Riga: House of Blackheads Photo

Photographer’s Note

"Copyright © – Attila Szili.
The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved."

Riga, the capital of Latvia, was officially founded in 1201. The historical core of Riga is situated on the right bank of the Daugava River, about 10 kilometers from where the Daugava flows into the Gulf of Riga.
Old Riga comprises a fairly small interior fortification system area, built during XIII-XVIII centuries, where unique middle-aged architectural monuments are concentrated. Two of these are visible on the photo: the House of Blackheads in the foreground and the St.Peter’s Cathedral.
The first one was erected during XIV.century by the city itself, and originally it was rented to the merchants of the Large Guild and the unmarried merchants, the Brotherhood of Blackheads, who later, in 1713, purchased the building and became its proprietors.
The Blackheads was characteristically a common union of young, unmarried merchants and ship captains in the Hansa cities, which chose St. Maurice to be their patron. St. Mauritius was an imaginary African black moor, from this the name of the brotherhood “the Blackheads” comes. Due to their exceptional status the Blackheads played an important role in the society life and traditions. Many VIPs of that time, including Russian Zars, took part in events organized by the Blackheads. The House of Blackheads was reconstructed and expanded for a number of times, however both pediments have been preserved many elements from the first and the XV. century’s periods. The monument was destroyed during World War II in 1941. The restoration of the House of Blackheads was completed in 2000.
St.Peter’s cathedral was mentioned in 1209, for the first time. The cathedral has been rebuilt and enlarged several times. In the latter half of the XV. century, the cathedral acquired its three-dimensional basilica look. The tower was built upon the cathedral in 1491. It collapsed several times, but it was always rebuilt. The last time collapsed During World War II in 1941. The tower was rebuilt in 1973 and the cathedral’s restoration was completed in 1984. Now, visitors can enjoy the city panorama from the second gallery, located on 72 m height.

albertopiubello, Paolo, edytungkal, faubry, besnard, riclopes, Photo65Net, Budapestman, siolaw, quetzal, stego, Vato_Law, bostankorkulugu, grigand, vinicio, Angshu, Cricri, kiwi_explorer, chrisnet, danos, syd1946, manada, ocskaymarci, gildasjan, josepmarin, leo61, papagolf21, sufi, flory, Henryk_Bilor, kermit350, jhm, rossy85, rigoletto, toto, turkamerikali, Scharan, Buin, gilou530, JCG, AiresSantos, TeresaT, Emile, Tue, giorgimer, yogi32 ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

albertopiubello (2591) 2007-06-12 3:34

Ciao Attila,
appena ho visto la luce ed i colori nella galleria principale ho subito indovinato che era tua! C'è un pittore italiano, Caravaggio, che è celebre per questi giochi di luce centrati sul soggetto principale nei suoi quadri.
L'architettura è davvero particolare e bella.
Alberto

molla (6885) 2007-06-12 3:41

Hej attila
Yeah! it's amazing city with a intresting story, nice catch in the evening makes the bricks shine and a good POV
Anders Mohlin in Gnesta

Clementi (44565) 2007-06-12 3:47

Ciao Attila,
foto ricca di dettagli e colori ,
ottimamente gestite luci e ombre .
ottimo lavoro
Giorgio

Paolo (40731) 2007-06-12 4:05

Ciao Attila, bella foto di questa piazza monumentale, con buoan qualità e bei colori.
ottimo POV e ottima esposizione per non avere alcuna zona in ombra.
buona giornata, ciao

edytungkal (4519) 2007-06-12 4:41

Great architecture Attila, colorful and beautiful art from the building. I like it and very interesting story too. Well job and TFS

best regards
daniel

faubry (32367) 2007-06-12 4:46

bonjour Attila, very beautiful red color houses... i like a lot this architecture, may be a litte too tilted?
thanks
francine

besnard (30868) 2007-06-12 4:48

Bonjour Attila
Joli cliché de ces bâtiments à l'architecture exceptionnelle bien mise en valeur par une belle luminosité. Ta photo a attiré mon regard.
Merci pour le partage et bonne journée.
Nicole

riclopes (33043) 2007-06-12 5:09

Olá Attila, excellent composition of this incredibly beautiful architecture. The magical light and the strong colors resulted on a very attractive image. Superb shot!
Best regards,
ricardo

PixelTerror (86358) 2007-06-12 5:09

Szia Attila,
Still on the road somewhere I see. I have good memories from Riga's old town, and I can see on your photo that they have put lots of effort in the renovation, which was not the case when I visited. Architecture is superb and I like this ongoing lightening.
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

daddo (11381) 2007-06-12 5:46

Zdravo Attila. Absolutely incredible colours, aided by an equally wonderful light. The details are exceptional and the view grand.Great work, as usual and very informative notes. regards. Klaudio.

Gerrit (35937) 2007-06-12 6:14

Hi Attila,
fantastic architecture and a perfect catch of the late golden light. Excellent framing.
Regards, gerrit

John_F_Kennedy (31671) 2007-06-12 6:46

Nice shot. You did well to get detail in both the highlights and shadows with such a contrast subject.
Best wishes,
Achim

Photo65Net (43096) 2007-06-12 7:01

Attila,
You caught a great light in this one, and it is really a beautiful architectural shot.
Great contrasts too, and beautiful colors,
Regards,
JB.

Budapestman (42328) 2007-06-12 9:34

Szia Attila,
Úgy látom, hasonló útvonalat jártál be, mint jómagam 2005-ben. Kíváncsi vagyok, hogy Tallinn majd Riga után merre utaztál még. Akkoriban úgy éreztem, hogy Riga még felderítetlen terep a nyugati turisták számára - hazánkban, Lengyelországban és Szlovákiában is mostanában jelentek meg az első útikönyvek a Baltikumról (angol nyelven már régóta lehet kapni).
Gondolom a rövid bevezetőből kiderült, fotód láttán ismét igen kellemes emlékek jutottak eszembe. Gyönyörű ez a tér, meg a város is, sajnálatos, hogy a második világháború folyamán súlyos veszteségeket kellett elszenvednie. A fotót csodás helyről készítetted, a látnivalók szinte felvonulnak egymás mellett. Egyedül a várost jelképező szobor maradt le a kép bal sarkában, de csak a telhetetlenség beszél belőlem. A szobor eredetijét, ha jól emlékszem a képen látható Szent- Péter katedrálisban helyezték el, igencsak romos állapotban. Most már befejezem a vitustáncot emlékeim és gyönyörű fotód körül. Gratulálok és gyönyörű képeket!
Gyuri

siolaw (25794) 2007-06-12 10:41

Hi Attila,
Good light control here with great colors tones on this spectacular architecture, sharp detail good POV and framing.
Laurent

quetzal (3467) 2007-06-12 11:52

Bonjour Attila,
Quel jolie vue de Riga. Je ne connais pas cette ville, mais elle vaut une visite, à l'occasion. Bonne idée d'utiliser le soleil pour éclairer partiellement ces bâtiments.
Bonne soirée
Jean-Louis

stego (22376) 2007-06-12 13:59

Hi Attila,
Wonderful view of that charming square and its pretty buildings. That sunset light only on the upper part make it look... gorgeous... Great light control indeed. And colours also!
TFS, Regards, José.

Vato_Law (11682) 2007-06-12 16:06

Hello Attila,
Good tto see you bacj with your nice documents, where you show us not only some of the most hidden natives but also some fantastic pieces of architecture like on this photo.
I really like the look of this cathedral even more because the light strinig on it enhances even more its beauty.
The persons strolling next to it gives us well the idea of how high this is.
Really nice management of light and colour contrasts between the cathedral colours and this blue sky.
Cheers.
Paulo

grigand (12672) 2007-06-12 16:30

Ciao Attila,
Stupenda questa piazza, ottimi i dettagli e la luce.
Ciao
andrea

bostankorkulugu (33714) 2007-06-12 16:33

amazing architecture... i didnt know riga was that beautiful... just like a little gem... the soft light is good too, the shadows on the buildings are not disturbing i think... very informative note also... thanks attila...

all the best

korkut

vincz (19043) 2007-06-13 3:25

Beautiful light on these great constructions from the past. The colours of the buildings under this light are magnificent. The view is very well composed with the elegant tower of the church on the right hand side. A very good one.

vinicio (22416) 2007-06-13 3:57

Questi edifici sono incredibili e meravigliosi Attila, sia per il loro colore che per la loro architettura, un tuffo nel passato che non è mio ma che apprezzo, una piazza splendida, come la foto d'altronde, un ottimo controllo della luce e delle ombre in una bella prospettiva che abbraccia molto della piazza, complimenti.
Ciao
Vinicio

Angshu (33877) 2007-06-13 4:02

Hello Attila
Excellent composition of this incredible & stunning. The light is magical and helps the strong colors. Splendid work as always!
Best Regards
Angshu

Cricri (43304) 2007-06-13 4:52

Hi Attila,
Magnifique batiments riches en détails et couleurs, belle prise moitié ombre et lumiére, bon POV, belle présentation, compliment
Have a nice day
cricri

kiwi_explorer (12195) 2007-06-13 6:16

Hi Attila,
Wow ... what a building ... the architecture certainly makes a lasting statement. If this was was spectacular in the old days, it still looks great now. I'm glad they took effort to preserve this building as it offer a glimpse to our past. Well captured and composed ... excellent work! tfs
Cheers,
Renier

chrisnet (20376) 2007-06-13 6:56

Hello Attila,
Beautiful architecture well captured under a wonderful light, the framing is very well done, good work.
Best regards
Christian

danos (32812) 2007-06-13 8:54

Hello Attila,
ice the view of the architecture of houses in Riga.The beams of the sunset that falls on the half of the houses ,create a nice combination of light and shodows.It's a wonderful graphical place with very creative perspective.The colours are beautiful, your POV is first class and the light is excellent.Informative your note.Well done.
Regards,Danos

syd1946 (17931) 2007-06-13 12:58

Hi Attila,
Wonderful and very well composed image.I like the colours and the light but most of this excellent architecture you show us with post.The informative is an extra bonus for us to enjoy more the photo!
Greetings,
Thomas

manada (6237) 2007-06-13 14:18

Ciao grande Attila
che splendida architettura ci mostri stavolta..!
I colori delle costruzioni sono belissimi, resi ancora più caldi dal sole calante. Bellissima l'inquadratura, il posto deve essere proprio notevole.
I miei complimenti
Freddy

ocskaymarci (2508) 2007-06-13 14:41

Szia Attila!
Remek kép lett! :)
Tetszik, ahogy a lemenő nap utolsó sugarai meleg fénnyel vonják be ezeket a hangulatos épületeket. A legjobban azonban az élénk színek természetessége tetszik.
Minden jót,
Marci

anesugur (16930) 2007-06-13 17:22

Hi Attila,
Beautiful shot!
Great colors, light, POV and good composition. Very good job.
Best Regards. Uğur

izmirli (3223) 2007-06-13 19:41

merhaba my friend attila
wonderful interesting houses.wonderful light and colours.well done my friend.
best regards.
gürkan akçakır.

ahmetgedikli (21968) 2007-06-13 20:33

Hi Attila,
Beautiful architecture! Great light, colors and nice details. I like it.
Best wishes.
Ahmet

Graal (58267) 2007-06-14 2:20

Jó napot Attila,
very nice place and architecture. Interesting note. Well quality of photo. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

gildasjan (23959) 2007-06-14 4:20

Hello Attila
A very neat composition between shade and light. Beautiful balance of contrast and the colors.
Cheer.
Cordially
Gildas

Fis2 (46057) 2007-06-14 11:20

Witaj Attila!
Beautiful architecture, wonderful light. I like the frame and colors. Curious place. Good work.
Regards
Krzysztof

josepmarin (33861) 2007-06-14 13:14

Hi Attila,
You have caught a great moment, the low light of the Sun affects in this fantastic and elegant architecture and illuminates it with a few red tones that give it a great plastic beauty, and they accentuate its shapes and volumes.
The vertical ones work very well, contribute many geometry and slenderness to the set.
Beautiful photo, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

leo61 (43438) 2007-06-14 14:16

Hi Attila!
You Post not often,but when you do it`s apleasure view your images.
Great shot of this colorful architecture.Your POv is well choosen and the light is great.Even in the shade the colors are wonderful.
Regards,Leo

papagolf21 (56483) 2007-06-14 14:43

Bonsoir, mon ami Attila,
L'architecture baignée d'une douce lumière met en valeur la beauté de ces façades colorées, aux décors riches et étonnants.
Une très belle et très intéressante réalisation.
Un grand merci également pour la note richement documentée.
Amitiés.
Philippe

paura (38742) 2007-06-14 18:21

Amazing architecture details in this shot, Attila. Nice pov to show it. he towers are really nice.

Paulo

sufi (9568) 2007-06-14 20:07

Merhaba Attila, my friend...
First of all, the light and the contrast between the hot and the cold colors are perfect... Also perfect point of view... The clarity, the sharpness and the details on the houses are wonderful...
TFS...
Stay well..
Salim.

flory (4804) 2007-06-15 0:42

szia Attila,
attractive image give it by this warm light who touched the buildings..and of course,like their spectacular architecture;
best wishes,
flory

kermit350 (8988) 2007-06-15 5:26

Hello Attila,: the Room of the Black spots and the cathedral of St.Peter' S are ideally exposed, their architectural interest and their different time of construction make of them places rich person and the center of interest of this capital, the sight on this neat architecture is well returned to the image and really beautiful released once of the tourists which encumbers this kind of place, sincerely....................Hello Attila, : la Chambre des Points noirs et la cathédrale de St.Peter's sont idéalement exposé, leur intérêt architectural et leur différente époque de construction en font un lieux riche et le centre d’intérêt de cette capital, la vue sur cette architecture soignée est bien rendue à l’image et vraiment belle une fois dégagée des touristes qui encombre ce genre de lieu, bien amicalement

jhm (82879) 2007-06-15 7:11

Hello Attila,

Very difficult picture through the beneath part with shadow and the part above with very well the light. But it's a wonderful good picture the two splendid old buildings and the towers to the left care for wonderful composition. TFS.

I wish you a nice weekend,
John.

rossy85 (2865) 2007-06-15 9:32

Hi Attila,
Great colors of this magnificent architecture!!!
A really nice POV and perspective. Good composition, congratulations!

Thank you
Rossy

rigoletto (26424) 2007-06-15 12:40

Hi Attila,
Very beautiful architecture, and it was a nice moment of watching this beauty after reading your excellent note about Brothership of Blackheads. The evening light is soft and gentle, and reveals all that gorgeous details in warm tones. I loved how you covered whole of the square to its minute details. Congrats, thanks :)
Deniz

toto (18731) 2007-06-15 13:55

Belle photo de cette place superbe par ces constructions, sa lumière du soleil couchant, son beau ciel bleu. Magnifique cette photo. Amitiés Thomas

Henryk_Bilor (20367) 2007-06-15 19:30

Hi Attila
Lovely capture. Great composition and colours. Very interesting place.
Have a nice day.

turkamerikali (4772) 2007-06-16 13:13

Hi Attila,
Excellent Architecture shot my friend.
I like your pov,dof,focus,colors,note,framing,sharpness,lighting and blue sky.TFS
Have a Great Weekend :)
Tolga

Scharan (13955) 2007-06-16 20:30

Olá Attila

Uma foto deslumbrante nos mostrando estas belíssimas arquiteturas com tantos detalhes. Boa nitidez e cores lindas; Ótima luz, sombra e contraste marcante de cores. Trabalho fantástico meu amigo, parabéns!

Grande abraço,
Vera.

gilou530 (35422) 2007-06-19 17:20

salut attila
une lumiére magique qui éclaire cette facade bien typique de riga, ciel qui aide bien au belles couleurs beau travail
amitiés
gilbert

JCG (25531) 2007-06-23 13:51

Hi Attila,

Superb architectures that this beautiful light comes to emphasize. Image and point of view interesting just like the comment, cheer and thank you Attila.

With all my friendships and a good sunday,

Jean-Charles

rbcy1974 (20744) 2007-06-26 6:37

Hello Attila
Again another wonderful point of view to capture the beauty of this city. Great angle and great colours.
How did you manage to get so much detail in the shadows, did you do any post processing?
Regards
Daniel

AiresSantos (42440) 2007-06-27 2:32

Hi Attila,
Very gorgeous architecture in this nice composition.
Excellent use of the sun light, very well framed and done.
TFS and greetings
Aires

TeresaT (10733) 2007-06-30 15:07

Hello Attila,
Berauitful composition of this square with this gourgeous monuments so full of colours.
Perfect details of the buildings.
And I realaly like thisolden light of the end of the evening.
Regards
Teresa

Emile (20017) 2007-07-01 18:25

Hola Attila.
Very impressive and colorful buildings, you captured it very well from a good point of view, the architectures are beautiful, good frame and excellent colors and compo.
Well done. TFS.
Have a nice week.
Regards.

Tue (25608) 2007-07-02 12:53

Hej Attila,
What a fantastic view! The architecture is beautiful and has great colours. Also the light enhances a lot. I love the many fine details on the facades. Composition is good too. Well done! Lovely picture.
Regards,
Lars

edal (6581) 2007-07-26 14:07

Attila,
The late light you've chosen for this capture is exceptional in effect of revealing the beauty of this medieval place.
Friendly regards,
Anton

Edyta_B (1195) 2007-08-03 6:43

Hello Attila
You remind me my visiting in Lativia in Riga some years ago. I liked those old town with its historical buildings and first of all, with its wonderful atmosphere :).
So great capture of this place with beautiful colours and nice composition too.
Regards

P.S. Did you see a black cat on the roof of the one, old tenement house?... ;)

giorgimer (21322) 2007-08-10 0:33

Ciao Attila,

bellissima questa immagine, l'architettura dei palazzi è stupenda. Bei colori caldi, ottima luce.

Bravo!

Gio

zumoduvas (1974) 2008-01-12 8:58

Hello Attila.

Excellent picture, nice composition and colors.

Regards.
Jose Luis,

smartcat (835) 2008-03-03 7:57

Hello Attila!

Very impressive shot with very bright colors! And Riga is very beautiful!

KevRyan (22418) 2009-02-14 6:08

Beautiful buildings captured in such a stunning light - the balance of light in your photograph from shadows to this rich sunlight is very nicely realised.

bw Kev

Photo Information

Copyright: Attila Szili (atus) (15476)
Genre: Lugares
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-05
Categories: Arquitectura
Camera: Nikon D200, Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED AF-S VR, Hoya 72mm SuperHMC Pro 1 UV
Exposición: f/5.6, 1/125 segundos
More Photo Info: view
Versión de la foto: Versión original
Date Submitted: 2007-06-12 3:29