Volcanoes and Fields Photo

Photographer’s Note

Rwanda scenery, especially in the west, is largely composed of volcanoes and fields - lot of fields. Every spare hectare of land is used for agriculture, as Rwanda has the highest population density in Africa.

This early morning shot was taken on the way to the national park where the gorillas live. I had forgotten about it until a friend asked me the other day for some shots of Rwanda. I don't have many good - it was mostly gray overcast the few days we were there, and the gorillas did not come out well, either - but I kind of like this one.

Yes, the Noiseware reduction did smooth out some of the detail, but I find the effect interesting; it gives it a painting-like quality. Or so I tell myself.

dareco, litiancai, Cretense, avene, josepmarin, zmey, fulvio52 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dareco (17104) 2008-12-10 15:20

This is a part of the world I haven't seen alot of pictures of, and the landscape is beautiful!! Very nice pov, and lovely detail. TFS

litiancai (1040) 2008-12-10 19:20

Hi Daniel,
The landscape really does look fantastic, I've been told by many people that Rwanda is the most beautiful country in Africa and this shot certainly doesn't disagree with that notion.
As for the smoothing out of detail to reduce noise, the only thing I could recommend is that you try to increase the mid-tone contrast only selecting the volcano, as that's the only part of the shot which looks a little tarnished.
Fine shot though, and thanks for sharing with us
all the best
Lee

Cretense (55690) 2008-12-11 10:23

Hello Dan!

Beautiful lanscape, great composition and framing, nice perspective and "lead in" line created by the green "fence" on the lower right corner! The lighting conditions weren't very good but you have come out with some nice colours!

Hercules

avene (10940) 2008-12-12 8:24

hi Dan,
seems like everybody has a photo of a volcano lately, I'll have to check my archives to see if I have something similar :)
I like this photo a lot, partly because of that smooth and polished feeling. the lines of the field nicely lead the eye towards the looming shape of the mountain, and the cloudy sky adds drama to the moment. nice one :)

regards,
Kristine

josepmarin (33785) 2008-12-13 10:08

Hi Dan,
The early morning weak light and the soft tones give a very interesting appearance to this beautiful African landscape.
The graphical result is very good, enclosed with the application of the noise reduction.
Well done.
Best regards,
Josep

zmey (7244) 2008-12-13 16:04

hi Dan
your nickname seems to have been chosen well. you've wandered far and close... basically, everywhere. :)) Rwanda... eh, another place I can only dream of seeing. i like the subtle light in this shot. there is some painting like quality in it, true. nonetheless, i feel, there is a tad too much of the brown field in the foreground. in my opinion, making it more 'panoramic' (cropping off the bottom) makes for a better balanced composition.

regards,
kristaps

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-12-15 12:23

Hi, Dan.
The painting-like quality in this one is undisputable and its smoothness does great justice to a grand landscape. I wonder how long those poor gorillas are still gonna be around... Moody shot, I like it a lot. Have a good day, I'll see ya soon.
Fulvio.

joscel1975 (489) 2009-08-22 4:25

Hi Daniel:

I never thought that Rwanda is breathtakingly beautiful country. Nice capture of low-light scenery... very sharp and well-composed. Thanks for sharing.

Josh