Category Archives: Spain

Sublime Photography of Spain

The Skylight at La Pedera

Posted on October 10th, 2013 by

Ingenious Lighting

I just loved the way the architect Antoni Gaudi used shafts of open space in the interior of his buildings to get more outside light into what would otherwise be dark rooms. This interior also serves an a common area for guests and residents at the apartment complex called La Pedera, located in Barcelona Spain. This particular shaft of open space is obviously very big, but quite ingenious. I also enjoy how light such an important an element in the design over maximizing usable floor space. It’s not something you see much these days.

The Skylight at La Pedera
The Skylight at La Pedera by W. Brian Duncan

Old Catalonian Typewriter

Posted on October 3rd, 2013 by

Strange Finds

Sometimes if you look, you will see the most fantastic details. This ancient typewriter caught my eye immediately upon walking into an old office at Sala Gimbernat. It was the spacebar that really stood out to me. It’s wood and looked terribly uncomfortable. I could imagine the countless medical documents, notes and correspondences that were typed on this machine of old.

HDR Photography
Old Catalonian Typewriter by W. Brian Duncan

A Mansion in Park Guell

Posted on September 23rd, 2013 by

Nice Digs

I kept thinking to myself…this isn’t bad place to live if you could stand the tourists. Park Güell in Barcelona is one of those amazing places that had a bad time getting its start. Built by master architect Antoni Gaudi (he fast became one of my favorite historical architects) … it was a flop. No one wanted to live there it seems. I don’t understand why really as the views are spectacular. Gaudi purchased the site and lived there from 1906 to 1926. A number of homes have been built on the site since its founding (today’s photo being one), but the Park was converted into a municipal garden, leaving an odd mix of fabulous mansions surrounded by the best views in Barcelona, wholly occupied by throngs of sunbathers and tourists.

HDR Photography
A Mansion in Park Guell by W. Brian Duncan

The Passion Facade

Posted on August 29th, 2013 by

A Fractional Facade

The facades of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain are, much like the entire structure, difficult to conceptualize for people who have not seen the site in person. Honestly I am not sure I fully understand. Sure it’s a depiction of the life and times of Jesus, but aside from that, there are things going on in this cathedral that are mind blowing. The Passion Facade was stark and cold, understandable so…the figures were human, but distorted with grief. Here are but a few tortured souls.

HDR Photography
The Passion Facade by W. Brian Duncan

Old Medical Library

Posted on August 26th, 2013 by

Debate

I had a really long debate rolling with this photo. My internal discussion is honestly why I wanted to post this photo. The site itself is completely awesome! An 18th Century Medical Theater in Barcelona called Sala Gimbernat.

My debate was around the computer on this library table on the right. In the original photo (which was not square) the computer was in the photo, but when I was there I wondered about moving it for the shot. It wasn’t hooked up, just sitting there. On the left side of the table is a WONDERFUL ancient and massive book that I just loved. What do you think? If you were there by invitation, do you disturb peoples things to get a better shot? Does it matter if this would have been a paid shoot (I think so)? In the end, the computer stayed and I cropped to a 1×1 format which seemed to fit the idea better anyway.

HDR Photography
Old Medical Library by W. Brian Duncan

Stone Spiral Stairs

Posted on June 27th, 2013 by

Golden Ratio

I love a spiral. Throughout history humans have been enthralled with the golden ratio and to me this particular expression is one of the best. This particular spiral staircase is one of the ultra narrow towers of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain. The last spiral staircase I shot was in Paris and people seem to love the Arc de Tripmphe staircase photo. Personally I think I hit the expression of the golden ratio more dead on with this photo and I particularly like the texture. Which do you like best?

HDR Photography
Stone Spiral Stairs by W. Brian Duncan

Doorway to La Sagrada Familia

Posted on June 10th, 2013 by

Details

I have said it here before, but I have the hardest time shooting details. On my more recent trips around the globe, I have really been working to remember this small, but significant mindset. Details make for some stunning photos, as evidenced by this detail. I was struck upon entering the door of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain (as I am sure many are) by the door. The entire minor basilica is a bit of a surreal explosion…too much is happening all over. The main door I entered was no different in its busy-ness, but there is a obvious focal point in the mass of words. Maybe it doesn’t work the same for tall people, but for someone my height, there was no doubting the purpose.

HDR Photography
Doorway to La Sagrada Familia by W. Brian Duncan

Practice Makes Perfect

Posted on May 23rd, 2013 by

Practice, Practice

There is an old saying regarding Carnegie Hall…How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Well you get the idea. It’s funny really because I heard the same line in Barcelona regarding the Palau de la Música Catalana. Perhaps it was said by another tourist from the states, or maybe that sentiment is ubiquitous in all the great concert halls of the world. Everyone needs their 10,000 hours. Truly the worlds greatest performers are, not surprisingly, some of the worlds greatest practitioners of practice. Below is the practice hall of the Orfeó Català. The practice hall is the same size and shape of the main hall, though one has to wonder with a hall as beautiful as the Palau, why would you ever want to practice anywhere else.

Travel Photography
Practice Makes Perfect by W. Brian Duncan

Top of the Palau

Posted on May 16th, 2013 by

Trying Times

This has been a rough week. A number of things have happened, none of them dire, but together they amass to something greater…more trying. Several nights this week I have been ready to pack it in and declare defeat. I too often let these things begin to over take over my demeanor replacing it with a negative attitude that only seeks to tear down the good things that are still around.

It’s at these times I have to remember change is perhaps the only constant in the universe. Nothing is permanent, neither the good nor the bad. Be as the river Brian.

HDR Photography
Top of the Palau by W. Brian Duncan

Spine of the Beast

Posted on May 6th, 2013 by

A Home of the Sea

In Barcelona there is a house called Casa Batlló. It is without a doubt, the most wondrous piece of architecture I have ever seen. I tend to love architectural tours and museums and will frequent as many as I can while in a new city. It gives you a wonderful idea of the past of a place and it also tells you a bit about what has shaped these people. Casa Batlló is an undulating work of genius…or perhaps madness as the two are so close. I can’t imagine the skill of the craftsmen that made this home a reality. Even the doors are curved. Not rounded at the top, but they roll, the whole home reminded me of the ocean. My only regret was that I had to shoot everything handheld. This is the entryway staircase.

HDR Photography
Spine of the Beast by W. Brian Duncan