Earl Moore Photography
Small Italian town south of Venice

The drive from Venice, Italy, to Florence, Italy was our first real introduction to rural Italy.  When we drove from Milan to Venice it was late evening via toll highways which offered few views of the areas we were were passing through.  For our drive to Florence we selected secondary roads to enjoy some of the flavors of smaller Italian towns and countryside.

Earl Moore Photography
Castello Estense – Ferrara, Italy

Brief stops along the way included Castle Estense or Castle of Saint Michele in Ferrara, Italy, and the Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi in Bologna, Italy.  We ventured inside both the Castle and the Basilica but photos were only allowed in the Castle.

Earl Moore Photography
Castello Estense, Tower

The castle was built in stages beginning in the late 1300’s and was at one point in time a “proper”  castle with moat, drawbridge and “populated” dungeons.

Earl Moore Photography
Front of Castello Estense

The dungeons were a little unnerving knowing so many people suffered and died there in almost total darkness crowded, maltreated and/or tortured. The dungeon window below admitted a little light but some dungeon cells had no windows.

Earl Moore Photography
Dungeon window, Castello Estense

The brick floor of the hallway leading to the dungeons is captured below showing the wear over the ages. Can you imagine the stories of lost souls it could tell.

Earl Moore Photography
Floor of hallway leading to the dungeons – Castello Estense, Ferrara, Italy

Of course the rooms and upper floors of the castle were wonderfully light and rich for the privileged ruling families.

Earl Moore Photography
Upper floor hallway – Castello Estense – Ferrara, Italy

There were even areas where family and guest could enjoy the outdoors privately and safely.

Earl Moore Photography
Citris garden balcony, Castello Estense – Ferrara, Italy

I’m not sure if this staircase is part of the original structure or if it was added at some later date but it was nicely done.  The young woman in red is definitely a much later addition.

Earl Moore Photography
Courtyard staircase – Castello Estense – Ferrara, Italy

A couple of Italian “flavor” photos from Bologna follow. The area around the Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi, where we drove, was like a maze and our GPS was totally useless as we went in circles on very narrow streets trying to exit.

Earl Moore Photography
Tower & Arch – Bologna, Italy

Earl Moore Photography
Warm walkway, Bologna, Italy

This last photo is for any interested photographers to give some idea of the DR and capabilities of the Olympus E-M5. This was shot down a dark thick stone window slit with bright noon sun outside, and the E-M5 still picked up most of the details from beyond the slit while retaining detail of the shadows in the stone wall.   I expected the highlights of the window slit to be blown out.  This photo was only slightly adjusted in Lightroom 4.

Earl Moore Photography
Window Slit in wall – Castello Estense – Ferrara, Italy

 

12 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Paul Maxim
Paul Maxim
12 years ago

Again, a really good set of images that demonstrate a remarkable DR for this camera. The “warm walkway” photograph is especially good. I’m not sure my Cano9n 5D MK II can capture that much tonality.

I love the “hallway to the dungeons”, by the way. Like you, when I see these kinds of things my mind tries to imagine the people who had to walk through this passageway under less than pleasant circumstances. I can’t imagine the terror that some of them must have gone through.

Monte Stevens
12 years ago

Well my favorite is the warm walkway in Bologna. And, it looks like the EM-5 does have a broad DR. It is a keeper.

Steve Skinner
12 years ago

I also like the floor on the hallway that leads to the dungeon; many a foot passed over it.

ken bello
12 years ago

The “warm walkway” seems to be a hit, it’s my favorite also. Except for the girl in one shot, you managed to avoid photographing any other tourists or sightseers. Or did you have a private showing? ;-)
I’m starting to change my mind about smaller sensor cameras. These shots are absolutely beautiful. Will you be printing any up?

Paul
12 years ago

Wow, Earl! A fantastic set of photos along with the usual complement of good info! Sounds like you made the absolute right choice in camera, there. On another note, you’re killing me! I cannot afford so many trips! ;) I have to stay home sometime!

Mark
12 years ago

It really seems Italy has a preference for archways, and you also have an eye for capturing them Earl! Very nice set here. The window slit is very well exposed, I am impressed.