Matsumoto Castle (松本城)
in Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan's 12 remaining 'original castles'. Also known as Crow Castle (烏城) because of its black exterior, the 'keep' was completed in the late sixteenth century and you can still see the original wooden interiors and stonework....
Funny story about the location where I took the photo...
There was a signpost that said in effect: "take your photo here"... I can imagine thousands of tourists taking the same composition ;-) Casey
Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
I don't know why but I've always remembered this phrase from my Japanese lessons. I've only had one opportunity to use it, but the Japanese person I asked was very impressed : )
very funny...
写真を撮ってもらえますか？ (Shashin o totte moraemasu ka?)... I always just said 写真いいですか (shashin īdesu ka) Casey
The overcast and light rain added mood to the already (non-typical) dark coloured castle
It would be fun to revisit after dark as I am sure the structure is lighted... imagine the reflections ;-) Casey
A stunning black castle with the red bridge.
Everything works in the photo - the mood, the reflection & the composition. Hard not to imagine Samurais in the day. ...
Start making a list of things to do and see...
Looking forward to meeting up again soon. Casey
Thank you sschew...
most likely it was film, but I would have to check the archives. Casey
Thanks Jurry...
fact was we were a bit rushed as we were trying to avoid the rain that just started to fall ;-) But yes, a beautiful setting well presented by the city. Casey
I to miss not being able to travel freely about Japan...
thanks for the kind words. Casey
I can just imagine...
It’s been a difficult time for all of us, but despite the obvious problems life can still be pleasurable, just different. I hope you have a great weekend.
Wow! Sugoi desu ne. Great Shot.
I don't remember seeing that bright scarlet bridge when I went to Masumoto Castle, but it has been a while since I last visited. よく撮れましたね。 Ron (Tokyo)
I couldn't find any construction / renovation details regarding "Uzumibashi" Bridge (map attached)
My photo was taken in 2015 and judging by the wear, it had been there for some time ;-) Casey ...
Beautiful capture
with almost monochromatic feel and the red bridge drawing the eyes in. Yet one more travel destination to add to the list
Remember seeing this pic dear Casey..
The color contrast is striking. Missed visiting the castle on 2 occasions when passing through matsumoto….will have to make up for it.
good memory as its been six years to the month since the original post ;-)
hahaha... you have been paying attention. Casey
Thanks for the comment and question...
The details are as follows: Canon 5D Mark II | EF 35mm f/1.4 L | 1/1000 sec | f 5.6 | ISO 400 Exposure Bias -1 for effect and since it was overcast I didn't use a filter. With digital it's very common for me to use -1 exposure compensation. For both film ...
Just to clarify
Raw File Converter EX 3.0 Powered by Silkypix is a 'free' downloadable application with limited (but powerful) features. Silkypix makes a full blown professional version which I have seen and would be interested in as a next step ;-) Casey