I took this picture in 2006. Already for some time I had been planning to create a photographic reportage on the island of Ventotene, the smallest municipality in central Italy, having been a of vital importance at the time of the Roman Empire. The island has volcanic origins, and it is geographically a part of the Pontine islands, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast and on the border between Lazio and Campania.
The island can be explored entirely by foot thanks to its limited size. It is known for its crystal clear sea full of life (a paradise for divers and snorkelers). Lush vegetation around the island attracts migratory birds, so have your camera ready!
Resting beneath the town is Cala Nave Bay, with a beach and a tunnel that links it to the port. It is also possible to get a boat and reach the near S. Stefano Island and its famous Bourbon’s Prisons or just continue a circumnavigation of the Island from Punta Eolo to Punta Arco.
Upon arrival at the Roman port, built to facilitate moorings even in unfavorable weather conditions, I was greeted by a multicolored village, crossed by narrow streets that led towards the countryside where all the houses had their own vegetable gardens, orchards and vineyards. In front of the Roman port, the “Rampa Marina” of Bourbon origins made a fine show, of which I took the very first photo of the day and which would also become the most interesting subject of my reportage.
At first I was attracted to its bright yellow color, then to the geometries – in particular to its diagonal lines which are a powerful photographic composition tool. I devote attention to the search of the right composition, it is essential to express really photographic language. As Edward Weston said, “A good composition is the strongest way of seeing things”.
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
When I arrived at the Ventotene island, and observed the scene, I was immediately attracted to the diagonal lines of the staircase, that had created movement and transmitted energy, capable of guiding the eye from one point to another in the image. The yellow color really represented the summer, the season when took this photograph.
If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
I would like to change the shooting time, because I prefer the warm light when the sun rises: the sunlight could project long shadows of the people walking on the steps.
Franco Cappellari shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Franco Cappellari, Venafro, Italy
Equipment and Settings
Nikon D2X, Nikkor 24-70mm AF-S f/2.8 G ED
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