grand dark feeling of emptiness, a photo from Antwerpen, Flanders

Photographer's Note

This is the Grote Markt (Grand Market) of Antwerp virtually empty. A rare sight...

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The second corona wave now seems to have reached its peak in Belgium. Measures have been and are strict. They are particularly hard for hotels and the many bars, caf廥 and restaurants. Most shops are closed too. Just like in the first lockdown, the praline shops are still open and you can get takeaway coffee, if you know where to find it. I do manage to take some comfort in that.

Dark clouds above Antwerp, but the sunshine is breaking through.

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THIS PICTURE was shot during my stroll about town yesterday afternoon. If the good lord's willing and the creek don't rise, I'll post a closer view later on.

Take care and all the best to everyone here!

ikeharel, jean113, PaulVDV, Fis2, jhm, kasianowak, pajaran, jemaflor, papagolf21, Royaldevon, burmaman has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dta (98848) 2020-11-21 6:50

Hello Benny ,
Wow ! A most beautiful square , with the most amazing light and sky . This was a great oppoutunity for you .
Thanks for the share.

jean113 (27637) 2020-11-21 6:53

Hello Benny, the light is amazing, illuminating the beautiful facades of the distinctive Belgian buildings.
The dark threatening sky enhances the brightness of the sunshine.
What a perfect moment.
Kind regards,
Jean

CMJC (5093) 2020-11-21 6:56 [Comment]

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PaulVDV (62802) 2020-11-21 7:18

Hallo Benny,
De prachtige gevels en de Brabofontein baden in het sterke zonlicht. Onder een onheilspellende lucht en omgeven door donkere schaduwen krijgen zij alle aandacht.
Je beleefde een subliem moment op de Grote Markt!
Prettig weekend, Paul

Silvio1953 (220577) 2020-11-21 7:19

Ciao Benny, great parade of fascinating lighing facades, beautiful contrast against superb dark sky, wonderful colors, fine details, splendid light and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

holmertz (101980) 2020-11-21 7:34

Hello Benny,
The amazing light and the contrasting dark sky make the beautiful buildings shine like they were all made of gold. It's a stunning sight and captured with perfect exposure and sharpness.
The Covid situation in Belgium is really scary, even worse than in Sweden.:-(
Best regards,
Gert

Tue (91564) 2020-11-21 8:13

Hallo Benny,
Het bijna lege plein is inderdaad heel opvallend. Het felle zonlicht is schitterend op de oude gevels en de donkere wolken geven een prachtig contrast, Fantastische foto.
Lars

Fis2 (169709) 2020-11-21 9:03

Witaj Benny!
Interestingt square.
I like houses and statue.
Excellent light and colors.
Photo has atmosphere.
Well done.
Nice weekend.
Krzysztof

jhm (211734) 2020-11-21 9:28

Goedenavond Benny,

Voor ik uw tekst las dacht ik minder dan tien mensen op de Groenplaats dat is onmogelijk
Dit op een vrijdag namiddag, maar inderdaad er is niet open.
Normaal gingen we bijna iedere dag een koffie drinken, tijdens onze fietstocht, maar de laatste was op 29/02/2020.
Echte oorlogssituatie, vlak na de oorlog als kleine jongen, was er niets, en nu is er alles, maar we kunnen er niet aan.
Ik heb jaren terug mooie beelden gemaakt op de Groenplaats, Antwerpen heeft veel mooie gebouwen.
Maar het zal nog lang roeien zijn met de riemen dat men heeft, corona is voor veel mensen een dooddoener.
Goed foto werk Benny, bedankt.

Groeten uit Oost-Vlaanderen,
John

lousat (138599) 2020-11-21 10:00

Hi Benny, our friend Denis "dta" will be jealous of your pic,this is the best situation that he like. When the sun kiss the facades and there are dark clouds in the sky,the result is always great. And with this wonderful scenery,more and more. The pic of the day on TE,direct in my prefered! Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

kasianowak (17672) 2020-11-21 10:48

Hi Benny
I certainly don't remember this square so empty but the real drama in your image comes from the contrasting light and the stormy sky. The beautiful and wonderfully lit gabled buildings really stand out on the dark background.
Never mind the coffee but it would break my heart if I couldn't buy the amazing Belgian chocolates...
Best wishes
Kasia

jemaflor (146274) 2020-11-21 23:16

Hi Benny,
Great architecture with these facades and excellent photogenic effect with te contrast between this warm sunlight and the cloudy sky,well captured and presented, tfs.

papagolf21 (152605) 2020-11-21 23:19

Bonjour, cher Benny,
Inutile de faire de longues phrases, tout est dit � travers cette prise de vue.
Excellent, tout simplement.
Amiti廥.
Philippe

emka (157280) 2020-11-22 0:01

Hello Benny, Incredible, stunning composition. Fantastic light like before (or after) the storm, with the beautiful tenements well illuminated and the very dark clouds behind them. And a rare view of the empty square. Excellent reportage in the corona times.
Best regards MAlgo

Royaldevon (85606) 2020-11-22 1:54

Hello Benny,

Conditions have been similar in our area. I am worried that many small, independent businesses will not survive the lockdowns!

On the plus side, without lots of people to negotiate, you have been able to achieve this remarkable shot of the Grand Market.
The lighting is amazing, with such strong contrasts: sunlight on the building, ominous dark clouds behind.

Have a good Sunday,
Bev :-)

vjmite (6514) 2020-11-22 2:05

Hi Benny,
Very dramatic lighting here, with the dark sky above the beautiful old buildings glowing in the low sun. Sharpness and light control are excellent.
Vince

ktanska (44464) 2020-11-22 3:50

Hi Benny,
Fantastic low angle afternoon light. Those dark clouds provide impressive background. And those facades are unique. Yes, I can imagine that on a normal year you would never see this place with so few people.
Kari

burmaman (1336) 2020-11-22 10:27

Hello Benny!
Magic light , a dramatic sky and these wonderful old houses makes this a fantastic shot .Thanks to Corona we can see only few people.Otherwise these touristic spots are crowded.Very well seen and managed.
Regards,Ronny
Stay healthy!

abmdsudi (95869) 2020-11-23 8:33

Hi Benny
You can't beat warm light against a dark broody sky which adds lot of impact to the image. It's gorgeous architectural show well blended, Congrats
Best regards