Intelligent Travel

Global Eye: Alberta

"My Shadow on the River"

Photographer: Sarah M. Ligon of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Getting the Shot: I took this photo on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River on Leap Year Day 2008 using my Leica C-LUX 1 point-and-shoot camera. Although the scene looks like it could be in one of Alberta's more remote regions, it is actually in the heart of downtown Edmonton, a city of more than a million people. A fluke of geography, the river's steep banks made it impossible for developers to build along the river, and so the whole river valley was turned into an elaborate park system, nearly 16 miles (25 kilometers) long. This particular spot is on a popular off-leash dog park.

The Details:  I'm a Southern girl, originally from Arkansas, and this was my first winter in Canada. Needless to say, after months of dark days and -40-degree temperatures, I came down with a bit of cabin fever. But on this particular day, the sun was radiant, and so I stole the opportunity to head out-of-doors. I shot for hours along the river, taking advantage of the long sunsets we have in the North this time of the year, and it really raised my spirits. In particular, I was tickled to discover the strange split-beam house perched on the bluff. I saw so many houses like this one when I lived in Bavaria last year, but I never expected to find one in Edmonton. It was a pleasant reminder of my happy time in another beautiful corner of the world.

Now that spring has officially sprung here in D.C., we're fully aware our pleasant afternoons of mid-70s and 80s will soon make way for the sticky heat of our infamously sweltering summers. In an act of repression and denial, we offer this quiet scene of winter reflection.

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Global Eye: Moscow

Photographer: Kat Tancock, Toronto, Canada.

Getting the Shot: I took the photo in mid-March at the Vernisazh market in eastern Moscow (also known as Izmailovo Park).

The Details: It was a bright day and I was taking advantage of the bright colours in the stalls with my Canon SD750 point-and-shoot camera. I loved the juxtaposition of the Putin doll with all of the standard matryoshki.

We love how this picture helps sum up how tradition and politics mingle in Moscow. No doubt there's a few riddles hidden inside the Putin doll.

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Global Eye: San Francisco

Photographer: Vahid Jahed, from Minden, Nevada.

Getting the Shot: The photo was taken at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco in 2006. I wanted to take some night photos there. A few swans, accustomed to being fed, approached me and one actually pecked at my camera as it was sitting at the water's edge.

The Details: I used long exposure to capture the background and the built-in flash to capture the swan.

We like the way that Vahid managed to make a make a traditional landmark shot unique. Think your own picture is good enough for Global Eye? Add your photos to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Kjosarsysla, Iceland

"It's Written in the Stars," Kjosarsysla, Iceland

Photographer: Lárus Sigurðarson, Reykjavik, Iceland

Details: Canon 5D and a 24mm 1.4L Canon Lens; exposure 20 seconds; f/2; ISO 1600

Getting the Shot: Well you know the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence," right? Here in Iceland the borealis is pretty common from late September to early April so if you just bother going out night after night, you are bound to eventually stumble upon some to photograph. Only trouble really is having patience, a lot of nights are spent not seeing any borealis. That and making sure to have something else but borealis in the shot, like an interesting foreground.

We like how Larus captured several shooting stars in the midst of the colorful sky. Have you got a photo that is worthy of Global Eye? Add it to our Flickr pool. And got some love for IT writer Katie? Vote for her essay on Reykjavik over at Gridskipper.

Photo: Lárus Sigurðarson via Flickr

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Global Eye: Seattle

Photographer: Lola Akinmade, Virginia, USA 

Getting the Shot: Years ago, I remember walking around side streets all day trying to find the best shot of the Seattle Space Needle. After fruitless attempts, I decided to ride the elevators up to the top. By the time I was done for the day and leaving around dusk, I looked up at the tower and shot this picture.

The Details: The sky was a beautiful indigo blue and the eclectic street lamp in the foreground gave the tower an other worldly, intergalactic feel. I usually travel with a Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) camera, but this shot was captured with a simple point-and-shoot APS Kodak Advantix camera. I wasn't sure what I was going to get until I developed the film...

We love how Lola managed to make the street lamp seem more otherwordly than the Space Needle behind it. What do you think? Send us your own photos for Global Eye by adding them to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Jerusalem

"The Colors of Life" by Sonya Brewer

Photographer: Sonya Brewer of Peoria, Arizona

Getting the Shot: In November 2006, I traveled to Israel with my church. At the time I only had a point-and-shoot Kodak DX4330.

The Details: After a day of traveling, we ended with a walk down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, Israel. As a group we wound through the narrow and crowded street. Vendors lined both sides trying to sell trinkets and souvenirs, food and clothing. One store caught my eye; its beautiful colors seemed to fall from the sky and surround us. Emerging from the colors was a young mother, who had been shopping for a head covering. What an experience to see these colors of life!

We love how the colors emerge from the shadows, and the focus in her eyes. What do you think of the shot? Want to be included in Global Eye? Contribute your photos to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Washington, D.C.

"Jefferson Surrounded at Night"

Photographer: Philip Yabut, Arlington, Virginia

Getting the Shot: Despite having had this camera for more than a year at that point, I was still learning how to shoot with it. I had taken many daylight cherry blossom photos over the years, and I decided to experiment with nighttime shots with the flash. I played with the aperture and exposure settings all evening and got a mix of good and bad results. Luckily, I picked a calm night, which gave me motionless cherry trees and still water in the Tidal Basin. A few cherry trees lining the walkway have branches that lean over the guardrail, allowing for nice photo-ops with the Jefferson Memorial.

The Details: Pentax *ist DL set at ISO 200, f/13, 10 second exposure.

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing, we couldn't resist featuring a local photo. And although the festival ends April 13, you can always find more ways to seek out Japan in D.C.

Photo: Philip Yabut via Flickr

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Global Eye: Coney Island, New York

Photographer: Jenene Chesbrough, Brooklyn, New York

Getting the shot: This shot was taken on opening day of Astroland/Coney Island 2006. Every year my friends and I bike down to hang out, put our feet in the sand, ride the Cyclone, and eat some Nathan's Famous cheese fries. There were organ grinders and lots of Coney Island regulars hanging in front of the Sideshow when all of a sudden The Potani Sisters ran by in matching outfits... and I grabbed this shot. I realized afterwards they were shooting a silent video (I think) and that's why there was a gorilla there that day as well! This picture really captures the spirit of a disappearing Coney Island. Lots of changes are in place now, and this year looks like it will be the last year of Astroland and maybe the Sideshow too. I hope the freaks and fun stay in Coney and that this new wave of "improvements" retains some of the original flavor.

The Details: I was shooting film with my Seagull TLR medium format camera (a cheap version of the old Rolleiflex twin lens Diane Arbus used). 

Taste more of New York’s authentic flavor with the April issue of Traveler, on newsstands now, and right here at IT, where we’ve got the Big Apple for brains this month. Think you captured a “New York moment” on film (or, ahem, memory card)? Add it to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Batu Caves, Malaysia

"Descend," Batu Caves, Malaysia

Photographer: Nisa' Haron, Portland, Oregon.

Details: I photographed the image using my Canon EOS 30D. Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500), Aperture: f/5 , Focal Length: 60 mm.

Getting the shot: As I was leaving the temple and descending down the 272 steps, I spotted this East Indian girl behind me holding on to her beautiful sari and a flower. I quickly photographed her but decided that an image of her from the back would be beautiful. I started climbing back up and did just that. I was lucky . . . the tourists were not anywhere in sight within those few moments!

We like the details of the flowers and how the bright colors of the dress pop out against the gray stone. Have you got a photo you think is worthy of Global Eye? Add it to our Flickr pool.

Photo: Nisa' Haron via Flickr

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Global Eye: South Korea

Photographer: Nancie McKinnon, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I currently live and work in Daejeon, South Korea.

Getting the shot: June 10th, 2007, at Nuns Temple, Daejeon, South Korea.

The Details: I was a participant in a temple stay program at Jakwangsa Temple (which I highly recommend), and we did a walk to other temples in the area. The Nun's Temple is used by female Buddhist nuns, and as you can see from the photo is beautifully painted and well maintained.

We like the extreme colors in the picture, and wouldn't mind having one of those dragon heads on our wall.

Is your picture worthy of making it to Global Eye? Send your pics to the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool!

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Global Eye: Hapert, Netherlands

De Hapertse Molen, Hapert, Netherlands

Photographer: Arnoud Augustinus, Eersel, Netherlands

Details: One of my hobbies is Kite Areal Photography (KAP). The picture shows the corn mill ("de Hapertse Molen") in Hapert and is made with a camera lofted from a kite.

Getting the shot: At the end of this winter period, we had a couple of days almost wind free. Only this weekend in February, the wind was just enough to lift my camera about 100 meters (328 feet) above the mill.  In these conditions I used an eight-foot Rokkaku kite, a reliable lifter for low winds. The camera is mounted in a construction giving it the ability to shoot images in different angles, controlled from the ground.

We like the unusual view of the Netherlands' landscape. Have your own bird's-eye, Global Eye view of the world? Share your photos in our Flickr group.

Photo: Arnoud Augustinus

Global Eye: Moyka River, St. Petersburg

Moyka River, St. Petersburg, Russia

Photographer: L. Toshio Kishiyama, Maryland, USA

Getting the Shot: I used a Canon EOS 30D digital camera for this high dynamic range (HDR) image.

Details: I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, for work when I walked over to this bridge, not far from my hotel room, on a foggy morning. The river was so peaceful and the colors of the amazingly beautiful buildings seemed to really stand out in the fog. St. Petersburg is a fascinating city with so much to see and do.

We like the way the bright colors bounce off the gray water. Think you've got a picture with a story to tell? Submit your best photos to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Jerusalem

Photographer: Sonya Brewer of Peoria, Arizona (grew up mostly in California and has lived in Canada as well as Japan for four years).

Getting the Shot: In November 2006, I traveled to Israel with my church. At the time I only had a point and shoot Kodak DX4330.

The Details: We had just gone to the Mount of Olives that morning and were walking down the roads of Jerusalem. As we started down the narrow road of the Via Dolorosa, to my delight was a street vendor selling olives. The colors caught my eye, as freshly picked olives filled the bright white bags.

IT likes the way the olive bags billow larger than life in this shot. Want your own photos featured on IT? Add them to our Flickr pool.

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Nose to Bottlenose

Senior Editor Norie Quintos likes going nose to bottlenose with dolphins...

The Baltimore aquarium's new Dolphin Encounter program, which takes you backstage with the trainer and the marine mammals, is a close encounter of the interspecies kind. The 2 1/2 hour program includes reserved seating at the dolphin show and a short educational seminar. But the highlight is a play session at the edge of the pool with the high-diving creatures. It's hard not to anthropomorphize these clearly intelligent beings (They like playing catch! They're so happy!). I grew up watching Flipper reruns, see, and entertained dreams about become a marine biologist. But fulfilling one's fantasy doesn't come cheap. The program costs $195 and reservations are required. I'm not going to enter into a debate on the ethics surrounding the use of captive animals; suffice it to say that the aquarium follows best practices in the care and keeping of its charges, and focuses on education.

Read More: Learn about what's happening in dolphin's brains (and other animals as well), in the cover feature of National Geographic Magazine, "Animal Minds," in this month's issue.

Photo: Courtesy National Aquarium in Baltimore

Global Eye: Bandiagara, Mali

Bandiagara, Mali

Photographer: Romel Jacinto, San Francisco, California

Getting the Shot: I used a basic, but very capable point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot A460. Although I had another SLR-like camera on this trip, the smaller point-and-shot camera was far less intimidating to people and was easier to use to capture candid shots.

The Details: I was in Bandiagara on a bicycle tour with a small group. Bandiagara is a sleepy town and most travelers only stay in briefly to arrange trekking into Dogon country, but our small group stayed an extra day since someone got sick. That extra day gave a chance to meander and soak up the rhythm of local life. I walked around town slowly, just observing and taking photos when I could.

Most people did not want to be photographed. The others cherished it, particularly young children, and they hammed it up for the camera. This girl fell into neither of those categories and seemed completely at ease with the camera. She just seemed so content, strong and serene all at once, so I took the shot quickly and continued my slow stroll through town.

We love the vibrant colors and the way Romel captured the girl's expression. Think you've got a photo that is worthy of Global Eye? Add them to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Hearts in Nevada

"Sky Heart" by Mary Hockenbery

Photographer: Mary Hockenbery, Dixon, New Mexico.

Getting the Shot: We were road tripping last summer and decided to stay the night in Baker, Nevada and tour Lehman Caves, then visit Great Basin National Park in the morning. After we got to the motel and checked out the visitor center, we took a little drive around the area and spotted this wonderful horseshoe heart on a rancher's fence.

The Details: I love my Nikon D200. I shot B&W film and had a darkroom for years - but now it's pretty much digital all the way.

IT loves our readers and sends them this heart for Valentine's Day! Love photography and want your own shot in Global Eye? Add your pics to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Arequipa, Peru

"Swoosh" Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru

Photographer: Nick Amis, London, UK

Getting the shot: I was in Arequipa, Peru, and had spent the afternoon looking around the city. My companions and I then went to the main plaza, ordered a beer in a nearby café, and waited until the light became golden and perfect for photography. I was taking shots of the cathedral from the center of the plaza when someone disturbed a huge flock of pigeons: I immediately swung my camera up (I use a Nikon D80 and, on this trip, a Tamron 17-50mm lens) and took about five shots; this one had the best composition.

The details: Arequipa is one of the oldest cities in Peru, from both the native inhabitants' and the settlers' perspective, and its well-preserved old city has been named a World Heritage site. Arequipa is also fortunate to have one of the best climates in Peru. Warm sunny days combine with the picturesque streets to make it a treat for photographers. The Plaza de Armas, where I took the photo, is in the very center of the old city and even pigeon-haters (I was traveling with one) agree that it is one of the loveliest public spaces they've seen. The Arequipeños are immensely proud of their city and kept asking me whether I liked it, so I'm pleased to have an opportunity to show it off and tell people how lovely it is!

Apparently, here at IT we have a thing for pigeons. But that doesn't change the fact that this is quite a lovely shot indeed.

Wanna see your photo on our website? Add your best travel pics to our Flickr pool.

Photo: Nick Amis via Flickr

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Global Eye: Ames, Iowa

Photographer: Suwandi Chandra of West Des Moines, Iowa (originally From Indonesia).

Getting the Shot: The photo was taken on the Friday night of VEISHEA (an annual week long celebration held each spring on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa) on April 20th, 2007. Using Pentax K10D camera mounted on tripod with shutterspeed 1.5 seconds, and aperture f/3.5.

The Details: The 168-foot-tall "Marston Water Tower" was the first steel water tower west of the Mississippi River when it was erected in 1897. It is named for Anson Marston, Iowa State's first engineering dean, who designed the tower and oversaw its construction. The Marston Water Tower is on the National Register of Historic Places.

I was walking around the campus (Iowa State University) with my camera and tripod and saw a sign board that explained that this water tower was the first water tower in Iowa, so I decided to take a photo for my own collection. And I took this shot from outside of Marston Hall entrance.

IT loves how this photo seems like something out of War of the Worlds. Want your own photo up on Global Eye? Join the Intelligent Travel Flickr Pool.

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Global Eye: Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, beads at the ready

Photographer: Kevin "Elvis" King

Getting the Shot: Mardi Gras, 2007. The photo was taken with a Nikon D200, using an 18-200mm lens, external S800 flash.

The Details: My girlfriend is part of a Mardi Gras krewe, and has a float in the parade that goes down in downtown Pensacola, Florida. So, during all the preps, I was walking the parade lineup and saw this picture. What was striking is the quiet, harmonious scene, one in stark contrast to the parade that will take place in just a couple of hours. The colors, the lighting, and the absence of motion, people, and commotion lend a certain element to its composition.

We like the bright colors in this shot that make it look like Mardi Gras in Candyland. Do you have any photos you think are worthy of Global Eye? Join our Flickr group.

Photo: Kevin "Elvis" King via Flickr

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Global Eye: Italian Leather

Photographer: Senior editor Norie Quintos, Washington, D.C.

Getting the shot: The shot was taken in Florence, Italy, in October 2007, using an Olympus Evolt E-410.

The details: Florence is known for its style. There are fashionably dressed men and women everywhere you go. Those that aren’t dressed up tend to be tourists. The city is also known for its leather goods. You can smell the hide as you walk through the famous Leather Market in the San Lorenzo area. As I passed this busy storefront window downtown, I had to stop. The scene seemed to encapsulate perfectly the city’s fashionable style and penchant for leather. I would have bought a pair if not for the euro sticker shock.

This picture caught our eye while we were looking through pictures from Norie's recent Italy trip. It seemed like a line of grandes dames casually waving hello.

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Global Eye: Northern Thailand

Woman of the Karen Hill Tribe

Photographer: Swoan Parker, Brooklyn, New York

Getting the shot:  The shot was taken in Chiang Dao, Northern Thailand, in November 2007. My camera is a Nikon D200 with a shutterspeed of 1/250 seconds and an aperature of f4.5.

The details: The Karen hill tribe, with a population of approximately 300,000 inhabitants living in northern Thailand, is the largest minority group in that region. The Karen occupy lowland areas engaging in agriculture and the cultivation of rice as well as being skilled at weaving. The Karen wear woven v-neck tunics of various natural colors and turbans.

While visiting a Karen village in the beautiful, peaceful, mountainous area of Chiang Dao, just north of Chiang Mai, I came across this woman sitting on the steps outside of her home. She was sharing conversation in her local tribal language with my guide, Boontan Kamla. There was such a warm spirit about her. She allowed me to “see her soul” and capture the warm nature of her people that was evident in my every interaction.

IT loves how positively genuine this woman appears. Check out those fantastic smile lines on her face!

Want your own photos featured on IT? Add them to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Preparing to Paint the Palace

Photographer: Jonathan Hall, London, U.K.

Getting the shot: The photo was taken across the busy road that runs along the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in October 2007. As anyone who has been to Phnom Penh and experienced its traffic will tell you, I needed to wait quite a long time for a gap to take the picture.

The Details: Phnom Penh comes alive well before the sun rises. All along the Sisowath Quay people are up and about. Large groups of local citizens take part in tai chi, football matches, and various other forms of group exercise. I was also out and about early, watching the activity and taking pictures of the sunrise. I was too early to go into the palace so I decided to walk around it to get a sense of its size. I had walked past these workmen at one point and didn't really notice them. However, on my way back to the entrance I was walking on the opposite side of the road to take advantage of the shade (it gets hot early in the full sunlight) and noticed the men working. After waiting what seemed like an eternity for a break in the traffic, I quickly took a few shots and this was the result. I used a Canon EOS 5D with a 24-105L lens. The ISO was 200, shutterspeed 1/500 with an aperature of f11.

We love this photo because it shows a part of historic architecture that we rarely see -- the upkeep! Want your own photos features on IT? Add them to our Flickr pool.

Photo: Jonathan Hall via Flickr

 

Global Eye: Guilin, China

Chinese Man with Umbrella

Photographer: Meredith Missroon, Atlanta, Georgia.

Getting the Shot: I was walking along the banks of the Li River in Guilin, China. It was raining which was kinda romantic, but not too great for photos. I was just shooting everything I saw, rain or shine. When I saw this man walking along the banks of the river, I knew I had to capture him. There's a feeling of enchanted loneliness in this shot.

The Details: The Li River is truly like no other place on Earth. This was the first place in China where I actually felt like I was transported back in time. I imagined the first Westerners to see this scenery and how truly amazed they must have been. I was prepared for so many of the things we saw in other cities: the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, etc. But traveling down the Li River, I genuinely felt like I was in a completely different and unique part of the world. I can't imagine that scenery in any other country, on any other continent. As we progressed down the river, I thought how amazed those first Westerners must have been by all the beauty China kept to itself for so many centuries."

IT loves this image because the colors seem so bright despite the dreary rainy day. (And since it's rainy in D.C. today, we could use a spot of color.)  Want your photo up on Global Eye? Add them to our Flickr pool.

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Global Eye: Turkey

Photographer: Fikret Onal from Toronto, Ontario, CA

Getting the Shot: Ortakoy Mosque has a unique heritage in this neighborhood and I had been planning for a long time to capture it. [It was] before sunrise on a Sunday morning right in front of the Bosporus Bridge, where the two continents (Europe and Asia) are almost touching each other.

I was a little bit late and I did not know exactly where the sun would be coming up. And it was an overcast, dull morning and most of the fishermen had already left for fishing. Luckily there were still three vessels there waiting for duty. And there were still some people hanging around, burning their candles at both ends, and a bunch of university students making music, playing guitar and singing all together out loud. The lights on the bridge and the mosque were still on and turned off right after taking this shot. Otherwise, most likely the façade of the mosque would have been too dark.

Global Eye: Japan

Photographer: Melissa Chasse, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Getting the Shot: Taken as I sat beneath the umbrella sipping tea in a temple garden in Kyoto in February of last year.

The Details: As I sat beneath this beautiful traditional Japanese paper umbrella sipping frothy matcha (green tea) and admiring the serene temple garden, I looked up to see a surprising spiral of color radiating from the bamboo spines, a breathtaking splash of color and patterns. I put down my tea, picked up my camera, and made this image.

We love the intricate patterns created by the strings and the slats of the umbrella. Want your own photos features on IT? Add them to our Flickr pool.

Global Eye: Bihar, India

Flying the Rails by Elizabeth Marx

Photographer: Elizabeth Marx, France.

Getting the Shot: This was shot in the Sultanganj Railway Station in Bihar, North India. It was 4 a.m., [and we were] getting off the Farakka express coming from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

The Details:  The train was crowded with orange-clad pilgrims, as every year during the month of Shraavana (July-August) devoted to Shiva. The pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganga River, fill pots of water, and pursue their journey on foot up to Babadam, 108 km further, where there is a famous Jyotirlinga [a shrine to Lord Shiva].

Want to see your own shot in Global Eye? Add it to our Flickr Pool. 

Global Eye: Togo, Africa

The Fire Dance, by Grete Howard

Photographer: Grete Howard, England.

Getting the Shot: The shot was taken on Christmas day, 2006. The Fire Dance was held in a clearing in the small village of Tinadou, just outside Kparatoa, some miles from Sokode in Togo. There was a large sign at the roadside advertising the dance. Villagers from many nearby settlements came to witness the show, as well as us. The dance takes place round about a month after the festival of cutlasses. The dancers will attempt to prove their prowess by various daring stunts. We were sitting on little wooden benches around a small clearing in the village, so the dancers were about a metre or two away from us. It was quite an intense experience. 

Global Eye: Paris

Dazzle Me! by Tai Chau

Photographer: Tai Chau, Melbourne, Australia.

Getting the shot: I had seen many photos of the Eiffel Tower at night with flashing lights. All these photos didn't express the wonderment my wife and I felt the first time we saw the glittering lights. By using a handheld slow exposure I wanted to capture the raw beauty of the icon of the "city of love."  The result is much more captivating than I imagined. This was our first time in Europe, and we felt Paris would be the one city we had to visit. Paris never disappointed, day or night.

The Details: The photo was taken with a D70 and 18-35 at 18mm. I usually carry a tripod for night photos. I wanted to express the flashing lights to greater effect by hand holding. The multitude of lights help to shape the monument. I tried a few at different shutter speed and this was the best of them.

IT loves this photo for the way the Tower seems alive with light. Got your own photos that could use some exposure? Add them to IT's Flickr pool. And be sure to subscribe to this blog's feed for more of Global Eye!

Global Eye: Tasmania

Photographer: Janine, London, England

Getting the Shot: I was traveling in Australia throughout much of the spring of 2004, and this photo was taken from the river in Launceston. I'm afraid there's no special story, just taking a walk through the city and saw a beautiful sight.

The Details: My lasting memory of the place was how both the mountains and the bottoms of the clouds were purple. I only wish the photo could have done it justice.

Purple or not, we love this shot for the way the many colored roofs contrast against the blue of the sky.

Got your own shot for Global Eye? Add it to our Flickr pool.
 

Global Eye: Rome, Italy

Through the Curtain, Meltem Ciftci

Photographer: Meltem Ciftci, Kurgan, Turkey.

Getting the Shot: On the busy streets of Rome, while waiting for a city bus right behind the bus stop, there was a high old building with nice windows. I was looking and admiring the building, and all of a sudden this girl appeared at the window.

The Details:    It was [taken] last week on the 24th of November, in Rome. I usually do not like to take the pictures of people straight ahead, if possible, I try to communicate with them first. When she appeared at the window, I was already standing there facing the building, unlike all other people at the bus stop. She was kind of sad or unhappy. I first looked at her and smiled. She smiled back to me. This was like a sign of communication for me, so I quickly took her picture when she was watching the street. She stayed there not too long.

We love this photo for the artfully way it's framed, and because the girl looks so wistful. What is she thinking about? Where does she wish she was instead?

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Global Eye: Kumartuli, India

Chokkhu Daan, by Abhik Sengupta

Photographer: Abhik Sengupta from Sydney, Australia. 

Getting the Shot: Durga Puja is the principal religious festival in the Indian state of West Bengal. Idols of the Goddess Durga are worshiped for five days in colorful marquees, accompanied by spectacular lighting displays, music and dance. Most of the idols are made by families of artisans living in the Kolkata suburb of Kumartuli.

In October 2007, I went to see Kumartuli, hoping to catch some of the sculptors in action. Normally the idols would have already been finished and delivered. This year there had been extensive rain in the preceding weeks, so the whole process had been delayed.

I was lucky enough to arrive just as the senior artist was doing the process of Chokkhu Daan (literally "Gifting of Eyes"), which symbolically breathes life into the clay image of the goddess by painting the traditional lotus petal shaped eyes.

Global Eye: Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

Photographer: Paul Tamburro, New York, New York

Getting the shot: Funny story about this kid. He and his sister get people to buy dried corn and seeds from them to feed the pigeons. They tell you they're poor and hungry so naturally you feel bad and go ahead with it. After you throw the seed, about 5,000 pigeons come flying in and in all the commotion, they steal your wallet. So instead of doing all that I gave the kid money and told him to keep the seeds and feed the birds himself.

The Details: This was July '05...after the cross-country drive, I felt the need to keep going west, so it turned into a cross-world trip. I eventually got back to New York City three months after I left.

We not only love how he captured the motion of the birds, but the entire cultural exchange in just one shot. Let us know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to add your own pics to our Flickr pool. Subscribe to this blogs feed for more Global Eye photos.   

 

 

 

Global Eye: Singapore

The MICA (Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts) Building, Singapore

Photographer: Fredrik Nyberg, Swedish national residing in Singapore. Has lived in Asia since 1990.

Getting the shot: These are the colourful shutters of the windows at the MICA Building in Singapore, the headquarters of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts. It was built in 1934 as the Hill Street Police Station and Barracks on the orders of the British 'Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlements'.

The details: The photo was taken with a Nikon D50. A slightly longer focal length (95mm) was used to bring the shutters closer together. Very little post processing was done, only some enhanced colour saturation.

IT loves how friendly a government building can look, and thinks a few coats of paint could do a lot for downtown D.C. Love the shot? Let us know below, and be sure to add your own pics to our Flickr pool. Subscribe to this blogs feed for more Global Eye photos.   

 

Global Eye: Bordeaux

Walking in the Mists of Bordeaux, by Joanne Hammond

Photographer: Joanne Hammond, Bribie Island, Australia

Getting the shot: I recently returned home from a three-month holiday in France and the U.K. We started in Valbonne in the south of France and slowly drove our way north to Paris, generally stopping for a week at different places. We spent about four nights in Bordeaux and I was totally enchanted by this city.

This shot was taken one morning as we walked from our hotel along the River Garonne into the old town centre. The new refurbishment of the river is wonderful—big wide boulevards and wonderful gardens and public places. I was particularly entranced by this water feature in front of the Place de la Bourse. As we sat nearby we watched the stillness of these reflected water surfaces change to water spouts that then produced a magical mist...and would slowly fade to reveal the city behind.

Global Eye: In the Sky

Photographer: Kaitlin Ziesmer, Denver, Colorado

Getting the shot: The shot was taken at the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival at Chatfield Reservoir on August 25th, 2007. I had just moved back to Colorado for school a couple days before, and my parents had just left that morning. I drove to the reservoir at about 5:30 in the morning, perfectly timing the sunrise. After waiting about 30 minutes, the balloons took to the sky all at once.

Global Eye: Guizhou, China

a girl in a polo-neck by Richard Thomson

Photographer: Richard Thomson

When and Where: Miao (minority) village festival, near Kaili, Guizhou, China, 2000.

Getting the Shot: I got here by chance after deciding to follow a man who did the Asian drop-hand sign towards me by a roadside a few miles outside Kaili. 'Come here', he signaled. I did. I followed him for an hour or two along tracks in order to find out why. It just felt as though he must have had a good reason. The reason become obvious when banners became visible over the track near the entrance to his village: a festival.