Italy

I was driving with a “tourist”-motor boat, where I had to navigate the motor with a hand-rod. My wife Karin was sitting at the front. Though it was an imbalance, with my weighty body in the back of the boat, however, after a 20 minutes drive, I was out on the sea and shoot some photos of Cinque Terre from the seaside. Then I placed the anchor, jumped into the water and did some rounds of snorkeling.

Post processed with: Aurora 2019, Photoshop 2019

• Camera: ILCE-7S
• Aperture: ƒ/4.5
• Shutter speed: 1/800s
• Focal length: 14mm
• ISO: 100

I shot the beautiful sunset while waiting for a water bus at the Lido di Venezia. Hence life never gets annoying as a photographer. Most of the people waiting were looking at their smartphones, again and again. I was walking around and shot photos from the sunset, the horizon with Venice city far away, the Laguna with the boats and water buses. I ended with about a hundred unexpected pictures in my collection, which I photographed around the water bus station.

Post processed with: Photoshop 2019

• Camera: ILCE-7RM2
• Aperture: ƒ/2.2
• Shutter speed: 1/200s
• Focal length: 24mm
• ISO: 800

Merano with its Trauttmannsdorf Castle and the beautiful gardens are the top attraction of the city. Since it’s a bit outside, best to get there is with an E-bike. My wife Karin and I have rented the bikes at the railway station. The good thing was that with the Bolzano-card the train between Merano and Bolzano is free. With air condition and wifi in the wagons, I can highest recommend Trenitalia.

Post processed with: Aurora 2019, Photoshop 2019

• Camera: ILCE-7RM2
• Aperture: ƒ/4
• Shutter speed: 1/1000s
• Focal length: 42mm
• ISO: 100

On 3000 meters, near the Tre Cime de Lavaredo, you can find that chapel in memory of deceased mountaineers. On the right side, there are memorial stones. 

Post processed with: Aurora 2019, Photoshop 2019

• Camera: X-T1
• Aperture: ƒ/5.6
• Shutter speed: 1/180s
• Focal length: 98.5999984741mm
• ISO: 320

After a more extended walking trip on the hard pavements, we decided to take a Red-Bus to make exploring the city more relaxing. I had the right place a the edge, positioning me for the exposures. This photo I converted to black and white with Silver Efex Pro two times.

Post processed with: Aurora 2019, Photoshop 2019, Silver Efex Pro

My first journey to South Tyrol brought me to Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Merano. Although it belongs to Italy for more than 60 years now, most of the people speak fluent German. Many road signs are in Italian and German; I think the autonomous status exists since 1972. 

Post processed with: Lightroom CC, Photoshop 2019

• Camera: ILCE-7RM2
• Aperture: ƒ/4
• Shutter speed: 1/2000s
• Focal length: 24mm
• ISO: 800

My wife Karin and I rented two E-Bikes at the railway station in Merano. The bikes were nearly new and had a rack where I could store my photo bag. We took the uphill to the entry station of the Merano Gardens with Trautmannsdorf Castle easily. The energy of electricity helped, though I also used the power of my feet and energy of my body. After the ride we entered the botanical garden.

Post processed with: Aurora 2019, Photoshop 2019

• Camera: ILCE-7RM2
• Aperture: ƒ/7.1
• Shutter speed: 1/250s
• Focal length: 24mm
• ISO: 100

In the heart of the city is the gothic Como Cathedral. On the main square, there are bars and restaurants from where you can overlook this impressive building. After a pizza, I caught my camera and shot photos from my outside seating position in the restaurant. I never experienced such a comfortable photo session. But you never stop learning. 

Post processed with: Aurora 2019, Photoshop 2019

• Camera: DSC-RX1R
• Aperture: ƒ/2
• Shutter speed: 1/80s
• Focal length: 35mm
• ISO: 800

Genoa was only a 1-hour train journey from Cinque Terre. My wife Karin and I took the opportunity to drive with Trenitalia. Genoa was in my mind as on old industry-city, but the opposite was exact. Magnificent buildings, full pedestrian streets and excellent food made for a fun afternoon. I could attend the Modigliani- and the Elliot Erwitt exhibition. A great painter and a great photographer on one day. 🙂 

Post processed with: Aurora, Photoshop

The Piazza Bra is the central plaza in Verona, with a fountain, pillars, marble floor and dozens of cafes and restaurants at the sideline. The typical Italian life, with tourists, people of all ages, surrounded by unique Italian architecture. 

Post processed with: Aurora, Photoshop

• Camera: ILCE-7RM2
• Aperture: ƒ/4
• Shutter speed: 1/30s
• Focal length: 41mm
• ISO: 100