Gary Jones  

Ponte Vecchio Bridge by Gary Jones

August 2026 - Ponte Vecchio Bridge

About the Image(s)

The image was taken on May 13th, 2026, using a Canon R5, 14-105mm lens at 74mm and f/11. I use manual settings with auto ISO (160) and auto white balance. The shutter speed was 1/400.
The subject was the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence, Italy and was taken from the next bridge down on the Arno River. My goal with this photo was to try to get an image that reflected the unusual character of the bridge to emphasize its age and also the variety of uses for the bridge, some of which were shops the people crossing the bridge could visit. It was one of many bridges crossing the Arno River, but one of few for pedestrians.
I used Adobe Lightroom for post processing and performed a crop (after several different versions) and masks for the architecture, sky, and river.

6 comments posted

Butch Mazzuca   Butch Mazzuca
Gary - first of all, I love your image. I have a painting of the Ponte Vecchio Bridge hanging in my home office. Your image is well-composed and technically sound - nice job.

Your title is Ponte Vecchio Bridge so that's what I focused on in my VF. As noted, I love the image, it's an excellent depiction of the famous bridge and market, but I wanted to accentuate the subject so, I added texture, contrast and vibrance to the bridge and buildings, added a slight vignette centered on the bridge, cropped down because you have a very interesting sky that I was afraid would pull the viewer's attention, and then used the linear gradient in LrC to slightly darken the upper edge of the frame.

And finally used a bit of contrast on the water.   Posted: 08/13/2026 21:20:21
Comment Image
Gary Jones   Gary Jones
Thanks for your comments Butch. I looked at your version of the image and agree that the sky is interesting and could be a distraction. I plan to use the image in a club competition this fall and will do a bit more crop on that sky. I always appreciate your feedback and the options you present.   Posted: 08/21/2026 18:40:35
Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
Congratulations on a great image Gary. You've composed this scene very well with structures on both sides that balance the overall scene. While I acknowledge Butch's comments and alternate version, your image is very strong. It's a perfect example why we photographers should keep taking photos on cloudy and overcast days. A great job.   Posted: 08/21/2026 01:55:05
Gary Jones   Gary Jones
Thanks Ian, I do find the cloudy, overcast days provide good opportunities. I took this photo while on a cruise through the Mediterranean and as in the past, found that I had to take advantage of whatever opportunities were presented. Weather, crowds, or location weren't in my control.   Posted: 08/21/2026 18:43:11
Raymond Tice   Raymond Tice
Gary - Thanks for sharing that image as it does bring back memories of me trying to photograph the same bridge but it my case the sky was absolutely clear and I had to be there mid-day - so I much prefer your image. The colors are just right, the clouds a great background, and the crowd of people in the middle as well as the single boat add value to the photo. Ray   Posted: 08/24/2026 01:24:11
Gary Jones   Gary Jones
Thanks for you comments Ray. This particular day was my only opportunity to take an image of the bridge. I was in a travel group not focused on photography, so I had to take advantage of a walk across a neighboring bridge to take photos nearly each step of the way. I liked this one best as the bridge was centered (and the clouds did provide a good sky for me).   Posted: 08/24/2026 16:12:23

 

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