Alhambra in September

[Matus]

Hello,

together with my family (no children) I will be visiting Alhambra on 2nd of September. We are about to reserve the tickets online. But as one has to decide at what time to visit the Nasrid palace I would like to ask what would be the best option.

We plan to to take the morning slot (8:30 - 14:00) because of heat. What surprised me is that the time slots for entering Nasrid palace slots between 10:30 and 12:00 are all booked already.

So - I would kindly ask you for your help. Both me and my wife will be photographing there.

One more question concerning tripods. I have contacted the office there and first got and answer that tripods are allowed only with special permit. To my answer that I am a private visitor and I would be interested in this permit I got an answer than tripods are forbidden. So - how it is? Do I need a tripod there? I will be shooting Mamiya 6 and Contax T3 and will bering some Provia 400X.

 

[ath]

It's been a few years since I was there.
I wouldn't bother to bring a tripod - there will probably be lots of people, the Alhambra is THE attraction in Granada. The noon slot is probably booked with buses full of tourists.

When I was there I had my 50/1.8 and 100ASA slide film with me. I managed to get a few indoor pictures. There are plenty of atriums in the palace and the wonderful garden behind the palace.

 

[Sikario]

Along with my family, I got up an hour or so before dawn to get in-line for entrance in to the site, we were among the first in and it was perfect shooting in the morning light. I would not enjoy going there during the heat. I didn't use, nor did I need a tripod, but then I hate the things anyway.

With the camera and film choices you mentioned, I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[ashfaque]

It's a wonderful place, Matus! Try to visit the places during off hours, if possible. That way you can take more pictures with less problems with the crowd. I don't know if you can get in just before dawn, but that would be perfect. 🙂

I can't wait to see your trip shots. Cheers

Ashfaque

 

[Paddy C]

Don't know if you will still be looking at this.

I was there 8 years ago. It's a difficult place to shoot—lots of people even though we visited before the main season and difficult light. Outside you'll have the blazing Spanish sun, inside it's dark.

I shot with a Rolleicord and a T3. B&W in the cord, colour neg in the T3.

Don't know what to recommend, but I might use the colour in the T3 and bring a selection for the Mamiya because you can get through the rolls quickly. I might bring some 100 and 400 B&W in 120, knowing that I could push the 400 to try and get something inside.

I think the place is well suited to B&W.

 

[D.O'K.]

When I visited last year there was a night slot (c.9-11pm if I remember) involving subtle lighting of the interiors and moonlight in the courtyards which was very enchanting but hopeless photographically (in part because they don't allow flash).

I too would advise B+W film: the place is all about architectural spaces and exquisitely sculptured plasterwork detail, but the interiors have hardly any colour. Fast film gave good results inside during daylight hours: I rated HP5 at 800 and was very pleased (although 1,600 might have been better).

Regards,
D.