“Threes” is this week’s photo challenge: … a three-picture story is a way to help you think about storytelling with images. To create a three-picture story, gather:
- An establishing shot: a broad photo of your subject.
- A relationship: two elements interacting with one another.
- A detail: a close-up of one part of your subject.
In keeping with the overall theme of my blog *and* where I live in this world, I thought I’d share a set of images from Bryggen, the Hanseatic Wharf of Bergen.
I’m sure many will recognize that familiar silhouette of my first image, but how many have been able to explore the alleys … and really focus on the construction of these ancient planks and walls?
From Norges Verdensarv (Norway’s World Heritage) website:
The characteristic rows of houses with their gables facing the sea are an example of a type of architecture that has existed for almost 900 years. The buildings that go to make up Bryggen were constructed in parallel rows at right angles to the front of the quay placed on one or two sides of a common passageway between the buildings.
And from UNESCO’s World Heritage website:
The preservation of the buildings commenced on a larger scale in the 1960s and had made major progress by 1979, the year of inscription on the World Heritage List … The solutions and methods chosen have been well documented, and limiting the replacement of original materials has been an objective. Bryggen is built of wood, which is subject to rot, insect attack and ageing. Since 2000, there has been an increased focus on maintaining original methods and building materials in the restoration, with careful consideration given to the choice of material, paint, plugs … and the use of original tools as far as possible.
To walk through Bryggen’s alleys is to truly feel as if you’re taking a step back in time! Do these three images help you experience that journey? (More photos for your virtual trip can be found here, and here is where this part of the world is located on the map.)
Amazing how the traditional methods of preserving old buildings often win out! The texture of the wood looks like it could tell so many stories. The narrow shape of the wharf looks like it could have seen many adventures pass through it. So encouraging to hear of historic buildings being preserved! I’m enjoying this post because it takes me there. Can almost smell sea air (bliss).
In the seven years I’ve lived here, it’s been so interesting to see the restoration, bit by bit. I took a photo a couple months ago of the inside view … it doesn’t translate well as an image, but it’s a glimpse!
When walking the alleys you don’t really smell the sea air (or hear the inevitable gull calls) … but you know they’re there!
As always, thanks for stopping by with your wonderful comments, Lita!
🙂
I like the three-picture story concept. You used it well sharing the Hanseatic Wharf of Bergen.
Nicely done!
Thanks! I just love this challenge, and had troubling picking just one set of three … I have a couple others I’m manipulating. They might make an appearance. 🙂
I can see how this is fun and creative. I hope to see your others. For photo bloggers this could be a good tool.
Wonderful images with an exciting story.
Thank you — the history behind the images is the most important thing! I appreciate you stopping by!
Nice to see the alleyways empty – on the two occasions I have been there they were just too busy to really appreciate. I should go back in the winter 🙂 It is very disappointing that there are no longer sailings from Newcastle to Bergen.
I agree about the empty alleys. The first few times I visited it was as a tourist and during tourist season, and everything was crowded. This particular October 2013 visit was perfect; I felt like a local, and only had to wait for others to get out of my camera range a couple times.
I too am disappointed there isn’t a direct trip from Bergen to Newcastle … I want to come down *your* way on a ferry! 🙂
Wonderful pictures!
Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by. 🙂
I was a little late. 🙂
Not late at all … and besides, I’m sure you were spending time with your two brown dawgs! That’s more important than reading or Internet browsing (FYI, I’m typing this over the snores of *my* brown dawg, who just took me for a brisk walk).
Love your take on this and your different views of Bryggen, the close-up really gives it an intimate feel of the place!
“Intimate feel” is the perfect description! Especially since I live in the area and am able to visit during the off season, I felt a much closer connection with the walls and planks compared to my first visit during the tourist season years ago. I’m glad you caught that feeling in the images!
Thanks for your comment!
Thanks, I think that is the beauty of this challenge too, to let us look closer into things that we usually don’t 🙂
Lovely set, Cindi! You make me feel homesick for Bergen!
Ha en god start pä den nye uka!
Dina xo
Takk Dina! NÃ¥r kan dere besøke? Vi kan møtes til kaffe eller en “adult beverage”! 😉
Du har en flott uke også!
Wonderful series of images! Well done!
Thank you Rick!
I have always wanted to visit Bergen and these photos feed the desire. I am intrigued by the alley photo… makes me want to take a walk and explore. Great post and images, Cindi.
Thanks Erica! It’s really a special place — so much history combining with so much *now* — and it’s a different experience if you visit in the summer or winter. Hope you get down here some day … just as I hope to get way up your way some day too! 🙂
some day I will get to Norway…:) I just got my first ever passport in my entire life!
Thank you so very much for visiting and following my blog! I know I will very def enjoy learning about Norway from you!
There’s so much in the world to see, but I hope you can experience this beautiful country! Thanks for stopping by!
Beautiful. Reminds me of downtown St. John’s Nfld. Just wondering, if wood has to be used, is it treated?
Yes they do … not sure of the exact details though!