The historical city of Ouro Preto - SET 1

[Otavio]

Dear fellows,

This Christmas, I visited the historical city of Ouro Preto, in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil). Ouro Preto means Black Gold, in English. The name was given in a time where gold, as well as silver and precious stones were abundant there, in early 18th century. The gold was sent from the colony to the crown (Portugal). This scenario, after a tax increase over gold production, motivated a separatist movement, called "Inconfidência Mineira" (something like Minas Gerais Conspiracy). The movement, although unsuccessfull, started other movements that would later lead to Brazil's Independence. The "Inconfidência Mineira" leader, Tiradentes, was hung, then his head was separated from his body and put in a pole placed on a public spot of Ouro Preto. Still, his body was divided in 4 parts and each part was held also in public spots of Ouro Preto, as an "example" to counter any future conspiracy movement against the crown. I saw the original sentence against Tiradentes, by the queen D. Maria I (of Portugal), in the "Inconfidentes" Museum in Ouro Preto, as well as the gallows pole. It is just shocking to see those evidences of how cruel humans can be! At least, Tiradentes leadership influenced the independence movement. His figure is so important to us that the date of his cruel death is still remembered in a national holiday. Well, enough talking, here are some images of Ouro Preto. The city downtown is preserved in its historical characteristics. Lots (and I really mean it!) of churches and museums grant us a travel to the 18th century. Unfortunately, photos (even without flash) are not allowed inside the churches/museums. Most of the churches have the altair and wooden saints sculptures fully coated with the precious metal. I hope you like the images. C&C welcomed, as always. Cheers!

#1 - Church of Saint Francis of Assisi


#2 - Partial view of the city


#3 - Church of Our Lady of the Rosary


#4 - A frames/paintings seller


#5 - Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel


#6 - A typical downtown street of Ouro Preto - Sorry for the contrasting car, but it was impossible to get an angle without a car at Christmas time and I was too lazy to clone it out!


#7 - View of the main plaza, with the "inconfidentes" museum at the back


#8 - A panorama, with a partial view of the city (raging and clear skies together).

[rpcrowe]

Love the images and the history/geography lesson. The first image is gorgeous and looks like an onion domed Russian Orthodox church...

[Brownbear]

Gorgeous images, and I too especially adore the 1st image, stunning.

[ShaneS]

Great images Otavio and I also love the words that help us to understand your part of the world and its history a bit better.

Happy New Year to you!

[pnodrog]

All excellent. I particularly like the rather dismal and drizzly mood of #3.

[deetheturk]

Hi Otavio,great set of images,all for me are good,thanks for sharing

[Bobobird]

Lovely images as usual Otavio. The way you make the shots of old buildings look so good, makes me want to give it a try too one day.

[Mike Buckley]

Nice set and history lesson. Thanks for sharing!

[batmura]

All of them are great! #2 is my favourite.

[IzzieK]

Nice set Octavio! I can't choose a winner amongst your shot. They are all beautiful and your history is very informative.

[Shadowman]

Very nice. Does the city have a more heavily Italian or Portuguese influence?

[FrankMi]

Very interesting Otávio. Lovely images and a fascinating background. I notice that the churches share some unique architectural similarities. Are these church designs common to the ones found in Portugal?

[mknittle]

Great Images and history Otávio, thanks

[Otavio]

Love the images and the history/geography lesson. The first image is gorgeous and looks like an onion domed Russian Orthodox church...

Hi, Richard. Thank you very much for viewing and commenting. The first one does look a little like an Orthodox church. Cheers,

[Otavio]

Gorgeous images, and I too especially adore the 1st image, stunning.

Hello, Christina. I am glad you liked it. Thanks for passing by. Regards,

[Brownbear]

Hi Otavio,

I think I'm changing my mind to #3 for the beautiful scene, but I also love #4 and #5...

Your compositions are always sublime. Do you have any pointers to share about how you compose your landscapes, first in your mind (artistic) and also from a technical point of view, ie; the best l way to achieve all that your vision encompasses from a technical point of view? (camera, focus, physical limitations of the scene at hand, etc)

Thank you.

Hello, Christina. I am glad you liked it. Thanks for passing by. Regards,

[Otavio]

Great images Otavio and I also love the words that help us to understand your part of the world and its history a bit better.

Happy New Year to you!

Hi, Shane. I appreciate the kind words and I wish you and your family a happy new year, too! Cheers,

[Otavio]

All excellent. I particularly like the rather dismal and drizzly mood of #3.

Hi, Paul. I appreciate your feedback. Kindest regards,

[Otavio]

Hi Otavio,great set of images,all for me are good,thanks for sharing

Hi, David. Thanks for passing by. I am glad you liked the images. Regards,

[Otavio]

Lovely images as usual Otavio. The way you make the shots of old buildings look so good, makes me want to give it a try too one day.

Hi, Bobo. I appreciate your comments. Regarding doing the building shots, you should do it. I am still trying to learn and I'm having a lot of fun doing it! Regards and happy new year to you and your family. Cheers,