Inukshuk, a photo from Newfoundland, Atlantic

Photographer's Note

This is a shot of an Inukshuk.

Inukshuks are stones piled in a representation of a person. They are traditional landmarks created in the Arctic where there are no trees and few distinguishing features of the land to use for reference when travelling. They usually symbolize messages of welcome that mean “Welcome, you have been here before and you are on the right track.”

To take this photo, I had to climb a small mountain. It was a two hour hike to the top, but once I got there, it was really worth it. This inukshuk was built by native people and is in the highest point for hundreds of square kilometres. This sub-artic region has almost no montains and has limited vegetation. There is snow 10 months out of the year on this montain and is located in an area that has less than 2000 people living in 50 000 square kilometres(that is bigger than some contries!!!). There was an incredible feeling beeing up there alone with this landmark overlooking the horizon.

The whole structure is over ten feet high. It is said that this one has been there for more than a hundred years. I also took some color shots, but I think that the use of B&W here is more appropriate.

digi-mom, weswang, jstewart oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

henrye (3500) 2003-11-05 6:03

This is very interesting. Your note is very informative. The picture is great too. Great composition and depth. The black and white works really well here.

Miks (1717) 2003-11-05 6:42

The monumentality of the motive is very well conveyed here. And the exposition reveals lots and lots of texture in the stone. Good job in dull lighting conditions. Thank you also for the very interesting note!

Mikkel

Aegean (2571) 2003-11-05 6:58

Very nice shot of one of those fantastic Inuit artworks...A small one is just right in front of me on my desk:-)I think B&W works perfect here adding to the mood of those huge empty North areas...Nice details and composition..Very well done...

avigur_11 (22535) 2003-11-05 9:21

Yes, it is very well done in b&w, Paul.
It is very inetresting photo. The blurred hirizon adds to the feeling (supported by your note) that there's nothing arround. this area of 50,000 sq. km is more tham twice bigger than my small country.
Vwry well seen, Paul and very well done.

cdewet (0) 2003-11-05 10:50

Great pic and story, Paul, the subject well positioned and the B&W works its magic here.

joseelias (0) 2003-11-05 11:19

Great atmosphere in this photo. You've really managed to transmit the desolated and agressive feeling of this landscape through a correct use of BW.

Your composition is also very good with a correct placement of the main subject. The DOF is also very good, and I keep imagining how it would look with a sharper landscape.

Great note also.

dominique (11414) 2003-11-05 13:56

Super framing and good environment, the subject is interesting and it is well taken in photograph.

dob_31 (0) 2003-11-05 20:01

Belle photo et note trčs instructive... Le choix du noir et blanc est tout fait de mise ici. Bien joué!

jrj (34843) 2003-11-06 3:41

Interesting story and a good shot.
I can tell you that also we on many summits build thes stone piles. We call them "Steinkjerringer" (Stone crones).
Unfortunately some tourist who never walks longer than 50 m from the car has started to build small stone piles over the moutains - which is in no way the same.

steeve (1497) 2003-12-14 11:53

Nice composition and well documented. I like the endless background behind the inukshuk. We can see some trace left by the tool around the subject. Maybe a litle tilt CW. Well done dude.

[2]

bazal (7900) 2004-12-13 3:49

Simple but nice composition that shows the nice textural aspects of the foreground building. Interesting to learn that it't an Inukshuk ! Good shot...

weswang (18247) 2005-10-19 11:03

HI Paul, You have well played DoF in this picture. A very well taken picture with nice emphasis of the stone in the center. I like the off the center classical way in taking this picture. Thanks for the informative notes.

jstewart (1150) 2006-05-06 3:12

Hi,
Just seen your shot as I searched the site for inukshuks after I posted a picture of one. This captures the spirit of the land, I think.
All the best,
John