Take a seat, Alien Photo

Photographer’s Note

Day 3 at Ta Prohm temple ruins. Dead tired after so many relentless walks and climbs up and down those temple steps. So please take a seat. Oh no please, not that seat. It is taken. This old tree seems to be doing just that, taking a comfortable seat on the temple gate. [It looks more like Alien from Mars sitting there to you?] I had to wait quite a while to clear all the visitors, so many would snap portraits with this tree root. Some restoration works are still going on in many of these temple sites. I was not able to frame the whole tree within such close distance, so I had no choice but to crop that tree, furthermore the top was not really that interesting because of the dull sky of that day. I had to say shooting in the forest here is easier than tropical Malaysia rainforest for light control.

After visits to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayong and all the temple ruins, many visitors sighed in disbelief at the giant trees of Ta Prohm and you could hear them enjoying this break of temple ruins by the trees. For me, my 1st impression of Angkor Wat and Cambodia came from the on-location movie scenes of this place in Indiana Jones and years later, Tomb Raider. I have to say that after relentless 3 days of non-stop exploring and looking at stones and ruins, my travelmate lost interest in many of the smaller temples almost gave up. Whereas I kept my spirit alive with a good mix of portraits of local people and tourists, and TREES.

2009:03:06 11:25:56, 1/400s, F/2.8, ISO200, FL70mm

snunney, phwall, Isabelle, serp2000, Floydian, pen, JudyR, lrw1966, tempocativo, leo61, PaulVDV, dip, Charo, Silvio1953, alainh, TopGeo, fanni, jlbrthnn, PixelTerror, shevchenko, jhm, Cretense, patdeph, AiresSantos, paura, Budapestman, pierrefonds, jafadabret, ChrisJ, sagar, JCG, riclopes, skippy007, BWJ, jusninasirun has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

luighi (4308) 2009-05-19 0:59

Hi Bill . pues a primera vista me habian parecido las patas de un dinosario petrificado sobre las ruinas.Nada mas lejos de la realidad ,las raices de un arbol gigante , impresionante .Muy bien visto amigo , gracias por compartir esta imagen tan peculiar .
Que tengas un buen dia.

Un saludo.
Luis

snunney (35840) 2009-05-19 1:25

Hello Bill,
A fascinating composition showing how nature can take over the works of man when left to its own devices. It seems slightly over-exposed to my eyes but this is not a major issue and does not detract from the overall appeal. The textures in the ancient stones are very well rendered.

phwall (5817) 2009-05-19 1:38

Hello Bill,
Isn't it amazing that such a huge tree would grow in such a precarious location.
The ruin looks amazing so too the tree.
I'm missing a bit of contrast in the image but even so it is an impressive capture.
Hope you found a seat somewhere to take a load off.
Regards
Peter

serp2000 (9833) 2009-05-19 2:01

Thanks, Bill for your interesting story and good shot, fine composition,good deatails!
Serghei

Floydian (30970) 2009-05-19 2:16

Hi Bill,

A famous location, but with too many people walking around there. Also i was there to short, could spend a whole week there, but still you need to go there before the busloads and the flood of people arrive. I remember this location, the tree is almost forcing down this entry gate and therefor probably the sign to warn us.
Seems there is not enough money and people to recover the whole area, but if they could do it on certain locations without making to to artificial i could live with that and we can enjoy this for many more years to come.

Take care,

Henk

pen (456) 2009-05-19 2:37

Hi,
Very good POV and the composition is great. your note is interesting too.
regards,
Pedro

Isabelle (9020) 2009-05-19 3:47

It´s interesting, Bill, I remember I have seen images from this place with a warmer (yellowish) tone, and now you show it in blue/greyish. It´s refreshing and quiet. this is fantastic a pace to visit...
TFS

delpeoples (7008) 2009-05-19 4:12

Hi Bill, what a unique composition, yes it really does look like the old tree is sitting down for a rest. Great spotting here, you must have a wonderful imagination. TFS and I hope you're having a good week at work, Lisa.

aadilj (17950) 2009-05-19 4:17

This is superb and is such a ncie view. I like the way you have composed this as well

JudyR (939) 2009-05-19 9:00

Great eye for the humorous capture! Just right, in my book. The crushing weight of the tree roots, the knobby knees and ankles and then the splayed foot. Wonderful! It just tickles me. Judy

lrw1966 (1632) 2009-05-19 10:35

Bill, H:

Very interesting composition and equally interesting notes. Both well done.

Larry

tempocativo (440) 2009-05-19 11:06

Olá Bill, ficou simplesmente impressionante esta fotografia. Um belo registo. Obrigado por partilhares.
Abraço
Paulo Borges

leo61 (44112) 2009-05-19 11:17

Hi Bill!
A pinsharp image from my favourite temple ruin in the Angkor region.It`s a good shot,there are so many fine details to view.
Regards,leo

PaulVDV (5451) 2009-05-19 11:25

Hello Bill,
The views of the temples of Angkor Wat overgrown by trees are always very spectacular.
The roots of this tree even have strange shapes. It looks a little like the stones have been pushed under the tree. Good combination picture of monuments and nature.
Best regards, Paul

dip (13006) 2009-05-19 13:33

Hi Bill,
it seems very interesting!
very good captured!
Greetings,
Dimitris.

Charo (32190) 2009-05-19 13:43

Hello Bill,
Impressive these ruins, with the roots of the tree that seems to be swallowing all the stones. A wonderful composition with great details.
Best wishes,
Charo

Silvio1953 (43412) 2009-05-19 14:21

Ciao Bill, great composition with wonderful architecture and amazing nature, very well done, ciao Silvio

emka (22797) 2009-05-19 16:28

Hi Bill, impressive photo of Ta Prohm. But all this part of Angkor complex is fantastic, one can feel like discoverer. I think it splendid idea to live it to the clutches of the living jungle. This atmospheric temple was my favorite. Similar is in Palenque, in Mexico. This tree looks indeed like legs of the monster. Interesting photo. Regards

Malgorzata

alainh (35391) 2009-05-19 22:43

hello Bill
extrange, strongness of nature, she have always the last word !! i don't know what is the most spectular here, the ruins or these incredible trees. a nice testimony.
have a nice day, Bill
alain

Nicou (46211) 2009-05-20 1:20

Hello,

Fantastique image, cet arbre a une forme génaile, ce belle racines,au mileu de ce vielle pierre, très originale et mangigique.

Braov et maitié

Nicou

fanni (9037) 2009-05-20 1:57

Hello Bill,
oh...... wow! this tree looks like a huge strange (maybe pre-historic?) animal or "alien", really... or... rather, the bottom half of this "animal" :)
Very curious, unusual capture! I like your creative idea... and the Note, too, which is very interesting, as always :)
Best regards,
Elena

jlbrthnn (39501) 2009-05-20 3:05

Hello Bill,
I applaud this gift of the observation and the interpretation which you have. The image is astonishing and… realistic. It is well seen, cheer!
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

wolf38 (13159) 2009-05-20 7:15

Hello Bill. Since I know the temples, the photo pleases me particularly well. It reminds me of the beautiful country, its culture and the friendly people. The tree root works like the lower body of a person. Above all the left branch looks like a leg with foot etc. A motive really worth seeing. Very good technical quality. Best regards, Wolfgang.

jmdias (20189) 2009-05-20 7:44

bill

I found a similar scene in missiones-argentina, when a native tree grew up the top of a colune and swallow it. Here the pov and framing showing the interesting scene is nicely done.

hugs

jorge

PixelTerror (87195) 2009-05-21 5:55

HI Bill
A well seen detail, made even closer to truth as the left "leg" looks actually terminated by a giant foot, a different image from this place with the Godzilla touch !
Have a nice day jY

shevchenko (10192) 2009-05-22 1:03

Hello Bill,
This tree is never lonely cause everyday have it visitors, distinct foregrond objects although backgrond is bright under hot sunlight, thanks for sharing.
Ally

jhm (83786) 2009-05-22 3:38

Hello Bill,

Very regular see we images of these place in Cambodja.
You took this image out of a totally other angle this gives more details, sharpness and clarity are very well.
Presentation and composition are superb.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

Cretense (57564) 2009-05-22 4:49

Hi Bill!

Surely one of the places I would like to visit at least once in my lifetime! Excellent photo, very impressive "blending" of nature and architecture, great framing and composition, great light managment! Congratulations!

Hercules

patdeph (18606) 2009-05-22 8:46

hello Bill
this is very interesting to see how the trees can grow here in a very srange and incredible way!I think you have done a great jod,the sky was not necessary!your comparaison of the roots with an Alien is very funny,I would never have thought of this!Very well done!
Cheers
Pascale

AiresSantos (43270) 2009-05-23 0:05

Hi Bill
Beautiful details in this fine picture of Ta Prohm temple ruins.
It looks a little bit over-exposed anyway i like it
Have a nice weekend
Aires

paura (39608) 2009-05-23 5:26

Bill,
Absolutely interesting pic here. A hard lighting but an excellent outcome. well done and thanks for sharing.

regards

Paulo

Budapestman (43292) 2009-05-24 5:56

Hi Bill,
Fantastic architectural photo with graphic details and impressive composition. Splendid note and realization. Tfs! Have a nice Sunday!
George

Colombiana (2602) 2009-05-24 11:40

Hey Bill!
How do you like the new and improved TE?
There are some new features that I like, but I find the beta version a lot user friendly. I guess it's just a matter of getting used to it. There is only one thing in life that does not change: Change!

Anyway... the photo? I title fits perfectly the image. It does seem like a giant alien foot or something. I believe it would have looked better if less overexposed in some ares. Still very good one :)

Regards,
Maryori

pierrefonds (26823) 2009-05-24 13:16

Hi Bill,

The point of view is showing the details and colors of the ruins of the temple. The trees are framing well the temple. The picture is clear and precise. The surrounding light is enhancing the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

jemaflor (39871) 2009-05-25 11:37

Hi Bill,
impressive ruines with this original tree, well framed and good idea for the title, congratulations.

jafadabret (40651) 2009-05-25 12:01

Bonjour Bill.
Cet arbre semble tellement humain dans sa façon de s'assoir. J'aime cette façon qu'a la nature de reprendre ses droits sans considérations d'aucune sorte.
Belle photo !
Jacques

bracasha75 (22523) 2009-05-25 13:31

Hey Bill
Intresthing place for picturing and intresthing title for this shot
Very good again from your camera
Thanks for sharing
Bratislav

KateinDenmark (1128) 2009-05-25 14:11

Wow. This tree really says something about how everything is temporary. I can't help but wonder what the people who made this temple would think if they saw this picture. Nice capture.

Sincerely,
Kate

racheltafoya (507) 2009-05-25 15:23

Happy Day Bill!

You're so right! When I saw this image in your gallery I thought: What the ** is that? Haha! I wish I could remember the movie creature this brings to mind - some skeletal thing with enormous feet.

I appreciate your composition here. You've given us a lot to look at, but the focal point is certainly the entryway that is being slowly smashed to death by this potent being.

The upper third of the photo is a little bright, and the entire image could use a little more contrast in my opinion. That aside, you captured the scene very well.

Thank you very much!

Best from California :)

Rachel

ChrisJ (70521) 2009-05-25 20:01

Hi Bill

I took a shot or 2 of this same crumbling, figtree encased arch at Ta Prohm. Good sharpness & lighting. The wooden boards in front appear new since I was there. Tfs!

mafegan (4633) 2009-05-27 14:47

Hi Bill
Such a strange photo - the alien's right leg in particular does indeed look real. Quite funny and well observed and interpreted. Tfs, Marlene

sagar (2307) 2009-05-28 9:03

Hello Bill,
Very interesting photograph. The notes makes the difference in the way we watch this photo. Yeah, the tree DOES seem like an alien resting on the 'seat'!
I must appreciate your eyes, taht you could find such a POV out of a pretty ordinary scene.
Regards,
Sagarneel.

JCG (25875) 2009-05-29 11:31

Hello Bill,

Indeed strange landscape. These roots have human forms, one wonders what resembles the top of this tree !!! It is noted here that nature always takes again its rights… Interesting glance. Thank you Bill, I am allowed a WS to contrast the image, I hope that you will appreciate.

With all my friendships and a very good WE,

Jean-Charles

[workshop] [compare] +

danyy (69929) 2009-05-30 0:11

Bonjour Bill,
on dirait que le temps finit par avoir raison de ce superbe endroit mondialement connu, il mérite d'être entretenu et restauré, une photo agréable qui montre la fragilité de l'édifice, la nature reprend ses droits.
Regards.
Daniel.

lestans (15550) 2009-05-30 0:49

This one is impressing, Bill! The tree seems a monster, sem to be alive and capturing the ancient wall.
Surprising, well done!
Ciao
Livia

riclopes (33143) 2009-05-30 2:11

Olá Bill, good one of this famous place. It really looks like a monster that just sat on the ruins and I love the detail of its foot at left. Excellent personal note as usual. The light wasn't the best but it doesn't really matter to me. That foot and leg are just great :)
ric

skippy007 (7451) 2009-06-02 3:07

Hello Bill, A friend of mine would often say that if we did not carry out any maintenance on the structures we built it would not take a very long time for nature to reclaim it, this shot is a good example of that, it looks as though nature has almost done it. This image as a strange but effective look about it almost HDR. The tree looks as though it sitting on the doorway with it's weight causing it to collapse. A very good imaginative title.
Well done
Regards
Santo
Spy report. I hear you are trekking in the wilderness somewhere.
Take care

BWJ (1777) 2009-06-02 6:28

Hello Bill,
What an unusually interesting subject this old tree makes. Nature is so strong and does amazing things. The shot is well composed and details are superb. Your note is excellent. Thanks for sharing.
Kind regards,
Betty

jusninasirun (10401) 2009-06-14 7:50

Hi Bill,

You have very good eyes for subjects and this is not the first time I said this. The ruin and the texture are very interesting and with the banyan root covering the arch making this a superb shot.

Excellent framing and very good contrast in this shot. Opening the aperture slightly wider might bring out the fg details a bit more but the whole setting and framing are just perfect.

Excellent work and TFS.
Best regards,
Jusni