Rodney Campbell's Blog

On the morning of our second day in Munich I went out for my first dawn shoot in the city. It was only a few minutes walk from the hotel and with sunrise in this region of the world at 8AM it’s normally unheard of for us Sydney siders to get up so late for a sunrise shoot :).

The only downside was how cold it is out at this time (well at any time really here in wintery Germany :)).

New Town Hall

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 46 sec at f/9, ISO 100

The so called “new” town hall (built in the 1800’s :)) dominates one side of Marienplatz (where the largest of the fantastic Christmas markets is held).

Note: These photographs (especially the wider shots) look much better when larger. To see larger versions in an inline overlay slideshow gallery viewer click any of the images.

Hirmer

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/5 sec at f/11, ISO 100

Warmth in Cold

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 35 mm, 1 sec at f/11, ISO 100

Munich’s largest gothic church – the Frauenkirche – now a cathedral, was constructed in only 20 years, starting in 1468. With no-one around to mess up my photograph taking at 8AM in the morning :).

Frauenkirche

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/3 sec at f/11, ISO 100

We had arrived in Munich – the capital and the most populated city in the German state of Bavaria.

We’d arrived just before lunchtime so it was a quick checkin at the hotel and then off to the famed Hofbräuhaus (founded in 1589) for lunch.

Hofbräuhaus

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28 mm, 1/20 sec at f/5, ISO 2000

Note: These photographs (especially the wider shots) look much better when larger. To see larger versions in an inline overlay slideshow gallery viewer click any of the images.

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28 mm, 1/30 sec at f/7.1, ISO 280

It was unfortunately raining but that didn’t seem to be dampening the mood or the huge crowds at the Victuals Market or the amazing Christmas Markets all through Marienplatz and up the long mall to Karlsplatz.

Viktualienmarkt

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 52 mm, 1/50 sec at f/7.1, ISO 720

Marienplatz Xmas Market

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28 mm, 1/30 sec at f/7.1, ISO 560

Our hotel (Hotel Torbräu) was very conveniently placed (right on the same street as the markets just a few minutes walk away).

Our last day in Barcelona.

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 58 mm, 1/60 sec at f/6.3, ISO 400

Note: These photographs (especially the wider shots) look much better when larger. To see larger versions in an inline overlay slideshow gallery viewer click any of the images.

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 82 mm, 1/100 sec at f/6.3, ISO 1250

One final chance to explore the streets of the city before heading to the airport and onwards to our next european destination.

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, 1/400 sec at f/8, ISO 100

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 98 mm, 1/100 sec at f/6.3, ISO 4500

Las Ramblas

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 210 mm, 1/250 sec at f/8, ISO 320

The Basilica is the name for the church at Montserrat.

Archways

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/15 sec at f/8, ISO 4500

The Atrium of the Basilica is the open-roofed courtyard area that sits directly in front of the Basilica.

Web

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/15 sec at f/5.6, ISO 200

Note: These photographs (especially the wider shots) look much better when larger. To see larger versions in an inline overlay slideshow gallery viewer click any of the images.

The marbled black and white floor of the atrium takes inspiration from the floor of the Capitolium in Rome that was designed by Michelangelo. The inscriptions at the centre are Latin and refer to baptism.

Sisters

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/40 sec at f/5.6, ISO 100

Montserrat’s church is a Gothic structure that also uses Renaissance shapes and traditionally Catalan architecture. Inside it is lavishly decorated.

The Nave

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/15 sec at f/4, ISO 450

We were lucky enough to be here at the right time to hear the Montserrat’s boy’s choir (L’Escolania) sing. They are known for a specific type of singing known as Gregorian chanting.

Witness

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/15 sec at f/4, ISO 400

The Basilica

NIKON D750 + 16.0-35.0 mm f/4.0 @ 16 mm, 1/15 sec at f/4, ISO 280

Then it was time to head back down the mountain via cable car and the train trip back to Barcelona.

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 52 mm, 1/60 sec at f/7.1, ISO 100

Soon after we first arrived we took the short funicular down to the walking trail which allows you to walk around to Santa Cova Chapel.

Monserrat Basilica

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 58 mm, 1/160 sec at f/7.1, ISO 100

Note: These photographs (especially the wider shots) look much better when larger. To see larger versions in an inline overlay slideshow gallery viewer click any of the images.

The Holy Cave of Montserrat once housed the Virgin of Montserrat. Three hundred years ago a chapel was built at this spot.

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28 mm, 1/60 sec at f/7.1, ISO 125

It takes around an hour for the entire walk but the views are stunning – including an impressive view back up to the whole monastery.

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28 mm, 1/60 sec at f/7.1, ISO 1600

Monserrat Abbey

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 62 mm, 1/160 sec at f/8, ISO 100

Legend has it that the image of the Mother of God was found at Santa Cova. This was first referred to in text dating back to 1239. This text states that in 880 on a Saturday, close to dusk time there were some shepherd children who saw what is known as a ‘great light’ fall from the sky. Along with the light there was a ‘beautiful song’ in the mountain.

Santa Cova

NIKON D750 + 28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 82 mm, 1/100 sec at f/5, ISO 800