THE "BABY TAJ"

AGRA, INDIA

Image number 891

The tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Often described as a "jewel box", sometimes called the "Baby Tāj", the tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Tāj Mahal.  Located on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. The mausoleum itself covers about twenty-three meters square, and is built on a base about fifty meters square and about one meter high. On each corner are hexagonal towers, about thirteen meters tall.  

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a hand-held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/80th of a second and aperture F5. 45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

THE TAJ MAHAL

AGRA, INDIA

Image number 889 (top) & 894 (below)

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658), to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall. 

The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts 7–8 million visitors a year. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

Image 889 (top)

The image was taken with a hand-held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/275th of a second and aperture F7. 45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.   

Image 894 (below)

The image was taken with a hand-held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/400th of a second and aperture F7. 45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

THE AF CHAPMAN

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 674

The af Chapman, formerly the Dunboyne (1888–1915) and G.D. Kennedy (−1923), is a full-rigged steel ship moored on the western shore of the islet Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm, Sweden, now serving as a youth hostel.  The ship was constructed by the Whitehaven Shipbuilding Company, located in Whitehaven, Cumberland (present-day Cumbria), and launched in February 1888.  She was originally known as Dunboyne, after a town in County Meath, Ireland. Her maiden voyage was from Maryport, Cumberland, England, to Portland, Oregon, and she subsequently made voyages between Europe, Australia and the west coast of North America. On her arrival in Sweden in 1915 she was renamed G. D. Kennedy and when the Swedish Navy bought her in 1923 she was given her present name after the shipbuilder and Vice Admiral Fredrik Henrik af Chapman (1721–1808). The Swedish Navy used her as a training ship and as such she made several trips around the world.   Her final voyage was in 1934, but she served as a barracks ship during World War II (1939-1945).  In 1947 the Stockholm City Museum saved the ship from being broken up, and since 1949 af Chapman has been managed by the Svenska Turistföreningen (STF, Swedish Tourist Association).

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 50. Exposure of 1/70th of a second and at aperture f14. 150 mm Schneider Kreuznach telephoto lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

ROYAL PALACE, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 673a

The Royal Guard has been stationed at the Royal Palace in Stockholm since 1523 and is a popular tourist attraction.  Today military units from all over Sweden take turns to stand guard.  During the summer months the parade marches or rides with the military band through the city streets to the outer courtyard of the Palace.  The Royal Guard is integral part of the security surrounding the Royal Family and the military forces of Stockholm.  Atticus noticed that the guard does not, however, have quite the polish or discipline of other similar units elsewhere.  Items of personal apparel, including wrist watches, were in evidence and some of the guard were noticeably portly.   During breaks in the ceremony members of the guard also stood around the collonades chatting.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a hand-held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 50. Exposure of 1/110th of a second and at aperture f7.1. 150 mm Schneider Kreuznach telephoto lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.

 

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

ROYAL PALACE, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 673

The Royal Guard has been stationed at the Royal Palace in Stockholm since 1523 and is a popular tourist attraction.  Today military units from all over Sweden take turns to stand guard.  During the summer months the parade marches or rides with the military band through the city streets to the outer courtyard of the Palace.  The Royal Guard is integral part of the security surrounding the Royal Family and the military forces of Stockholm.  Atticus noticed that the guard does not, however, have quite the polish or discipline of other similar units elsewhere.  Items of personal apparel, including wrist watches, were in evidence and some of the guard were noticeably portly.   During breaks in the ceremony members of the guard also stood around the collonades chatting.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a hand-held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 50. Exposure of 1/275th of a second and at aperture f7.1. 150 mm Schneider Kreuznach telephoto lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.

 

THE OLD TOWN

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 672

Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, and one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252.  All of Gamla Stan and the adjacent island of Riddarholmen are like a living pedestrian-friendly museum full of sights, attractions, restaurants, cafés, bars and places to shop. Gamla Stan is also popular with aficionados of handicrafts, curios and souvenirs. The narrow winding cobblestone streets, with their buildings in so many different shades of gold, give Gamla Stan its unique character. Even now cellar vaults and frescoes from the Middle Ages can be found behind the visible facades, and on snowy winter days the district feels like something from a story book.  

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/40th of a second and an aperture of f20.  45 mm Phase One wide angle lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  The image has been cropped and straightened using Capture One.  

THE OLD TOWN

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 671

Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, and one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252.  All of Gamla Stan and the adjacent island of Riddarholmen are like a living pedestrian-friendly museum full of sights, attractions, restaurants, cafés, bars and places to shop. Gamla Stan is also popular with aficionados of handicrafts, curios and souvenirs. The narrow winding cobblestone streets, with their buildings in so many different shades of gold, give Gamla Stan its unique character. Even now cellar vaults and frescoes from the Middle Ages can be found behind the visible facades, and on snowy winter days the district feels like something from a story book. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/4 of a second and at aperture F25. 150 mm Schneider Kreuznach telephoto lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.

THE ALLEY OF MARTIN TROTZIG

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 670

Mårten Trotzigs gränd (Swedish: "Alley of Mårten Trotzig") is an alley in Gamla stan, the old town of Stockholm, Sweden. Leading from Västerlånggatan and Järntorget up to Prästgatan and Tyska Stallplan, the width of its 36 steps tapers down to a mere 90 centimetres (35 in), making the alley the narrowest street in Stockholm.  The alley is named after the merchant and burgher Mårten Trotzig (1559–1617), who, born in Wittenberg, immigrated to Stockholm in 1581, and bought properties in the alley in 1597 and 1599.  Today the alley is clogged by tourists and Atticus had to be very patient to get a clear shot.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/2 a second and an aperture of f9.  45 mm Phase One wide angle lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  The image has been cropped and straightened using Capture One.  

THE OLD TOWN

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 669

Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, and one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252.  All of Gamla Stan and the adjacent island of Riddarholmen are like a living pedestrian-friendly museum full of sights, attractions, restaurants, cafés, bars and places to shop.

Gamla Stan is also popular with aficionados of handicrafts, curios and souvenirs. The narrow winding cobblestone streets, with their buildings in so many different shades of gold, give Gamla Stan its unique character. Even now cellar vaults and frescoes from the Middle Ages can be found behind the visible facades, and on snowy winter days the district feels like something from a story book.  

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/20th of a second and an aperture of f12.  45 mm Phase One wide angle lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  The image has been cropped and straightened using Capture One.  

ST GEORGE AND THE DRAGON

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 668

The Saint George and the Dragon sculpture is located in Köpmanbrinken, Merchant Square, in Gamla Stan, the oldest area of Stockholm.  A bronze sculpture depicts St. George mounted on horseback while slaying a dragon in order to save a princess.  This is believed to be allegory for the victory at the Battle at Brunkeberg, which occurred on October 10, 1471, when Sweden was attacked by and defeated the Danes. The slaying of the dragon has since become a symbol of Sweden.

The original wood carving of this sculpture was created in 1489 by a German artist, living in Stockholm, Bernt Notke. It resides in the Storkyrkan (Great Church) in Stockholm. This bronze copy was created in 1912 by Otto Meyer from a cast of the original.  This incredibly detailed sculpture depicts St. George and his horse in full armor. St. George is wearing a helmet and has his sword raised in his right hand as if ready to strike. Dragon is lying on its back underneath the front legs of the horse. The head of the dragon is close to the head of the horse. The plinth contain various relief sculptures related to the martyrdom of St. George, including a skull. The sculpture rests high up on a pedestal of eight courses of marble blocks.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/10th of a second and an aperture of f12.  45 mm Phase One wide angle lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  The image has been cropped and straightened using Capture One.  

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IMAGE NUMBER 667

The Parliament House (Swedish: Riksdagshuset), is the seat of the parliament of Sweden, the Riksdag. It is located on nearly half of Helgeandsholmen (island), in the Gamla stan (old town) district of central Stockholm.  The building complex was designed by Aron Johansson in the Neoclassical style, with a centered Baroque Revival style facade section.   Parliament House was constructed between 1897 and 1905.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/30th of a second and an aperture of f12.  45 mm Phase One wide angle lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  The image has been cropped and straightened using Capture One.  

THE BLUE MOSQUE

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 553a

The Blue Mosque was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name. The tiles number in the tens of thousands, there are 260 windows and the central prayer space is huge. The mosque is such a popular attraction that admission is controlled so as to preserve its sacred atmosphere. Only worshippers are admitted through the main door; tourists must use the south door 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 50. Exposure of 1/320th of a second and aperture F8.   150mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

THE BLUE MOSQUE

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 553

The Blue Mosque was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name. The tiles number in the tens of thousands, there are 260 windows and the central prayer space is huge. The mosque is such a popular attraction that admission is controlled so as to preserve its sacred atmosphere. Only worshippers are admitted through the main door; tourists must use the south door 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/500th of a second and aperture F10.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

FOOD SELLER, HAGIA SOPHIA

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 554

Hagia Sophia is a former Christian patriarchal basilica, later an imperial mosque, and now a museum.  Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture". It remained the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I .  In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who ordered this main church of Orthodox Christianity converted into a mosque. It remained a mosque until 1931, when it was re-opened as a museum by the Republic of Turkey.  

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/400th of a second and aperture F8.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

HAGIA SOPHIA

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 552

Hagia Sophia is a former Christian patriarchal basilica, later an imperial mosque, and now a museum.  Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture". It remained the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I .  In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who ordered this main church of Orthodox Christianity converted into a mosque. It remained a mosque until 1931, when it was re-opened as a museum by the Republic of Turkey.  

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/400th of a second and aperture F7.1.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

THE SULTAN'S QUARTERS

THE TOPKAPI PALACE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 564

The Topkapı Palace was one of the major residences of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465–1856) of their 624-year reign.  It is now a museum and as such a major tourist attraction. It also contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's cloak and sword. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long shoreline.  The palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers.  They contain large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry.  However the greatest treasure may well be the spectacular tiling in the principal rooms.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 400. Exposure of 1/69th of a second and aperture F4.5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

THE SULTAN'S QUARTERS

TOPKAPI PALACE. ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 563

The Topkapı Palace was one of the major residences of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465–1856) of their 624-year reign.  It is now a museum and as such a major tourist attraction. It also contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's cloak and sword. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long shoreline.  The palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers.  They contain large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry.  However the greatest treasure may well be the spectacular tiling in the principal rooms.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 800. Exposure of 1/45th of a second and aperture F4.5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

THE SULTAN'S QUARTERS

TOPKAPI PALACE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 560

The Topkapı Palace was one of the major residences of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465–1856) of their 624-year reign.  It is now a museum and as such a major tourist attraction. It also contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's cloak and sword. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long shoreline.  The palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers.  They contain large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry.  However the greatest treasure may well be the spectacular tiling in the principal rooms.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Image Number 560 (top)

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/3 of a second and aperture F5.  28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Image Number 561 (bottom)

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 400. Exposure of 1/180th of a second and aperture F3.2.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.