Khaju Bridge, a photo from Esfahan, East

Photographer's Note

There are 11 bridges over the Zayandeh River which runs through the centre of Esfahan in Central Iran. Five of the bridges are very old – this one being the Khaju Bridge which was built around 1650 when Esfahan was the capital of Persia and, at the time, one of the largest cities in the world.

The Khaju Bridge is a two level bridge made of stone and brick and is 105 metres long and 14 metres wide. The large chunks of stone used in the base of the bridge are over two metres long, so it must have been quite a challenge carting them to this site when the bridge was built. The top level has a 7.5 metres wide cobbled road which used to be how vehicles crossed the river, but now there are another six modern bridges across the river so vehicles no longer use the old bridges.

Pedestrians can walk across on the road on the top level, but most use the lower level which provides shade from the sun. This bridge may appear to be almost deserted, because you can see only one person walking across on the lower level, but that is because this was the sunny side and all the people are crossing on the other side in the shade (there would have been over 100 people walking across the bridge on the other side when I took this photograph).

This is one of the bridges that regulate the water flow in the river because there are sluice gates under the archways over the river. When the sluice gates are closed, the water level behind the bridge is raised to facilitate the irrigation of the many gardens along the river upstream of this bridge.

This was taken with a wide angle lens (12mm) so I used the transform tool in Photoshop to partly correct the distorted perspective. However, I could not correct the distortion completely otherwise I would have lost the edges of the clouds in the top left and top right of the frame. I didn’t want to do that because I liked the way in which the clouds were positioned, pushing up into the top corners of the frame. In my view this gives the image more impact which would have been lost if the clouds had been cropped. Other than that, the only PP was an adjustment to levels and USM.

PS: I will dedicate this image to Tan Yilmaz (capt haddock) because this type of sky is very much his ‘trademark’.

Tomorrow I will post a photograph taken under the bridge – you might be surprised at what is there.

sabyasachi1212, siolaw, fayeulle, ChristianS, Buin, triptych2003, asanak, teutza, capthaddock, mpr, abdolrashidi, saamb, riclopes, kclai, cjmm, fireflyz, Rinie_Hoff, marjan, aznegrao, elmec, Tayon, PJE, jafadabret, Ulishna, kmarscher, balatrek, yannick, Floydian, chaity, richtersl, danielswalsh, alainh, Didi, celinaconroy, roconnell, klyee75, darrasin, stego, plimrn, batalay, sfsepehr heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

besnard (59196) 2006-06-04 0:17

Bonjour David
Superbe cliché de ce pont à l'architecture particulière au pays. Belle luminosité, jolis nuages.
Merci pour le partage et bon week-end.
Nicole

siolaw (38294) 2006-06-04 0:47

Hi David,
A superb image of that majestic bridge! excellent POV and DOF, intense colors and strong contrast,good perspective and a well documented and interesting note
Job well done!!!
Laurent

jyraya (397) 2006-06-04 1:42

Hi David
I to like the way the clouds are positioned very much.
good work in keeping them in there.

fayeulle (27827) 2006-06-04 2:13

Hi David
What a fantastic picture you captured here !
Y really like the way you framed this so nice bridge with an amazing cloudy sky as background.
Cheers
JP

ChristianS (2997) 2006-06-04 2:16

Hi David,
Very nice scenery with a nice PoV showing the length of this beautiful bridge. I like the Pov because you choose to keep a rather low horizon and focusing on both the bridge and the superb sky. Well done!

Regards

Buin (42580) 2006-06-04 2:30

Hallo David!
A great architectural picture with wonderful light conditions and a breathtaking colours, especially in the sky! Thank you for showing this and the informative note! I like it very much!
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

bantonbuju (51815) 2006-06-04 3:09

hi dave,
there is a dostortion all right, but man, what counts here is a strong composition and the fact that despite the fact that you used 12mm lens you still managed to keep all the details (the building and the people do not seem to be remote, as the effect of 12 mm);
too obvious to mention the colours etc :-))
tc, j.

gaby (19819) 2006-06-04 3:43

David bonjour - fabulous landscape - this is a fantastic shot with wonderful clouds - the tones and the panorama format are ++++ -
Thanks, David
Have a nice sunday
Rgs
Gaby

PixelTerror (0) 2006-06-04 3:48

Hi David,
Wow that's a wide view, love how the clouds complement the perspective to deliver a splendid 3D impression. Amazing building as well under this fine light, hard to imagine it's a bridge !
Have a nice sunday,
Jean-Yves

leo61 (0) 2006-06-04 3:50

Hi David!
Wonderful shot and fantastic architecture.Your composition with the building in the diagonal and the nice clouds above has a great depth.Excellent POV and fantastic light and colors.
Regards,Leo

donluicu (24741) 2006-06-04 4:41

Hi David
this is a great picture, very well composed and buit, enhanced by the wonderful sky..

bravo

Loic, member of the Canon Army

dkeus31 (27739) 2006-06-04 4:50

Hello David,
A good composition with a strong perspective by the bridge and the cloud here.
Nice colors also.
Regards,
Didier

teutza (10590) 2006-06-04 5:01

very good and intersting photo!thanks 4 sharing!

jasmis (58653) 2006-06-04 5:11

First quality. Strong, well saturated colours. Interesting note.Regards.

kensimage (8563) 2006-06-04 13:08

Fabulous clouds, David, with a real 3-dimensional feel, like wads of cotton puffs. I like the fact we see only one man on the bridge. Great composition, too, featuring the clouds but putting sufficient emphasis on the bridge. One of your best shots recently! Regards, Ken.

blue-velvet30 (6524) 2006-06-04 14:30

Hello David!
WOnderful POV and fantastic sky. Great composition and colors. Brawo!
thanks for sharing
regards
Dorota

mammad (3572) 2006-06-04 14:47

Dear David ,
Great POV and wonderful sharp image.I havn't seen a crisp shot like this of the well known constuction.Well done.Tfs.

Regards Mammad.

fserajian (2299) 2006-06-04 14:49

Hi David,

YExcellent POV and DOF with good sky/cloud patterns. Having visitd this city a few weeks ago, your photo brings back happy memories.
Well done.

Faramarz

AmiBe (6042) 2006-06-04 18:25

Hi David,
excellent wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidddddddeeeeee vue, good POV and perspective.
The sky is excellent, thank's to the clouds.
I like the yellow and blue color.
Well done

capthaddock (28790) 2006-06-04 21:09

Hi Davis -thanks for the dedication, this is truly a masterpiece, if you stuck and ordinary landscape under that sky it would still be quite soimething to behold, but this photogenic structure puts it oiver the edge, fantabuluous work.

mpr (491) 2006-06-04 21:58

David

A very interesting and well composed photo. You are an extremely talented artist. I agree with your decision to keep the clouds in both corners, they add alot of depth to the shot. The sharpness and colors are amazing. Nice work.

regards
mike

saamb (1008) 2006-06-05 5:52

David,
i enjoy of this view actually. i have seen many photos of "Khaju Bridge" that it is one best of them. clouds are wonderful and colors and exist the man, all of this elements have created a excellent shot. thanks for nice image and note, i'm waiting for next photo.
SAAM

riclopes (35577) 2006-06-05 9:47

Hi David,
This is an impressive image. I love the results taken with a wide angle lens and the effect on those clouds is really amazing. So, I'm sure that I would also love the original photo may be even more, with the distortioned perspective. Looking at this picture, one would never guess that there are so many people in here. Excellent shot!
Cheers,
Ricardo

kevinos (7517) 2006-06-05 14:25

Wonderful! Majestic! Astounding! David. The bridge itself look wonderful enough with its rose colored stone reflected in the water, but the sky is so dramatic that it gives the picture a special power. I love it! Regards Kevin

kclai (2267) 2006-06-06 0:19

Hi David
As always, you got quite a "high" notes with your image.
A very beautiful captured perspective shot and the blending of the great structures with the natures is simply awesome.
And to put the finally touch, the clouds formation created a dramatic atmosphere.
Cheers and good day, David.
Eric Lai

rabdelnoor (3423) 2006-06-06 0:24

Hi David,
Really outstanding POV. The cloud sky is quite impressive and contrasted very well with the pastel tones of the river and the building along it. VEry nice.
REgards
Ricardo

cjmm (4479) 2006-06-06 18:57

Hi David,

Nice WA shot, and this time I also like the effect of the CP filter on the clouds.

The composition and light are great too.

Well done!

Best regards,
Carlos
ps: Will be waiting to see what is there under the bridge!

Rinie_Hoff (9340) 2006-06-07 1:39

Wow David, this is impressive!. You got the best sky over a structure with this color, that you can get. It's really amazing , and the blue is so intense. It's a beautiful bridge, and I like the PoV, it seems to go on and on this way. It helps that the other side of the bank is so dark.
Very nice!

rbcy1974 (20758) 2006-06-07 16:07

Hello David
Excellent angle,
the clouds seem to be steming out of the building, beautiful view.
Regards
Daniel

s10001in (0) 2006-06-10 12:19

David ,

Amazing shot...
I have no words to praise you & this picturre.

Just adding to my fevourit.
A shot that will remain in memory for long time.
TFS,
Shailendra

marjan (7) 2006-06-10 15:36

Hi David, excelent shot with fantastic coloures and composition.
Marjan

oochappan (4880) 2006-06-11 2:53

Perfect perspective along the bridge with contrasting sunny colors to this gradiant deep blue sky and impressive textured clouds. Very well finished shot David
Henk

aznegrao (10316) 2006-06-12 18:37

Hi David!
Excelente enquadramento com as nuvens ao fundo. Qualidade excelente da imagem.
Rgds.
aznegrao.

acanay (483) 2006-06-14 4:55

there are 100s of pics of this bridge, BUT not too many a good ones :-) good like this one :-)

startacked (1395) 2006-06-18 10:38

Hi David,

Amazing combination of the light on the bridge and the color of the sky. Very good sharpness and quality. Good framing of the cloads. (: I hope to visit Iran in the near future. TFS, Gilbert

vinicio (23423) 2006-06-19 9:06

After have appreciated the inside of this bridge I send you other compliments to this exterior image with this amazing sky, huge view, still compliments.
Ciao
Vinicio

elmec (12210) 2006-06-19 12:43

Hello David!
Very good composition with interesting place and nice sky!
I like the calmness the with walking man!
Great work!
Regards!

lakshmi (577) 2006-06-20 2:11

A very nice POV, great colours and sharpness clubbed with the wonderful cloudscape. Excellent!

AiresSantos (56155) 2006-06-22 6:58

Magnificent capture here, David !
I like the perspective and the clouds. Excellent POV, colors, sharpness and light.
TFS and greetings from Portugal,
Aires

Tayon (1995) 2006-06-25 18:55

Hi David
Fantastic photo!
What else can anybody write ?
Composition, DOF, POV, colours, sharpness and the clouds close the scenary in a great way.
TFS
Tayon

david (3992) 2006-07-05 4:55

hey david ... lately, this has definitely been one of your best shot. look at the way those clouds streak into the distance. and of course the building is a great focus point for your composition.

great shot today!

PJE (20758) 2006-07-05 23:07

David the sky seem to be stretching out in this scene. The setting is very well captured. Thanks for sharing!

jafadabret (56501) 2006-07-10 16:50

Une photo, David, avec un relief extraordinaire jusque dans le ciel qui a bien bénéficié du filtre polarisant. Ce pont est unique en son genre. Les couleurs sont aussi au top.
Jacques

samrat_roy1 (701) 2006-07-11 9:22

hi

excellent. the shot of yours is breathless beauty. i love the colous and the clarity of the pic. great work done indeed....

cheers
samrat

DarkoG (8) 2006-07-12 2:51

Excellent shot. Great sky fullfil the scene.
Good work
Regards Darko

Stepan (27210) 2006-07-14 3:26

Wow !! With such a light and clouds, this place becomes magic !! The walking body is useful to create life and show the scale. Impressive depth and composition.
Bravo.
Stéphane

fabio_ts (13696) 2006-07-14 9:57

The cloudy blue sky is stunning and you have used the perspective in a wonderful way, great shot David, all my compliments!!

have a nice weekend,
Fabio.

Galba (0) 2006-07-18 5:49 [Comment]

Show Comment

prumod (8300) 2006-07-21 12:34

hi david
good wanishing and very pleasant atmosphere...
regards

balatrek (7455) 2006-07-21 12:36

Hola David,

Bella imagen, lo que más me gusta es el cielo, es espectacular, la composición también es buena y aporta a la escena gran profundidad, buen trabajo.

Saludos, José

yannick (1471) 2006-07-21 13:15

What an impressive shot The sky is wonderful with these stretching clouds. The bridge is nice. It does not look like a bridge at first, but rather as a palace with many windows.
It is very interesting. I wish I could visit Esfahan!
Yannick

Giorgio (11279) 2006-07-22 4:48

- Superb composition of this bridge in particular architecture in the country. Nice light, amazing colors, pretty clouds, for the sky, the polarizing filter is used well, cheers!
giorgio

Floydian (30970) 2006-07-23 5:43

Hi David,
I have some more points for you to this wonderful image.
Without a doubt it are the incoming clouds who are making this picture, but the way you composed it is also very good with the right colour tones from the building into the sky.
Good work...a very strong picture.
Regards, Henk

chaity (1539) 2006-07-23 8:30

Hi David, this is certainly one of my favourite photos. I like the wide angle effects of the clouds and sharpness of the building in good lighting.

asanak (1972) 2006-07-23 16:32

GREAT!! great shot David, perfect balanced and really well composed, BRAVO!!
I enjoy your viewpoint here, perfect!
have anice day,
thanks for posting.
asana

faubry (35447) 2006-07-24 16:54

bonsoir David, une superbe photo que je n'avais pas vue... magnifique ciel nuageux mais bleu, l'architecture du pont est des plus belles, et la note intéressante
à bientôt
francine

anesugur (18789) 2006-07-25 16:55

Hi David,
Very nice picture.
Excelent view, great colors and POV.
Good work.
Have a nice day. Uğur

richtersl (3546) 2006-07-27 13:12

Magificent! The sky is breathtaking, that's for sure. I like the diagonal angle of the bridge too!

danielswalsh (13597) 2006-07-28 2:40

Nice shot David;

The circular polariser gets alot of the credit for this one eh? Hahaha. Beautiful clouds, complimenting the unique bridge.

Well done David, keep up the great work!
- Dan

alainh (33209) 2006-07-28 16:57

hello David
always the same pleasure to visite your gallery.
this one is a master piece !
Nothing else to say exept :congratuations.
the clouds are great.
have a nice week-end David
reards
alain

Didi (61589) 2006-08-01 15:59

Hello David
Very nice POV.
I note a very good cntrast between the architecture and the ky who gives a good depht in your composition by the invasion of clouds; sky is briliant.
Cheers.

jemaflor (147184) 2006-08-02 5:55

Hi David,
Lovely shot, great perspectice and depth and perfect colours, well done, bravo !

fireflyz (2097) 2006-08-04 18:04 [Comment]

Show Comment

jbweasle (9393) 2006-08-06 11:14

Hello David, this is a beautiful shot with great colour and contrast. Nice diagonal composition too. It's interesting that you mention Tan in your note as I had spotted the similarity of technique immediately.

celinaconroy (717) 2006-08-12 2:24

Hi David,
Because of time consteaints it is not always possible to view TE gallery on a daily basis so very often I miss seeing some good images (I was trekking in the Tatras)....which is why I missed this one of yours. My tastes veer towards architecture and form which this image has in abundance. It's a beautiful subject taken from an interesting angle, the colours are just right and even the clouds seem to be aligned in perfect symmetry to the structure.
Enjoy your weekend
Celina

msanaei (131) 2006-08-13 5:22

Hi David
Its beauty and attractive shot.
/\/\asoud

cherryripe (21033) 2006-08-17 13:01

Hi David
I just love these heavy floating clouds. The bridge is beautifully lit and your pov gives it lots of depth.
Regards
Nikki

roconnell (327) 2006-08-18 13:29

Gorgeous wide angle view of a beautiful sky and architecture. The bridge is a creative leading line through as the repeating patterns keep the viewers eyes stepping along. The pedestrian adds some scale and life. Well done.

klyee75 (778) 2006-08-20 0:56

Great shot friend...The PL works very well to enhance the dark blue sky....and beautiful clouds too. The wide angle is really good...hopefully Nikon will release a new wide angle maybe a 10-15mm will be great...I am saving some money for this...it might cost around RM6500++

moxon (78) 2006-08-22 12:01

Hello, A very impressive view of the Khaju bridge. Not much I can add to the other comments. The person adds a nice touch of scale and the clouds look like they'll pop out of the frame. Nice work!

darrasin (2860) 2006-08-22 14:33

Ah! This is visual perfection. The sky and puffy clouds contrast nicely against the bridge. Thanks for such a detailed note.

-Doug

vincz (19113) 2006-09-05 4:12

Very good wide angle shot with beautiful sky. 3D at its best in photography. Congratulations.

sabyasachi1212 (19779) 2006-09-05 4:46

Hi David,
Excellent POV. You have made best use of the wide angle lens to capture the magnificent architecture with great patterns in the sky. Excellent combination.
Well Done!
With Greetings from India
Sabyasachi

hoorge (1434) 2006-10-12 22:42

I think what makes this picture spectacular is the cloud formation and coverage. The building structure is a bonus.

plimrn (21344) 2007-03-17 19:54

Hi David,
I had a hard time choosing between this photo and the sunrise!! I pay a lot of attention to clouds and this is quite probably the cloud photo I've seeen. It really feels like I could clinmb aboard that biggest puffy one and go for a sail!! The detail and the clarity of the colors is impeccable. A common problemn with stunning clouds is finding a suitable foreground and this one is particularly well-suited with the angle of the bridge and the river complementing the cloud angles well. Just wonderful!! HLJ, POat

fkokol (1636) 2007-08-20 14:58

Beautiful architecture and great composition with attractive colours. Beautiful sky. Greetings,

figen

azizbilgili (2111) 2009-07-03 6:26

Hi David,
A superb image of that majestic bridge! excellent POV and DOF, intense colors and strong contrast,good perspective.

TFS

smash2707 (3320) 2013-12-11 8:38

Great perspective and depth, amazing colors and light. The sky is stunning. Beautiful color contrast between the walls and the sky. Regards