Coloured Earth Photo

Photographer’s Note

This photograph shows the coloured earths of Chamarel, naturally formed dunes of multi-coloured sand. For a small entry fee you can visit the sands (although you cannot walk on them) along with a nearby waterfall and giant tortoise enclosure.

There are 7 different colours of sand - red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. The best visit, and see the sands in their glory is sunrise. However I visited in the early afternoon on cloudy day, which unfortunately gives a flat looking image. However you can clearly see the colours in the sand even if it isn't a postcard image.

The sand gets it's colour from various volcanic minerals. I'm sure a geologist could explain why they have naturally formed into dunes, but I'm not a geologist so am just presenting the scene to you without further speculation as to it's formation.

The image has not been significantly processed. The colours you see here are genuine. I have merely enhanced the contrast. Saturation has not been increased.

John

jean11-3 has marked this note useful

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cam (8880) 2007-04-11 8:02

Hi john
Mauritius has been mesmerizing me since my adolescence,for many reasons.
Here,you are presenting a beauty that i was not aware existed there,thanks for the teaching of the world.
I am surprised,since you had to pay,that there was not an information post or place to give a minimum of info.Just grab the money and run....
I imagine the beauty of the place under the sunrise,the perfect contrast between the different colors.No matter what,i appreciate your photo,which has good details,for its journalistic iinformation.
Have a good day

Charles

jean11-3 (2799) 2007-04-11 13:27

An amazing scene John.
I was not aware of this phenomena,it is beautiful,I would love to see it for myself.
You give us a good impression of the place.
A good composition with wonderful colour.
TFS, regards Jean.

triptych2003 (1398) 2007-04-11 18:27

hi john

i love the colours here. the dunes seem to undulate in waves away from the jungle/building. very cool. the subtle pp work is well done. the increased contrast helps me see the different colours more clearly. good job!