Seeking Inspiration

A road trip to Southern Italy - Sicily, Calabria (for a wedding), the Amalfi Coast and finally Naples. An absolute dream come true.

And yet, I think I managed to take some of the worst photos I've taken in a long while. Uninspirational at best, pretty terrible at worst. Quite a feat considering the staggeringly beautiful surroundings.

One evening in Sorrento, I headed to the beach to watch the sunset and happened upon a small sign promoting a photography exhibition in a Convent. There was no way I could resist that.

Inside, in a set of rooms overlooking the bay, was a fantastic display of predominantly black and white images taken over many years. The landscape photos were stunning and often taken during the harsh daylight. Most photographers advocate shooting during the golden hours at dawn and dusk when the light is much softer and less contrasty. This provided a new perspective. Check out: https://www.gallery-raffaele-celentano.com/italianlandscapes.

There were also a whole series of images that had been staged (pre-planned is probably a better description) with meticulous detail that had me looking on in awe. So much so, that I purchased four images now hanging on the wall in my Study. (https://www.gallery-raffaele-celentano.com/italiancars).

To quote one of my favourite films, Blazing Saddles:

“My mind [was] aglow with whirling, transient nodes of thought careening through a cosmic vapour of invention..." — Hedley Lamarr

Week 21 - Same Challenge, Different Day

Location 1 - Sorrento, Italy

This was taken on the terrace adjacent to the exhibition as the sun started to set. I can see why this place was the source of some great photos by Raffaele. The one with the Nuns on this very swing is just brilliant (I realise that sounds like the beginning of a bad joke - but you'll see what I mean: https://www.gallery-raffaele-celentano.com/italiansoul?pgid=j76a2nfg-6eea96bd-7b2a-11ea-8c85-12879e2400f0.

Location 2 - Anacapri, Italy

The next day we visited Capri and took the bus to the other side of the island - Anacapri. Whilst enjoying some much-needed lunch, I looked up from my pizza and noticed the scene in front of me was very like some of the photos I'd seen at the exhibition. A scene within a scene. I took the opportunity to take the shot whilst everyone was engrossed in the menu or their food.

Location 3 - Monte Solaro, Anacapri

At just under 590 meters tall, Monte Solaro is the highest point on Capri and the views are amazing. You can walk to the summit (but not when it was 37 degrees) or take the fabulous chairlift as we did. I took many shots of the many views, but this is my favourite.

I had to wait very patiently and it took several attempts to get the picture without many other tourists taking selfies by the railings!

In Summary:

Whilst many have sought and found inspiration in a Convent, most wouldn't have come from a photography exhibition held within its walls. However, that's exactly where some fresh inspiration lay for me. Fuelled with new ideas and also with new opportunities during the day for photography, I was re-energised and managed to make the most of the outstanding surroundings for the rest of the trip.

Next Time: A Strange and Unusual Excursion