<< Previous Next >>

El Ferrer Shepherd


El Ferrer Shepherd
Information sur la photo
Copyright: Robert Janovski (robiuk) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1936 W: 170 N: 2187] (9363)
Genre: Gens
Média: Couleur
Date de prise de vue: 2004-11-09
Catégories: Vie quotidienne
Appareil photographique: Minolta Dimage 7Hi, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM
Exposition: f/9.5, 1/125 secondes
Versions: version originale
Thème(s): Shepherds [view contributor(s)]
Date de soumission: 2004-11-22 17:18
Vue: 1056
Points: 20
[Ligne directrice - Note] Note du photographe
The Sierra Nevada covers an area of approximately 1,000 square miles in the provinces of Granada and Almeria, Andalucia. It forms the highest mountain range on mainland Spain. A region of great natural beauty and diversity it was declared a biospherical reserve by UNESCO in 1986 and more recently a National Park by the Spanish government. The many microclimates have given rise to the richest botanical life in Europe, claiming 52 indigenous species, more than the entire continent of Europe and Russia together.

If you're into horse riding, many of these paths have been in use for a thousand years or more, as have the terraces and irrigation channels they transverse. Through parts of the mountains there are more recent dirt tracks providing opportunities for canters and gallops, as do some of the riverbeds on the spring and autumn rides. The paths in many places are built into rock and on some of the steeper descents it is necessary to lead your horse. Likewise it is necessary to lead the horses through the narrow village streets.

The perpetual snows of Spain’s Sierra Nevada have carved deep gorges on their southern flanks as melt water from this high mountain mass finds its way out into the Mediterranean via the mighty Rio Guadalfeo. It is here, tucked into the sun-facing façade of these lofty slopes, that villages have sprung up over the centuries, clustered around sheltered woodlands fed by these mountain streams.

A selection of trails offers an amazing diversity of terrains, views and flora. The walks follow ancient bridle paths and drovers' routes, dating back to the Moorish occupation and before. Here it is possible to forget the pressure of daily life and to ride all day meeting only the occasional shepherd or farmer.

On one of these walks to El Ferrer that is only a few miles up NE from Castel de Ferro, I happened to come across this shepherd. Him and his wife, together with a donkey, they were managing steep and narrow footpaths much faster than me. Luckily at one point they stopped in front of me to collect almonds and there was a chance for me to take this photo.

As soon as I clicked, they disappeared again… and I felt too hot to chase them further… sat on a rock, cracked a few almonds and ate a pomegranate. What a great day!



Camera settings:
- metering mode: multi-segment
- saturation: high
- sharpness: hard
- exposure compensation: 0.0
- ISO: 100
WALTERito, paguru, wilkinsonsg, nwoehnl, saintclaude, zenitlady, aralda trouve(nt) cette note utile
Only registered TrekEarth members may rate photo notes.
Ajouter Critique [Ligne directrice - Critique ] 
Seuls les membres de TrekEarth enregistrés peuvent rédiger des critiques.
Discussions
Aucune
Vous devez vous authentifier pour démarrer une discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

What a great expression and body posture, The cactus almost seems human and ready to shake hands. The colors are alos great.

Well it was worth running for :-)
Thx for posting, the interesting note and the funny story. Can't catch up with these mountain-folks, they walk up a mountain effortlessly but incredible... effective ?
The balance of the picture is great, so is the subject and colouration. Go easy on that sharpness though...

A nice little scene, typical for the area. I like the setting with the dry grass, prickly pear cactus and the almond trees in the background. Good that you were there to take the picture.
Cheers
Oliver

He looks quite a character - I like the expression on his face you have captured, perhaps the framing could have been better but as you say it was a one off shot :)

  • Great 
  • Ebbe Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2718 W: 784 N: 1886] (9366)
  • [2004-11-23 14:56]

A nice full figure portrait. The pose looks just like he turns when called after. The blue colors of his clothes makes him, stand out from the background in a fine way.

Good portrait of the sympathetic old shepherd, Robert. He is well placed in the composition, amidst the natural setting in autumnal colors. You handled the strong light well. Good job, and what a fabulous note.

  • Great 
  • manny Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2979 W: 89 N: 4005] (21322)
  • [2004-11-24 5:46]

Very nice compo with the man looking at you on the right side of the frame. I also like the way the bushes at the left frame him.

The posture and the expression are well seen, the cactus give us an indication of the climate good light management.

Une superbe expression de surprise amusée et de fierté, très bien rendue. Très belle composition, bon rendu des couleurs. Magnifique. Claude

Hello Robert! Exceptional notes! Very good human snapshot of this shepherd in the hills. You have captured the hard life in the sparse trees and cactus and the rocky soil. Good colour, great clarity. Well done!

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF