Got lucky at the Hill of crosses (Kryžių kalnas)

[Jockos]

During our recent trip to Lithuania my girlfriend and I rented a car to check out the "Hill of Crosses". A very special place, and a popular destination for pilgrims.
The whole scene was torn down several times during the Soviet reign, but was reconstructed as a peaceful resistance.

We got there slightly after lunch, and the parking lot was packed. I sighed, and thought I wouldn't get a single picture without tourists in it.
The weather favoured us, and it started raining. Even before arriving I had hoped for an overcast sky to get moody pictures.

I brought two Leica M3 cameras, loaded with FP4+ and HP5+, the 50 Summilux ASPH with red filter and the Voigtländer 21 Color skopar with a deep orange filter.


The place is completely crowded with crosses, estimated two million. They even put crosses on crosses on crosses:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263692


Here's a picture from the foot of the hill:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263654


At one place, at the top of the hill, there were so many crosses that they had tipped over!

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263601&membercollection=10436


I should have brought the macro for some close ups, but left it in the car, the 50mm did get close enough a lot of the time though!

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263695

(birds nest!)

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263693

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263657

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263656


The scenery is certainly one of a kind, and I highly recommend a visit.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263602

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263598

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263599

I found that we were not the first Swedes to visit:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=263653



RFF Gallery link with some more pictures:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showcollection.php?cid=10436


Read more on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Crosses



And here's a bonus picture, behind the scenes:

I took my heavy British rain coat, Malin took an umbrella instead, guess who came out driest!

 

[robert blu]

When I saw your photo in the gallery I soon felt how strong they were and imagined it was the Hill of Crosses, but not sure about.

Bad weather for sure was an help from a photographic point of view but your ability to "see" the subject and frame it in appropriate way was the key for these pictures.

robert

 

[Black]

Wonderful series of images, Jockos.

 

[Talus]

+1. Fantastic work. I love how you've captured the eeriness of that places in your stills.

 

[Jockos]

When I saw your photo in the gallery I soon felt how strong they were and imagined it was the Hill of Crosses, but not sure about.

Bad weather for sure was an help from a photographic point of view but your ability to "see" the subject and frame it in appropriate way was the key for these pictures.

robert

Thank you! Did you know about the place from before?

Wonderful series of images, Jockos.

+1. Fantastic work. I love how you've captured the eeriness of that places in your stills.

Thanks guys!

 

[Mlehrman]

They are wonderful photos. In my opinion, the strongest works are those in which the face of the Christ-figurine is discernible. Though all of the photos are strong.

 

[skopar steve]

Very nice series! The photography gods were smiling on you, clearing the tourists and providing nice light 🙂

 

[jojoman2]

terrific mood shots!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Impressive!
And I didn't know about this place.

 

[oftheherd]

What great shots. What more to say?

 

[leica M2 fan]

Great luck with the rain adding to the mood and keeping the crowds smaller.
Good shots all of them can't really single out one as a favorite!

 

[Joao]

Impressive photos, great work !
Thank you for posting
Joao

 

[f16sunshine]

Great mood you have set with exposure and tight compositions.
A very enjoyable set. The last image is a charming contrast to the rest 🙂

 

[Jockos]

What great shots. What more to say?

"Here, have some cash!" :angel:


Thanks to everyone who commented, especially the constructive comments! I appreciate it very much!