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24
Aug 2011

End Of The Line

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First question? How do I shoot these without any people in them? Long exposures maybe? Nope, I’m way too lazy for that. Take a look at the clock in the photo for the answer.

I spend an incredible amount of time traveling by City Metro Systems. So much so that I’ve been shooting my favorites from all over the globe. It’s not just because I love photographing them, no, not at all. Honestly, it’s mostly because I’m really cheap. =D Seriously, full time travel is expensive. Taking a taxi is a rare treat for me. I mostly choose the more affordable, “on foot” method. Consequently, I also travel with an arsenal of ibuprofen.

So, here’s another awesome subway station from Stockholm, Sweden. It’s a follow up to one of my favorite undergrounds ever, “Belly Of The Beast.” The interwebs have dubbed it the entrance to Hell. Check it out.

The underground metro system in Stockholm is often referred to as the longest art gallery in the world. All over the walls you’ll find hanging art, installations,and even some painted art on the walls. The trains run late and are always on time so compared to other places in the world, these lines can be a real treat for the frequent traveler.

Daily Banana – End Of The Line

Elia Locardi - End Of The Line

Filed Under: Architecture, HDR Photography, Stockholm, Sweden, Travel
19
Aug 2011

Sergels Torg

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late blue hour

This is a cool little spot called Sergels Torg. It’s the most central public square in Stockholm, Sweden. I kept returning here after sunset in an attempt to capture the right blue hour sky. Finally, on the last night, I got it.

I had plenty of time to get here after my sunset shots simply due to the time. With the sun setting at around 10:00pm, blue hour didn’t roll around till about 11. This left the sky plenty lit until 1 or 2 am. It was a really nice having some pad time for a change. ;)

Daily Banana – Sergels Torg

Elia Locardi - Sergels Torg

Filed Under: Architecture, Blue Hour Photography, HDR Photography, Stockholm, Sweden, Travel
12
Aug 2011

Into The Void

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Hell in Stockholm, Sweden?

This is a companion photo to “Belly Of The Beast.” If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. It’s being described as the entrance to hell itself. I also write about how some random dude offers me some crotch wine. What’s crotch wine? Read about it and find out.

So if Belly Of The Beast is being called the entrance to hell, these would be the stairs. Another detail of note is that the escalator is broken. Figures, right? It is hell after all.

Enjoy this alternate view of  Solna Centrum, part of Stockholm’s T Bana Metro System.

I’ll release a Before and After Comparison soon and as always, you’ll see it first on Google+.

Daily Banana – Into The Void

Elia Locardi - Into The Void

Filed Under: Architecture, HDR Photography, Stockholm, Sweden, Travel
28
Jul 2011

Belly Of The Beast

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So there I was, late night, all alone, deep in the bowels of Stockholm’s (T Bana) metro system, setting up to take this shot of Solna Centrum, when all of a sudden this Swedish dude rushes up to me. He stammers, “What are you doing, taking pictures!?”

*(Now, I’m from South Florida & I basically grew up in Miami, so when someone approaches me like that, I automatically go into combat mode.)

I tense up, caught off guard, “Excuse me, yea? What do you want?”

“Oh sorry,” he says, looking apologetic, “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m just really into photography & I’m a bit drunk. Want some wine!?”

He gingerly reaches down the front of his pants, pulls out a bottle of nearly finished red wine and brandishes it toward me, red liquid sloshing around and says, “Here, have some wine!”

I look at the wine, look at him, look at the wine again, “No thanks,” I say, “I’m more of a white wine kind of guy.”

“You sure?” He shrugs, smiles, and produces a small plastic cup. He pours in some wine and takes a sip, clearly satisfied with himself.

All I remember thinking was, “Where the hell did the cup come from!?” — Probably best to not know…

After a lot of interesting conversation about Sweden, photography, the Tunnel Bana system, and (of course) wine, we exchange email addresses and he continues on his way, headed to a nearby party.

You meet the strangest people in the metro at midnight…

Daily Banana – Belly Of The Beast

Belly of the Beast, Elia Locardi

Filed Under: Architecture, Featured Home Middle, HDR Photography, Stockholm, Sweden, Travel
25
Jul 2011

Gamla Stan In Golden Light

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I love my new tripod rig big time! I routinely blow it kisses from across the room. I had heard that my image clarity would increase with more stability but wow, I had no idea that it would be this much. It was totally worth the pain of selling my kidney on the black market. I still have a spare too which reminds me, I need a new telephoto lens…

This golden view of Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden shows the evidence clear as day. Tack sharp lines and optimum image clarity even after blending 5 exposure brackets in Photomatix.

Another good example of this clarity is “Shanghai, City of Lights.”

I know that sometimes tripods aren’t allowed and you have to shoot handheld. Trust me, I’ve been there. Personally, I love the freedom of creativity that shooting handheld can bring to the table. I find that I shoot way more (in general) when I go out without my tripod. In fact, I’ve shot Handheld HDR so much that I’ve written quite a few tutorials about it.

So, when you can shoot with a tripod, do it. If you cant though, check out the tutorials to get up to speed on Handheld HDR. Then get out there and shoot. You can still rock HDR without a tripod.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Later though… Right now I’m going to snuggle up with my tripod.

Daily Banana – Gamla Stan In Golden Light

Elia Locardi - Gamla Stan in Golden Light

Filed Under: Architecture, HDR Photography, Stockholm, Sunrise and Sunset, Sweden, Travel