Everyone knows the beauty of Barcelona, it’s history, its architecture, its people. It is true that walking through the streets and alleyways of the various neighbourhoods can sometimes feel like you’ve been taken back in time, back to a period of imperialism and decadence. However Barcelona is just as beautiful from afar, if you want to step back and take it all in there are a number of great viewpoints in Barcelona that give you a unique view and perspective of the city.
View of the Collserola from Turó de la Rovira
They all give you a different sense of what the city is about. Whether it’s a waterside vantage point overlooking Port Vell and the luxury yachts cruising into their mooring spots, or the mountain top views from the old Spanish Civil War military bunkers that make the city below look like a cluster of toy houses all piled up on top of each other, there’s something for everyone. Read the rest of this article…
Alberto outside his Señor Archer studio in the Raval
I’m always happy to promote unique Barcelona business endeavours on this website. And none comes more unique than Alberto’s tintype photography studio in the Raval, called Señor Archer.
“What photography? Tintype?”
Well yes, as you asked, let me explain what tintype photography actually is. Or rather, so I get it right, let me just copy and paste a snippet from good ol’ Wikipedia.
A tintype, also known as a melainotype or ferrotype, is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of iron coated with a dark lacquer or enamel and used as the support for the photographic emulsion. Tintypes enjoyed their widest use during the 1860s and 1870s, but lesser use of the medium persisted into the early 20th century and it has been revived as a novelty in the 21st.
A novelty it may be to some. But this is a process that is achieved with love and care. It fits in agreeably with the current slow movement. Read the rest of this article…
In a city with a history as culturally rich as Barcelona the importance of small grass-roots cultural associations should never be underestimated, now more than ever in the face of what can on occasion appear to be the conversion of the city into nothing more than a giant theme park its sole raison d’etre being the attraction of ever-increasing numbers of tourists. A vibrant art scene is one of the principal reasons that made Barcelona such an interesting and vibrant city and this art scene has strong roots going back to the 19th century. It’s vital that this remains undiminished and requires from those of us who live in or love the city committed support. With this in mind we can celebrate one small corner of the city, a place buried deep inside the old quarter, literally a stone’s throw from the old Roman walls where this cultural tradition is being kept alive: La Finestra.
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UPDATE: Unfortunately the Foto Ruta photography tours in Barcelona have closed shop. An excellent alternative is Shutter Kings, photography tours and photoshoots in Barcelona’s top locations. Check them out instead!
Foto Ruta Barcelona Photography Tours
Foto Ruta was born in Buenos Aires. It grew up in Santiago and now, fully grown it has ventured across the pond to both London and finally Barcelona.
A creative way to explore the city and learn about photography
Foto Ruta is “a creative way to explore the city and learn about photography”.
From the Foto Ruta Barcelona website…
Our creative photography tours, events and workshops are unique in that they help you see the genuine side of Barcelona, encouraging you to venture off the well-trodden tourist trail whilst teaching you how to take great photos in the process. Not just for photography lovers, our experiences take a fresh approach to photography tuition through a range of interactive, informative and affordable tours and workshops that will appeal to anyone and everyone who wants a sociable, fun and memorable adventure in Barcelona.
I was kindly invited to go on their Streetscape tour around El Born (which if you see below is one of 4 tours they offer), a beautiful neighbourhood of Barcelona ripe for some stunning photography.
Unfortunately my level of photography skill would be classed as intermediate at best. Don’t get me wrong, I would venture to say I take a better photo than most – it amazes me how few people can actually frame a picture correctly – but I don’t even own an SLR. So armed with my iPad Mini (yes, sorry Yvonne!) we met at one of my favourite cafe/bars for people watching, En Aparte in La Ribera, just off Plaça de Sant Pere, which as some of you may know is one of the most charming squares in the whole of the Barri Gòtic. Read the rest of this article…
