz
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Posted in Landscape, Nature, Travel at 12:30 pm by Warren Williams
Travelling northward from Venice the following morning, we quickly headed to the border of Italy and Austria. The high quality roads through the Alps were absolutely amazing, offering unparalleled views.
Making a quick stop at a service station
From the coach, endless vineyards in northern Italy.
Glacial Riverbeds over Northern Italy
Church on the Hill, dwarfed by the Alps
First view of Austria
During lunch stop at another service station, with spectacular views over the valley
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07.10.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, People, Travel at 9:21 pm by Warren Williams
Exploring the wondrous city of Venice, can only be achieved by water and on foot. Venice is unique in many ways, with endless beautiful detailed buildings perched alongside the water. Capturing the sights from the gondola boat ride, through the twisting passages and underneath low bridges was definitely a highlight and impossible to ignore. Later in the afternoon, took in the spectacular views from atop St Mark’s Campanile, witnessing the sprawl of intricate architecture over hidden islands.
Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge
Narrow passageways
Wedding photos in St Mark’s Square
View to San Giorgio Maggiore
Venice Gondalier
Pigeon in St Mark’s Square
Too many pigeons for my liking
Gondola Riding – Niki, Pete, Grant, Richie and Warren
Passing old buildings in the narrow canals
Arriving into the Grand Canal
Cindy, having a good laugh
Riding under one of the 400 bridges
0.6 seconds on a Gondola
San Giorgio Maggiore
St Mark’s Square – Notice the water patches from high tide
Endless views over Venice
More views from the Campanile.
Yet another pigeons flies by St Mark’s Campanile
Terrific thunderstorm approaches Venice
Speed boat, passing St Mark’s Campanile
Heavy thunderstorm clouds over Venice
Painting Santa Maria della Salute from Accademia Bridge
Slow shutter speed over Venice
Low sunlight over Venice after the thunderstorm clears
Rich coloured buildings are always a spectacle
Ending back at Constitution Bridge after 24 hours
Ready for an early morning departure, over Northern Italy, and into Vienna, Austria.
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07.09.09
Posted in Architecture, Travel at 11:30 pm by Warren Williams
The beautiful city of Venice is built upon 118 small islands, connected by 177 canals, and a whopping 400 bridges. Arriving in the early evening after a long day driving from Rome, Peter and I decided to head into the city for an hour to take in a view of the Grand Canal.
The newly built Constitution Bridge, connecting the bus and rail terminals
Peter alongside the Grand Canal
Light trails from passing boats
Chiesa degli Scalzi – Church of the Barefoot
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Posted in History, People, Travel at 12:00 pm by Warren Williams
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.
Passing through the historic city of Verona, Northern Italy, our tour dropped by the scene of Juliet’s Balcony.
Romeo & Juliet Balcony
Many Gelato Ice Cream vendors – much needed in 30°C heat!
Funny moment as Richie from Perth has an unexpected visitor
A scene from the movies
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07.08.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Travel at 11:45 pm by Warren Williams
Every angle of the streets of Rome is a marvel, with ancient ruins and cobbled streets viewable in every direction.
Foro di Cesare (Forum of Caesar) – Built between 54 & 46BC
Due to the G8 summit, and visiting world leaders including Barack Obama, we were unable to get any closer.
Reflections on Niki
With the hassles of not being able to shoot the Colosseum up close or inside, Peter and I decided to venture off later in the evening once the area was reopened.
Arch of Constantine & Colosseum
Colosseum Detail with the moon rising
Light trails by the Colosseum at which point we had to rush back to catch our last metro and bus around midnight.
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Posted in Architecture, History, People, Travel at 4:30 pm by Warren Williams
Quickly acclimatising to the Italian heat, Peter and I ventured West of the city of Rome to our start of our action packed 16 day tour. Our first two nights were to be spent at the modern and clean facilities of Camping Roma. Being wary of directions from their website, we found the correct metro and bus connections to arrive just after lunch time. First stop, pizza!
Meeting our exciting tour leader Michelle, and coach driver Billy for the first time we ventured back to central Rome.
Well known shopping street of Rome, with top brands including Armani, D&G and Prada.
The crowded Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain amongst more massive crowds
Temple of Hadrian
Pantheon – incredibly built in 126AD
The open ceiling causing light to filter down from the 142 foot tall roof
Piazza Navona
Street artist in Piazza Navona.
Fontana del Moro – 1576
Cobbled street in Rome
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Posted in Aviation, Landscape, Travel at 12:00 pm by Warren Williams
With one of my best friends from New Zealand visiting, decided to tag along on a 16 day Eastern European tour with the Top Deck company. We had to rendezvous our group at 2pm in the city of Rome, so needed a fairly early departure from London Gatwick to get there. Flying in with Easyjet to Rome Fiumicino, it was a smooth non eventful ride.
Cockpit of our Easyjet A319 (G-EZAN)
Flying over English countryside
Flying over the Alps
First view of Italy, village on outskirts of Rome
Following this, we caught the recommended train from the airport with the Leonardo Express. This is where our first bit of trouble happened, as we weren’t told we had to validate tickets on a machine, despite just buying them from a cashier next to the trains. The €11 tickets, soon became an extra €50 on the train, after the conductor wasn’t accepting our lack of knowledge as an excuse.
All smiles, about to board the Leonardo Express
The resulting fine, and expensive first day!
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07.04.09
Posted in General, People at 9:09 pm by Warren Williams
Another evening meetup with the local London POTN crew, had a fun evening shooting and experimenting with various lighting setups.
Mitesh
Yoland
Laura and Yoland
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06.27.09
Posted in Aviation at 7:37 pm by Warren Williams
After the success of last years Biggin Hill Air Show, plus the addition of the glorious Vulcan returning to the skies, it was a definite no-brainer to attend this years show.
Spitfire
Red Arrows
Vulcan returns!
P51 Mustang
A great way to end the show, two classics against a magical sky
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06.26.09
Posted in Landscape at 9:15 pm by Warren Williams
Spent an evening again with Jason, down to the Thames to catch a sunset. Beautiful pink and mauve colours filled the sky, against the city backdrop.
Millennium Bridge Sunset
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06.24.09
Posted in Landscape, People at 10:38 pm by Warren Williams
My long time kiwi friend Jason came visiting London for a few days, before starting his new position in Geneva at CERN.
Decided to show him some of the more impressive views of London, including the modern Canary Wharf, Greenwich Meridian line and a walk along the Thames before sunset alongside Westminster.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Houses of Parliament at Twilight
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06.14.09
Posted in Architecture, Landscape, People at 4:59 am by Warren Williams
Some of the London and South-East UK photography-on-the.net (POTN) members converged on central London for an all night shoot, featuring off camera flash (strobist), followed by sunrise soon after 4:30am around the Millennium Bridge. Some were pumped on Red Bull, eager to get every shot, whereas a few of us, it was a desperate game to keep awake. This shoot immediately followed the road trip to Warwick Castle, so a new form of zombie like shooting was formed.
Neal managing his best awake impression
Millennium Bridge and St Pauls at 2am
Gosia dreaming of the next shot
Couple hours later over Millennium Bridge just after 4am
Against the fast incoming tide
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