NIKON D300, Nikon 12-24
Here is one of my favorite pictures…the Vatican Stairs in Rome. I flew into Rome last year for business and typically get in on a Sunday AM. I was to make my way up Italy on Monday and leave Rome the next day. As it is Sunday the Vatican is closed. So I had never had a chance to see it! Luckily (I guess) my luggage was lost and I had to stay in Rome an additional day. I thought it was a great time to take the tour of the Vatican! Finally!
It was a Monday morning around 9 AM…I took a taxi to the Vatican and the lines were long! As I got into the line…the traditional tour people asked me if I wanted to skip the line and join a personal tour. I looked ahead at the line and agreed. Sometimes you feel as though you are getting ripped off…but this actually turned out to be a great tour! It was 3 1/2 hours long and they took you everywhere! I had in my pocket a picture of this shot I had found one day and always wanted to take it! My goal was to find this spot.
As our group gathered at the Vatican Museum back entrance…I took a seat and prepared my camera. We began the tour and I eagerly looked for this location. The tour was just about complete and we were finishing up at the entrance to St. Peter’s square. I was sad…I had not seen the stairs. I took out my picture and showed the guide. She told me it was all the way at the beginning of the tour! Yikes! She said I could try and go backwards to find it. I used my noggin and told every security guard on the way…I lost my tour and showed them the picture – can you point me in the direction of the stairs – this is where they are located. I was stopped 4 times and one time had to show my ticket. The guards were all very nice and helpful!
I finally got to the location and had a good laugh. When I first sat down at the beginning of the tour…the steps were right there over the edge…because I sat down I did not see them. Too funny! But I made it back and took this picture. It was a fun tour indeed. I knew I wanted to capture the whole stairs…so a wide angle lens was needed! I opened up the aperature as light was needed also. I took about 20 shots hand held and this was the best! I tried an HDR…but it didnt look correct. Definately on of my favs…it is mounted in our family room along with the view looking up the stairs (I’ll post it tomorrow). I was proud to work for this picture…it was worth the effort.
After this day…before my trips – now I make a list of pictures at the location I am visiting that are priorities to shoot. Then I try to complete my task list. Gives you focus. It works wonders! I’ll tell you more about the Vatican and Rome tomorrow. Have fun!