Paddling in Clouds, a photo from New South Wales, East

Photographer's Note

I apologise in advance for this gratuitous sunset shot, but it was so beautiful I couldnt help but share it.
You know how a sunset will just keep building as you look at it, well, thats what happened here. Id just finished mowing the lawns and I was sitting out the back looking out over the lake, yes, I was having a cold beer, actually I was on my third. The breeze dropped, and suddenly the lake was completely still. I grabbed the camera, just in time, as I walked out everything happened, the lake was like a mirror, right on cue a kayaker paddled across exactly in the right part of the shot and the sun was lighting up the clouds, woo hoo how lucky can you get.
Just a curves adjustment layer to give a bit more contrast and that was that.
Hope you enjoy looking at this sunset as much as I did.

Dpbours, ktanska, asajernigan, pen, nwoehnl, vmf-214, Gerrit, Floydian, rodgerg, JudyR, PaulVDV, cherryripe, alftrek, rginer, delpeoples, jlbrthnn, ChrisJ, robertosalguero, daddo, Nelu_Goia, hispic, Cricri, BelCan75, Atousa, MLINES, Kielia, jusninasirun, judesta, shevchenko, cfreire, jhm, Sistercosmo, cunejo200, bakes888, Silversnow, Cretense, ifege, skippy007, stego, Urs, sonkai, denisn72, ellelloo, DukeSG oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

marion44 (9) 2009-05-18 2:25

Hi Peter,
Waow, really idyllic... Awesome peaceful composition and colors.
Have a good day
Marion

sabermonajati (11537) 2009-05-18 2:35

hi peter
very nice landscape with amazing colours and men in lake.
regard

Dpbours (222) 2009-05-18 2:35

Hello Peter,

That is wonderful! I love the silouettes of the trees in the foreground as well as the background. Black is really black and that's nice!
Yes, wonderful. And allthough it is a sunset, it is a very nice shot to start this day with!! ;-)

Greetings, Dennis

dkeus31 (27739) 2009-05-18 3:03

Hi Peter,
nice moody image, the colors and light are simply good!
regards
didier

ktanska (45126) 2009-05-18 3:14

Hi Peter,
That called home advantage. You are ready when the time is right, just grab the camera. The kayaker is of course a bonus over there. On this light this could as well be from some Finnish lake, which is nice.
Kari

SteveH (8220) 2009-05-18 3:21

Hi Peter, No need to apologise for this (at least not to me - a serial poster of gratuitous sunsets). I like the inclusion of the tree on the left and as you say the kayaker is a nice addition, adding some dynamism. If this is the view from your back yard I can understand why you'd be building one of those Pygmy Cohos that gunbud promotes. cheers, Steve

asajernigan (21427) 2009-05-18 3:45

Peter,
This is a great sunset shot and the kayak is a definite plus! The reflection is great giving the shot depth and balance. The lighting and colors are great with excellent sharpness and detail.
TFS,
Asa

trekks (14348) 2009-05-18 3:46

hi Peter

As I was viewing this, reading the note and thinking...it would be nice to have your sitting pose as silhouette on this scene, hand holding a 3rd beer mug. With a timer set for 10s.

But I look in disbelief on the tiny boat and paddler streaming across the calm lake water, with this strong color of the sunset. I am especially struck by the precise location that the boat streaked across, in between the layers of clouds in the reflection.

Very good capture. Perfect timing precision.

tfs, bill

pen (509) 2009-05-18 3:55

Hi,
Great composition. Nice color and sillouette effect. Great shot.
Regards,
Pedro

Nicou (193814) 2009-05-18 5:00

Hello,

Merveilleux coucher de solei, quelles couleurs, quel ciel de ręve avec les reflet orange des nuage juset prčs de la barque, la végétation ŕ gauches, mangigique.

bravo et maitié

Nicou

westozman (0) 2009-05-18 5:11

Maaaaaaaaate!
You've nailed it with this one, ol' buddy! Spot on with colours, composition, exposure - and sharpness! My guess is that (knowing you as I do!), the beers kept flowing long after the sun went down: and it's amazing how quickly the grass grows again, eh? Time for another coldie..............!
Best wishes,
Jeff

Bluejeans (64251) 2009-05-18 5:48

Ola Peter,
Lindo este pôr do sol as cores quentes estăo magnificas , gostei muito do homem na canoa , bonitos reflexos , belo ponto de visăo , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

nwoehnl (122) 2009-05-18 6:22

Hi Peter. Not really sure what you are apologizing for - it's really a beautiful photo you have here. You were at the right place at the right time, and even after 3 beers you managed to hold the camera still enough to get a crisp and well-exposed rendition of this great moment with the kayaker passing amidst the colorful luminous reflections. Fine moody shot, well captured.

foozi (7101) 2009-05-18 6:29

Hi Peter,
yes it is such an enviable shot. You grabbed it right and you produced it brautifully. The golden light and and beautiful reflectin is well presented. The guy paddler is the big bonus for you in this shot.
Well composed with well executed plan.

Regards,
Foozi

vmf-214 (1648) 2009-05-18 6:35

Hi Peter, You lake shot is way better then mine, This is a gorgeous sunset, Lovely reflection on the water and nice touch capturing the kayak. Wonderful blue,orange and gold in the sky. The sharpness is prefect and nice peaceful sunset shot. Great job Buddy.

Best regards
Jason.

bracasha75 (24591) 2009-05-18 6:46

Hi Peter
...and you ask me why i will came "down there".This here is the reason.I like this foto so match and this sky with this silouetted hills make this place at this time almoust like heaven
Thank you very match
All best ,Bratislav

PS You got my mail?????

Zolive (5935) 2009-05-18 6:53

Hi Peter
Wonderful sunset with great warm colors. The symetry is very good and the reflection of clouds into water too. The kayak is beautiful. Congratulations.
Olivier

Gerrit (62042) 2009-05-18 7:21

Hi Peter,
this great photo has a lot of atmosphere and ofcourse wonderful colors.
Great composition with that guy paddling in the clouds.
Regards, gerrit

Floydian (30970) 2009-05-18 8:08

Hi Peter,

Without the peddler a very nice warm sunset, but with the peddler a great extra detail which makes the picture 200% better than it was without. We now have an extra focal point, but also the trail that goes behind him is a very nice and interesting detail...great shot.

Regards,

Henk

rodgerg (55767) 2009-05-18 10:31

Hello¨Peter,

A very nice landscape with incredible color and its reflections in the water very well collecetd. I like especially the silhouet of the man and its boat. This silhouet is very well located in the compoistion, give an idea of the scale and an intersting element of life. A very good photowork in your gallery.
Best regards,
Roger

PaulVDV (63574) 2009-05-18 11:28

Hello Peter,
A sincere splendid sunset picture. I like how the thick black line of the forested hill at the other side of the lake divides the beautifully coloured surfaces of the sky and the water.
The silhouettes of the branches on the foreground are very good for the composition and of course the kayaker in the clouds is placed very well on the picture.
Best regards, Paul

cherryripe (21033) 2009-05-18 14:28

Hi Peter
Yes you were lucky. The kayaker is really the icing on the cake for this shot. I'm wondering how you managed to keep your camera from moving after 3 beers, lol.
Nice balance between the branches on the left and the clouds upper right.
Regards
Nikki

alftrek (3270) 2009-05-18 15:35

Hello Peter,
It sounds nice to be rewarded with this gorgeous view of sunset and 3 cans of cold beer after lawn mowing.

With this stunning sunset, what most photographer wish for is a subtle sign of human activity, and you always seems to have it in all your backyard shot. It makes a huge difference. Excellent work, I like it

regards
Alfred

burraburra (1219) 2009-05-18 20:23

G'Day Peter,
Sunset shots are amoungst my favourite to view. Here you have certain ly captured a great one. The reflection on the lake of the clouds, blue sky, hills & kayaker provides a highlight and further interest in the whole picture. Great colours. Superb contrast.
Cheers,
Graham.

rginer (881) 2009-05-19 2:15 [Comment]

Show Comment

delpeoples (60342) 2009-05-19 3:49

Aw Pete you've nailed it here mate. This isn't gratuitous in any sense, with or without the cayaker. I'd call it a decisive moment shot, and an excellent one at that especially considering the small window of time you had in which to work (to beer or not to beer - that would have been my question). Beautiful and sharp, beautifully metered and extremely well-composed with the tree partially framing the left-hand side. Great work, Lisa.

aadilj (18102) 2009-05-19 4:16

Hi peter, this is lovely and so well seen, handled and compsoed with nice vibrant hues and tones.

jlbrthnn (76043) 2009-05-19 5:18

Hello Peter,
This image is a painting of any beauty. The light and the colors are a pleasure. The calm surface of the lake, and this quiet boat suggest insulation and the calm one. A success, congratulations.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

ChrisJ (172442) 2009-05-19 17:56

Hi Peter

The solitary kayaker 'makes' the shot, imho. Wonderful warm cold colour contrasts, between the blue & orange, with superb symmetrical reflections. Tfs!

robertosalguero (292) 2009-05-20 0:59

Hello Peter,

What a beautiful place to spend time! The colours of the sunset are very appealing to the senses. Nice perspective of this moment and the inclusion of the kayaker enhances the feeling of people being drawn to nature. Thanks Peter.

Roberto

hay_kes (31439) 2009-05-20 1:13

Hi Peter,
What an amazing sunset vith superb colours, silhouettes and reflection.TFS.
Regards,
hAyAti

mikolaj_kawa (0) 2009-05-20 1:23

Hello Peter! Wonderful seascape/landscape, amazing sunset. Fantastic light and shadow. Good contrast. Very good capture. Original work. Well done!

mkamionka (75255) 2009-05-20 1:35

Hi Peter,
the sunset is certainly beautiful as it is, but the guy paddling, his contours are fantastic, it adds a lot to the composition.It is a very good catch,
TFS
M

daddo (28748) 2009-05-20 1:54

Hi Peter. Majestic sky, great expanse of water and the seemingly rushing clouds all seem to dwarf the solitary figure. Love the theme of man in harmony with nature, leaving only a ripple behind him which soon vanishes- as if he had never passed across the vista. Beautiful to behold. Regards. Klaudio.

rlrad (1845) 2009-05-20 9:21

Whoa, beautiful shot, I can really appreciate the scene with the addition of the person paddling the kayak (I assume that's what it is). You both had a nice evening to enjoy, perhaps you more than he as your work was much more relaxing. Really a great sunset, Peter.

Well done!
Reed

Nelu_Goia (3116) 2009-05-20 11:56

Hi Peter,
Apology accepted:)
Others have mentioned it but I have to repeat it; how lucky you are to live in such a place!
What could I say about the photo? Magnificent!
P.S. How is it going with your lens problem?
All the best,
Nelu

hispic (9658) 2009-05-20 20:22

Hello Peter,
An amazing shot, a canoe is running on the clouds. It's a good choice to have made the canoe a silhouette. This is a really excellent shot to give us a dream.
Best wishes, Hisashi

Cricri (176) 2009-05-21 7:11

Hi Peter
C'est un magnifique moment que vous partager, les couleurs, les reflets, le cadrage, tout est un plaisir a regarder, compliment
Friendship
cricri

BelCan75 (2201) 2009-05-21 11:55

Hello Peter,

What a nice photo! I don't know where to begin, everything's perfect. I love the sky, I love the reflections in the water, the colours are amazing and the kayaker paddling on the water gives just that little extra touch! Excellent work, Peter!

Greetings,
Ann

Clementi (52514) 2009-05-21 12:58

Ciao Peter,
a show to be admired in giant format, to hang to a wall to taste this beautiful atmosphere and to relax.
indeed fantastic
Giorgio

dvlazar (6662) 2009-05-21 16:20

Hey again,

You dont need to apologize for a sunset shot - especially if it's a good one. The colours are lovely, and the subject of the kayaker add lots to the shot.

Dave

gunbud (34066) 2009-05-21 19:18

Hi Pete,
The sunset is breathtaking and the clouds both in sky and water are splendid but the icing on the cake has to be the kayker gliding through this beautiful moment.
Just think this could be you next spring.
Wonderful work on 3 beers! You and Fulivo do your best work after a little ale.
Regards, Tom

Atousa (7131) 2009-05-21 20:35

Salam Peter,

Its really a beautiful sunset shot specially with the presence of the man rowing ahead , the bird n surely the nice reflection..very well composed..thanks for sharing.
Best regards, Atousa

ribeiroantonio (22730) 2009-05-21 22:46

Sunsets are one of my preferred themes. And I have to say that this one is simply magnificent. The paddler is a great eye catcher and the photo would not be the same without him. Sensational colours and superb light. Well done.
Antonio

litiancai (1048) 2009-05-22 0:34

Hi Peter!

Sound like you live a difficult life in a terrible place eh! Te colours are supreme, and like you say the kayaker was a blessing for the photo. Nothing to apologise for here, I've enjoyed looking a this photo very much!

Take care

Lee

carper (96) 2009-05-22 0:38

marvelous atmosphere here Peter, good composition, fine technical shot with the difficult backlight.
good photo work here. I like it, have a good day.
regard jaap

argycon (2769) 2009-05-22 4:14

Hi Peter,
Fantastic sunset capture with wonderful colors!
Amazing reflections!! I like a lot the shilouete of the cayaker. Great place to enjoy the sunset with a couple of Fosters.
tfs
Have a nice weekend
Kostas

MLINES (12516) 2009-05-22 16:49

Hi Peter, You have a wonderful reward for mowing the lawn on days like this!! Beautiful composition and the canoe adds a great deal and allows scale also. Real natural beauty, inside a big city. TFS. Murray.

snunney (130967) 2009-05-23 0:56

Hello Peter,
There is something special about this sunset shot with the lovely backlit fluffy clouds creating a very peaceful and calm atmosphere. The solitary canoeist contributes much to the feeling of peace and serenity as do the lovely reflections. Lovely gold/blue tones and excellent clarity. A fine image.

Kielia (24077) 2009-05-23 11:29

Hi Peter,
I totally agree to you concerning this composition, such a beautiful sunset is also very much to my liking. Nice note accompanying an excellent capture of these fantastic colors. The management of the light is also fantastic. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

jusninasirun (17529) 2009-05-23 21:47

Hi Peter,

You are right about how sunset changes and so fast as well. Moments that you really wanted seldom last more than a few minutes.

This shot is glorious retaining the blue color at the top of the frame. The cloud with glow and ambiance is so perfect with the rower hitting the sweet spot.

I like the whole scene including perfectly executed land/sky division. TFS and have a nice day.

Regards,
Jusni

p/s: Thanks for your visit to my gallery.

testmaniac (13508) 2009-05-24 1:22

Hi Peter, nice and colorful landscape!

Good job!

TFS

Phil

judesta (1006) 2009-05-24 5:19

Hi Peter
Love it... everything working in perfect harmony with each other, from the rich colours of the sunset, awesome sky, mirror lake, silhouette of the kayak and tree.. perfect.
Cheers
Jude

shevchenko (20560) 2009-05-24 21:59

Hi Peter,
Impressive sunset view with attractive oren color clouds against blue sky, good intensive of color to show it, good capture to the passing boat too, good lighting and exposure, distinct photo, well done.
Ally

COSTANTINO (117940) 2009-05-25 10:49

Hello
I agree with your notes that this sunset shot is
marvellous..A romantic atmosphere that makes this shot
splendid..The reflaction is excellent and this lake looks like a mirror,great lightness
Very nice landscape
regards and compliments
Costantino

SridharRao75 (280) 2009-05-26 5:34

Hi Peter:

Great shot! You could try a crop too - a little behind the kayak.

Sridhar

isabela_sor (47748) 2009-05-26 22:48 [Comment]

Show Comment +

Waylim (25436) 2009-05-28 14:56

Hi Peter,
Brilliant and vivid colors, all is so clear and sharp, wow the clouds are so lovely illuminated and painted with gold and brown, reflection of hte silhouette fo the hills and the sky is just lovely. The conoer breaking the calm surface of the water draw our attention and make us wish to be right there in the middle of this painting like landscape. Cheers and have a good weekend.
Way

jhm (211738) 2009-05-29 8:57

Hello Peter,

Splendid colourfully picture.
The golden light and and beautiful reflection is well presented.
The guy paddler is the big bonus for you in this shot.
Perfect perspective, good depth, nice constrast picture.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice Pentecost weekend,
John.

Sistercosmo (242) 2009-05-29 12:48

Hi Peter!
Third beer and still a steady hand? Way to go! ;-))) And not a bad view from your backyard either...
Wonderful shot, truly beautiful with such warm colors and that guy paddling. Yes, sometimes we just get lucky - but don't we deserve it now and again? :-))
Have a great weekend and enjoy the beer!
Linda

cunejo200 (7281) 2009-05-31 3:57

There is no need to apologize for posting a sunset pic as this is spectacular. well exposed and composed with gorgeous colors. The man and his boat rightfully adorns the scene. Best regards...Danilo

bakes888 (18499) 2009-06-01 2:08

Hi Peter. Dont ya just love it when a plan comes together! Must say you have a nice view to sup beers in front of, probably better when youve earned it too (lawns). Nice timing to catch the peak of colour and the canoeist. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good week, Paul.

jimkil (1706) 2009-06-01 23:38

Excellent Peter
Not just a ordinary sunset but one that oozes class about it. Stunning colours and reflections with the kayaker well positioned in the comp. Truly beautiful and the title says it all.
Regards
Jim

travelm8 (366) 2009-06-02 3:16

Woo Hoo is right, great capture.
Must be hell mowing lawns with this as a backdrop and having to revive yourself with beer. Let me know if you need an apprentice!

Cheers

John

Kenny10pin (19301) 2009-06-04 5:01

great timing and the colours are just terrific, well done with the tones and reflections

azaf1 (15931) 2009-06-06 2:29

Good morning Peter

This is absolutely majestic! Those colors and the reflection are really a captivating scene. What else to say! I just keep looking at it.

Have a nice weekend and TFS
Argiris

Silversnow (2319) 2009-06-08 11:15

WOW, just wow...
Superb colors, great composition, perfect timing, a masterpiece of a sunset that you have nothing to appologise about! :D

Cretense (68709) 2009-06-10 15:12

Hello Peter!

One of the most impressive sunset photos I 've seen in a long time! Perfect framing and composition, perfect timing for the kayaker, amazing reflection, perfect light managment, outstanding colours! What can i say? Top quality photo! Congratulations!

Hercules

ifege (49617) 2009-06-13 12:17

Ah Peter (from Strasbourg)!
Back to the sunset theme - and a great shot too - shpar, perfect reflections and composition and, as you say - perfect timing. Every time I go for reflections I seem to strike wind or a power boat going past.
Regards
Ian

skippy007 (12510) 2009-06-14 19:12

Hi Peter, It's midday as I'm writing this, I was tempted to go to the fridge & grab a beer just to try & experience this sunset the way you did, but instead I'm going to have some lunch with a glass of red.
Beautifully done, a view like this, at your door, is not waisted on someone like you who truly appreciates it, is able to capture it in excellent style & share it with us. Thanks
Regards
Santo

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2009-06-15 14:33

Superb composition... The light, point of view and colours are very good. Well done.
Greetings.
Ahmet

npecanhuk (79329) 2009-06-21 6:29

Hello Peter!
Wow! Spectacle of colors bathed in the last sunrays of that day! Awesome reflection with impressively beautiful silhouettes!
I love it!
TFS - congratulations!
My warmest regards,
Neyvan

stego (24132) 2009-06-21 9:56

Hi Peter,
The colours are gorgeous and so is the compo, with that curious shape of the silhouette of the BG to where the clouds seem to converge. I like also the symmetry created by the reflection and how it is graciously broken by the rawer, who moves transversely to the "lines of force" on the sky.
Regards,
José

ilDottore (5252) 2009-07-09 12:41

Hi Peter,
Wonderful composition.
I'm also impressed by colours and fantastic reflection of the sky in waters of this lake.
From the technical point of view It's very hard to expose properly photo like this - and you made it! :)
Warm greetings from Dublin
Chris

Urs (14082) 2009-07-17 17:48

Dear Peter

Clouds can be lovely also for sunset as in your photo. What I like are these red and golden hues - just beautiful, or better wonderful. There also is this little boat, just perfect for the shot. It is a shot that's invites to dream of tomorrow, a very romantic scenery. However the shot also is fresh and crisp, fine sharpness and DOF. Well done

Have a nice weekend

Best regards
Urs

jmcl (14535) 2009-07-21 17:16

Hi Peter,

This is a wonderful moment ... beautiful reflection .. still water at sunset .. your wonderful person experiencing this nature ... this is being really picky .. and I hope not snide .. and certainly hypocritical .. and I know how quickly moments pass .. but I wish you could have gotten him about two boat lengths earlier ... so he was moving into this wonderful scene .. still tremendous image .. take care, John

francio64 (39888) 2009-07-30 12:40

Hello Peter,
spettacolare sunset dal colore rosso fuoco.
Bellissimo il riflesso delle nuvole nell'acqua del lago.
Bellissimo l'inserimento dell'uomo in canoa in quanto dŕ movimento alla scena e dinamicitŕ alla foto.

Compliments!
Francesco

sonkai (1105) 2009-08-21 11:49

Hi Peter.
I recently updated a sunset picture too, and I wrote the same as you; I know sunset pictures are very typical to capture,but sometimes it's hard to resist it.., in other words, I like it so much, and the canoeis crossing the image works very well. Thanks for sharing.
Best wishes,
Sonsoles

denisn72 (8314) 2009-10-27 6:58

Hi Peter,
This is a great composition! The richness of the colours are stunning. Great reflection on the water and canoe is a great bonus to the composition. The branches on the left make a nice natural framing. Perfect settings and impressive work!
Best regards
Denis!

mafegan (8626) 2009-11-28 1:42

Hello Peter
Spectacular sunset with the kayaker perfectly positioned. We can't have too many sunsets on TE - sunrises are not too bad either! You seem to live in heaven on earth! Tfs, Marlene

diomed (13926) 2009-12-18 9:24

Hi Peter,
this picture is simply spectacular! The sky is magic, the reflects incredible. Fantastic the warm tones, the contras, the sharpnes: a real masterpiece. Congratulations!
Nice evening
Antonio

ellelloo (6572) 2009-12-25 0:01

Hello Peter,
I had missed this gorgeous one and I came across it while browsing your gallery. This is a truly wonderful with lovely colours indeed. A good composition, where the kayaker in the perfect position is is a lovely detail. A photo to marvel!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and to your family!
Lasse

vizugonesailing (338) 2010-04-06 18:17 [Comment]