stone age sunrise Photo

Photographer’s Note

Tikal used to be one of the largest if not the largest (up to 100,000 peak population) pre-Columbian Mayan city; built by stone age tools between the 2nd and 9th centuries AD just to be completely abandoned for reasons not clearly understood yet.

i called the post "stone age sunrise", alternatively i was considering calling it "stone age city-scape". you choose, which better fits your impression. ;))

in the WORKSHOP: a closer look at one of these structures in the same mystical light; more jungle detail there. unfortunately, cannot put the howling monkey war-cry into the photo.

--
as a side note: i was aiming for getting to my POV (the top of the highest temple) for the dawn. that's when the sun rises right in the middle between the two temples silhouetted in this photo.

unfortunately, nowadays, the park officially opens at 6AM and my 5AM conquest attempt was abruptly stopped ('for my own good...') by two guards with machine guns... a few years ago, it was supposedly still possible to spend a night sleeping amongst the pyramids. however, after a few tourists were robbed at gun-point, park authorities started to limit visiting hours strictly to daylight. of course, that policy was implemented without any consideration for struggling camera owners craving a bit of special light.

i didn't give up completely though. after fainting a retreat to to my hotel room, i made my way AROUND the guard post following a jaguar and coati patrolled jungle back-trail that my drunken guide had kindly shown me the previous day. despite my best efforts, that detour took some time so, you'll have to make do with the sun already being high.

Gerrit, Wandering_Dan, Clementi, feather, danos, jorgi, gunbud, adores, avene, cfreire, belido, Angelillo, parbo, sweet_universe, fulvio52, Charo, plimrn, bostankorkulugu, jhm trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

avene (11084) 2008-12-17 11:49

I think this is one of those photos that require the viewer to spend some time looking at it to appreciate fully the subtle beauty of the scene. the layers of fog, jungle and mountains create a fascinating feeling of distance, and your timing is very impressive - the sun is just above the stone structure for maximum impact. I like a lot how the light is breaking though the cloud cover, quite a drama there. for me the overall result is magic, as if this is a scene from the creation of the world.

take care,
K.

cfreire (11667) 2008-12-17 13:29

Hi Kristaps,
Wonderful capture with these golden clouds. Nice warm colors and contrasts. Good POV and framing. The silhouettes are attractives and kept our look into the picture. Well done. Regards, Consuelo

belido (16757) 2008-12-17 13:43

Hi Kristaps,

I choose stone age sunrise for the title as you well did. The other one is quite difficult to pronounce, at least for me :) For a second I thought this it was a sepia version but suddenly I noticed the degradeé in the sky...beautiful color tones. The semi panorama format works pretty well and the layers are in their right position in the frame. I just think the white lines take a bit the attention from the great scenary. Great work!
Regards,
Carlos

Angelillo (9065) 2008-12-17 14:40

Hi Kristaps,

The place seems really beautiful. You has captured an extraordinary moment, great sense of timing! The dark silhouettes against this sky are absolutely breathtaking. Great composition!

Greetings,
Angel.

parbo (11004) 2008-12-17 14:57

Hello Kristaps,

Pink tones of splendid lights are really amazing all over scene and the hidden sun behind the clouds are creates an artistic touch. Silhouettes of temples and lands are in excellent tones for their perfect view. I like your selected header of "stone age sunrise" and complementary post. Very good clarity and sharpness too, congratulations.

Friendly Regards,

Ertugrul

sweet_universe (1693) 2008-12-17 15:31

Ciao!
I've never seen your pics before today.
I like all your shots.
Wonderful composition, amazing light, precious atmosfere and good point of view,
very well done!
Congratulation.
Marco

adores (15713) 2008-12-17 17:04

Hi Kristaps!
Perfect sunrise! I like the closer look but this one is perfect. The sky has wonderful colours and the silhouettes are really well placed. I like the veil formed by the clouds at the top. Very good composition!

gunbud (28107) 2008-12-17 18:48

Hi Kristaps,
Lovely understated colors to this enchanting sky that looms peacefully above the lovely silhouetted ancient mountain ruins.
Regards, Tom

Waylim (11081) 2008-12-18 0:05

Kristaps,
Another excellent sunrise image, Very beautiful and dramtic sky, the layer of hills show up great in variation of shades, from lighter to the darkest in the foreground as black silhouettes of trees and stone. Beautiful colors and light, good composition. thanks
Way

jorgi (3800) 2008-12-18 1:20

Hi Kristaps,

this time i do not agree with Kristine...
I do not need time to appreciate fully the subtle beauty of it...for me it was clear in a moment. Maybe because lately I noticed that I prefer dark images...darker the better as long there is a small burst of light somewhere... I rather do not wanna think what that says about me but it surely says a lot about recent events here... I won't be specific but I think you know what I'm talking about.
However I came here to compliment this extra fantastic photo. I just love the feeling of solitude I get from these two towers, so distant one from another but both appreciating wonderful scenery laid before them and illuminated by fantastic light.
Very captivating, dramatic, mystic atmosphere. As we can feel your adrenalin pumping while getting aroung the guard post...

My best,
Jeri

Greg1949 (8513) 2008-12-18 4:28

Kristaps, another fine shot of a place that you have now made look like a place we should visit, but your story makes it sound like something out of an Indiana Jones book. Well done.

Greg

danos (33074) 2008-12-18 6:11

Hello Kristaps,
very nice this sunrise in the ere that have found centuries ago the pre-Columbian Mayan city.The subdued light,with the sun painting pastoral colours in the clouds,makes this a great shot.The silhouettes of Tikal especially in the WS,make the shot more impressive.Informative your note too.

Regards,Danos

feather (50040) 2008-12-18 8:09

The subtle colours of the dawn are gorgeous, and I love the blanket of clouds that almost look 3D. The hazy light on the surrounding layers of jungle (even more noticeable in the WS) makes wonderful patterns. There is just enough silhouette showing with the interesting shapes of the temples.
Kath

Clementi (44919) 2008-12-18 8:56

Ciao Kristaps,
a beautiful light of the sunrise, believes both the more moment' beautiful of the day to get a fantastic light that she caresses these stones.
good job
Giorgio

Wandering_Dan (3275) 2008-12-18 11:31

Hi, Kristaps -

This is one case where I think your WS is better than the main post. Now, this one isn't bad ;-) but I think the lack of detail, and also the bit of halo around the fg structure, take away from the powerful sky. The WS shot is technically better and also carries the element of mystery you were aiming for.

Best,
Dan

Gerrit (36127) 2008-12-18 13:13

Hi Kristaps,
very good how you still manage to show the differences in the human artefacts and the trees in this silhouette game.
Great colors and layering.
Regards, Gerrit

azaf1 (15547) 2008-12-19 2:26

Hi Kristpas
What a capture! The silver lining of the clouds is amazing and very imposing combines with your title setting. Really impressive!
Best wishes
Argiris

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-12-22 8:17

Hi, Kristaps.
That Stone Age/2001 Space Odyssey type of feel is most certainly here, the depth of field across those horizontal layers stretching all the way in the distance huge, the light management and timing superb... all in all a splendid shot! Have a good day, see ya later.
Fulvio.

toto (18755) 2008-12-23 14:06

Bonjours,
belle photo de ces nuages transpercés part ces rayons solaires.
Jolis tons des autres nuages plus lointains,ces colline a l' avant et ces ombres chinoises donnent de très jolis effets a votre photo.

Rosa et moi nous vous souhaitons de bonnes fêtes de fin d' année et une année 2009 qui vous apportera bonheur, amour et prospérité.
Amitiés Thomas

Charo (31677) 2008-12-28 17:45

Hello Kristaps,
A very pretty picture with a great atmosphere. I like these silhouettes emerging timidly towards this fantastic sky. Wonderful job.
Happy Year 2009!
Best regards,
Charo

plimrn (19688) 2008-12-29 20:24

Hi Kristaps,
I'm with Dan on this one, I like the WS better, the mist seems stronger, the detail of the temple stronger, of course you loose the cloud....
HLJ, Pat

bostankorkulugu (33888) 2008-12-30 5:31

i like them both... also the note... the copper tones in the sky look just charming kristaps... a real good job indeed...

all the best... korkut

Yffic (6106) 2008-12-31 2:02

Hi Kristaps,

What a great picture: the feeling is very strong.
Colors are simply stunning.
Thanks also for the note.

My best wishes for you and your familly for 2009.

Best regards.

Yves

jhm (83161) 2008-12-31 6:50

Hello Kristaps,

Wonderful rural view about your splendid country.
A quiet picture with a nice subject and great panorama view.
Good exposure and focus on the big stone.
Excellent perspective and good depth too. TFS.
Happy New Year and Healthy 2009.

Pleasant evening.
John.