SHAFT OF LIGHT REPOST, a photo from Hawaii, West

Photographer's Note

The Hawaiian Islands, comprising the 50th state of the United States, are a set of volcanic mountains. Rising from the floor of the Pacific Ocean, the dormant volcano Haleakala on the Island of Maui, soars to a height of 3657 m (12,000 ft) measured from sea level, or 9100 m (30,000 ft) measured from the sea floor. Ontop is an immense crater, approximately 34 km (21 miles) in circumference. I stopped my car at an overlook just above the tree-line, at approximately 2700 m (9000 ft) on Haleakala) and took a series of photos, with low lying clouds well below the horizon line.

What is seen is not the glow from the moon, but the light of the sun at midday. In order to produce the effect seen a shaft of light illuminating the cloud tops and the sea below, I took multiple shots with the aperture set several stops below the ideal value. This was the most dramatic of several shots.

I was using a Nikon F camera loaded with the legendary slide film Kodachrome25, very slow, but with astonishingly good flesh tones and sharpness. (Indeed, with an ISO of 25, it was eventually replaced by Kodachrome 64 and Kodachrome 200.) This is a repost of an image shot in November 1982, and posted on Trekearth in 2006. With the low resolution scan replete with noise, I had been unhappy with the post-processing with Photoshop CS2. The present Photoshop CS4 was considerably better in reducing the noise than the CS2. The original slide, however, is exceptionally sharp and noise free, and a dramatic example of a digital photograph falling short of the analogue version. It needs to be scanned at a much higher resolution.

carper, Leconte, BWJ, avene, jafadabret, ahmetgedikli, worldcitizen, ChrisJ, Cricri, jusninasirun, Longroute, Cretense, belido, paololg, Dashab, riclopes, papagolf21, gunbud, jhm, CLODO, windosil, Wandering_Dan, s_lush, MLINES, Alan_Kolnik, Charo, emjleclercq, Vasa, yedirenk, Amphitrite, patdeph, JCG, leonorkuhn, resat1972, Gerrit, paura, gentedilivello, asajernigan, Didi, didemay, Angshu, nobuikehonda, Tigerlily, kasianowak, ourania oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

carper (96) 2010-02-16 3:20

very nice dear friend.
the atmosphere is stunning here, this is not easy but I like the effect of this light here, well seen and very good technical job, have a good day.
regard jaap

rikko77 (10861) 2010-02-16 3:23

you mastered this light so perfectly, Bulent. Are you still using sometimes your Nikon F? beautiful capture, frame full of poetry and....good technique. Good to read your note, since the digital stuff seems to keep us away from "thinking" before shooting sometimes.
Take care, have a good day
Rikk

Bluejeans (64251) 2010-02-16 4:31

Ola Bulent,
Que impressionante esta tua imagem parece a chegada de um OVNI , lindo o reflexos sobre o mar, bom trabalho de scan , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

rlrad (1845) 2010-02-16 4:38

Good Morning Bulent,

This was a hard thing to do with film cameras, not quite as tough now with digital raw and all the software choices we have today. I think it turned out very well and that the noise was enhanced by the scanning, not the film or the camera. I don't mind it anyway, just concentrating on the subject and how your photo appeals to me. I like it very much and admire your talent. It's a fantastic image - I see why it was one of your favorites!

Have a wonderful day,
Reed

Leconte (5795) 2010-02-16 4:47

Hello Bulent,

a very successful shot over the volcano, the grain adds character to this photo sublime, the treatment of light is fantastic, the rendering is very beautiful, very poetic, beautiful atmosphere,
thank you to you for your reply on your previous post,

all the best,
Valérie.

supi4u (601) 2010-02-16 6:17

Hi Bulent

Excellent atmosphere. Specially I like the volume light. Perfect exposure and very good low light management this is not easy in film camera really a stunning job well done.
-Supriya

BWJ (3094) 2010-02-16 6:46

Hello Bulent,
What an incredible photo showing such beauty created by the wide beam light streaming down over the clouds and water in the crater. The atmosphere is wonderfully calming and tranquil. Your skills with the camera settings provide excellent contrast and lovely varying shades of soft color. I can see why this is one of your favorite photos.
Kind regards,
Betty

jafadabret (56501) 2010-02-16 12:22

Bonjour Bulent,
Une vue de fin du monde ! J'aime cette lumičre du soleil capturée par les cendres en suspension. Du trčs beau travail !
Amicalement
Jacques

Ricx (13495) 2010-02-16 12:26

Hi Bulent.. Very well done and well presented.. A very clever image taken on film,, I like your note .. Is this something that can be done on the modern day digital image.. TFS Have a great evening Ricx

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2010-02-16 12:41

Ben fotoğrafı görünce dua ettim: "Allah kimseyi ışıksız bırakmasın" diye. Güç şartlarda çekilmiş ve sanki bir filim sahnesi.
Selamlar, saygılar Hocam.
ahmetgedikli

jaywalker (16105) 2010-02-16 12:46

Hi Bulent, Wonderful rays of light shinning down & the silhouettes of the bushes are nicely detailed, the low cloud looks quite stormy & give a great atmospheric feel, the noise does not detract from this well formed photo, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

avene (12675) 2010-02-16 12:57

hello Bulent,
the light looks as if coming form an alien space ship ready to land :) this illusion is particularly strong against the layer of clouds and silhouettes of the trees in the foreground, there's something cinematographic about the whole scene, and I like it. interesting experiment with apperture, I'll have to try it sometime, your example is fascinating.

best,
Kristine

emka (157292) 2010-02-16 14:56

Hi Bulent, splendid shot, amazing clouds and light rays.
I have read lately that this year it was snowing in the same time in 49 states of USA - only Hawaii was without snow fall. They tried to fing only smmall amount very high, to have all 50 but I do not know if they succeeded. Amd it is El Nino again respponsible for it.

warm regards

Malgorzata

worldcitizen (15982) 2010-02-16 16:46

Hello Bulent,
Let there be light! :-) It almost seems like you are looking down from the heavens onto this magical scene. The shaft of light is perfect, and the golden illumination of the water is beautiful. Having the silhouettes of the trees and the clouds in the bottom of the frame really create a wonderful composition.

ChrisJ (171392) 2010-02-16 21:56

Good Afternoon Bulent

The upper part is a bit grainy, but what an incredible view! I like the backlit clouds on the horizon. The fluffy fg clouds are great too. A superb high pov here. And that shaft of sunlight to the sea. Tfs!

atilgone (0) 2010-02-17 0:25

merhaba bülent bey,
çok güzel bir fotoğraf bu. manzara çok güzel. bu fotoğrafı nasıl çektiniz?
saygılar

tober (8797) 2010-02-17 1:14

Merhaba Sayın Hocam, notunuzu okumasam ay ışığı zannedecektim. Sanki bulutlar üzerindeki Klimanjaro'nun tepesinden bir gece yarısı aşyağıya doğru Afrika savanlarına bakıyorum hissine kapıldım.

Elinize sağlık.

P.S. Belki haberiniz vardır; Hürriyet Daily News bugünkü sayısında sizden bahsetmiş. Bana da biraz önce Faruk Bey söyledi.

Kesiti burada

delpeoples (60342) 2010-02-17 2:50

Hi Bulent, oooh ahh, that light is just amazing, so ethereal and such a decisive moment. You've managed everything perfectly, this really is a wonderful photo, congratulations. Have a beautiful day, Lisa

Cricri (176) 2010-02-17 6:48

Hi Bulent
Une scčne spectaculaire qui crée une atmosphčre particuličre et magnifique,belle réalisation
Friendship
cricri

jusninasirun (17529) 2010-02-17 9:28

Hi Bulent.

Wonderful light pointing to the rushing water.
Dreamy effect in well timed capture.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful repost.
Best regards,
Jusni

Longroute (19600) 2010-02-18 0:47

At first I thought of a sciencefiction scene: an alien spaceship descending to Earth and sending its rays to explore it! (:-)
Effect assured! Very fine and well composed.
TFS,
Donato

Uhu (8609) 2010-02-18 0:51

Good day!
Quite unbeleivable - such unusual light, and falling on the clouds down there , and being seen through trees - I really think it's one of the most unusual photos that I have seen.
Great work - and for the scanned one quality are perfect as well.

Cretense (68709) 2010-02-18 2:20

Hello, dear Bulent!

this is absolutely magic! I have no words to describe my feelings for this masterpiece! I 'd rather remain silent!

Hercules

belido (19934) 2010-02-18 2:38

Hi Bulent,

very interesting experiment. The scene is enigmatic and it comes with such interesting effects. Very good work on the catch, post-processing and digitalization. Great one!
Regards,
Carlos

Urs (14082) 2010-02-18 3:46

Hi Bulent

Excellent scan and of course brilliant action shot. Normally light is changing fast, so you did not have a lot of time. Moreover you were at the right place at the right moment. Superb color hues and sharpness. Well done photo job

AS you may have read, I live partly in Malaysia partly in Thailand. I only can recommend you to re-visit these countries when you have time, and have a look around. it's worth it.

Thanks for your critique of my Penang shot. BTW the painting is on the wooden door of the temple. Shown are warrior guardians, which should protect the temple.

Best regards
Urs

john1 (4028) 2010-02-18 9:18

Hi Bulent,

A wonderful atmosphere that emanates from the composition, very difficult.
The results obtained are beautiful, the silhouette of trees and clouds are beautiful. A pretty mastery in any case, congratulations. TFS.
Good evening.
John

paololg (31448) 2010-02-18 10:05

Ciao dear Bulent,
amazing image. This beam of light creates a beautiful atmosphere, mysticism and mysterious. This is a photo that all the photographers would like to do. Really an excellent work, considering that it is a 1982 slide scanning. Sincere compliments!
I have read your pleasant comment to my last photo, and I have appreciated a lot the link to your photo of old Venetian dolls. I have also read that you will have an interesting cruise from Venice to Istanbul and that you will have a lecture during the trip. The passengers of the ship are very fortunate to have the occasion to listen to a man of culture as you. About a possible meeting I don't know if I can organize it for that period, but surely it will be a pleasure to show you Treviso, my city.
Thanks for the attention that you dedicate to my gallery, have a beautiful week end, dear friend!
Paolo

Dashab (2564) 2010-02-19 1:40

Hello Bulent,
This is a magical picture, hard to believe that is it shot at midday. You are a true artist! The technical skill that went into this shot is considerable, plus you did extremely well at cleaning the scan up, I would not have thought this was a scan.
Aside from the column of light, I love the silver shimmer of the clouds and the use of silhouettes in your composition. The scene looks like one from a dream!
TFS and have a nice weekend! Hope you see some signs of spring soon!
Dasha

riclopes (35577) 2010-02-19 1:58

Olá Bulent, reading your note and looking at this image, I can have an idea of how good must be the original image of the slide. Never seen the previous post but this view makes me dream. I love the sense of being above the clouds and the light you captured is magical. The way you centered the composition makes that source of light look like coming from a divine entity that no one can escape. This is for sure a special moment for contemplation and admiration of nature.
RE: I apreciated the enthusiatic critic you did on my photo of Versailles. To be honest, when photographing in museums, your name usually comes to my mind.
warm regards,
ric

papagolf21 (152607) 2010-02-19 3:31

Bonjour, mon bon ami Bulent,
Quelle image ! Quelle splendeur ! les adjectifs pourraient ętre utilisés ŕ l'infini devant tant de beauté !
Image onirique, image divine, image poétique. J'imagine trčs bien cette photographie ornant la couverture d'un livre ou d'une jaquette de disque classique.
Magnifique.
Amitiés.
Philippe
P.S. : Pour les photos de mon épouse, il faut que je fasse des recherches parmi les paniers de diapositives entreposées quelque part, mais oů ? !!!

siam2005 (1566) 2010-02-19 14:14

Magical picture with a mystical atmosphere.
Fantastic light.
Best regards.
Anna

gunbud (34066) 2010-02-19 20:14

Hi Bulent,
Very unique and well seen image.
Masterful light management brings us a very dramatic look from the heavens.
Regards, Tom

jhm (211734) 2010-02-20 0:41

Hello Dear Bulent,

You play wonderful with light, together the low clouds.
These picture do my think to the a lot painters that I see at our beaches in the early evening.
Soft of colors, also splendid contrasts.
Excellent composition and good presentation. TFS.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

CLODO (45116) 2010-02-20 9:01

hi Bulent
Waaooouuuuhhh! What a light! God is coming on earth? Absolutly fantastic! super goood scan of an old slide. It's good to come back in the old times to look for hidden jewels.
have a nice WE
Cheers
CLODO

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2010-02-20 14:05

Merhaba, Bulent -

Very interesting and imaginative, and a great use of film techniques. Plus a very good scan. It has a wonderful other-worldly feel.

Best,
Dan

s_lush (16602) 2010-02-20 21:31

Hello Bulent,
This is a really astonishing view. The shaft of moonlight above creates a unreal or even mystic atmosphere of this wonderful scene. Absolutely excellent shot!
Best regards,
Sergiy

MLINES (12516) 2010-02-21 2:13

Hi Bulent, It is always a pleasure to read your notes accompanying your images, and this is not exception, a story of geology woven into interesting phrases. The photo is intteresting with the clouds below rather than above. TFS. Murray.

Alan_Kolnik (620) 2010-02-21 5:24

Very interesting view of this location. I did the obligatory early morning trip up the volcano a couple of years ago see the sun rise, and it was actually quite disappointing and useless as a photographic exercise due to the haze - you made something very interesting out of this location.

anokutan (15097) 2010-02-21 6:50

Bülent bey merhaba,
Muhteşe bir görüntü.Harika.Ellerinize sağlık.

ciakgiak (30) 2010-02-21 8:51

Ciao Bulent,
questo fascio di luce č magia, hai creato un'atmosfera surreale gestendo la luce in maniera perfetta e componendo l'immagine come in pochi sanno fare.
Complimenti, un caro abbraccio.
Giorgio

Charo (51290) 2010-02-21 11:46

Hello my friend Bulent,
The image is spectacular with those rays of sunshine through the dark sky. The low clouds and silhouettes of trees, harmonize the composition. Excellent perspective and atmosphere.
Best wishes,
Charo

emjleclercq (15778) 2010-02-21 13:22

A very dramatic picture, with he column of light falling over the seaofcluds. And a very interesting note from a technical point of view.
About the scan, I have always been more satisfied with scans from films than those from slides...

All the best,

Emmanuel

Vasa (515) 2010-02-21 13:27

Divine picture, dear Bulent. I am standing for a long time admiring this spectacular light. You are cooperating with God and you have some merits. Bravo friend,

Branko

JanD (0) 2010-02-22 0:54

Howdy Batalay!
Wonderful lightness. Amazing shadows. Superb contrast. Mysterious effect.
Regards.

yedirenk (11244) 2010-02-22 2:01

merhaba Bülent hocam,
ışığı,detayları ve atmosferiyle çok çarpıcı görüntü,başka bir alem sanki.huzur ve sükunet veriyor.sıradışı bir kare.ellerinize sağlık.selamlar,sevgiler..

Cevdet

Amphitrite (1720) 2010-02-22 3:51

Merhabalar,

Cok hos ama bir o kadar da dramatik bir kompozisyon.
Renkler ve isik huzmeleri ile yansimalar cok guzel.

Ellerinize saglik,
PINAR

patdeph (35750) 2010-02-22 8:59

hello Bulent
I know how it's difficult to obtain a perfect scan!And here,even if the sky seems a little bit noisy,never mind,because we only see this fantastic light and the white clouds in the darkness,and the splendid silhouettes of trees standing out them!Splendid!
Regards
Pascale

Silvio1953 (220775) 2010-02-22 12:21

Ciao Bulent, fascinating composition with fantastic light, dreaming atmosphere, very well done my friend, ciao Silvio

mauro61 (53411) 2010-02-23 1:06

ciao Bulent,
spettacolare il raggio di luce che si proietta sull'acqua con l'ambientazione attorno nel buio totale.
buona giornata
maurizio

alibasarir (15580) 2010-02-23 7:22

merhaba bülent bey
sanki ayrı bir dünya gibi.gökyüzünden süzülen ışık son derece etlileyici.gerçekten çok farklı,güzel ve sıradışı bir manzara elinize sağlık.
selamlar sevgiler
Ali

veyselk (0) 2010-02-23 9:00

merhaba hocam

bu nasil bi guzellik boyle, havai adalarinin hic boyle bir karesini gormemistim ve bu kare ben sadece uc haftalikken cekilmiş :)
bu enfes kareyi bizimle paylastigin icin cok tesekkurler hocam

Saygilar, selamlar
Veysel

JCG (35153) 2010-02-24 0:32

Hello Bülent,

It is the invasion of ET which begins !!! Impressive dominating point of view, especially with this photographic treatment which adds the strange one to the atmosphere. Good scan and thank you for your note always interesting.

With all my friendships of Versailles under the rain and to soon,

Jean-Charles

OzkanSamioglu (1770) 2010-02-24 13:14

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
Bu nasıl bir ışıktır böyle.Çok çarpıcı,çok etkileyici.Bu şansa gıpta etmemek mümkün değil,tebrik ederim.Selamlar.

leonorkuhn (16237) 2010-02-24 16:06

Hi Bülent,

The image is impressive, it seems like a special effect created for a Hollywood super-production. Fantastic light upon the clouds with the silhouette of trees in the foreground. Excellent capture with Kodak film, I also think that digital imaging has not yet overcome the traditional methods.

Greetings
Leonor

resat1972 (7586) 2010-02-24 22:54

slm

güzel bir deneme, Karadeniz yaylalarından bir gecit gibi görünüyor. bulutlar aşağıda.ışık güzel durmuş.
Tebrikler..

Reşat..

mursaloglu (8682) 2010-02-25 3:07

merhaba sevgili bulent bey
Trekearth'a rarely girdigimden sizin bu güzel fotograflarnizi yakalamak sansim cok zor oluyor. Bu nedenle kusura bakmayin. Bu görüntü olaganüstü bir tür dünyanin yeniden yaratilisini simgeler gibi. Harika bir efekt mükemmel görünüm. ellerinize saglik ihsan

Gerrit (62042) 2010-02-25 6:01

Hi Bulent,
overwhelming effect and indeed looking like a very hell and somewhat overcast moonlight.
De smoke and slhouettes effects are wonderful.
regards, Gerrit

paura (25802) 2010-02-25 13:42

Bulent,
A pure artistic photo composition here, friend. Lighting are really interesting here. Very well done!

Regards

Paulo

gentedilivello (3103) 2010-02-26 14:39

Hi Bulent,
really an impressive shot! You had a wonderful idea and the result is amazing! Very well done!
TFS.
Have a nice weekend.
Gabriele.

xavshot (69835) 2010-03-01 12:12

Bonsoir Bulent
magnifique lumičre et trčs belle atmosphčre dans cette image. J'aime beaucoup. Beau travail.
Xavier

darek1978 (13361) 2010-03-01 15:52

Hi Bulent,
Wow! This is spetacular!The light is really incredible. There is not too much to say but just that it's trully a wonderful and interesting capture.
regards,
Darek

Graal (103040) 2010-03-02 0:08

Hi Bulent,
stunning effect, wow, I like it. Friends all told You. Good note and photojob.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

asajernigan (21427) 2010-03-02 2:50

Bulent,
You have captured the light beautifully here. You have captured the atmosphere with great skill. The photo is technically very fine yet beautiful as well.
TFS,
Asa

polpo56 (15146) 2010-03-04 14:13

Ciao Bulent,
This is a special photo, filled with a surreal atmosphere. It would be fine as an advertisement for some movie about magic.

My best regards

Ludo

AiresSantos (56155) 2010-03-04 20:49

Hi Bulent
Amazing light in this beautiful picture
I like a lot the atmosphere. Well seen and done
Best Regards
Aires

Didi (61589) 2010-03-07 9:03

Hello Bulent
You were on direct line with God.
Very interesting and original composition.
Kodachrome 25 is a very good slide film.
Warm regards
Didi

didemay (2945) 2010-03-10 0:45

Bulent Merhaba,
Nefis bir manzara. Cok basariyla yonetilmis bir durum. Harika bir denge.
Gozune saglik.
Sevgiler,
Didem

Dyerco (10185) 2010-03-11 5:54

Hi Bulent
I too have tried scanning slides and it seems to be a hit and miss affair. This shot is stunning and a good example of exposing for the highlights. I took the liberty of doing a WS in Neat Image.
Phil

[workshop] [compare] +

clio (27961) 2010-03-23 10:49

Hi Bulent,
The atmosphere is really unreal, even supernatural. Would anybody fall down from the sky? You made a wonderful work during the shooting but also with Photoshop. What you say on the new version interests me (I have CS2 and it tempts me to buy CS4!)
Fantastic shot, congratulations!
Best regards
Diane

mi_per (84) 2010-04-04 14:12

Hello Bulent:)
Excellent drama and mood in this impressive capture.
Wonderful and moody work.
regards from Ohrid:)
Mitko:)

Angshu (56760) 2010-04-07 9:33

Hello Professor 'A'
The effect of bright sunlight as it falls in a shaft falling on the sea of clouds below and the water with a golden sheen on it and the silhouettes of the trees create a magical atmosphere. An interesting experiment with aperture, which I've never ventured or even thought before. Fine work!
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

xramm (1831) 2010-05-22 3:32

Merhaba Bulent bey,
Guzel zamanlama , guzel kompozisyon. atmosfer fotograf icin cok uymus.
Kolay gelsin
Hakki

megselv (518) 2010-12-09 12:37

Divine light and probably an experience of a lifetime :o)

nobuikehonda (3848) 2011-04-30 4:06

Hello Professor,

"Dramatic" is the word. I have in the past seen photographs of dramatic sunlight. But this is a good example of what the nature is capable of creating. Well above the level of clouds, I wonder why the sky is so dark. This is no accident. You have used bracketing technic. Some of the modern cameras nowadays can do this almost automatically, but with a Nikon F, every setting is your decision. Therefore, It cannot be an accident. Overall effect of the photo is entirely yours, and it's stunning. You have certainly succeeded capturing a wonder of the nature, in a very memorable way, indeed.
The image is incredibly powerful. It is a kind of an image, once seen one never forgets.

I thank you for sharing this spectacular image with us.

Best regards,

Nobu.

Tigerlily (3381) 2012-06-09 9:06

Surreal. Superb image, beautiful light management. Feel like landed on anther planet...
BTW, thank you very much for your compliment, Bulent. I'm coming to learn. And also thank you for your moving story about Hungary, China... I'm not good at words, and new on this site, but I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart.
Kind Regards.
Jasmine

No_One (4) 2014-01-02 1:45

Hi Bulent,
What a beautiful dramatic effect, this shaft of light is stunning. It looks superb set against the dark background like this, and the colors in the beam are brilliant. Once more I am glad for the featured photo section on this site :)
All the best
Noel

kasianowak (17672) 2015-01-31 2:39

Hi Bulent
Beautiful image with exceptional light. One of those golden oldies that keep their appeal regardless of changes in technology.
Best wishes
Kasia

ourania (51103) 2016-04-19 12:54

Hello Bulent,
thank you very much for an interesting comment that consoled me a bit regarding the trouble with my lens and led me to this stunning photo of your collection. The effects of the light and the shadow are fascinating, the silhouettes, the clouds and the reflections make up a fantastic scenery and everything seems to be caused by the mystical shaft of light. You played with your film and camera settings creatively and seem to have reached many layers deeper than the apparent, surface view. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great day,
Ourania