Discussion: Bridges of the World July 2026

This is where you can chat about bridges... let’s get the conversation started! 😊

Congrats, Isabelle, on your award-winning photo (and the others)!

The links you shared in the "landscapes" thread, which are supposed to lead to the "bridges," do work (though we’re not all equally lucky with bugs). You’re too kind to say it, but let’s remind newcomers that the photo thread is strictly for posting photos and that questions and comments should be posted here.

Before diving into my little hard drive, a question: are the small bridges* still eligible? And what about "no bridge" (because bridges are just too beautiful)—is that allowed? (Lesotho)



* got the ref? 😇

Congrats, Isabelle, on your award-winning photo (and the others)!

Thanks, Jean Luc! 😊

The links you shared in the "landscapes" discussion, meant to lead to the "bridges," work (but we’re not all equal when it comes to bugs).

Yeah, the mysteries of tech... 😅

You’re too kind to say it outright, but let’s remind the newbies that the photo thread is strictly for photos and that questions and comments should be posted here.

Yes, thanks for the reminder!

Before diving into my little hard drive, a question: are small bridges* still relevant, and are they allowed?

Not being a soccer fan, it took me a sec to get it 😂—nope, not allowed! 😅

And what about "no bridge" (because a bridge is just too beautiful)—is that possible? (Lesotho)



* got the ref?

Nope, I need a bridge! 😊

Should I go or shouldn't I? (Kyrgyzstan)

Kalimera, in the local language. 🙂

Congrats on the win and, as always, your stunning photo. 🙂 This time, I’ll have to pass. The photos of bridges—those little stone bridges spanning the emerald torrents of Epirus, where fauns and nymphs rest—were on the lost external hard drive.

Just dropping by to mention the San Virgilio Bridge in Lombardy:



https://www.castellodipadernello.it/vivi-il-borgo/arte-e-natura/

And a Venetian bridge that needs no introduction:



Catherine

@Montagnard74 Thanks Bruno for kicking things off! 👍

To go or not to go? (Kyrgyzstan)



Well, honestly, no contest! I’m not going 😅 Did you take this today for the theme? 😄

Kalimera, in the local language. 🙂

Congrats on the win and, as always, your stunning photo. 🙂 This time, I’ll have to sit it out. The photos of bridges—those little stone bridges spanning the emerald torrents of Epirus, where fauns and nymphs rest—were on the lost external hard drive.

Just passing through, so here’s the San Virgilio Bridge in Lombardy:



https://www.castellodipadernello.it/vivi-il-borgo/arte-e-natura/

And a Venetian bridge that needs no introduction:



Catherine

Thanks, Catherine! 😊 Honestly, these two photos fit the theme perfectly—I really love the second one, which, in my opinion, would totally hold its own in the contest. The first one is so original! 😄

Hi Catherine, I also think we should submit these two photos—the Rialto really shines in them. I compared them with mine and... no contest! !

Should I go or not? (Kyrgyzstan)



I'm going... on all fours! 😄

@Montagnard74Thanks Bruno for kicking things off! 👍

I said I’d be more active in July ;)

So, in the "should I go or shouldn’t I" series, I had this from Laos, on Don Khon Island: PS: We went!

@Montagnard74 Thanks Bruno for kicking things off! 👍

I said I’d be more active in July ;)

Here’s one from the "should I go or shouldn’t I" series—I had this from Laos, on Don Khon Island: PS: We went!



Wow! You’re quite the adventurer—I wouldn’t have gone 😮‍💨

Manhattan in the mist

Well, in the "to go or not to go" series, I had this from Laos, on Don Khon Island: PS: We went!



Thanks, you’ve given me an idea ;) I don’t have much on bridges, but I’ll make an effort to contribute...

Hey, does this one ring a bell? 😛

The photo is from a few days ago.

No need to go there—there’s a much newer bridge right next to it! !😄

The cows would love to go there, but the bridge is blocked for them! (Kyrgyzstan)

Seeing the theme, I thought, "Oh! I’ve got some of those!" ... and then I realized I actually have way more photos *taken from* bridges than *of* bridges themselves 😎.

Anyway, great job on those awesome bridge photos you’ve already posted 🙂

Speaking of Laotian bridges, the bamboo toll bridge that used to be rebuilt every year after the rainy season (I think it was you who told me it no longer existed and had been replaced by a permanent bridge)

Access to the city center near Dien Sabai restaurant



And the bridge itself:

Even if the photo isn’t great, I can’t help myself...

Hi Isabelle, According to your definition:

« A structure generally made of stone, wood, or metal that allows crossing a depression or obstacle (such as a communication route or waterway) by connecting the two sides of the depression or spanning the obstacle. »

Here’s the most minimalist, unusual, and... downright terrifying bridge I’ve ever come across. I didn’t have the nerve to cross it... I turned back...



Since then, I’ve seen this kind of "bridge" quite often in the region where I live in India, especially in my village where several fisherman’s houses have this type of bridge to access the beach by crossing the lagoon in front of their homes. And I’m amazed at how they cross "that" without hesitation, without falling...

@Montagnard74Thanks Bruno for kicking things off! 👍

Also, on re-reading, I realize I’m dissing the Aussie who posted before me! 😉

About Laotian bridges, the bamboo toll bridge that used to be rebuilt every year after the rainy season (I think it was you who told me it no longer existed and had been replaced by a permanent bridge)

They had the PLAN to replace it with a permanent bridge—I don’t know if it’s been built yet.

I must have misunderstood then... or maybe my memory is playing tricks on me 😏

@Montagnard74 Thanks Bruno for kicking things off! 👍

Also, on re-reading, I’m offending the Aussie who chimed in before me! 😉

Oh no, I didn’t see that 😕

@Xrctn Sorry Xavier, thanks for joining in! :)

Hi Isabelle, According to your definition:

“A structure generally made of stone, wood, or metal that allows crossing a depression or obstacle (such as a communication route or waterway) by connecting the two sides of the depression or spanning the obstacle.”

Here’s the most minimalist, quirkiest, and... scariest bridge I’ve ever come across. I didn’t have the guts to cross it... I turned back...



Since then, I’ve seen this kind of "bridge" pretty often in the region where I live in India, especially in my village where several fishermen’s houses have this type of bridge to reach the beach by crossing the lagoon in front of their homes. And I admire how they cross "that" without hesitation, without falling...

True, this bridge is super minimalist, but it gets the job done... don’t worry, like you, I wouldn’t have dared to take it either 😅

And isn't this one pretty? You can find it on the Lyonne River near Léoncel in the Vercors. Natural bridge😏

... and in the end, I realize I have way more photos taken *from* bridges than *of* the bridges themselves

Funny, I made the same observation and was too shy to ask. But since it’s on the table, I’ll go for it: are photos taken from a bridge where you can see a bit of the bridge itself allowed? (Just to clarify, I’m not making a big deal out of it—just a simple question)

Hey, does this one ring a bell? 😛



Yeah, great photo Michael! It even won the Metal & Metallic theme back in March 😊

... and in the end, I realize I’ve taken way more photos *from* the bridges than *of* the bridges themselves

Funny, I’d noticed the same thing but was too shy to ask. But since it’s on the table now, I’ll go for it: are photos taken *from* a bridge where you can see a bit of the bridge itself acceptable? (Just to be clear, I’m not making a big deal out of it—just curious!)

I’ll give you a very Norman answer 😄: Yes, if the bridge is the main subject. No, if the subject is the landscape. Give me one or more example(s), and I’ll let you know if it’s okay or not

A fascinating theme. I’m going to have a hard time choosing! Could I ask for your opinion on the first one, please? I’d like to highlight Canada, where quite a few bridges caught my eye.

The bridge connecting Canada to the United States, seen during my Niagara Falls experience



There’s also the one at Le Baluchon in Mauricie, which makes for a lovely walk among trees, a river, and waterfalls.



Or those around Quebec City:

including the ones at Canyon Sainte-Anne. It’s impressive to walk on them—each one tells a story.



The Montmorency Falls Bridge, which overlooks the tallest waterfall in Canada—even taller than Niagara Falls.



Not to mention the bridges in the city itself, whose pillars are decorated with graffiti.



Montreal isn’t left out either, with this bridge captured in the Botanical Garden.



But if there’s one bridge that tells a unique story, it’s the one in Jonquière in the Saguenay, where you’ll find the world’s first entirely aluminum bridge.



Help me make a choice, please! I really need some advice. Thanks in advance

I’ll reply to Noirenvoyage’s thread:

Absolutely, Canada is stunning with its waterfalls and rivers—it’s great that you want to highlight it! 😊

For me, a photo fits the theme when the bridge is the main subject. I’ll share my thoughts on the different photos based on that point.

A fascinating theme. I’m having a hard time choosing. Could I ask for your opinion on the first one, please? I’d like to showcase Canada, where several bridges caught my attention.

The bridge connecting Canada to the United States, seen during my Niagara Falls experience





No for these two photos—the bridge is way too far away, not prominent enough.

There’s also the one at the Baluchon in Mauricie, which makes for a lovely walk among trees, rivers, and waterfalls.



Or those around Quebec City:

Including the ones at Canyon Sainte-Anne. It’s impressive walking on them—each one tells a story.



Yes for these two photos—we’re right on the bridge, and it’s the focus of the shot.



The Montmorency Falls Bridge, overlooking the tallest waterfall in Canada—even taller than Niagara Falls.



No for these two photos—the bridge is way too far away, not prominent enough.



Yes, why not.

Not to mention those in the city itself, whose pillars are decorated with graffiti.



Montreal isn’t left out with this bridge captured in the Botanical Garden.



But if there’s one bridge that tells a unique story, it’s the one in Jonquière in the Saguenay, where you’ll find the world’s first entirely aluminum bridge.



Yes for these three photos.

Help me make a choice, please.

I hope I’m not breaking any rules—I really need some help. Thanks in advance!

There you go—I hope this clarifies what I consider a photo that fits the theme.

Thanks for reposting—I already replied just below! 😊

Thanks for your feedback. It already helps me focus. And is there one that speaks to you more?

This view is super cool!

Thanks for your feedback. It already helps me focus. And is there one that speaks to you more?

Having already visited this part of Canada, Niagara Falls and Montmorency Falls speak to me 😊 Otherwise, I really like suspension bridges

Good evening, Lately, as I’ve been getting into photography, I’ve realized just how different my perspective is from most people on the forum. For me, modern bridges (often metal ones) are, of course, essential structures—just like high-voltage power lines, wind turbines, highways, or skyscrapers. They’re also the result of incredible engineering feats, like the Millau Viaduct. But I find them ugly; they don’t blend in with their natural surroundings. I’d never think to photograph that kind of bridge. In France, I much prefer the Genoese stone bridges you can admire in Corsica or the Roman bridges like the Pont du Gard.

I realize how different my perspective is from most forum members.

Same here. 😉 But not for the same reasons. For example, I’ve picked quite a few photos that I find interesting where the bridge isn’t—boom!—right in the foreground, but set back or off to the side, or even in the background. Yet it’s the bridge your eye is drawn to for more... (at least, by my standards) even if it’s not the main focus. A bit like how a setting brings out the beauty of a jewel. For instance, a stunning landscape that surrounds it. I’ll send Isabelle two or three photos tomorrow...

For me, modern bridges (often metal ones) are of course essential structures, just like power lines, wind turbines, highways, or skyscrapers. They’re also the result of technical feats, like the Millau Viaduct... However, I find them ugly—they don’t harmonize with their natural surroundings.

Well, I completely disagree with you on that. There are quite a few modern metal and concrete bridges that are absolutely stunning and aesthetically successful. Some are so light and airy they look like angel wings, as if they’re about to take flight into the sky… Others, though heavier, still have an artistic quality and aren’t without interest. Have a good evening! Have a great weekend.

I wanted to edit my post to add more, but... Sorry, the post you're trying to reach doesn't exist. It was probably deleted.

I just wanted to add that this doesn’t stop me from falling in love with very old stone, vine, or bamboo bridges.

Anyway, it's not the bridge itself that’s being voted on, but how it’s photographed...

So, it’s better to post an "ugly" bridge that’s the subject of a "beautiful" photo than a stunning bridge that’s very poorly photographed. 😛

For me, modern bridges (often metal ones) are, of course, essential structures—just like high-voltage power lines, wind turbines, highways, or skyscrapers. They’re also the result of technical feats, like the Millau Viaduct. But I find them ugly; they don’t blend in with their natural surroundings. I’d never think to take a photo of that kind of bridge.

Really? Even the one in Envallis? [;]

Garabit Viaduct

Pelješac Bridge, Croatia

Air bridge, Bambouseraie de Prafrance, Cévennes

You won’t be surprised to hear that my favorite bridges are the ones that span a border... even if they’re ugly.

Paraguay-Brazil Sweden-Denmark And even more impressive, a bridge that separates two continents! Panama

If you zoom in, I think I can just about spot you on the other side of the bay taking your first photo!

Another bridge spanning a border:

Viaduc de Garabit

A massive structure!

There was a bridge, and now there’s nothing left (show me your bridges, I’ll tell you your GDP): Northern Mozambique.

Anyway, it's not the bridge itself that's being voted on, but the way it's photographed...

So, it's better to post an "ugly" bridge that's the subject of a "beautiful" photo than a stunning bridge that's very poorly photographed.😛

Hi Agnès, I 100% agree with you in principle. But what makes a bridge pretty or ugly? What makes a photo beautiful or a failed—or simply ugly—one? We often see in travel journals people raving about photos and warmly congratulating the photographer, when the photo is frankly bad. They’ve only seen the subject: a beautiful landscape in itself, a smiling child, a sumptuous palace, but in reality, the photo is technically very poor or simply failed due to bad settings or using the “automatic” mode, which often makes photos flat and lifeless. Sometimes the photographer knows the rules of photography perfectly but intentionally breaks them to better convey what *their* eye perceived, how their sensitivity reacted to the subject, and thus what they want to convey to the viewer... Other times, the photographer sticks so closely to the rules they’ve learned that the photo is technically correct but bland, dull, lifeless, and above all, devoid of any personality.

So, beautiful, not beautiful, ugly—it all remains very subjective when appreciating a photo. Personally, I prioritize photos that feel “alive” and “tell a story,” even if the subject is ugly or sad and the rules aren’t properly applied.



So, pretty bridge but ugly photo, or ugly bridge and beautiful photo? I love this one for its lively feel. It tells the story of transhumance—why the sheep are there, where they’re going... Why no one complains and lets them pass, even if they disrupt traffic... As for the bridge, the photo shows it’s there for the animals too; the number of sheep suggests how narrow the bridge is, its sturdiness, its necessity... It also tells us there was another bridge, probably less sturdy, that succumbed to the weather and the passage of time, and that a new one had to be built right next to it—wider, stronger...

Others will "make a big deal" 😉 and think the photo is ugly or off-topic.

For me, the photo fits the theme when the bridge is the main subject of the photo.

I need a bridge

Hi Isabelle, here are the example photos related to what I wrote yesterday. Personally, I think the bridge is very prominent, even if other elements are in the foreground. And is it really that important to you that someone submits a photo where the scenery takes up the whole shot and, way in the back, tiny, there’s a bridge? Sensible people just won’t vote for that photo, plain and simple, and too bad for it (the photo, not the photographer) if it’s completely off-topic. Do you *really* have to reject it and prevent it from competing?









This one is quite interesting, if not beautiful, with a clearly visible bridge, but what do we see in this photo that matches the brief: A bridge or a waterfall?



HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND