Albert

A bust of Albert, in front of the fairly dreadful station of Mechelen (I loath the stench of "choucroute" (sauerkraut) that is wafting oppressively through the main hall). Taken a week or two ago when I was stranded there on the way back from The Hague (with the CM). 

Washed-out Vercors

I am still exploring the washed-out, blurry look I bumped into a few weeks ago. These images were all taken with the Leica CM last week during our ski-trip in the Vercors. The three images on the lefthand side were taken during the same post-powder walk mentioned in the previous posting. The others were shot whilst driving the car through the vertiginous Gorges de la Bourne (connecting the Rhone valley with the upper Vercors plateau). 

Post-powder

Skiing is a very absorbing activity. I didn't take a lot of pictures last week. I had the Leica CM with me and the 5D with the Zeiss 45/2.8 pancake lens ("Adlerauge"). The adaptor ring specifies that this lens is not supposed to work with the 5D but it did. However, I noticed that the mirror must have an only infinitesimal margin to move up and down with this lens because with lower temperatures it effectively hits the back of the lens (probably due to differential contraction under influence of cold) . So the Adlerauge on the 5D is not a sure bet. However, when it works it does really fine. I never suspected this lens was such a fine performer. On film it never quite convinced me. 

The picture below was taken with the 5D on a walk early in the week just after a snow front dumped 30cm of fresh powder. I'm still benefiting from Johan's mini-tutorial on layers and curves a few weeks ago. This gives lots of creative latitude. Although there is perhaps a temptation to add more drama than an image can support ...  

A note from JMB

Just back from a short but very relaxing ski break. Upon my return I found a little note in the mail from José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, in response to the Capitals book I sent him in December: 

Dear Mr. Vandenbroeck, 

I saw with great interest and admiration your book on 27 European Capitals. Let me very sincerely congratulate you for your 'photographic journey'. I really enjoyed seeing in such a way so many cities I've visited before. And it's not because of 'chauvinism' but one of the photos I most like is the one of Lisbon! Pessoa and 'Amor' in the wall, the stoned street floor, the melancholy and the light, this is indeed my Lisbon! Thank you and congratulations! JMB

Quite nice of Mr. Barroso to take out a little time and write this sympathetic and perceptive reaction.