Trip to Torre dos Clérigos - Porto | Portugal
Today we will have a glimpse of a panoramic and aerial landscape of Oporto city and the most interesting thing is that it was not necessary to acquire a drone to get these images :P
It´s true that I would not mind having a drone to take some aerial images that would surely be quite interesting, especially in this city full of colors and contrasts, but as I have not "unfortunately" I decided to make a brief visit to this famous Tower "Torre dos Clérigos" and once there I gained breath to climb its 225 steps to the top of its 75 meters where we have a 360 ° view of the entire city.
On the way up we can still see up close the 49 bells that make up the great concert chime, which when touched can be heard from miles away.
The architectural complex of the Tower and Church was built between 1754 and 1763, a Baroque-inspired building classified as a National Monument since 1910 and which from that time to the present, mark the urban configuration of Oporto city, a must to visit for those who travel here.
I believe many Portuenses have not yet climbed its staircase, so this advice isn´t only for foreigners but also for residents, so that from that place have a sense of the landscape and the architectural layout of the entire city and surrounding area.
It is true that it is not a very tall tower, but the fact that it was built on top of a hill puts us in a privileged position to look at the horizon without hindrance, and seeing from above, gives a very interesting feature from the visual aspect that is routinely familiar to us, the gardens of Cordoaria, the University of Porto, the descent to Avenida dos Aliados, the Sé Cathedral in the background, a glimpse of the river Douro and Gaia is just on the other side.
Let's now move onto some of these shots:
For those who don't like heights and prefer to have their feet grounded, you can always visit The Museum "Museu da Irmandade dos Clérigos", which is housed in the same building, full of cultural assets of considerable artistic value, including collections of sculpture, painting, furniture and jewelery, thus preserving the historical and cultural heritage.
It was a quick visit on a little sunny day, but still very fruitful, although it is not possible to stay on top for a long time, since people are always rising and the balconies are relatively small, so we have to give each other a turn, but undoubtedly a beautiful experience.
That´s all for today :)
**See you soon**
Thank you for watching :)
**All photos presented in this article are my own**
@aleister
Trip to Sanxenxo - Galicia | Spain
Hi everyone :)
Today let´s take a walk through Sanxenxo, a Spanish municipality located in the province of Pontevedra in Galicia.
The pics I share today were taken during a short family vacation spent in this locality, chosen because of the reputation of its beautiful landscapes, history, culture and also for its proximity to my residence.
This last factor was decisive due to the available days.
After some research into this geographical region, we are presented with all sorts of stories dating back several centuries BC, ranging from Roman colonization to the passing of the Phoenician, Celtic, Nordic and even Muslim peoples.
History is based on various archaeological materials found in this part of the current municipality of Sanxenxo with over 4,000 years old and much of the movement in this area of the globe was due to its geographical location, strategically located on the northern side of the Ria de Pontevedra, that allowed to control the entry of any ship in the Ria.
Agriculture and fishing remain the economic engine of the region although Sanxenxo has become over the last century, and especially since the 1960s, a prime tourist destination due to its mild climate, beautiful Galician Rias and all The beauty of the region and the large number of excellent beaches make this region a place of rest, resorts and leisure.
Everyone knows that tourism helps to boost investment and development in the region, and the difference between the small fishing village and the whole tourist-oriented structure that is currently presented to us is notorious, and sometimes this is the focus that unfortunately make us lost contact with cultural roots.
The beaches are excellent, the water calm and mild, natural property caused by the protection of the basin, the locals are very hospitable, the cuisine is excellent and through the whole cluster of apartments facing the beach, we still have the possibility to stroll through narrow streets and small, strictly restored granite houses.
It was on one of these sidewalks that we came across an activist intervention located on a small sandbar near the marina aimed at collecting signatures for a petition in an attempt to prevent a small natural beach from being destroyed in order to expand the nearby marina next door.
In this tour I also had the opportunity to register some very interesting statues.
The statue with the curious name “Hola Margarita” was carved by Galician sculptor (from Ourense) Acisclo Manzano, a disciple of another of the great Galician sculptors Francisco Asorey and was installed in 2003 in a small gazebo near the Marina.
Next to it and looking towards the sea we can see “La Madamma de Silgar” the most famous statue of Sanxenxo, the work of Galician artist Alfonso Lamelas Vilar, born in 1927 and author of most of Galicia's public works and whose shape has become a City icon.
Nearby, further afield in a large open area we can find the Atlante Sculpture, located next to Praça do Mar, in the nerve center of the city, this huge sculpture by Francisco Leiro is 14 feet long, 4 meters high and 4 wide, and representing Atlantis, a Greek god who legend has it, lived in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
It's an impressive work of 20,000 pounds and the parts that make up your body are joined together, making it look like a puzzle.
Last but not least, the also famous Aviador statue, located in a small square at the beginning of the Silgar beach promenade, installed in 2002, by Afonso Vilar.
This work portrays José Piñeiro Gonzalez, the first aviator born in Ferrol, Galicia, in 1878, who became famous for his “Vôo da Gaivota”.
During the night there are many places that are designed to provide fun, but it is on the street that people like to get together, on the waterfront, on the beach, take long evening walks or just stand by the window watching the band go by.
That´s all for today :)
**See you soon**
Thank you for watching :)
**All photos presented in this article are my own**
@aleister
Macro Photography Session - Still life and living nature
Hi everyone
Back to another session of macro photography.
Today, this scenario I present to you show the contrast between still life and living nature, the natural cycle of our ecosystem.
In the same place we can find decaying dead plants and from their base the blossoming of a new plant.
A cohabitation between plant and animal nature.
The summer season has been long and dry, but now that we have entered the fall season, the first drops of rain begin to transform all this previous decomposition into new life.
This is the natural cycle of things, the coexistence between death and life and how they complete and complement each other.
In some places the decaying plants are still isolated from animal and plant life, in other places we can already see new plants born from the base of those that once exhibited their essence, among them small insects that are making their lives there. In conclusion, an explosion of life in its most varied forms in a place that at first glance is dry, dead, but in fact there's a whole hustle and bustle that runs under our feet day after day ... just look down carefully
For this session i used this macro lens for my mobile:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's move onto the result:
Starting by still life and passing to living nature, including some insects :P
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/1250 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400
F-stop: f/3 | Exposure time: 1/1000 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/800 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/800 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/600 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/400 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 600
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/450 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 600
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/400 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/800 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 600
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/100 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800
F-stop: f/3 | Exposure time: 1/600 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/300 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400
F-stop: f/2 | Exposure time: 1/400 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400
That´s all for today :)
See you soon
Thank you for watching :)
All photos presented in this article are my own
@aleister
Trip to Odeceixe - Aljezur | Portugal
Hi everyone :)
Still discovering the Vincentine coast, located in the Nature Park of Southwest Alentejo we can find the quiet village of Odeceixe on the south bank of Ribeira de Seixe that marks the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo.
With an area of approximately 42 km², the village has a population of around 900, although this number varies greatly due to the bathing seasons that attract many tourists looking to spend a beautiful moment of serenity and tranquility in communion with nature.
We arrived after the festivities of popular saints, which are very characteristic of these rural spaces, but still in time to see some adornments that remained exposed to decorate the narrow streets that cross the village in zigzags.
With or without adornment, it will always be worth burning a few calories and taking a stroll through the village that presents us with a very picturesque architecture characteristic of the Algarve villages as well as beautiful cafes, restaurants and shops full of souvenirs and typical marine-inspired crafts such as jewelry. ethnic, bags, hats etc
There we can also find a wine museum, which was closed "unfortunately" during our visit.
There is also a windmill well known on those sides.
Usually people enter the village from the bottom by the Ribeira de Seixe, and to visit the windmill you have to take a long walk uphill, as the mill is at the highest point of the village and along the way you can see up close those little houses painted white with blue yellow or purple lines around the windows and doors and at the end of the climb all the effort is rewarded by the view across the valley.
The mill was built in 1898 and is still used today to grind corn and wheat.
In our case, as we came from Aljezur, we already reached the top of the village and it was just taking advantage of gravity to let us take the slope down to the center where we had a beautiful seafood lunch and let ourselves rest and digest, left over, sure :)
Even there in the village it was possible to become aware of a reality that raises serious concerns, not only for the locals but also for all those who worry about the environment due to the news about the intention of oil prospecting in the Algarve.
Fortunately the Court has halted oil drilling but environmentalists promised to continue the fight ... hopefully whatever the final decision, the environment will not be harmed once again by negligent human action.
This is the perfect place to sunbathe, lying on the sand without moving a muscle, moving on for a nice swim in the choppy waters and doing some nautic sports like surf...
...or choosing to turn right into the river and enjoy the calm and warm water where we can usually practice Stand Up Paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking between many others activities..
There we have 2 realities in one ... I already forgot, we can also turn left, in fact, we can always turn left, but attention, in this place turning left is only for the bravest because there, separated by some rocks, located just south of Odeceixe beach we have Adegas beach...
...an official nudist beach... and to get there just walk a little at low tide, because there is nothing to stop you from going there except for high tide, and without knowing it was there that we ended up: P
As it is understandable, there are no photos to share :( :P
Already with our feet out of the sand, we can walk through the fishermen's trail "Trilha do Pescador" consisting of four sections and five additional circuits along the cliffs with a total of 120 km, not advisable to those afraid of heights.
There is also the historic path " Caminho Histórico" which links towns and villages along a rural trail.
Whichever trail you choose, the nature park is a great place to go hiking.
That´s all for today :)
See you soon
Thank you for watching :)
All photos presented in this article are my own
@aleister
Trip to "Portugal dos Pequenitos" Coimbra | Portugal
**Hello Everyone**
One more trip around Portugal, this time a trip to a smaller Portugal, one of those that stick in our memory due to surprise, difference and history.
One of those places that remind me of my childhood and today i´m proud to visit it with my family, especially with my daughter.
A space that arouses curiosity and provides fun, not only for children but also for adults.
"Portugal dos Pequenitos" is a playful-pedagogical park intended mainly for children, inaugurated in the city of Coimbra in 1940, conceived by surgeon, professor and philanthropist Bissaya Barreto and designed by architect Cassiano Branco.
In this space that is still considered a historical and pedagogical reference for many generations, the sculptural and architectural art is represented through miniature and detail, enchanting children, young people and adults, also representing the Portuguese presence in the world, the approximation of cultures and crossing between peoples.
The park is made up of several thematic areas, including the representative area of Portuguese-speaking countries, which is at the beginning of the park.
Here we can visit several houses of ethnographic and monumental representation surrounded by vegetation of each region such as Brazil, Macau, Timor and India.
It was very interesting to watch my daughter's reaction to see all those very typical utensils of each region and to demonstrate the typical curiosity of a 5 year old child full of questions about a reality and culture different from ours in various aspects.
Continuing through the right side, we will go through the Portuguese-speaking countries until entering the new thematic area that represents Insular Portugal with its monuments representing the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores.
These small buildings are symbolically surrounded by large lakes in reference to the islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
Ahead there is a huge mural depicting all the sea routes used by Portuguese navigators in their adventures through unknown lands, and it´s this same mural that separates this initial area from the next thematic area where the Monumental Portugal is represented through the main monuments of the country.
Next to this area there is a special highlight to the core of Coimbra, with the representation of the main monuments of the city, namely its prestigious University.
In the center there is a nice square where people usually gather to enjoy the surrounding space, to talk and relax.
In this same space we can enter small museums with exhibition of small miniature pieces.
In this first I think it is a space for alternate exhibitions related to different themes, in this case related to period furniture, everything in miniature of course.
Across the square we have the Costume Museum "Museu do Traje", in this case the exhibition is permanent and here we can see an exhibition of around 300 miniature garments representing the evolution of the trend over time, scenes of Portuguese daily life and some significant props.
All these works were made by hand around the year 1950.
And to finalize the thematic areas we have the regional houses, the space most desired by the children and it will be easy to understand why through the photos.
The small scale and the particularity of each of these traditional houses provoke a hysteria and joy in children completely understandable and nostalgically recognizable by those who have been children and lived here some beautiful moments… yes, I am talking about myself: P
At the end of the park we have a very nice green area with greenery, shadows and very interesting artistic installations, as this example that I show you in the following photo, being a very funny place to record some beautiful family moments to remember later.
In this same space there are various recreational and educational activities, taking as reference the cultural heritage of "Portugal dos Pequenitos" in different areas, namely, history, architecture, arts and environment.
This space also has an educational service open to reflection, dialogue, debate and creative experimentation in the field of education and culture, instilling values of citizenship and development, namely, the importance of preserving the material and immaterial heritage as the identity of a people.
In conclusion, one of those meaningful places where you have fun, grow up, take root and want to come back.
Super advisable to visit ;)
**See you soon**
Thank you for watching :)
**All photos presented in this article are my own**
@aleister
Trip to Serralves - Porto | Portugal
Today is the day to go for a walk around Serralves.
There have been many visits for various purposes, some for photo shoots, taking advantage of the stunning scenery of the surrounding park, others simply for walk and spending pleasant moments with the family and others to attend cultural events.
All the space results in a foundation that brings together the house of Serralves, the Museum of Contemporary Art and a huge park.
The main objective of this foundation is to stimulate public interest and knowledge for contemporary art, architecture, landscape and critical themes for society and its future, being recognized today as one of the main Portuguese cultural institutions and the most relevant in Northern Portugal resulting in classification as National Monument.
In this virtual tour I will share a compilation of photographic records made over different occasions and events ...
Unfortunately I could not find in the trunk some of the photos I took from house and the Museum but fortunately I found several taken in different places of the park during various cultural events :)
In fact, I found a single shot to one of the building's exterior facades at a very peculiar angle
Inside we can find Author Collections and works by the most renowned artists of our days, temporary exhibitions, educational programs, public sessions, music, dance and performance shows.
The Museum promotes the enjoyment and understanding of contemporary art and culture and strengthens ties with the local community and promotes reflection around the relationships between art and the environment.
The activities recorded and shared here were carried out outdoors, spread over the 18 hectares of the park between formal gardens, woods and a traditional farm linked by circuits with different paths along which it is possible to appreciate the diversity of its tree and shrub heritage.
These records range from punctual walks, the famous autumn festival to Serralves em Festa where Serralves is celebrated as an inclusive space of contemporary art and culture, incorporating the thinking and practices related to the reflection on the environment and the landscape.
For 50 consecutive hours, this party has hundreds of events such as music, dance, theater, performance and contemporary circus, museum exhibitions, film, video, photography and numerous workshops, a true amusement park for those who love culture.
And now mixing a little of everything I share a few more records
I loved the scenario that follows, the images alone already give rise to imagination and to question what happened there, in fact it was a mute representative performance that boiled down to explore human behaviors, including vanity
If you can, do not miss the opportunity to know this special place and preferably pay attention to the schedule and take advantage of a great event to attend, surely you will not regret.
That´s all for today :)
**See you soon**
Thank you for watching :)
**All photos presented in this article are my own**
@aleister
Trip to Arrifana - Aljezur | Portugal
Go outside, inside!
This has been the motto lately.
And inside, there is so much to explore and to know despite the small size of this country.
It´s no longer new to those who know me that Alentejo is one of my favorite places in Portugal, but this time we chose to go a little further down the Vincentina coast and get to know Arrifana, a locality that belongs to the municipality of Aljezur, on the border between Alentejo and the Algarve.
Although situated in a very tourist-friendly area, whether due to its proximity to the Algarve or to many well-known places on the Vicentina coast, this friendly and welcoming village still retains an authenticity and popular customs already hard to find in a seaside location.
There, whether on the beaches, on the trails or in the village, calm and tranquility are everywhere.
Traces of the prehistoric past attest to the importance of this place for various peoples with evidence dating back to 7000 years BC - late Ice Age
Aljezur was founded in the X century by the Arabs, and it is from this period (X-XIII centuries) that reserves the greatest archaeological splendor of the municipality of Aljezur.
Since it was founded, history has gone through a series of battles and achievements that result in what we can find today, even a past episode during World War II took place here during an air combat between Nazi Germans and Allied forcess, which resulted in the death of 7 German pilots who were buried here.
Before moving forward to the place where we stayed, closer to Arrifana beach, we took a walk around the village and of course we had to visit the Aljezur Castle, the last Arab stronghold to surrender to the Christian forces in the year 1249 and is now considered a monument of public interest.
There is a legend that tells how the castle was conquered to the Arabs by the Christian knights...
In a nutshell, one of the Christian knights had fallen in love with an Arab girl named Mareares and was this young girl who told the knight that his companions were not missing the Holy Bath on the morning of June 24 at Praia da Amoreira "Amoreira Beach".
It was based on this privileged information that was organized the occupation of the castle, the rest is history :)
It was time to move forward to the coast and finally get to know the famous Arrifana beach, set in an area of high ecological importance and rare natural beauty surrounded by shale cliffs.
It´s on this beach that lies a huge vertical rock in the sea called “Pedra da Agulha”, which has become an icon of the southwest coast :)
North of the beach, next to Arrifana Fortress, you can enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views of the Costa Vicentina.
This beach is excellent and popular for nautical sports such as diving, windsurfing, bodyboard and of course, surfing :P
Concluding
With a diverse natural heritage and "wild" natural scenery, Aljezur is an alternative destination for tourist massification, and i loved the time spent there.
Now... Nostalgia :P
Thanks for watching
@aleister
Trip to Bom Jesus do Monte - Braga | Portugal
This time let´s travel to Bom Jesus do Monte located in Braga - Portugal
Is here where the recently considered UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sanctuary is situated.
Although it was not the reason for this visit, it is something that worth appreciating for both architectural and spiritual dimension.
Bom Jesus Sanctuary is one of the most recognized monuments of the city of Braga, whether by the Christian faith or the view over the city.
The ensemble is part of the Basilica, which was upgraded to this category in 2015, a stairway referring to the Way of the Cross with a difference of 116 meters, divided into three sections in a zigzag path, a funicular, a forest that is transformed into a park and a recreation area with restaurants and hotels.
The present Sanctuary, one of the first constructions in Portuguese neoclassical style, had its first stone laid on June 1, 1784 and finished in 1811.
I was a child and my parents took me to visit this magical place, and still today i remember the park, the lake with its rowing boats, the forest walks, the huge staircase with all its fountains and chapels and the tireless running up and down and of course, I remember the elevator or as it is called, the funicular.
On this trip the roles were reversed and it was my turn to bring my daughter to share with her this experience which for her was a novelty and for me a continuous nostalgic feeling in every step and look.
We start from the top of the hill, in the park area that is located at the back of the building with a wall that surrounds it, limiting the area of the sanctuary.
The park is inserted in the forest with a diverse rarities of vegetation full of small and narrow paths that run through various caves, lakes and viewpoints.
The water element is fundamental in this space. Being one of the fundamental elements of human life, with this idea reached in the stairway, with water also serving as the basis for the respective sources.
Arriving at one of the ex-libris of the place, the funicular, was a real fun for children and adults that I know will be in the memory of anyone present for a long long time.
This unique lift has been in operation since 25 March 1883, and is currently the oldest funicular in the world in operation using water counterweights.
The cabin tank at the top of the course is filled with water to make the other cabin climb the slope through the weight difference, and the water is emptied when it reaches the bottom.
The funicular runs parallel to the staircase of the Sanctuary up the hill. It has a slope of 42% and more than 100 meters of difference, in a course of 274 meters.
This trip “had a special flavor” was a step back to the past and a boost for the future as i did it along with those I love.
Rails and water are noises that accompany the trip through the funicular that not everyone notices how it moves.
To finish this trip, a greeting to the Mr president of the Republic that was around the place and one see you later :D
A trip that definitely worth it
**All photos presented in this article are my own**
That´s all for today
Thanks for watching
@aleister
Going for a walk around Porto Corvo - Portugal
Today we are going for a walk around a place that, like my beautiful small country, is a sea-side garden!
Welcome to Porto Covo :)
It is such a special place that it even has a dedicated song:
"Ao longe a cidadela de um navio
Acende-se no mar como um desejo
Por trás de mim o bafo do destino
Devolve-me à lembrança do Alentejo"
"Havia um pessegueiro na ilha
Plantado por um Vizir de Odemira
Que dizem que por amor se matou novo
Aqui, no lugar de Porto Côvo"
Rui Veloso
For obvious reasons I will not translate the lyrics because it would lose all the semantic :P
The letter ends in a slightly tragic way, but we can't stop thinking about this song when we visit this beautiful village of Portugal, by the way, many people got to know this place in Vicentina coast, thanks to this song.
Whenever I spend time there, it never disappoints, i can say that in Alentejo we can live the slow life style, which does not mean that it is a pampering.
The village itself is not very large, but it is very cozy.
It has a small square where every day and night we can see people relaxing eating and walking, reading books and watching the kids playing in the street.
Nowadays it is not very usual to see children playing in the street, and it is great to be able to appreciate that freedom.
Here we can find the famous Pessegueiro Island, which Rui Veloso talks about in his song, although reversing the meaning of the words “um pessegueiro na Ilha”.
During those days there, from the beach of Pessegueiro Island also known as island beach, we had the opportunity to watch some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen adding to that beautiful event all the birds returning to the island to stay overnight while the sun goes down.
The island lies in the Natural Park of South-West Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina. and was once used as a base for a small fishing center, as evidenced by some ruins that have survived to this day.
There was also an attempt to turn it into a small fort against privateers attacks, at a time when invasions were fashionable.
Today is just something beautiful to see, and the house of all those birds.
All this surrounded by warm and arid landscapes always losing sight with those characteristic tones and smells.
A junction between toasted plains, cliffs, beach ...
I love the beach, and as an accredited member of the “sand in the foot” club I can guarantee and prove that the Vicentine coast has the most beautiful, clean and preserved beaches on the planet, see my luck: D
Although I'm from the north of the country, I jump on my way and when I find myself, I'm already bathing in those crystal clear waters, until I have cramps or until my skin is soaked with so much sauce. For those who are part of the club, the Vicentina coast is a dream.
As enjoying the beach is not synonymous with toasting in the sun, we have the possibility to visit several beaches a day along the coast, there are many, almost all surrounded by beautiful cliffs (so far safe, rare exceptions) and even finding authentic deserted paradises, without a living soul besides fishes, have you ever imagined? Like, a beach just for you? It's a real dream for those parts.
The water is a greenish blue, warm and mostly calm.
The arrival to the beach is always through wooden stairs, placed on the slopes, some so extensive that we enjoy and on the way we are already warming up
It is in the north of the country that we can enjoy the best cuisine of our country is true :P but if we know how to search, even in the south we can find restaurants and small bars where we eat and lick our fingers.
We found a restaurant, in the middle of nowhere, we had to follow a dirt road, always keeping an eye on the ostriches that accompanied us all the way, always looking curious.
I ate the best "redenho" of my life (to this day I haven't eaten better)
The seafood restaurants are the strong point of the area, for more than obvious reasons, where the sea is king and lord, most people live from the sea, and always have fresh seafood ready to go to the table.
No, i don´t have photos from food :P
Well, nostalgia now
**All photos presented in this article are my own**
Thanks for watching
@aleister https://beta.cent.co/@aleister
#1 Macro Photography Session | General view of erosion
Hi everyone
Back to another session of macro photography.
Today I present the "first" #1 pack of macros a little heavy.
I found this object already forgotten and when I analyzed it in a macro register I found a new world at every angle...
This shell, which seems to me to be a conch, was collected in a beach of the Vicentine coast in Portugal and has remained forgotten to this day.
When I found it and saved it I already knew that one day I would do a macro record due to the interesting details it presents.
Interestingly, in this case, the alien scenario stems from erosion and the circumstance caused by time.
Regarding the shoots, it's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Before moving onto the result...
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
To be continued...
These photos weren't taken with a tripod.
Thanks for watching
@aleister https://beta.cent.co/@aleister
**Contact me if you need some:**
Trip through "Parque Biológico de Gaia"
Today I ask you to join me on this virtual trip through "Parque Biológico de Gaia".
Starting with this panorama right at the entrance, which as you might guess is a sweet treat for children as well as adults.
This Park is a small protected nature reserve located along the river Febros valley in Vila Nova de Gaia - Portugal.
Its main objective is to understand the landscape of the region, including all its components (flora, fauna, climate, rural architecture, uses and customs, hydrography, etc.), and the contrast between this agroforestry landscape and the urban environment.
It´s here, in this small reserve with an area of approximately 50 hectares that we can find the first permanent center for Environmental Education in Portugal, as well as a center for wildlife endangerment, which treats and restores nature as soon as they are in good condition to survive and also a nursery that annually produces thousands of plants to more than 300 species, destined for the Park itself and the public green spaces of the municipality of Gaia.
By walking the beautiful nature discovery route, with about 3 km, we can contemplate and interact with various animal species that live in captivity and semi-captivity, thus enabling a unique experience of live contact with the wildlife of the park.
You may be thinking of a kind of zoo, but far from this theme, this space is a sanctuary for the existence and preservation of wildlife and ancient customs.
This visit was made with family and a couple of friends and I strongly advise for those who have opportunity to visit.
At that time I did not think of making a detailed record for sharing here later, so I did not take many pictures but on the other hand, I completely lived the experience without major distractions.
Along the way we passed a village with typical houses of the region, windmills and organic gardens and had the opportunity to taste some of the vegetables and fruits that were produced there.
I thought it had been half an hour but actually we had been there for 2 hours, time stops completely when you are entertained and engaged in such environment, completely isolated from the frenzy of the city and that's when we came up with this landmark...
... and it was from here that the photos were completely finished and it was time to enjoy the rest of the path till the end ;)
I hope you enjoyed and if you have the opportunity, be sure to visit and live this experience.
Address:
Rua da Cunha
4430-757 Avintes (Vila Nova de Gaia) | Portugal
Website: http://www.parquebiologico.pt
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/TNJEkgj78WZrJYue9
**All photos presented in this article are my own**
Thanks for watching
@aleister
**Contact me if you need some:**
Abstract Macro Photography Session | Dead Matter
Hi everyone
When the dimension is macro, practically all subjects serve as a model because it is in the details that we find the most varied perspectives and surprises, but today I had to resort to my first aid kit, my frame of dead matter which always results in a new abstract macro session.
Maintaining a neutral tone, almost monochromatic with contrasts between different textures and distances, the essence of the abstract lies in the blurred background.
Without more delays, let me present some of the dead models in a frame.
**My introductory thoughts about macro photography:**
It's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Before moving onto the result...
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
These photos weren't taken with a tripod.
Thanks for watching
@aleister
**Contact me if you need some:**
Music Production || Octopus - Aleister
https://soundcloud.com/aleister-cr/music-production-octopus-aleister
Hi everyone
About the software i use to create these tracks:
**DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Reason Propellerhead**
Reason is a digital audio workstation "DAW" developed by the Swedish company Propellerhead Software.
This software simulates a rack of signal processors, hardware synthesizers, , mixers, etc., thus mimicking the actual operation of electronic music production.
**You can try Reason free for 30 days** **here** https://www.propellerheads.com/en/reason/tryreason
Below you can see some of the virtual devices used in this production:
Devices
Redrum Drum Computer
Drum machine built-in pattern sequencer, ten sample playback channels and a huge library of drum kits
**Malström Graintable Synthesizer**
Synthesizer using Graintable technology that is a cross between granular synthesis and good old wavetable synthesis.
Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player
Reason’s loop player with audio loops that have been sliced into their rhythmic components.
Thor Polysonic Synthesizer
This unique synthesizer features six different oscillator types and four unique filters allowing you to dial in synth sounds that are completely new.
**Effects**
Spider
Unison
Digital Delay Line
Scream 4 Distortion
Compressor
Credits to Background image used in cover:
Photo by Isabel Galvez on Unsplash
Thanks for listening
@aleister
**Please contact me if you need some:**
Here we go for the #2 signature to promote read.cash
Hi everyone
Just made another signature for read.cash.
I will now use this one to promote my affiliate link in another platform with some Adpacks.
Let´s see the result
For these animation i used Photoshop:
**Feel Free to use it**
Thank you
**@Aleister** https://beta.cent.co/@Aleister
Read.Cash | Some kind of animated signature :P
Hi everyone
Just made this simple animated signature for read.cash.
I´m thinking to create some cool material to promote the platform, but i need some ideas, some cool Key words Etc.
For these animation i used Photoshop:
In this case i used the same background color as read.cash feed, but once it can/must be used outside the platform for promotional purposes, next time i will create a fully transparent version.
Feel free to use it
Thank you
@Aleister https://beta.cent.co/@Aleister
Macro Photography Session | Random native subjects #2
Hi everyone
Today's session is the continuation of the previous session Random native subjects.
The subjects I present today were recorded during the same short walk.
**My introductory thoughts about macro photography:**
It's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Before moving onto the result...
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
These photos weren't taken with a tripod.
Thanks for watching
Enochian | Aleister - Music Production
Let's get technical
About the software i use to create these tracks:
**DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Reason Propellerhead**
Reason is a digital audio workstation "DAW" developed by the Swedish company Propellerhead Software.
This software simulates a rack of signal processors, hardware synthesizers, , mixers, etc., thus mimicking the actual operation of electronic music production.
**You can try Reason free for 30 days** **here** https://www.propellerheads.com/en/reason/tryreason
https://soundcloud.com/aleister-cr/enochian-aleister-music-production
Below you can see some of the virtual devices used in this production:
Devices
**Redrum Drum Computer**
Drum machine built-in pattern sequencer, ten sample playback channels and a huge library of drum kits
**Malström Graintable Synthesizer**
Synthesizer using Graintable technology that is a cross between granular synthesis and good old wavetable synthesis.
**Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player**
Reason’s loop player with audio loops that have been sliced into their rhythmic components.
**Thor Polysonic Synthesizer**
This unique synthesizer features six different oscillator types and four unique filters allowing you to dial in synth sounds that are completely new.
**Effects**
Spider
Unison
Digital Delay Line
Scream 4 Distortion
Compressor
Credits to Background image used in cover:
Photo by Joackim Weiler on Unsplash
**Thank you for listening :)**
Macro Photography Session | Calluna vulgaris
Hi everyone
Today we will visually scrutinize Calluna vulgaris, also known as Heather, a dominant species in arid and windswept regions, covering extensive areas throughout Europe from the British Isles and Iberian Peninsula to the Ural Mountains in Russia, and from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and Morocco.
In the past, heather was used by the poorest populations to make brooms, floor scrubber brushes and stuff mattresses. Old root wood was used in fireplaces or for make charcoal.
It was even used to produce paint that dyed leather and wool in shades of yellow.
Even today in Scotland, there is a local beer that has been brewed for over 4,000 years, and is flavored with Calluna vulgaris leaves and flowers.
Without more delays, let me present the model
**My introductory thoughts about macro photography:**
It's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Before moving onto the result...
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
These photos weren't taken with a tripod.
It´s all for today, i hope you like it.
Thank you for watching :)
Macro Photography Session | Aloe Vera in Perspective
Hi everyone
Back to another session of macro photography.
Today I adopted another plant well known not only for its decorative ability but essentially for the most varied applications and benefits such as soothing, healing, anesthetic, anti-thermal and anti-inflammatory effects, and is great for moisturizing hair and skin... yes, i´m talking about the famous Aloe vera.
At first glance when we look from a certain distance it looks very similar in all its structure, not differing much between either end, but when it comes to macro photography, everything changes figure.
Without more delays, let me present the star of the moment
It's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Before moving onto the result...
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
These photos weren't taken with a tripod, hence the unclear result.
Thank you for watching :)
“Skelotoland” - The Fantastic World of Skeletons.
Some time ago I enjoyed being alone with my daughter and we went to the Zoo.
She was ecstatic because she was going to see the animals and I was curious because i was going to see what remnant of them.
In fact, I love animals, but I don't like to see them caged, and even she, though she loves to be there looking at all their movements and behaviors, has developed enough perception to realize that Zoo is not a natural environment to them and somehow there is a lot of sadness in their eyes :(
After the visit by the zoo we went straight to the exhibition hall where skeletons were installed :)
“Skelotoland” - The Fantastic World of Skeletons.
This exhibition aims to educate, raise awareness and develop sustainable values, attitudes and behaviors in favor of nature and biodiversity through a pedagogical program based on the study of bone structure that constitutes the support of the animal body with all its differences and particularities.
The exhibition is located at "Zoo da Maia" in Portugal and features 41 species of skeletons, including mammals, birds and reptiles.
Most of the animal skeletons are from the Zoo itself, which after necropsy were prepared by the Department of Zootechnics "Anatomical Technique Service" from University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro.
The pedagogical nature of this exhibition allows us to deepen our understanding about the differences and particularities of different species and thus enhance their preservation.
Of course I had to take some pictures, not all the 41 skeletons, but at least half of them ;)
Here they are:
**And to finish, the crown jewel of this exhibition**
My daughter was absolutely fascinated by the imposing carcass of the hippo.
It was fascinating to see closely the complexity of all these structures.
It was indeed a very pedagogical evening.
Is everythig for today
see you around ;)
Thank you
Macro Photography Session | Random native subjects
Hi everyone
Today's session is made up of some random subjects.
The sun was shining in the sky and since I had the camera with me, I decided to take a short walk after lunch and pick up some shoots taking advantage of the sunlight.
**My introductory thoughts about macro photography:**
It's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
F-stop: f/5 | Exposure time: 1/320 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 100
F-stop: f/5 | Exposure time: 1/300 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 100
F-stop: f/5 | Exposure time: 1/350 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 100
F-stop: f/5 | Exposure time: 1/370 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 100
F-stop: f/5 | Exposure time: 1/320 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 100
These photos weren't taken with a tripod.
Thanks for watching ;)
Music Production || Racuda - Aleister
I find myself in the forest, the sound of my breathing accompanies me, the wind, the water flowing from a nearby spring... birds chirping denouncing my presence.
The unremarkable sounds of a natural environment that break in time announce a troubled experience ... this is the intro, but what comes next is a pleasant walk through the woods ... enjoy the ride :)
****LISTEN HERE**** https://soundcloud.com/aleister-cr/music-production-racuda-aleister
Now let's get technical
About the software i use to create these tracks:
**DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Reason Propellerhead**
Reason is a digital audio workstation "DAW" developed by the Swedish company Propellerhead Software.
This software simulates a rack of signal processors, hardware synthesizers, , mixers, etc., thus mimicking the actual operation of electronic music production.
**You can try Reason free for 30 days** **here** https://www.propellerheads.com/en/reason/tryreason
Below you can see some of the virtual devices used in this production:
Devices
Redrum Drum Computer
Drum machine built-in pattern sequencer, ten sample playback channels and a huge library of drum kits
**Malström Graintable Synthesizer**
Synthesizer using Graintable technology that is a cross between granular synthesis and good old wavetable synthesis.
**Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player**
Reason’s loop player with audio loops that have been sliced into their rhythmic components.
**Thor Polysonic Synthesizer**
This unique synthesizer features six different oscillator types and four unique filters allowing you to dial in synth sounds that are completely new.
Effects
Spider
Unison
Digital Delay Line
Scream 4 Distortion
Compressor
**Credits to Background image used in cover:**
Photo by Luke Ellis-Craven on Unsplash
Thank you for stopping by
Hope you like it ;)
Macro Photography Session | Cacti and their thorny dimensions
Hi everyone
Back to another session of macro photography.
I usually photograph random subjects that I find along the way, of course they don't appear in front of my eyes, I have to look for them in the most inhospitable places with eyes wide open and aware, because I always look for tiny subjects, the smaller the better, always getting fascinated when I check the amount of details I can find in these smallest subjects.
This time I chose to adopt some cacti, member of the plant family Cactaceae and did some research on the species that today will be the spotlight :)
Many of these spiny plants live in extremely dry environments and for this reason they develop several adaptations to conserve water, that´s why almost all cacti are succulents.
Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves.
Fortunately I didn't have to go to the desert to pick them up since they are very fashionable these days and we can find them everywhere :P
Without more delays, let me present the stars of the moment
Regarding the shoots, it's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Before moving onto the result...
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
These photos weren't taken with a tripod, hence the unclear result.
Thank you for watching
Introduce myself to read.cash community! Hello World! :)
Hello everyone!!
It is never a good tone to get somewhere and start talking without anyone asking us anything, much less when we do not even introduce ourselves .... it was the case, I have already shared some works without even introducing myself, so without more delays, i apologize in advance and now I will introduce myself :)
My name is Pedro, also known as Aleister in the online world.
I´m a Portuguese guy with 36 years old.
This project was presented to me by my good friend @patay69 and i´m excited to be a part of it.
I'm a Son, a Brother, a husband, & father of a beautiful princess. I´m also a Social media enthusiast, photographer, freelancer designer, internet marketer/entrepreneur and a blockchain enthusiast.
I hope to have the opportunity to share with you some of my work and get constructive criticism.
I like a lot more things that i can´t remember now because I suffer from a terrible disease “ CRS” Can´t Remember Shit”… but i´m a cool guy anyway :P
I will leave it short because I don’t mean to tire anyone with all my banalities ;P and I really wanted to start with an introduction post So basically that´s it… I´m Here and i´m happy for that :)
And my quote for the day: Keep calm, I have everything completely uncontrolled :P
Be happy
Namaste
Timelapse + Cinemagraph = Digital Experiment
Hi everyone
Today i share with you a cinemagraph.
For those who come across this term for the first time, let me make a brief introduction to the subject.
Cinemagraph technique consists in add motion to a static record, in a combination between photography and video.
I opted to apply the same technique not using the most used method, which would be to shoot and later edit the video in all its frames, but rather, using a combination of two recording techniques, one of them, the time lapse.
Time lapse, translated to the letter, means to jump in time, that is, the process of capturing images in sequence, intentionally neglecting several frames in the course of the action.
For example, while in a video, usually 12 frames per second are recorded, in time lapse, 1 frame per second is recorded (example: for fast recordings), imagine that you want to capture something in time lapse for about 3 hours! in this case, capturing 1 frame every 60 seconds would be enough to get a good result.
At the end when you transform this sequence into video, you will get a funny result as you can see in the image below.
In this case the technique used is mainly the time lapse, having been used the cinemagraph to perpetuate the action.
This result was obtained with a capture of 1 frame per second in a total of 45 frames, to which 4 frames were subtracted so that I could apply the technique of cinemagraph to make the transition as smooth as possible.
In the image that follows you can get an idea of how the process works, the area delimited by the shaded area will be the one where the 41 frames will run, giving the movement to the photo, all the rest is static, the rest are layers and masks and more layers .... an authentic fun :P
**I hope you enjoyed :)**
Thank you
Music Production || Allow Me - Aleister
**Listen here »»** https://soundcloud.com/aleister-cr/music-production-allow-me-aleister
"We currently support YouTube and Vimeo videos embedding, but we'll add more integration later."
Please, consider to add Soundclound :)
**Hi everyone**
About the software i use to create these tracks:
DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Reason Propellerhead
Reason is a digital audio workstation "DAW" developed by the Swedish company Propellerhead Software.
This software simulates a rack of signal processors, hardware synthesizers, , mixers, etc., thus mimicking the actual operation of electronic music production.
You can try Reason free for 30 days https://www.propellerheads.com/en/reason/tryreason
Below you can see some of the virtual devices used in this production:
* Devices
**Redrum Drum Computer**
Drum machine built-in pattern sequencer, ten sample playback channels and a huge library of drum kits
**Malström Graintable Synthesizer**
4Synthesizer using Graintable technology that is a cross between granular synthesis and good old wavetable synthesis.
**Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player**
Reason’s loop player with audio loops that have been sliced into their rhythmic components.
**Thor Polysonic Synthesizer**
This unique synthesizer features six different oscillator types and four unique filters allowing you to dial in synth sounds that are completely new.
Effects
Spider
Unison
Digital Delay Line
Scream 4 Distortion
Compressor
Credits to Background image used in cover:
**Photo by Pim Myten on Unsplash**
**Thank you**
Macro Photography Session | Hypnum cupressiforme & Orthotrichum tenellum
Hi everyone
In the same place I found these two types of moss
Hypnum cupressiform & Orthotrichum tenellum
In relation to the first species, it is an authentic miniature forest moderately sensitive to atmospheric pollution, it is the species that is commonly used in cribs and for various fungi and animals, as a source of food or for the construction of their shelters.
Regarding the second species, it is one of the most common species here in Portugal, which grows on trees and has a good tolerance to air pollution.
knowing these characteristics, we can conclude that the air is less polluted in places where Hypnum cupressiform is abundant :)
Regarding the shoots,it's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
For this session i used my mobile with this macro lens on the right corner of the picture:
Small, but you can get some cool results :P
Let's move onto the result:
These photos weren't taken with a tripod, hence the unclear result.
**Thank you**
Macro Photography Session | Small ecosystems
Hi everyone
For this article about macro photography that I present today, I had to borrow a vase from my sister, that's right, at the end of a family event, before leaving, I asked her to show me interesting objects or plants to photograph and she accompanied me to the balcony of her house, and outside, among a spectacular variety of plants she keeps in small vases, allowed me to pick up a small vase and bring it to my house for this macro photography session.
Once in my small studio, that is, in the living room :P I prepared the light, positioned the vase with these small species of which I can only identify what seems to be a small cactus and started taking some pictures, always trying to create a peculiar environment, taking advantage of the blurred background and the incidence of light through different angles.
Regarding the shoots, it's amazing how macros with their blurred background can result in such different images full of contrasts and textures especially with this kind of subjects.
In the world of photography, especially macro photography, there is a universe of things available to everyone, enabling totally different and original approaches.
Before moving onto the result...
Here i present the technique used through a short visual tutorial:
Among the various possible techniques to shoot macros, this is perhaps the most affordable and effective technique for those who have a camera with removable lens.
We can simply remove the lens and reverse the direction, and by using an inverter ring it ends up being more comfortable and facilitates the process.
Let's now move onto the result:
These photos weren't taken with a tripod, hence the unclear result.
**Thank you**
@Aleister
