Commentary:

There can be little doubt that a visit to Barcelona, capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second largest city, is a cultural pilgrimage. A veritable and venerable city, Barcelona shocks and rocks in what is probably roughly equal measure. Antoni Gaudi, perhaps Barcelona’s pre-eminent architectural giant, has left his mark widely across the city; Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia arguably being the twin-towers of his reign.

Yet despite being a city of great architectural extravagance as well as a hub for finance, media, arts and trade, a trip to Barcelona can leave you high and dry and, if not exactly stranded, certainly robbed of your prized possessions. The world-famous, light-fingered itinerants operating on La Ramblas, Barcelona’s principal pedestrian thorough fare don’t discriminate too widely; these are true pros; expect no mercy. That said, not everyone is fleeced - just those who appear more gullible and/or less alert – you have been warned!

As a photog visiting Barcelona it was Gaudi’s work that attracted me. Stated simply, it’s stunning – it alone should keep Easy Jet and Ryan Air in business for the foreseeable! The c.43 acres of Park Guell is a magical marvel, a real visual treat. The detail is enchanting. Yet it pales into insignificance when compared to the Sagrada Familia. Started a staggering 128 years ago, and currently scheduled for completion in 2026, the Sagrada Familia is a must-visit – a living colossus. Dropping your hard-earned Euro into the admissions pot also gives a rosy glow knowing that your bucks are being used to complete the construction of one of the world’s stand-out cathedrals. If I had a diary for 2026, I’d pencil in a return visit straight away...

The challenge facing any photographic endeavour in Barcelona is how the shoot your chosen subject given the massive numbers of people that are always milling around. It’s a frustrating business cutting out the clutter. Perhaps it’s best to celebrate their existence and include the crowds in the shots. I wanted to capture something a little different so I hung outside the Sagrada Familia after closing time to see what happened. In the end had to wait till well after dusk until the crowds had died down and there were but a few folks left contemplating the emerging grandeur of the Sagrada Familia. With support from a conveniently placed portable loo I shot a series of frames but the one featured is my favourite. The young couple provided the main human interest and scale whilst the car trails add a hint of big-city life. I don’t even mind the obvious construction paraphernalia - they too are part of the narrative…

Capture Notes:

Nikon D300, 12-24mm AFS f4, 2 secs @ f10, ISO 400, matrix metering with D-Lighting helping to lift the dim lighting on the towers.

Keywords:

Barcelona, culture, capital of Catalonia, travel photography, Gaudi, Sagrada Familia