Narnia Maybe.....?, a photo from Perth and Kinross, Scotland

Photographer's Note

I looked out of the hotel bedroom window at 7am: no more snow; just on the hills from the day before. I looked out again at 8am and everywhere was white over. We sat having breakfast watching the flakes getting bigger and bigger.

Eventually we put on full waterproofs and set off to walk in Blair Castle grounds. It is in the village of Blair Atholl almost opposite our hotel, the Atholl Arms. The castle is only open to the public Tuesdays and Saturdays during winter, but you are allowed in the grounds any day.

The trouble with taking photos while its snowing is the lens gets wet and spoils the photos. The plan was to hold the umbrella for each other over the cameras, but we soon got fed up with that.

I took loads of photos and cant decide which to post so I posted three. After much umming and ahhing I chose this as main post and the others are in the WS. I expect you will all like different ones best. The stream is Banvie Burn, which runs through the castle grounds.

WS1
WS2

Oh the title!...... Its from the childrens classic Chronicles of Narnia, a series of seven books by CS Lewis. As soon as my daughter-in-law saw the photo she said 'It looks like Narnia' The most famous of the books is the first in the series The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Im not sure if the books are known outside the UK, but briefly four children during WWII find a way out of the back of a wardrobe into the land of Narnia, which has been turned into permanent winter by the White Witch. Many adventures follow with various creatures, but particularly Aslam the lion.

ISO400, FL18mm,

This could be my last post for a while. At the moment I have lots of other things to be busy with. ;D

fulvio52, snunney, imrek, avene, Gerrit, ruisc_pt, mark_mk, josepmarin, stego, Photo65Net, Sistercosmo, plimrn, gunbud, shevchenko, jwmunro, ChrisJ, cbrman, jlbrthnn, Royaldevon, Dyerco, chrisnet, Philippe, Cricri, Emile, JCG, UlfE, danos, Kielia, John_F_Kennedy, cobbydale, eska, Didi, bobocortis, zeca, xuaxo oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

fulvio52 (8314) 2009-03-18 7:52

Hi, Kath.
Truly a superb job, most specifically in terms of exposure. That not being the case, with such an intricated view it's not difficult to end up with a rather confusing "woodish" mishmash. No such thing on display in here, by far not. There's great overall definition and a nice sort of funnel-like effect (that little stream being responsible for) sucking the eye into the picture. I really like that! As for the workshops : I like them both, but having to choose I'll side up with you... the vertical one is definitely a strong contender! Have a nice evening, see ya later.
Fulvio.

andante (7092) 2009-03-18 7:58

hmm... it feels more like Lothlorien than Narnia... LOL! but then I'm a big fan of the Lord of the Rings... very nice details... fun typography to sign your work,
Cheers,
E

snunney (130967) 2009-03-18 8:02

Hello Kath,
A great capture of this winter wonderland with the little stream weaving its way through the forest and the snow covered pine trees that look like delicate lace doilies. Very good photo work.

roges (1212) 2009-03-18 8:19

Hi Kath !

Very beautiful landscape.
I love it.
Regards,
Adrian

baba_flies (8829) 2009-03-18 8:49

Hello Kath! This is one of THE winter pictures I have seen this season. It has this soft moment when it starts to snow and everything gets a light white but you can still see some color, nothing heavey but easy and peaceful, it takes the noise away and somehow you can "hear" this. WONDERFUL! Best regards ... and yes we hope that the winter season ends but who knows what comes next :))) Barbara.

Golvaoni (12) 2009-03-18 9:18

the development of water over the landscape and the wonderful natural environment with the perfect whiteness of that got

imrek (4) 2009-03-18 9:40

Hi Kath,

it's seems to be narnia, very well captured snowy forest...good work!

regards,

imre

avene (12675) 2009-03-18 9:58

hi Kath,
I like this one a lot, but I think I like the WS version with the vertical one with falling snow even more. I see why it was difficult to decide :) the forest sure looks magic, and I'm sure it was tricky to figure the right exposure that would keep the pure white of the snow without overexposing all details. the result is great, even if I'm already quite tired of cold, snow and winter :)

best,
Kristine

[2]

Graal (103040) 2009-03-18 11:07

Hi Kath,
beautiful place and theme about nature. Good 3 shots and well presentation of winter season. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

Gerrit (62042) 2009-03-18 11:20

Hi Kath,
not easy a photo of a dense forest in the snow. And a really exceptional situation in the UK I guess.
Excellent mood and definition.
rEgards, Gerrit

delkoo (68) 2009-03-18 11:43

hi kath
lovely winter scenery, A simple shot of a simple subject,but so effective.It`s an excellent exposure with fantastic colors and contrast,and a skillful use of light.

didier

ruisc_pt (11584) 2009-03-18 12:12

Hi Pat
All of them are great images.
The soft tones and light are really amazing.
Anyway I prefer the #II
:)
TFS
Rui

mark_mk (266) 2009-03-18 13:00

Hi Kath,
oh my god, leave me alone with that snow, I have seen enough of it the last months ;-)

Well, I have to admit, the snow actually looks good here, the sugared trees look awesome and yes, it could be out of a fantasy world. If I was you I would have also had a hard time to choose my main post. This WS 2 also looks very, very good and I can`t decide which one I prefer, both are great, wonderful image!

Take care
Mark

[2] +

josepmarin (59385) 2009-03-18 13:23

Hello Kath,
Your photo gives us a strong sensation of cold, with these totally covered of snow trees, in a very simple and very attractive composition.
The WS 2 is a very beautiful photo also.
Good work with the difficult light, and great result.
I love these pictures.
Best wishes,
Josep

stego (24132) 2009-03-18 13:43

Hi Kath,

Yes, it reminds much Narnia, even to me (I don't remember having ever seen the whole film). It's a lovely winter scene, remarkably well composed (I find these forest scenes quite difficult to compose) and exposed. The latter may not be clear to everyone as it looks so natural that one can forget how difficult it can be balancing the dim light with the white of the snow.

I couldn't decide which one to post; all the 3 are so great for a reason or another. Here it is the funnel effect that makes me imagining myself walking on the stream like it was a path. On WS1 is the stream on the diagonal and the snow falling, on WS2 is that irresistible Christmas card appeal (also present in the others), again the sense of perspective and the graphic arrangement of the branches. Perhaps the WS's are more "quickly attractive" that the main post.

Regards, José.

Photo65Net (43144) 2009-03-18 13:44

Hello Kath,
What a winter atmosphere here !
I like a lot your compo, great job,
Have a nice day,
JB.

gilou530 (34) 2009-03-18 14:07

salut kath
it is lost your hotel so that the window gives on this forest, and then not of chance for the bad weather, but Ca your licence to make this photograph of the forest under snow
friendships
gilbert

Sistercosmo (242) 2009-03-18 14:09

Hi my dear Kath!
You know that I'm not too keen on snow photos... ;-))) (Saw that Mark isn't either!!) But this is wonderful! I like the WS shots too, especially the little bridge in the second one, but I agree that this is the best of all. Wonderful exposure, sharp and overall very impressive. Great job!
Thanks and take good care,
Linda
P.S. doesn't everyone know Narnia?? I would think so because I know that it's been translated into a zillion languages at least!
P.S.S. There is still at least 2 meters of that $%/§!! stuff in front of our door. I tried to spread it out a bit, but it's a useless endeavor, there's just too much of that $%/§!! stuff. It's still too cold to get it to melt quickly.... :-((

Glint (6171) 2009-03-18 14:30

hello Kath,
Narnia indeed! I like the fine detail of the snow covered foliage in the left foreground. And of course Banvie Burn is an excellent lead line, drawing us in. I can feel the chill but also that special magical atmosphere created when it snows.
regards,
Bev

plimrn (21344) 2009-03-18 15:10

Hi Kath,
Serendipity, so you know just how I felt when I walked outside Monday morning!! However, this beauty, looking down on snow-frosted evergreens with a little creak running through it greatly outclasses mine. In addition to the great framing, it's the stunning detail and the light.

In fact, all three of them do!! I don't know how you chose among the three, I especially liked the snow falling and that bit of bridge, but this one is the most Narnia. My daughter-in-law is a HUGE Narnia fan; so I've read them all.

HLJ, Pat

gunbud (34066) 2009-03-18 18:45

Hi Kath,
Beautiful late winter image with the lovely brook seen in a beautiful natural frame of green spruce covered in contrasting white snow.
The tightly cropped vertical format works well here giving a fine sense of mysterious depth.
Regards, Tom

shevchenko (20560) 2009-03-18 19:28

Hello Kath,
Really similar to the scene of Narnia, interesting composition to show the dense clumps in winter, dim environment creating desolated feel, distinct image, well done.
Ally

jwmunro (286) 2009-03-18 19:55

Hello Kath -

Well this is a difficult one. I personally like WS1 with the stream and bridge and the falling snow. The main post looks to me to be rather flat. I am not sure if it is the nearness of the pine trees or the falling snow. Yes, there is flatness of light, but that is not the flatness I am referring to. The scene is flat, i.e lacking the 3D element or perspective. Well, as I said I like WS1. You did a good job of making the best of a poor photo situation. Well done and seen.

I know nothing of the Narnia series other than the commercials for the Disney movies.

Thank you for sharing.

John

ChrisJ (171366) 2009-03-18 20:10

Hi Kath

A classic Christmas card scene! Good sharpness & the snow adds nice graphism. The stream provides good lead in lines. Tfs!

cbrman (21685) 2009-03-18 23:27

Hello Kath,

Une trčs jolie vue forestičre qui allie le dynamisme de la rivičre et le calme de les arbres enneigés. J'aime bien le jeu de contraste qui apparaît ici dans l'image.
Une bonne image qui fait penser effectivement ŕ un conte de fée.
Bravo !

A+

Dominique

jlbrthnn (76043) 2009-03-19 0:01

Hello Kath,
The image is well balanced, and the green colors have a pleasant effect in the greyness. This landscape winter is pleasant, I like also the ws with the small bridge. Cheer.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

Royaldevon (85678) 2009-03-19 2:29

Hello Kath,

I see the dilhemma! All the shots display quite graphically the conditions and the atmosphere!
I liked the one with the large f/g branch but, on reflection, the textures and the wonderland quality of this shot, just tip the balance. The filigree of sharp, silver foliage, with the receding stream, just draws the gaze deeper into the shot; almost magnetic!

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

Dyerco (10185) 2009-03-19 5:46

Hi Kath
Yes the Chronicles of Narnia are well known in Canada as well. You have captured a nice wintery scene with the light dusting of snow.
Phil

vincz (19113) 2009-03-19 7:44

Title is great... exactly the right title for the atmosphere. Youdid marvel at catching the green under the snow. This is delightful.

chrisnet (23062) 2009-03-19 13:05

Hello Kath,
Nice winter landscape, it's look like "Narnia", the exposure is well managed, well done.
Regards
Christian

Philippe (11836) 2009-03-19 14:16

Hi, Kath. The small quantity of snow allows us to see the delicate architecture of the trees. The evergreens in the foreground add a nice touch of colour and the stream creates a good perspective and adds contrast as well. An enchanted forest.
Have a nice evening,
Philippe

Cricri (176) 2009-03-19 14:35

Hi Kath
Quel jolie vue depuis hotel, il semble un endroit bien agréable en pleine nature, j'aime aussi les deux WS, la note et le titre...
Friendship
cricri

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2009-03-19 20:17

Hi, Kath -

I have to say that, for me, the vertical WS wins out over the main shot. I just feel that there's more of a focus there with the bridge, whereas with this one my eye isn't quite sure where to land. Nice mood, though.

Best,
Dan

Emile (20352) 2009-03-19 22:15

Hola Kath.
It's very difficult to get a good winter image when the trees and land are all cover by snow but the small stream guide us towards the depth of your photo in a skillful way, both WS are very good but I prefer the shot taken in the vertical format.
Well I have to go to bed, here is 1 o'clock in the morning.
Best wishes.

ktanska (44492) 2009-03-20 0:45

Hi Kath,
Always interesting to compare variations of the theme you provide with main picture and WSs.
This main post shows well how snow can change a mundane view to something quite interesting. But I do prefer the WS #1. The stream is placed diagonally. Bridge is a good main focal point. There's good contrast between snow and water. And falling snow is well presented.
Kari

mortijo (12828) 2009-03-20 4:08

An excellent winter landscape! Personnally I prefer the ws1, but this one is great too. Your pp of the RAW files is done with "doigté", as the French call it, creating an almost monochrome image. I am thinking of visiting Scotland at the end of august, making use of the new ferry service between Zeebrugge (Belgium) and Rossyth.
Hve a nice day

John

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2009-03-20 4:19

Wonderful winter scenery... The colors, POV and sharpness are excellent. I like it.
Greetings.
Ahmet

JCG (35153) 2009-03-20 11:00

Hi Kath,

I love WS2 which actually makes me think of a scene from the film Narmia Chapter 1, is expected to see the carriage of the White Witch! Very beautiful winter landscapes with an element of mystery in each image. I love much. Thank you Kath.

With all my friendships and a very good WE,

Jean-Charles

UlfE (14641) 2009-03-20 14:03

Hi Kath,

I have looked at your pictures and read all the critique and your replies very carefully. Unlike many people I like snow and really enjoy such pictures. When I look at the pictures I get the feeling that it was very difficult to capture the beauty of this place. It looks like the lighting conditions were not the best. The main post is actually a bit flat and lacks depth. But from a photographic point of view the pictures are very interesting. It makes me think what you can do in situations like. Personally, I think I would have liked to see the inclusion of some eye catching element or a foreground and a background. The two WS pictures tells me that you as usual have tried very hard find the best POV and composition and I have said it before your are a true photographer, Kath. TFS this very interesting series of pictures and have nice weekend!

Kind regards,

Ulf

dipti (114) 2009-03-20 23:05

Hello Kath

This is truly Narnia...Actually WS1 is even better. I like that much over this one...its gives that bridge that leads to different land....
And yes Narnia is famous...very famous...I am a fan myself and sooooo are many people I know :) :) when I imagine places of a book i like or see movies Like the lion, the witch n the wardrobe, I always imagine myself there....now i know where to go ;)

love it!
thanks for showing this view :)

regards from India
Dipti

albertz (2468) 2009-03-21 1:40

i can see some very appealing color that made this shot stunning! Very Narnia indeed, i watch the movie. Excellent shot.

rodgerg (55767) 2009-03-21 3:35

Hello Kath,

Very nice winter's view full of qualities. I like especially the fine details of the snow very well collcetd, the prospect with the small "river" which invite to discovery and the good managment of a not esay details. An another excellent photowork in your gallery.
Best regards,
Roger

danos (110407) 2009-03-21 3:42

Good morning Kath,
I don't know about the Chronicles of Narnia,but this is a nice shot that is captured under difficult weather conditions.The narrow and frozen creek,in combination with the trees,create depth in the scene.Well done.

Have a nice weekend,Danos

Kielia (24077) 2009-03-21 9:57

Hi Kath,
I think that the last one in WS is a fantastic capture of this wonderful place that really looks like Narnia. You have captured a fascinating atmosphere almost fairytale like. It was a good idea to post these impressions. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

Angshu (56760) 2009-03-21 21:06

Hello Kath
My last critique, as well for a while I guess...We know of the Chronicles of Narnia thanks to one film which has been made. I like the WS#1, with the perspective of the stream leading to the bridge and the snow falling. This is good as well with the mix of green and white & the path as perspective. As for the other WS, the branch seems to take too much attention, but other than that it's nice. Good work!
Best Regards
Angshu
Have a great trip...will see you when you're back!

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2009-03-24 2:31

Beautiful winter landscape. POV and framing are excellent. Every of your images are worth to be the main picture. Very good quality.
Best wishes,
Achim

aadilj (18102) 2009-03-24 3:51

Splendid and surely a wee bit morbid...but lovely nevertheless. Its scary yet beutiful. lovely composition and excellent use of textures, lights and hues

coco (30439) 2009-03-25 8:37

Hi Kath.

This landscape is very impressive due the snow and the light and the horizontal view was the best one.

WEll done

sagar (2410) 2009-03-25 13:51

Hi Kath,
It would be a pleasure to walk on that trail. Great composition. Loved ht egreen tone and the contrasting white.
Regards,
Sagarneel.

xlgo (562) 2009-03-30 1:44

Hi Kath

I just love winter pictures and this one really captures the essence of winter. The little stream once again leads the eye into the scene.The muted colours and tones add to the serenity of the scene. Looking at the other posts in the Ws I think I prefer the vertical shot with the bridge in the background and the falling snow.

Malcolm

Bluejeans (64251) 2009-03-31 5:34

Ola Kath,
Que linda cena de inverno parece mesmo tirada do filme Narnia , lindo os detalhes da neve em cima dos ramos , muito bonito o rio a cortar a paisagem , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

carper (96) 2009-04-01 7:52

a very nice one Kath.
I had almost mis this beauty, fine details, a good winter atmosphere, but I am glad the spring is start now. this weekend 20 degrees. I love it. have a good evening.
regard jaap

batalay (41261) 2009-04-02 20:33

Hello Kath,

What a magnificent package the primary photo and the workshop versions, as well as the note. I was particularly impressed by the vertical format image (the stone bridge) which could easily have been a primary photo, rather than relegated to a workshop. In your note, your reference to "Aslam," the lion, I found fascinating. The word for lion in Turkish is "Aslan," I wonder what inspired C.S. Lewis to use that name. Incidentally, many years ago while I was at Oxford, a friend from the States who was coming to Oxford to do research on CS Lewis asked me to find a house for him to rent. I did find one in Headington, just outside Oxford. It had been CS Lewis's house. For a year, my friend and his family lived in the house, and worshiped in the church up the street where the great writer/philosopher/theologian personally worshiped.

Warm regards,

Bulent

cobbydale (1958) 2009-04-05 6:12

Really attractive shot Kath, like a Christmas card scene, but taken almost at Easter (there's global cooling for you ;-))
Lovely sharpness and detail, bet that water's freezing!
cheers
Leon

Tobias__Ortmann (2638) 2009-04-09 6:39

Hi kath,
Yeah it looks really similiar to some scenes in Narnia.
Maybe the made the movie there?!
great atmosphere so cold and freezy
wonderfull capture
Toba

eska (522) 2009-04-09 7:40

Hi Kath. Narnia is known - and your picture looks like just behind the wardrobe. Enough snow to make it winter picture but not too much to flatten the view. Very nice atmosphere here, I love it. I like WS1 also.
Happy Easter, Kath
Chris

Didi (61589) 2009-04-16 10:07

Hi Kath
I am afraid to follow this path I think I'll get lost :)
Nice winter composition.
I hope that you will be back soon.
Best regards

npecanhuk (79329) 2009-04-24 3:53

Hello Kath!
Magical... that's the first word that comes to my mind when I look at this picture!
A very good idea and an excellently taken photograph!
TFS - Congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

bobocortis (16090) 2009-05-20 5:02

Hello Hath.
Really a Narnia's landascape, same trees and same frozen mood. Great capture.
Kind regards.
Bobo.

jaywalker (16105) 2009-05-21 13:02

Hi Kath, This almost B/W medium looks wonderful, nicely photographed down this little stream & the ferns that line the water are superb looking, a truly beautiful picture, kind regards Wilson.

zeca (19762) 2009-05-22 21:46

Yes, it looks like Narnia's scenery, Kath, and it is very difficult to create something good in this conditions, but you did. The little something green, the river, the snow, the rocks, there are many details in the composition and you caught it from a good point of view. Children knows everything... Well taken!
Regards,
Zeca

xuaxo (6854) 2009-06-01 7:05

Hi Kath,
Nice photo of your walk in the woods.
I like also "Complementary Image II" very much.
Greetings,
Francisco

cdmonson (5304) 2009-06-23 6:31

Hi Kath:

Oh yes, the books are definitely known outside the UK (even before the movies)--in America and Canada at least, if nowhere else. My sister and my wife both loved those books growing up; I on the other hand was a Lord of the Rings devotee. Still haven't read Narnia, but it's on my list, one of these days.

Nice shot. It certainly looks like Narnia in the recent movie. "Spare 'oom?" I've always found shooting a scene with snow to be darned near impossible because of the huge dynamic range presented by the scene. This shot appears to be pretty well balanced though--how'd you pull it off? I would imagine that the cloudy weather helped, but still...

Glad to see you didn't leave in the exodus of TE members. I was in the UK at the time, and it was quite a shock to get back to that, but once I got over the shock I realized that I didn't have any reason for leaving anytime soon. Not yet anyway. :) Hope all is going well.

Clark

sandpiper (6788) 2009-06-29 0:11

Hi Kath

So very picturesque and yes I can see Narnia here, my daughter was mad about the place when she was younger.
Great composition.

Chris

Urs (14082) 2009-09-05 7:56

Dear Kath

That's a snow dream, I always liked it, when it was snowing, that's one of the few things I miss in SEA. It looks like in a fairytale. Beautiful picture with great sharpness and DOF du to the path in the FG. well done

best regards
Urs