Tag Archives: cruise ship

November 10, 2013 · 5:27 pm

HEL*P — Advice Needed

Some of you may recall that during our 54-day cruise aboard Holland America’s MS Prinsendam back in April/May 2010 that I entered the ship’s photo contest. That trip there were three categories, of which I placed first in one and third in another.

Well, it’s that time again. This time there are four categories, and entries are due on Thursday the 14^th. Passengers will judge the photos on Friday the 15^th, and winners will be announced the following day.

So, of the more than 1,400 photographs that I’ve kept this long voyage (culled from many more snapped over the course of the cruise), I need to narrow down my selection to one of each — landscape, people, animals, and objects.

I would love for my regular blog followers to give me a hand in the selection. Below is a gallery of my final nineteen selections (with immeasurable help from Ursula). Obviously I’ve already settled on the animal category, as there’s only one in the gallery that fits. But I’d really like your views on selecting the others.

Please review the gallery below (click on any one image to bring up a slideshow of the potential entries). Each photograph is already titled and ready for me to take ships photo office.

Smoke Break

Fishnet

Monaco Ediface

Apartment 48

Marseille Fountain

Marseille Madonna

The Shutters

Crystal Blues with Green

Cassis Reflection

Naturally Framed

Boating on Amalfi Blue

The Bicycle

Keeping Shop in Sorrento

Palermo Balconies

Alcazar Fountain

Door Framed in Blue

Hope Nobody’s Watchin’ This

Cell Phone Break

Maddalena reflection

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Tagged as animals, cruise ship, Holland America, landscape, MS Ryndam, objects, people, photo contest, photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel

November 6, 2013 · 5:35 am

Dancing ‘Round Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Stepping through the Pile Gate entrance to the walled Old Town portion of Dubrovnik is a bit like stepping back into the Renaissance. The architecture is very reminiscent of Italy during that period. Once inside you’ll be greeted by tall, elegant spires and great cathedral domes.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

On the other side of the walled city you exit out to the small boat harbor and great views of the walled fortifications that once protected Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Returning inside the walls you’ll find narrow streets with some great people scenes and, of course, that wonderfully colorful ubiquitous European laundry underlining interesting shutters and windows.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Click on any image below to bring up today’s slideshow.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Filed under Photography, travel

Tagged as Croatia, cruise ship, Dubrovnik, Holland America, MS Ryndam, photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel

November 4, 2013 · 5:35 am

Climbing Above Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro, is one of the most picturesque destinations I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing. If the terra cotta roofs, tall church spires, outdoor cafés, and great architectural details aren’t enough for you, then try trekking to the fortifications that ring the city from above.

Kotor, Montenegro

Just how high does this ring of fortification extend above Kotor? Below is a nighttime view of the lighted walls, watchtowers, and forts that oversee this ancient city surrounded by high mountains. The highest point is a climb of over 830 feet ((over 250 meters) along some very steep and treacherous footing and less-than-friendly stone steps.

Kotor, Montenegro

Ursula and I didn’t make the trek all the way to the top, as it didn’t appear to me that the photographic opportunities were going to be appreciably better beyond the chapel located just under the halfway mark for the climb.

Kotor, Montenegro

We stopped at this point, marveled at the views, took some photos, gave some tips to other photographers, and headed back toward the Old Town.

But don’t feel the need to make this moderately difficult climb, as the images awaiting you inside the walled portion of Old Town Kotor are already reward enough.