Open door policy, a photo from Karas, South

Photographer's Note

Kolmanskop is on my list of top 10 favourite places in the world.
This ghost town in the Namib desert is hauntingly beautiful. Here it is easy to imagine a post-apocalyptic earth and that you're the only one left.
This house is bravely standing against the elements but there are signs everywhere that it is losing the battle against Mother Nature.

ourania, SnapRJW has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dale54 (4922) 2012-03-11 6:00

johanet hello,this is a magic scene,use of the door as a frame adds to this great pic! like it! tfs! dr

korbee (6299) 2012-03-11 6:22

Hallo Johan,couldnt take my eyes off thhis photo,it must be an old monumental house standing in the middle of the wildernis,what a place to wake up in the morning and walk to the veranda ;+}}

jan

ourania (12397) 2012-03-11 7:55

Hello Johanet,
this view through the front door of the dark decaying house to the brightly lit and coloured but barren land surrounding it is very powerful and fascinating. The photo is very well composed, superbly framed and lit. It has marvellous depth, too. It's lovely, well done!
All the best, have a great week,
Ourania

Jeppo (17623) 2012-03-11 14:10

Hi Johanet,

a door open to the infinity....
interesting sight...and funny title
ciao
jeppo

Ricx (13435) 2012-03-11 14:11

Hi Johanet, firstly a great play on words.. And secondly a great POV. Nicelightmanagement as you have good definition on the darker areas and not over exposed in the sunlit. I have never been up in this part of the world. One day I may return for a special photographic trip. Leaker Bly . Rich

SnapRJW (18752) 2012-03-11 22:36

Hello Johanet - This Kolmanskop image has captured the surreal spirit of the location really well. I love the juxtaposition of the neat B&W tiles and the desert sands. Evocative and quite magical. An excellent shot which I will add into my Namibian Landscape theme, I hope you don't mind. Warm regards Rosemary

brianmcc (5536) 2012-03-12 11:16

hi johanet,
you have framed this picture perfectly with the darkened door frame. the ornate window and the tiled floor testify to the fact that a family lived here and that this was a home for years. the fact that you have the interior of the house silhouetted empphasisies its abandonment today. and this is in contrast to the brightness of the exterior which is illuminated by the sun.
why did this town become abandoned, was it the movement of the sands?
regards,
brian

Fly (366) 2012-03-12 12:47

Hallo Johanet

Very striking composition. The doorway opening out onto that incredible vista. Your depth of field and the colours of the garden wall complimenting the colour of the depth of field beyond all contribute to a superb image.

Regards, JP

dkmurphys (36819) 2012-03-14 1:29

Hi Johanet,
Very artistic capture. I like the lack of any living creature, deep calm composition.
Enjoy a fine day.

Daniel