BLACK & WHITE Sunday: St Sophia Basilica

Just one [but large] Black & White photo this Sunday.






This is St Sophia Basilica in Istanbul. I took this photo in 1993 a week or two before the Mykonos photos in my previous post. There was such an amazing ‘presence’ in this basilica. Originally Eastern Orthodox, then Muslim, the basilica is now a museum cleverly retaining both religious influences. Considered an 'epitome of Byzantine architecture' it is well worth a visit if you ever happen to be in Istanbul.






I stood for a long time waiting to see if I could grab this shot with no people, but it was not to be. Happily though, the suns rays were shining through at the right, moment!











St Sophia Basilica
















ST Sophia 2
















[source - being Ruby]











The original photo, and another [sister to this one] are in colour. I do love the original, but now am thinking I like this black & white!! I may post the colours photos in a future IF IT’S TUESDAY post and then you can tell me which you prefer!






OK so I had planned to use Black & White Sunday posts as self encouragement to get out and enjoy the weekends, get fresh air and try and figure out my new camera. As you can see, It didn’t happen this week [again]. I figure if I have to keep saying this I will finally guilt myself into it!!












Thank you for joining me on this Black & White Sunday.






Hosted by ‘Anne Marie of Na-Da Farm Life




















PIC NOTE: I was lucky with the sunlight streaming in. I usually find it just fills up the whole pic with glare, so I tried [successfully] to shade the lens with my hand. I remember thinking I will end up with the big finger in the picture when they were finally developed. But lucky lucky, no big finger!! Also sorry about the low res image.. blame it on the poor scanner.






In case you are wondering



I have another 'Le Tour' post ready to roll out to production. Will be up for your viewing pleasure soon!



22 comments:

TracyZLesh @ Then I Got To Thinking said...

That is absolutely stunning!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Oh how I love the St. Sophia...this photo is breathtaking!

And do you happen to remember the most gorgeous (oversized gigantic) urn that was sitting near the entrance? A truly remarkable piece of art.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

WOW Julie.....You've really excelled yourself this Sunday....there might only be one but , BOY , what a good one..... This is magnificent , I want a print to put on my wall...you should sell them ( not to me......you can give me mine 'cos it was my idea !!!!!!). That is one seriously brilliant photograph....I've gone all shivery.It reminds me, somewhat, of inside the Duomo in Florence..a bit. Thanks so much for sharing such a beautiful image. XXXX

Unknown said...

This is just beautiful Julie.....

Anne Marie said...

truly wonderful photograph....

and to me, even before seeing the color version of this photo, I will still admire the b&w one the best.........because it shows a heavenly light upon where the altar once stood, now empty, like a tomb.........

thank you so much for participating...

erin's art and gardens said...

That is an amazing photo!! Really spectacular!! and the light coming through the windows is beautiful. Don't worry about the people being in the shot...that just gives it "soul". Happy Sunday! Erin

Carole said...

I was just reading along without a single glimps and when I saw your image I was speechless and that doesn't happen to me. That almost fuzzy glow from the light in the window is magical.
I'd love to know how you got such a large image....did you do some html trick?
Don't think I'll be topping this one on Sunday.lol
Carole

Samy said...

Julie this is simply amazing!

Pearl Maple said...

Beautifully captured, the light filtering through the windows is a wonderful touch.

Kellie Collis said...

Such a great pic. The light is amazing... The huge chandelier is also incredible! Kellie

Fabulously French said...

What an amazing photo, I lived in Istanbul and loved every moment of it - you have just reminded me how much I miss it.

Leeann x

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hi Julie!
Inspiring on so many levels! Love the light and the calm ethereal feel of it all....
Have a wonderful Sunday...Laura

Anonymous said...

That picture is so beautiful. Thanks for posting :)

Joan@anythinggoeshere said...

Love the pictures. I can't believe the size of those chandeliers. I was outside shooting yesterday and my husband was telling me about covering the lens from the glare, but I haven't tried it yet. May get some hand shots.

Alicia said...

The light streaming through just gives it such an ethereal quality. Its such a silent moment I'm wondering if the vibrancy of all the color may take away from it. I can't wait to see.
Cheers to you & the start of the week!!!

simon said...

its a stunning photo frankly...!!!

beachvintage.com said...

I love all that light streaming in.

Millie said...

A huge triple wow! Julie this is quite spectacular, I actually love the slight graininess of the lo-res image.
Millie ^_^

Elaine said...

That is an amazing photo! Great capture of the sunlight streaming through the windows.

Sounds like that was a fabulous trip. Thanks for sharing.

Oliveaux said...

Beautiful photo Julie! Ax

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. So glad to share my happy times with you all!

Dumbwit Tellher said...

OMG Julie this photo is stunning. What a historically beautiful place. You are quite the photographer. Would love terrific blown up & hung. Thank you for sharing. I so love that you are a tour fan!!!

:D deb