Mary Ann Carrasco
October 2025 - Porto Cathedral Archway
Original
About the Image(s)
This was taken in spring of 2023 during our trip to Portugal. I was very enamored with the cathedral in Porto...in fact, we attended Easter Mass there. The architecture was amazing. This archway was off the main church and led into a walkway around a courtyard. It was difficult to get an image without people so I settled on this one with only two. I used the iPhone 13 pro max for taking photos on this trip and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality. I took the images in raw format and used Photoshop to edit. With the new removal tools, it was easy to remove the two people. For a camera club competition, I used this image in color and left the one person walking but I got knocked for that by the judge so opted to remove both here. I look forward to your comments, suggestions, etc.
11 comments posted
I like both images. The Mono image is striking with the curves in the ceiling! It is amazing what can be accomplished with a phone camera. It might be interesting to see how the image looks with the black shadow on the first step cropped out. The black spot draws my attention. Don't get hung up on what a judge says -- that is all personal opinion. This is an excellent image. Posted: 10/07/2025 15:36:07
Thank you for your comments! I see what you mean by cropping out the first dark step. Posted: 10/18/2025 14:17:19
Did you use a tripod or monopod? That is what gets me using the Phones -- my shaky hands. Posted: 10/23/2025 18:02:20
(Group 83)
Hi Mary Ann!
Nice composition and I like the balance of tones with the entrance lighting subdued. It invites the eye into the frame and gives the image depth. Amazing what the new phone cameras can do! It proves the adage that the best camera is the one you have! Well done! Posted: 10/07/2025 16:16:30
Nice composition and I like the balance of tones with the entrance lighting subdued. It invites the eye into the frame and gives the image depth. Amazing what the new phone cameras can do! It proves the adage that the best camera is the one you have! Well done! Posted: 10/07/2025 16:16:30
Hi Michael, thanks for visiting! and I appreciate your comments. I only took the phone on this trip and it worked out well taking the images in raw format. However, I did see others with their cameras and I had a twinge of regret! Posted: 10/18/2025 14:19:01
This is a joy and is an image I wish I took. Full of detail and tones and just has that depth that you have to follow to the end. If it was me I may have got a touch lower, but that is picking small holes. Fabulous image that I am jealous of. Posted: 10/13/2025 11:05:32
Thank you for your comments, Paul. I see what you mean about being lower...perhaps the top of the archway would have be more visible. Maybe a reason to return? Posted: 10/18/2025 14:19:25
Strong image and well composed. Shooting in through the door opening is a great compositional choice as it adds separation from the outside leading in to the light. The detail, shadows and light on the inside are quite dramatic. A very strong image that feels like I am standing there with an invitation to go inside. Well done. Posted: 10/21/2025 22:18:36
My comments are these: This image is magic! That this was captured with a phone makes it even more alluring. I can only imagine that many/most parishioners walked right by this "beauty" w/o realizing what a great shot this is. Congratulations! You had the presence of mind to recognize this great shot! Posted: 10/22/2025 17:44:14
I like the B&W conversion, and the subject (that calls a B&W version)
With or without people, it is your choice. Both can be interesting.
One of the difficulties with such image is the vertical lines. The wall on the right could (maybe) be a little straightened, without modifying the left one... Posted: 10/23/2025 09:32:02
With or without people, it is your choice. Both can be interesting.
One of the difficulties with such image is the vertical lines. The wall on the right could (maybe) be a little straightened, without modifying the left one... Posted: 10/23/2025 09:32:02
Mary Ann - this is lovely! Mono is great for it and I think better for removing the people (I don't think they are in right place for keeping and the image doesn't need a person to draw one in). I like the left food being ajar such that it is inviting us in. Lovely.
I don't think we need to apologise now for using phones. I have 15 pro max and am using it far more than a camera for a 2 month long trip within the Med and visiting many historic old towns. Shooting in Raw taking time to compose delivers better results and with 3 lens choices in crowds for me. Posted: 10/26/2025 06:09:47
I don't think we need to apologise now for using phones. I have 15 pro max and am using it far more than a camera for a 2 month long trip within the Med and visiting many historic old towns. Shooting in Raw taking time to compose delivers better results and with 3 lens choices in crowds for me. Posted: 10/26/2025 06:09:47