Project 2013 by Letrow

[Shadowman]

Nice series, too bad it's not summertime there. You could have stopped by McDonald's for a milkshake, I could swear they put alcohol in theirs.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful shots... I especially like the view of the cupola and the landscape view.

[Letrow]

Nice series, too bad it's not summertime there. You could have stopped by McDonald's for a milkshake, I could swear they put alcohol in theirs.

Well, the light would have been better I think, but temperature-wise this was good for me. With all that walking you don't want it to be too hot.

And seriously, you would go to a McDonalds in Italy? With all that tasty gelati, those coffee bars (cheapest cappuccino was 1 euro at the bar or 3.50 euro at a table) and those trattorias, why would you want bland food?

[Shadowman]

Well, the light would have been better I think, but temperature-wise this was good for me. With all that walking you don't want it to be too hot.

And seriously, you would go to a McDonalds in Italy? With all that tasty gelati, those coffee bars (cheapest cappuccino was 1 euro at the bar or 3.50 euro at a table) and those trattorias, why would you want bland food?

It was so hot, our group was standing around trying to decide where to go for lunch and it was 35 C in the shade. Everyone in the group thought it was blasphemous to go into a McDonald's in Europe but I was on the verge of dehydration so I went for it. Needless to say, I didn't get a chance to completely enjoy my refreshing beverage as the wife at the time drank half.

[Letrow]

It was so hot, our group was standing around trying to decide where to go for lunch and it was 35 C in the shade. Everyone in the group thought it was blasphemous to go into a McDonald's in Europe but I was on the verge of dehydration so I went for it. Needless to say, I didn't get a chance to completely enjoy my refreshing beverage as the wife at the time drank half.

Yes, I have heard about 40 C plus temperatures as well. I have done that in California once (44 C) and was glad I had the airco in the car. And I have to admit that I do like the McDonalds milkshakes by the way. I just try to avoid them nowadays for the calories they represent.

[kris]

Dear Peter,

I am glad you had nice time in Rome. Yes sometime we have 40 degrees, but not in March! The worst months are July and August, even if often the weather changes mid August. I personally stay in Rome in August, and I find it quite nice. Not crowded, rather quiet, a different city.

Sorry I forgot to tell you that at 6-6:30 pm in Rome you go for an "Aperitivo" not for dinner.... You just sit in a bar and take an "Aperitivo". Dinner is usually not before 8:30-9:00 pm.

Anyway you had reasonably good weather, at least on Saturday. Sunday was not so good, more clouded and windy.

Nice pictures.

Best
Andrea

[Letrow]

I am sure the police and carabinieri are doing a good job, but we noticed that they seem to be enjoying themselves quite a bit as well. A lot of them are phoning all the time ore talking heatedly in small groups. Italy is definitely more social in that respect than the Netherlands.

After we visited the Colosseum and forum romanum on Saturday, we went on to the musei Capitoloni, which is adjacent to the forum. Not many people seem to go in (or are aware of it), but it is quite beautiful inside, with an underground passage connecting the two parts of the building.



In one part of the building you have a very good view on the forum


On Sunday the new papa did his Angelus miss and a lot of people gathered in front of the St Peter's basilica. We didn't want to go into the masses, but we enjoyed the sight from a distance, just like these bicyclists did.

[ShaneS]

Peter, the photo of the forum is very interesting and you have really captured a sense of scale with all of the 'little people' wandering through the paths. Quite a vantage point that you had!

[Letrow]

Peter, the photo of the forum is very interesting and you have really captured a sense of scale with all of the 'little people' wandering through the paths. Quite a vantage point that you had!

Thanks Shane. It is a great viewpoint from the Capitolini museum and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in ancient history.

[Letrow]

Two Roman gulls





The last one trying out a clever disguise I think (but I still spotted him).

[Geoff F]

They have me confused as well, Peter.

Is the first gull a newly adult Lesser Black-back Gull? About to start breeding for the first time this year (its third year).

Yellow legs and red spot on its bill. The upperparts are just beginning to darken. Or are the legs actually pinkish, but are looking yellow in that light, and it is a common Herring Gull.

Maybe it is an Italian specialty which doesn't appear in my UK books?

These recent photos have all been very clear and interesting subjects.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful.. I especially adore the first pigeon for the composition

[Letrow]

Quick trip to the windy city this week





Chicago by night

[Donald]

That is a very striking image. It grabs your (my) attention and holds it. I think the reason for that is, firstly, having seen the shot with its impressive lighting and then, secondly, managing that light very well.

[kdoc856]

#1 (Chicago) is a really excellent shot. The large white building centrally placed pulls us immediately in, then to the great light on the cupola, and then laterally. I'm not sure how else to compose the 2nd shot, but the large area of negative space in the middle is almost the antithesis of the first shot, and has split the anchoring elements into two, and sets us adrift.

[Letrow]

Been walking in the dunes this Easter weekend



I always love these trees. Great shots with the sun shining through. This is with the 70-200mm lens. With the wide angle it is always fun to shoot for the sky. I might do that later this year.



And these Highland cattle won't be feeling the cold. Beautiful animals, nice to have them grazing in our dunes.

[Geoff F]

Variable subjects but consistent quality.

[Brownbear]

Lovely shots. I especially like the tree shot, great DOF... Adore the composition of the second shot.

[Letrow]

A few wide-angle shots to test the Nikkor 18-35mm





Light metering seems well behaved and I get enough detail when I stop down to F/5.6 approximately.



Nice detail and acceptable bokeh



A typical Dutch bike



As always most fun is at the 18mm side. Still I am glad I have the 35mm as well. Next comes my 50mm and then the 70-200mm, so I feel like I am done with lenses now.



Flowers look nice at 35mm, I am looking forward to trying this lens in some English gardens.

[Letrow]

Short trip to San Francisco this week. Flew BA, so at least had some sleep on the way back.



This group of singers was at Heathrow, probably on tour. Great show at the tax free shop, improvised as far as I could see.



Although I have never been on one I always love these cable cars. I went to the museum as well, where the wheels to drive the cables are still running.



In the Union Square district they call her lady Moustachio. No, seriously, I don't know what they call her. But she was on the phone with those glasses already under her nose, so I had to wait till she finished and turned in my direction. One shot was all I got, then I had to run...