Safety First! Photo

Photographer’s Note

I finally made my mind about which of the three photos to place as the main posting. This one came up first because it illustrates well the floodplains environment, gives a good sense of depth/distance and also shows how careful and safety orientated are the guides. In this case, my guide waited until the mokoro in front was safely on the other side and he only went through the main channel after being sure that no hippopotamus were near the crossing point.

The mokoro is the only way to explore the world’s largest inland delta called Okavango and to go from one island to the next.

All the three photos are part of an exciting experience we lived in Botswana and are views from seating low inside the mokoro and having our eyes about half a meter above the water.

The visit would not be possible without the help of the guide, the man of the swamp. Using his own genuine, hand-made dug-out canoe, each guide will take you deep into the Okavango, through the channels and floodplains and armed with a lifetime’s experience and eyes like a hawk he will safely walk you on the many islands where all sorts of wildlife abounds. Spending time in the company of a man who has lived his life in such a place, and visiting his village adds an unimaginable cultural dimension to an intense wildlife and wilderness experience.

Please check WS1 and WS2 for more views.

Matthew-Watt, plimrn, Floydian, KLB, mcenteesalas, JPlumb, xuaxo, leonorkuhn, Docarmo, siolaw, josepmarin, lucasgalodoido, celmaleite, jwmunro, belido, Greg1949, bostankorkulugu, ChrisJ, riclopes, papagolf21, tcht, tober, dareco, axiotea, cunejo200, Deepforest, Clementi, leo61, Wanda1, John_F_Kennedy, azaf1, PixelTerror, stego, gunbud, MLINES, Hendrika has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

cathfreitas (18) 2007-11-22 23:51

Antonio,

thank you for your comment on my photo. I'm sorry that the lack of a note made you undervalue it...
it was taken on one of my trekking trips near Lousã, Serra de Feita, Beira Alta. A beautiful region, still very untouched by modern life.

If you want to see the whole trip go to my web site at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cathfreitas

Take care!
I love the perspective of this picutre...makes me want to go wandering to these parts of the wrld too!

Cathfreitas

agbonavita (0) 2007-11-23 3:00

É um tipo de foto que vai sempre bem nesse tipo de canoas e vegetação rasteira. Ascores estão boas, mas me parece que há perda de nitidez no fundo, provavelmente pelo foco estar no barco, certo?
Boa composição.
Andre

cfreire (11677) 2007-11-23 3:10

Oi, Antônio.
Puxa, estas fotos são frutos de verdadeira jornada e sacríficio pela selva. Bonitas cores e contrastes; os reflexos estão suaves e a luz muito bonita. Então, obrigada por nos mostrar o resultado deste trabalho. Um abraço, Consuelo

Dpbours (220) 2007-11-23 4:00

Hi Antonio,

Full 2 points for workshop 1. That one just touches, that one just has the right colour toning. I don't know what it is. The depth is okay here, but still the picture feels quite flat. Worshop one is more intense, maybe because it has more yellow tones in it. More intensity in light perhaps.

Greetings!
Dennis

JPlumb (3153) 2007-11-23 4:22

Hi Antonio, it looks like you've had some interesting travel. I like the composition in this one. It's basically what you see as you're paddling (or being paddled) along. I've taken similar shots in my kayak. The mokoro gives good lead into the frame and gives a very good feel for where you are, without having to read your notes, though they help too. The timing of your shot, coming out of the creek into the open body of water leaves us with some anticipation of what's ahead. Enjoyed.

Thanks, John

xuaxo (5911) 2007-11-23 5:29

Olá António,
Que bela experiência, certamente. E que bom que partilhes as fotos connosco.
Das três prefiro esta, pois dá mais a sensação de estarmos na canoa. Mas também gosto muito de The View Through the Papyrus; também nos transporta para dentro daquele ambiente.
Um abraço,
F

leonorkuhn (14379) 2007-11-23 6:37

Olá Antonio,

Lindas imagens, dão bem a dimensão do que é explorar estas áreas de vida selvagem, colocando a vida nas mãos dos guias, pois o perigo ronda as frágeis canoas - eu sempre vejo filmes destas regiões na NatGeo. Excelente ponto de vista, cores, profundidade, belos reflexos.

Abraços e bom final de semana
Leonor

Docarmo (8862) 2007-11-23 7:12

Olá António,
Beleza este conjunto de fotos, que ilustra muito bem esta interessante viagem que você fez.
Nesta aqui, a gente tem a impressão de estar na canoa, com bom DOF.
Gostei muito dos WS também!
Abraço,
MC

siolaw (25890) 2007-11-23 8:38

Hello Antonio,
We feel like we are also in the canow sitting at the front of it... good inclusion of the piece of mokoro in the frame... nice and clear colors, sharp details.
Greetings
Laurent

josepmarin (34269) 2007-11-23 8:53

Olá António,
la foto es muy interesante y bien trabajada, tiene una buena perspectiva y profundidad, y el paisaje es bonito, en un buen encuadre.
La nota acompaña muy bien a la imagen, es muy informativa y nos ayuda a entender mejor la situación de esta escena.
Buen trabajo.
Un abrazo, y muchas gracias por tu felicitación,
Josep y Pili

lucasgalodoido (16945) 2007-11-23 11:14

Olá Antônio!
Essas regiões pantanosas são muito bonitas mas os mosquitos e costumam incomodar bastante, não tenho certeza se existem crocodilos na África, acho que existem apenas na Australia né? Mas a região parece bem agradável a eles, ou pelo menos os Jacarés.
Parabéns e Abraço!

celmaleite (3040) 2007-11-23 13:32

Vamos viajando todos juntos nessas fotos maravilhosas que você vem apresentando aqui no TE. Seu trabalho é realmente fantástico: muita adrenalina e emoção. A foto me encantou.
Abraços
Celma

jwmunro (6279) 2007-11-23 13:45

Hello Antonio -

I looked at all three images and like them all especially number 1. But, you were right in selecting this image for it's broader appeal. I like the inclusion of the boat's prow to lead us into the image. Your commentary was very good and you are right, a local guide is a good idea in many places. I had a local guide in Yorkshire this past fall and it was one of the most memorable day we spent in the UK. Well done.

Thank you for sharing.

John

paura (39608) 2007-11-23 15:44

António,
Acho que essa é a melhor fotografia do seu álbum. A composição está absolutamente incrível. O barquinho lindo.

Abraço

Paulo

Filipeteixeira (46) 2007-11-23 16:33

Uma boa prespectiva, pois dá-nos a visão de quem vai no barco e cria-nos a sensação de também nele viajar.

belido (17185) 2007-11-23 17:36

Olá Antônio,

creio que essa foto complete a que foi postada anteriormente. Estavam muito convidativos a um passeio aqueles barcos. Bem aqui está a segunda parte dessa estória com uma vista muito bela sobre essas águas. Prefiro até essa do que a outra, mas por gosto pessoal mesmo. O bico do barco faz o convite à imagem como um todo. Nessa, os verdes estão mais próximos e evidentes, tanto nas cores como na nitidez. As árvores ao fundo também preencheram de forma eficiente o horizonte. Gosto das sombras escuras que reforçam os mínimos detalhes. Bela captura!
Abraço,
Carlos

Greg1949 (8545) 2007-11-23 18:43

Antonio, this seems to be quite the trip you took, I look forward to your travelogue. The presentation of the three is well done, and I think you chose correctly for the order of them. All are great and would stand alone I think, color and detail are superb, great capture(s).

Greg

bostankorkulugu (34198) 2007-11-23 23:58

this is beautiful antonio... i like the triangle tip of the boat down there... looks like a great experience to be there...

cheers

korkut

ChrisJ (70521) 2007-11-24 0:50

Ola Antonio

I like the arrow shape of the canoe, pointing the way into the frame. Good colour, sharpness, lighting, & contrast. Tfs!

riclopes (33143) 2007-11-24 2:37

Concordo que a escolha tenha sido difícil, pois são todas tentadoras, mas acho que escolheste bem, pois também me inclino para esta. Este triagulo do mokoro a espreitar mesmo no centro é um espectáculo - agarra a imagem toda e aponta bem ao guia a esperar lá atrás - sinto-me como se também tivesse dentro desta casca de noz (com crocodilos e hipopótamos à solta!?!? Que aventura!). O WS2 tem a vantagem de ter o elemento humano mais em evidência, mas virado para o sítio errado e a outra mais artística também está com muita piada, mas é menos indicada para post principal.
ricardo

papagolf21 (57015) 2007-11-24 4:36

Bonjour, mon ami Antonio,
Dépaysement total avec ces photographies. Peur du danger, mais, nous sommes rassurés par la sagesse et le savoir des guides. J'aime l'ambiance qui se dégage à travers ces trois photographies. Nous sommes au coeur de l'action.
Très bonnes prises de vue et très bien réalisées.
Amitiés.
Philippe

tcht (7298) 2007-11-24 4:38

Hi Antonio
fine postcard here with very good depth to it and nicely framed with grass on either side of the bow converging towards the middle. very nicely done!
Cheers
CheukHin

dareco (17104) 2007-11-24 6:28

This truly sounds like the trip of a live time! I can see why it was a tough decision on which picture to post, they are all excellent. After reading your note I do understand why you chose this one though, very beautiful and VERY unique place. Beautiful colors. TFS

axiotea (16359) 2007-11-24 6:35

Hello Antonio
I also think, this image is the best one, though I like the WS2 too! The way you've included the bows in FG is a good starting point which adds depth to the image. The textures and colors are well rendered.
Cheers
Marilyn

cunejo200 (7243) 2007-11-24 7:54

Hello Antonio,
I may have too much Nature show on TV lately. But for some reason, the lead-in wooden canoe sort of feels like danger is lurking. This is wonderfully framed with commendable tech details and a well written Note. My best regards to you. Danilo

Deepforest (8875) 2007-11-24 11:54

Hi Antonio,
very good POV! :o) I remember that fantastic silence during rowing, interrupted only by voices of birds and hippos... wonderful experiences.... Good composition and colours.
Best regards,
Andrzej

Clementi (45849) 2007-11-24 13:50

Ciao Antonio,
certo hai fatto una bella esperienza e grazie per aver condiviso alcuni momenti belli con delle foto fantastiche come queste .
molto bella questa con la prua della barca che accompagna lo sgurdo nella foto .
ottimo lavoro
Giorgio

leo61 (44112) 2007-11-24 23:53

Hi Antonio!
Good composition with this little part of the boat.I like the deep blue tones of the water and the man in the distance is a nice detail.
Regards,Leo

jurek1951 (26176) 2007-11-25 0:42

Hi Antonio,

This picture is a masterpiece,very nice scenery.
great composiiton and nice sharpness,
Georg

chrisnet (20378) 2007-11-25 11:42

Hello Antonio,
A typical view of this part of Africa, good framing with the inclusion of the boat's prow.
Regards

Wanda1 (11025) 2007-11-25 21:55

Hi Antonio,
Your low point of view from the boat through the reeds works well here, and I like that you have included the tip of your boat in the shot. Sounds like you had an amazing trip.
Regards
Wanda

manatee (4299) 2007-11-25 23:15

Good picture Antonio, since the position you took this picture makes me feel if i was in this boat and loking what is passing by in this place, makes me feel exited and in suspense, is s grate pic with a nice sensation.

John_F_Kennedy (32340) 2007-11-25 23:52

I like these picture ful of nature, it must be very impressive. Your framing and composition are very nice, the iamge is excellent. Great exposure and colour.
Best wishes,
Achim

azaf1 (15615) 2007-11-26 2:08

Antonio good morning
This is National Geographic capture especially with your detailed not
Congratulations!
Argiris

PixelTerror (87195) 2007-11-26 2:28

Hi Antonio,
Again here this is a scene straight out of Kakadu as I keep it in my mind, including the boat front was a clever idea to give us the impression we are sailing on it with you.
Have a nice day JY

vascao (192) 2007-11-26 13:21

Três imagens fantásticas, António, mas, acho que fizeste a escolha certa. Exposição excelente, assim como a composição, com cores naturais e ricamente saturadas. A imagem conta uma estória, ficamos a nos perguntar o que vai acontecer - ou aparecer - na "encruzilhada" á frente. Deve ter sido uma viagem memorável.
[]'s
Sergio

danyy (69929) 2007-11-26 14:54

Bonjour Antonio,
une vue qui nous dépayse un peu, un style de paysage auquel nous ne sommes pas habitués.
Nos yeux suivent la pointe de la pirogue.
Très belles couleurs naturelles et lumières finement capturées.
Regards.
daniel.

Floydian (30970) 2007-11-27 1:04

Hi Antonio,
Very clever how you put the nose of the Mokoro in the frame to give the feeling we are with you on that trip. Foreground colours are deep and intense full with contrast and saturation, i like that part a lot. The human element in the background gives a touch that still local people live here.
Regards, Henk

plimrn (19872) 2007-11-27 16:17

Ola Antonio,
All three photos could be primary posts; however, you did choose the best one. As danilo says, there is a real sense of lurking danger from this low in the water POV and the close-up view of the canoe which shows its fragility. I like the way the prow of the canoe protrudes into the clear water, I like the water plants in the edges of the narow channel and I like the distant boatman who seems to be walking on water. The detail is good and the colors true, it is amazing that you took this with a crippled camera. WS 1 is great with the eagle framed by the moving reed and in WS 2, there is the sense of moving through a sea of grass. I also like the details of the boatman.
SAA, Pat
SAA, Pat

mcenteesalas (1612) 2007-11-28 0:32

bela foto, e um espectaculo de como conseguiu uma vista que normalmente e so conseguida pelos indigenas que la vivem, boa composicao e exposicao, nao sei como se sentiu navegando por esse canavial mas eu de certeza que nao estaria la muito confortavel especialmente sabendo que ha hipopotamos na agua, embora os indigenas conhecal o local eu ficaria com um pe atras, por acaso vi um programa no outro dia que tinha a ver com hipopotamoos na agua nesta zona, um indigena estava relatando como foi atacado por um no seu mokoro, o hipopotamo pensou que estava a ser encurralado e o atacou.

Obrigado por mostrar, Joao Salas

barrufeto_77 (25957) 2007-11-28 8:59

Hi Antonio.

Again, a nice picture in which you take us into the photo due to the "canoa" (sorry, it's a canoa?).

The colours and the POV are also lovely.

Rgs, Oscar

Rosa (4147) 2007-11-28 10:36

Bonjours Antonio
Jolie prise a l'avant de ce bateau qui va se frayer un chemin a travers ces jolis nénuphards,cette entrée droit devant amène notre regard vers l' arrière plan d' arbre de ta photo et donne une bonne profondeur de champ.
Amitiés Rosa

stego (22500) 2007-11-28 15:56

Olá António,
Deve ser uma experiência e tanto! E não é que, como na maior parte da série, além do aspecto de reportagem, ainda conseguiste umas compos bem interessantes?! Esta é a mais interessante nesse aspecto, mas a "quietness" tb. não está nada mal, embora me incline a concordar com o Ricardo quanto ao gajo estar virado "para o lado errado". Confesso que nunca tinha pensado nisso das fotos com as pessoas a olhar ou a caminhar "para dentro" da imagem são mais atractivas que aquelas onde as pessoas "saem" ou olham para fora antes de ver a Kath feather fazer reparos nesse sentido.
Um abraço, José.

gunbud (28295) 2007-11-28 20:47

Hello Antonio,
Wonderful prespective that shows the lush wet lands from inside the traditional dugout canoe as we peer into the distance and see another skilled boatman carefully navigating the dense channels. Very clear colors and excellent details to this tropical image. Excellent note illustrating the dangers that your skilled guide easily avoids.
Regards, Tom

Giorgio (8832) 2007-11-29 1:13

- This image could illustrate the cover of a book on the adventure, it is superb with this dugout which splits water in front of it, it very is successful, well done!
giorgio

Bluejeans (33423) 2007-12-01 10:17

Oi Antonio,
Fascinante este teu passeio de canoa , pelo meio desta vegetação, gostei muito das cores , belo ponto de visão , parabens!!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Matthew-Watt (4473) 2007-12-01 20:16

Hello Antonio,

Another splendid image, it reminds me in some ways of my trip down the River Kwai in Thailand. Excellent POV, very much as if the viewer were actually in the boat (I tried to get this effect when taking photos from the back of an elephant in Phuket). Beautiful clarity, this in turn gives that glassy quality to the still waters. Wonderful frame as always. Enjoy your summer.

Matt

brevbrev14 (372) 2007-12-02 8:11

Hi ANtonio, the POV is very good!
it seems to be in the boat, in the middle of the nature..

i like also the WS!
ciao!
Valeria

MLINES (11064) 2007-12-10 2:07

Hi Antonio. I like this very much as it is so much like being there alongside you that trip. Good to include the bow of the boat. Excellent work. Troublesome sky as i often encounter in the tropics. TFS. Murray.

Hendrika (655) 2007-12-13 4:47

Hi Antonio,

Since I don't have enough time to spend on TE I will pop in once in a while, but now I want to see more of your trip of course. We have to wait untill my husband retires, maybe in a year from now - first trip planned is of course Southern Africa.
How lovely to explore the flood plains in a mokoro - it also provides you with a great POV - hope no unhappy hippo's blocked your paths.
Beautiful choise of picture to share.
Thanks
Els

marietom (32284) 2007-12-26 0:58

Salut Antonio,

Originale, cette photo avec cette opinte de pirogue. Joli paysage.
Marie

foozi (4759) 2008-10-11 22:39

Hello antonio,
Im coming again for African adventure this time.
Really a beautiful and natural place and lovely shot you have rendered.
i like the perspective created by the path taken by the boats. the clarity of the vegetation is very excellent and the colours are so beautiful.
Wonderful piece of photo.

regards,
Foozi