The Right Place at the Right Time - 4 – Prague Rooftops
It’s snowing as I write this and I’m reminded of a shot I
believe fits into this recurring theme.
Besides, we need a break from this blitz of Dead President stories. While I like the discipline and productivity
that came from adopting the anniversary date schedule, winter was a killer
season on the old boys. Since the next
body won’t show up until February 23rd, we can talk about something
else.
In 2009, Beck and I had a wonderful winter visit to
Prague, the historic capitol of the Bohemian Kingdom and the current capitol of
the Czech Republic. We arrived in the
morning and true to our practice after an overnight flight, hit the streets for
the day so we could acclimate to the local time. Our room was on the high ground above the old
city...on the west side of the Vltava River...the same high ground that holds
the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. One way to get to the old quarters of the
city was to walk through the castle grounds and down a steep path toward the
river.
Prague [22
December 2009]
Looking east from the Strahov Monastery
on the Prague Castle grounds.
St. Vitus Cathedral is on the left.
The area had received a light snowfall that morning. As
we emerged from behind the high castle walls and looked toward the city, we
were above this block of quaint buildings.
Prague
Rooftops [22 December 2009]
The scene has an exotic and antique look about it. The picture is filled with buildings of a
similar and interesting design. A few
cars are visible but they are minor features and you are not drawn to them. Thankfully, the roof tops were not strewn
with TV antennas and satellite dishes.
The roofs are not snow-covered...plenty of red in the
terra cotta tiles is visible. It would
have looked less appealing with more snow.
It was an overcast day and the light was diffused. A sunny day with bright areas and shadow
would definitely have changed the flavor of the scene.
Why was it the Right Place and Right Time? On no other day during that visit did the
rooftops look this way. The snow
melted. There were no more snowfalls during
our stay. We could have taken another
route to downtown and missed this view. The
weather or time of day could have been different.
Some of you have complimented my work and I am always
appreciative. While I believe there are
many who are much better at this craft, there is one thing I can do as well as
anyone else...get lucky.
We can all stumble into the right place at the right
time...when a subject is presenting its best side and the light is magical and
the mood is palpable...and there are no wires, road signs or other distractions
in the way. Of course, you might hasten
to add, one has to be able to recognize what’s before them... that they really are
in the right place at the right time. A
valid point. I’m sure I have missed many
but am grateful for the ones I’ve caught.
Consider this a reminder to keep your eyes open so that when opportunity
knocks, you are able to answer.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
posted by Ted Ringger @ 1:10 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Very nice Ted. You're clearly among those who make much of their own luck by having a good eye and a ready camera in hand. I've never been to Prague, but I have the sense that it's a photographic bonanza.
Thanks, Kerry. You're right about Prague. A thousand years of history and culture. The old Jewish Cemetery and the Charles Bridge are iconic places. The latter reminds me of a post I should do - The Right Place at the Wrong Time. When we were there, it was torn up under repair. Not a Google Image.
Post a Comment
<< Home