Sheikh Zayed Mosque Set in B&W - image heavy

[dubaiphil]

Here are a few shots from two visits to Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It's the largest mosque in the country and quite an imposing sight. I arrived just before visitors started to flood in, but given the size of the site there are still plenty of places where you can be alone. Having the occasional human in the frame helps to give a sense of scale.

Shot on D700, with 14-24, 24-70, 2/35, 85 and 70-300


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[Mike Buckley]

Very nice series! Though #4 and #6 are my favorites, there's not a weak image in the set. The series makes me want to go there.

[kdoc856]

Almost a shame to present these as a series- each one is worthy of it's own contemplation and discussion. I agree 4 and 6 are real standouts. My personal preference is toward the darker skies, and I'd be interested to see the sky darkened in #4. Also, a little highlight reduction of the reflected light on several of the domes might be a consideration. Great shots of a breathtaking site. Congrats,

Kevin

[jiro]

Loved the shots, Phil. Too many images on one post so it's a little hard for me to comment. On a general note, you and your D700 is certainly a good pair for architectural photography. Well done!

[WJT]

Very impressive mosque and photos Phil. Its inspiring how much effort, artistry and love has gone into this place of worship, and you have done it justice.

[redrew]

Superb photography and fascinating structures. It is hard to fathom the beauty of such architecture by today's standards of building design.

[John Morton]

Stellar work here, Phil!

It must have been a bit of a nightmare dealing with such a bright white subject in the intense sunlight of that region. I am immensely impressed at the skill you have demonstrated in creating these images, as well as with your great sense of visual balance in framing these images so delightfully.

[Nicola]

impressive serie!
and also how you controlled all the features of every pictures impressed me much
thanks for sharing

[dubaiphil]

Thanks Mike

[dubaiphil]

Thanks Kevin - The mosque is bright white, and with harsh sunlight can be quite a problem to shoot

[dubaiphil]

Thanks Willie

[dubaiphil]

Thanks Wayne - When I first moved to Dubai this mosque was under construction and it opened a few years ago now. It's an awesome site to visit. Abu Dhabi doesn't have much to offer the tourist, but it's worth the trip if anyone stops off in Dubai en route to somewhere else.

[dubaiphil]

Thanks Rollin - Although the architecture looks 'classical', it's a very modern mosque. Abu Dhabi is the quieter and more conservative cousin to Dubai, with some fascinating architecture going up in last few years. My job takes me there once a fortnight so I'll be shooting a little more in the area soon.

[dubaiphil]

Thanks John. Shooting in Dubai and the area is a challenge. The light is always flat and harsh, and the skies are always tinged with beige. Add in 40-45 degrees c by 9:00am and it's a challenge physically too! Travelling on vacation to other areas of the world literally feels as if you have had a cataract operation!

[dubaiphil]

Thanks Nicola - you're living in my favourite part of the world, I see! Toscana for me in March or April 2013.

[PhotoByTrace]

Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos. I've really enjoyed scrolling back and forth through them, contemplating the shapes, textures and details. Besides the exposure and composition challenges, I was wondering if there are any restrictions or challenges to capturing the images, especially with it being a place of worship?

[dubaiphil]

Thanks Trace

There is a mausoleum on site, and you are not allowed to take photographs of that. There are also separate mens and womens ablution areas which are off limits for the opposite sex. Apart from that you are free to photograph what you want. Inside the mosque you are allowed to use a tripod (shot 16 is a large pano).

I haven't visited at night yet, but the structure is uplit after sunset - this is something I'll do on one of my next visits. It'll have to be colour for the night shots though.

[WJT]

Thanks Wayne - When I first moved to Dubai this mosque was under construction and it opened a few years ago now. It's an awesome site to visit. Abu Dhabi doesn't have much to offer the tourist, but it's worth the trip if anyone stops off in Dubai en route to somewhere else.

It would be worth the trip just to see this mosque, my wife would be in Heaven if I took her there. Thanks for sharing these great images.

[dubaiphil]

It would be worth the trip just to see this mosque, my wife would be in Heaven if I took her there. Thanks for sharing these great images.

I'll post some shots of Dubai to tempt you

[Panama Hat & Camera]

Phil,
The mosque is really beautiful and your pictures look like masterpieces of a very talented painter.
Congratulations!
Did you use HDR when you took the pictures?
Antonio.