Poetic Mood on the Mekong River Photo

Photographer’s Note

There can be few more enchanting places on earth than the ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang, sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, surrounded by glittering temples , a profusion of tropical palms. Its charms are as soothing as the temple bells that echo along its narrow lanes at dawn; its panoramic views as timeless as the waters of the Mekong river that flow down down through Laos before emptying out in the South China Sea.

I you happen to get there someday, I recommend you get on a boat on the Mekong river at sunset and progressively dissolve yourself in this chinese painting like landscape. An unforgettable experience.

robertosalguero, jusninasirun, daddo, ChrisJ, Loic_bzh, siolaw, danos, Floydian, axiotea, patdeph, clio, gneufeld, AiresSantos, Photo65Net, PixelTerror, jlbrthnn, dip, Viera, atus, stego, TopGeo, plimrn, Wanda1, crckt, alainh, Cretense, pasternak, jwmunro, JCG, vinicio, kiwi_explorer, Budapestman, gary91, banyanman, Tue, josepmarin, leo61, degani, saylan-cb, Calimero76, japiey, jafadabret, rigoletto, riclopes, Didi, konok, Eagle, fulvio52, edytungkal, Wandering_Dan has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

robertosalguero (1840) 2008-01-17 22:16

Hello Vincent,

The sun is beautiful in this image. Its colours and excellent position is very effective to draw attention. The silhouettes make for a nice background and foreground. Beautiful place. Thanks.

Roberto

daddo (10427) 2008-01-17 23:33

Hi Vincent. Serene shot, capturing the meditative aspect of the end of a day, especially with a sun like that.Lovely silhouettes.Poetic mood. Regards. Klaudio.

Stepan (27163) 2008-01-17 23:34

Voilà, moi, tu me mets là et tout irait pour le mieux dans le meilleur des mondes. Un superbe moment, terriblement bien rendu. Et cette petite jonque (?), là dans son coin, est charmante...
Stéphane

jusninasirun (8988) 2008-01-17 23:34

Hello Vincent,
The sun is so contrasting to the whole composition making it looks like another image playing inside there. Well captured perspective of the river against the green and mountain. The boat is just an awesome addition to it.
Have a wonderful weekend and best regards,
Jusni.

Graal (52732) 2008-01-18 0:09

Bonjour Vincent,
fantastic place and view, great low sun, fine misty and peaceful atmosphere. Well composed image. I like it a lot.
Gr., Aleksander

ChrisJ (65337) 2008-01-18 0:33

Salut Vincent

Superb zoom shot with marvellous sharpness in addition to the splendid susnset colours & fiery orb at top right. Bon travail!

Loic_bzh (6786) 2008-01-18 0:47

Salut Vincent,

superbe. Cette scène respire le calme et la sérénité. J'aime beaucoup...

Bonne journée,

Loïc

smarcell (12399) 2008-01-18 1:16

A nice sunset composition, where the boat and the sun balance each other perfectly
Regards Stefano

Angshu (30880) 2008-01-18 1:35

Hello Vincent
This boat is straight out a Chinese painting. This is amarvellous shot with the ball of the setting sun with shades of colours, the layers of mountains. Well composed & superbly executed.
Best Regards
Angshu

testmaniac (10746) 2008-01-18 2:03

Hello Vincent, very nice shot with powerful composition. I like the colors and contrast!

TFS and regards,
Philip

MarcT (20231) 2008-01-18 2:18

Salut Vincent,
L'image est superbe. C'est l'ambiance "indonésienne" qui occupe notre imaginaire. Les couleurs sont douces et subtiles.
Amicalement
Marc

jrj (34527) 2008-01-18 2:55

Very moody and stylish work vincz. All details well placed and in fact not much more to say - posterlike and most attractive photo work.

siolaw (24920) 2008-01-18 3:50

Salut Vincent
Superbe compo d'une scène magnifique. J'aime bien comment le bateau équilibre l'image par rapport au soleil, et les silhouettes des collines aux différentes intensités d'ombre, sont simplement magnifiques
Laurent

danos (27858) 2008-01-18 5:03

Hello Vincent,
nice composition with great perspective and POV.The boat and the sun are placed in the diagonal and create a nice feeling of fullness of the scene.Excellent the shape of the Mt.in the background, as the silhouette of the long side hill in the foreground.Informative your note too.

Regards,Danos
PS The next March i plan to visit Cambodia and Laos.As you write the experience must be unforgettable

Floydian (30970) 2008-01-18 7:33

Hello Vincent,
A wonderful setting and great balance with the boat on the left bottom corner and the sun in the right top corner, how clever composed. Light is wonderful, just as that hazy mountain in the background which adds a lot of depth in the image.
I am really enjoying this picture although there is a slight barrel distortion (see the lake) which is easy to correct.
A picture i would like to make myself...really good work.
Have a nice weekend, Henk

photographer123 (5435) 2008-01-18 8:56

hi vincent..
nothing to say about this shot...Its perfect composition..placement of elements are very very goo...best wishes...subir

axiotea (14905) 2008-01-18 9:50

bonsoir Vincent
J'aime beaucoup le brillant de la rivière qui contraste bien avec la forêt et colline en silhouette et le dégradé de couleurs du soleil qui donnent un bon coup d'éclat à ce paysage enchanteur.
A+
Marilyn

Ebbe (9545) 2008-01-18 10:23

Very good use of opposing corners. Nice subtle backdrop.

patdeph (15228) 2008-01-18 10:31

bonsoir Vincent
c'est une photo merveilleuse!j'aime les diférents plans qui offrent un superbe dégradé de couleurs et le soleil rouge qui ,par son contraste,réveille l'atmosphère tout en la laissant incroyablement douce!J'aime les fins et subtils détails que font les arbres sur les arêtes des collines.Le cadrage est superbement pensé!C'est magnifique!
Pascale

emka (17029) 2008-01-18 10:35

Hi Vincent,

After reading your note and seeing this beautiful photo I longed so much to go there again. I do not know how you got to Luang Prabang, but I came from Thailand by long boat, so I spent two days on Mekong. It was not specially comfortable journey, the people were so packed that I was a bit afraid it would sink, any way it was fantastic experience.Small villages in the shores, water buffaloes in water... And sunsets in Luang Prabang unforgettable.
Thanks for this amazing photo
Malgorzata

clio (20079) 2008-01-18 12:58

Salut Vincent,
Moi qui n'ai pratiquement jamais quitté l'Europe, je reste fascinée par cette image... ça existe...pas seulement dans les livres ou dans les expos ... j'ai l'impression d'être au musée Guimet! devant une peinture chinoise datant de 200 ou 300 ans.
Quand la photo rejoint la peinture, c'est pour moi un grand bonheur!
Bravo
Diane

WepWaWet (3941) 2008-01-18 13:23

Hello Vincent,
A perfect composition with superb exposure and focus.Great lighting and framing.The orange colour is wonderful. The silhouettes of the mountains are marvellous.
Regards,
Seref

jonathan_hart (21613) 2008-01-18 13:24

bonjour Vincent
très beau moment au bon endroit, c'est superbe et bien pris
amicalement
jo

hello_ishan (1571) 2008-01-19 1:01

Hi Vincent,
Another excellent shot after your 'Breathing under a Protective Soul'. Very beautiful & impressive. Well done my friend & tfs.

RS

carper (60991) 2008-01-19 1:12

marvelous Vincent,
not an easy one but I like the good resulft of this low light shot, good composition and wel captured the light here, good photojob I like it a lot, have a good weekend.
gr. jaap

AiresSantos (35803) 2008-01-19 1:51

Hi Vincent

Wonderful composition with a great contrast between the moon and remaining labdscape. Is it a moon ?
I like your POV, silhouettes and reflections.

Thanks and have a nice weekend
Aires

Photo65Net (43078) 2008-01-19 2:20

Salut Vincent,
Une très belle expo, le résultat est tout en finesse, avec de superbes teintes et ce soleil rose magnifique.
La profondeur de l'image est elle aussi une réussite, bien vu.
Bon week-end,
JB.

PixelTerror (81492) 2008-01-19 2:21

Salut Vincent,
C'est certainement un moment dont on doit se rappeler longtemps, la coloration du disque solaire est inhabituelle et superbe, a tel point qu'on pourrait se croire dans star trek qq part dans une galaxie lointaine, heureusement qu'on voit assez du paysage environnant (apparemment superbe) pour garder les doigts sur le clavier... euh non je voulais dire les pieds sur terre ;-)
Bon ouiiik JY

clnaef (6289) 2008-01-19 4:12

Bonjour,
Une agréable atmosphère de calme et de sérénité se dégage de ce cliché.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

jlbrthnn (31771) 2008-01-19 4:48

Bonjour Vincent,
Chapeau bas, cette image est superbe. Très bon travail sur l'exposition pour arriver à un tel résultat. Les couleurs et la vision des différents plans sont un vrai régal.
Bonne journée
Amicalement
Joël

delkoo (31640) 2008-01-19 4:58

bonjour vincent
belle diagonale entre le soleil et la jonque, les nuances de tons entre gris et rose sont parfaites .

didier

Greg1949 (7685) 2008-01-19 5:59

Wow, great capture Vincz, the crispness of focus is grand.

Greg

gneufeld (13763) 2008-01-19 7:39

Hi Vincent,
This is nice - I like it alot. The scene is relatively dark but draws strong attention to the moon rising to the right. I also really like the deep magenta hue over the whole image. TFS. Gerald

dip (11717) 2008-01-19 9:16

Hello Vincent,
wonderful image,great POV and framing
excellent captured and composed,
Dimitris.

Viera (884) 2008-01-19 9:24

Hi Vincent,
beautiful sun,very nice calme scene
Regards
Viera

gracious (20005) 2008-01-19 9:47

My dear friend Vinc,
Your excellent photos from Asia really amaze me which captured in perfection, thanks for sharing with us!
This is another real beauty with perfect pov, sharpness, vivid colour and details to enjoy!
your great job is much appreciated
cheers
Tony

atus (15263) 2008-01-19 12:22

Hi Vincent,
very well captured and composed shot of a fantastic atmosphere. The light and the sunball are really gorgeous and the boat balances the pic perfectly.
Tfs and best wishes.
Attila

capthaddock (28640) 2008-01-19 13:06

Oh my, this definitely not just another sunset because:
1) the size of the sun
2) the shape and depth of the mountains
3) the presence of the junk boat, which balances the sun disc.

sothy81 (8345) 2008-01-19 13:26

Beautiful photo. I love this subtle light alot. The shape of the sun is also great. Very well light balanced. Well done. Sothy

plimrn (18682) 2008-01-19 18:24

Hello Vincent,
You coposition gives some idea of what it might be like to dissolve oneself in this 'Chinese Painting of a landscape' with the two layers of evocotive silhouettes, the layers of light from the sun turning the sea copper and the boat to balance the setting sun.
Wishing you health, love & joy in the coming year, POat

Wanda1 (10233) 2008-01-19 23:10

Hi Vincent,
The Mekong is an incredible river, spanning over so many countries and always spectacular. The round red ball of the sun and the layered landscape are fantastic and the lone boat just tops it all off. A great peaceful atmosphere too, I can just imagine being there.
Regards
Wanda

gildasjan (20933) 2008-01-20 0:52

Bonjour Vincent
J'apprécie la tonalité de ce cliché et l'exposition.C'est vraiment calme et beau.
Bonne journée.
Amicalement
Gildas

TopGeo (19105) 2008-01-20 1:32

Hi Vincent! excellent shot! A amazing picture! the moon in a magic composition! and the background with the boat gives a romantic atmosphere big..
P.C.I like this picture and him will place? in my collection? "silhouettes figures outline" see my themes

Compliments
Georgios

stego (21468) 2008-01-20 2:26

Salut Vincent,
Poetic and enchanting... That fits perfectly to this view. It reminded me one of those chinese paintings even before I read your note. The compo is as superb as it is simple - a stripe of shining water, a boat on on corner, the setting sun on the other, scenic silhouettes of hills on the BG... Gorgeous!
Amicalement, José.

crckt (6846) 2008-01-20 8:12

Hi Vincent,
Beautiful mood captured really nicely. Composition is really excellent.
Well done,
shaeri

ndb1958 (9228) 2008-01-20 8:52

Hi Vincent, a very beautiful sunset from Laos. Amazing tones and beautiful silhouettes of the mountains. Beautiful atmosphere, Nino.

chrisnet (20102) 2008-01-20 12:15

Salut Vincent,
Très belle image qui inspire calme et sérénité, voilà un moment superbement capturé, j'apprécie sans aucune réserve.
Amitiés

aral (1195) 2008-01-20 13:00

Hi Vincent,

again excellent photo. Simplifying the compo is one of the golden rules, and you did it really effectively. Also fine mood with warm tones.

alainh (34751) 2008-01-21 0:33

bonjour Vincent
tout en douceur ! spledide ligne et teintes. une compo equilibrée et toute simplement superbe
bonne journée à toi
alain

Cretense (49790) 2008-01-21 3:40

Hi Vincent!

Magic and indeed poetic moment, a dreamy place and a dreamy moment! Fantastic "dark" light managment with those enchanting warm colours and the sun in perfect shape. The composition and the overall impression is magic in its simplicity! Congratulations!

Hercules

indraajeet (1736) 2008-01-21 4:18

a dream scene well-captured. great compo
indrajit

pasternak (12671) 2008-01-21 4:50

Oh this is fantastic, Vincent, a painting-like, out of this world, photograph, with such a balanced compostion and such a soothing mood conveyed!

Cheers
Alexander

anes_lc (14716) 2008-01-21 4:58

looks like a real painting ...fantastic atmosphere
great shot Vincent ,i keep on staring at ...a beautiful picture
thanks sharing
best regards,anes

cessy (13623) 2008-01-21 6:41

oww.. very poetic indeed.....
so beautiful, must be great being there seeing this view directly and feel the atmosphere..
thank you for sharing, Vincent

jwmunro (6474) 2008-01-21 9:48

Bonjour Vincent -

This looks like a silk painting that my dad brought back from Hong Kong in the 1950's. That silk panel hung in the family room for many years. The silhouettes are very nice and make the image, but the hazy setting sun is the focus of this image. I like how the clouds have given a graduated feel to the sun. Well seen and presented.

Thank you for sharing.

John

hatti52 (12652) 2008-01-21 10:27

Salut Vincent
Wonderful composition with great perspective and depth
excellent colours
great shot
congrats

JCG (22687) 2008-01-21 11:29

Bonsoir Vincent,

Quelle chance de pouvoir assister à ces beaux moments, c'est magnifique et composé avec maestria, j'aime beaucoup la gestion de la luminosité et la netteté de la jonque qui contraste bien avec l'arrière plan. Une image effectivement poétique et pleine de douceur, bravo et merci du partage Vincent.

Avec toutes mes amitiés et une très bonne soirée,

Jean-Charles

vinicio (21905) 2008-01-21 12:23

Fascinating landscape Vincent, thanks of share it, colors and nature are great indeed, I much like these views full of pleaceful and pleasant atmosphere, well done, compliments.
Ciao
Vinicio

bizsu (1631) 2008-01-21 16:47

Bonjour Vincent,
Wow !!Beautiful sunset. Fantastic atmosphere,superb photo. I like colours and mountain silhouettes.
Best Regards, Zsú

kiwi_explorer (12195) 2008-01-21 23:31

Hi Vincent,
Unusual sun ... te mountain mist created a nice filter to cutout the sun glare. Very good depth and contrast... I like the overall atmosphere ... poetic ended. Well captured and composed with good resulting image quality. Well done! tfs
Cheers,
Renier

Nicou (38160) 2008-01-22 1:06

hello,

De ttoute beauté., quel décor, quelle lumière et ces ombres chinoises à l'arraière un vrai rêve.

Bravo et amitiés

Nicou

Budapestman (36662) 2008-01-22 3:34

Hi Vincent,
Fascinating and peaceful atmosphere, indeed, the composition is picturesque. I like the nostalgic mood and the beautiful details, Very well done! Have a nice day
George

ifanik (20212) 2008-01-22 11:45

Very beautiful picture
Beautiful colours and POV
Very well done
Best regards
Nick

gary91 (15305) 2008-01-22 13:55

Bonsoir Vincent,
C'est aussi simple que c'est beau !
Pas grand chose à critiquer ici...
Une composition minimaliste avec cette jonque idéalement placée et le soleil en opposition. Une atmosphère et une ambiance féérique.
Du très beau travail, tous mes compliments !
Bonne soirée à toi.
Amicalement, Christian

danyy (62955) 2008-01-23 0:00

Bonjour Vincent,
on a presque tendance à dire que ce genre de photo est 'classique', tellement on en a fait des tableaux et des posters, il n'empêche que vivre des tels moments et savoir les mettre en photo pour se les réémorer par la suite est important.
Tu l'as fait ici avec beaucoup de 'professionalisme'.
Regards.
Daniel.

Bluejeans (27420) 2008-01-23 0:12

Ola Vincent,
Magnifico momento , é um fantastico pôr do sol na floresta m gostei muito do barco sobre as aguas calmas , bom enquadramento da foto , parabens!!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Merline (6574) 2008-01-24 2:53

Bonjour Vincent,
de toute beauté. On dirait une peinture...
C'est magique, que la nature est généreuse...ta composition me plait énormément, je dirais qu'elle est parfaite, avec le bateau en silhouette, ce dégradé de tons d'une grande subtilité et finalement l'astre d'une couleur exceptionnelle. Bravo! On s'impregne de sérénité.

Michèle

banyanman (7691) 2008-01-24 12:03

I agree with every word of your note, Vincent. Luang Prabang is one of my favourite places but I fear that one day it is going to be overrun with tourists like Angkor Wat. I was reading only a few weeks ago in my local paper an announcement about the commencement of direct flights to Luang Prabang from China. I fear the rot has started :(
As far as your image is concerned, I love the mood of this shot and the excellent balance that you have achieved between all of its components. Lovely work. Cheers . . . David

Tue (25367) 2008-01-24 14:40

Bonsoir Vincent,
A beautiful landscape with great colours and a wonderful mood. The big orange sun is lovely and the boat is a great inclusion in the bottom left hand corner. Very well done and thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

josepmarin (31421) 2008-01-25 2:44

Bonjour Vincent,
c'est une scène impressionnante et je suppose qu'inoubliable pour celui qui a pu profiter d'elle. L'atmosphère du coucher de soleil, les silhouettes qui passent du noir au gris dans le paysage et dans le ciel, la barque dans la rivière, et surtout, le beau disque solaire avec des tons orange, nous offrent une image très belle et suggestive, qui inspire beaucoup de paix et beaucoup de calme.
C'est un travail magnifique, mon ami.
Amicalement,
Josep

MayaG (2385) 2008-01-25 4:56

Salut Vincent,
truly a beautiful, poetic image. The composition is so nicely balanced, with wonderful vericals. Great job with this one, really!
regards
Marija

leo61 (40900) 2008-01-25 22:25

Hi Vincent!
I like the image pecause of it`s simplicity.I like too the position of this wonderful round sun oposite of the boat and the colors are very nice.
Regards,Leo

pablominto (35953) 2008-01-26 2:19

Hello Vincent,
A very elegant composition!
Can't be any better...
Greetings,
Pablo -

degani (2838) 2008-01-26 4:47

hi Vincent,
this is a great picture, beautiful composition and beautiful colours, really a great job, bravo
ciao
franco

ahaberal (6447) 2008-01-26 13:40

hi vincent
fantastic place and view, great low sun, fine misty and peaceful atmosphere. Well composed image. I like it a lot.
asim

saylan-cb (12716) 2008-01-27 8:05

Hi Vincent
What a superb photo and image,wonderful colours,light are very good.
TFS/Regards

bebbetto (2361) 2008-01-27 8:51

Hi Vincent.
What a magnificent shot !
The composition and the atmosphere are perfect.
Congratulations

Calimero76 (8646) 2008-01-27 12:13

Bonsoir Vincent
Je ne serais pas très original faisant suite aux 77 précédents messages :)
Superbe image qui donne envie d'aller là-bas
Merci du partage
Amicalement
Patrice

japiey (9453) 2008-01-28 1:16

Hi Vincent,

This is amazing shot..
a perfect display...
Congrats, dear friend.
All the best.

jean paul

devimeuxbe (54043) 2008-01-28 5:25

Salut Vincent
c'est sur, c'est très beau. paisible atmosphere; bell ecomposition.
Magnifique
Bertrand

jafadabret (35467) 2008-01-28 7:58

Vincent bonjour.

C'est Angshu qui renvoie à tes photos sur le Laos, on n'est pas déçu. C'est une photo comme on en voit peu sur TE. J'aime la simplicité et la beauté de la composition. Les trois plans sont en harmonie de formes et de couleurs, un régal.

Jacques

sebinho342 (18341) 2008-01-28 9:44

Salut Vincent, il est incroyable ce soleil, ces couleurs, la netteté et la gestion de la lumière est épatante .. sur fond de collines luxuriantes et d'une jungle épaisse, c'est vraiment exotique.
Magnifique

rigoletto (24052) 2008-01-28 13:30

Oh Yes!
I sometimes ask myself why photographers are always attracted to those exotic countries. The answer is already inside. Because they are exotic! One should need nothing more to see how romantic and exotic a landscape can be. Great daybreak, and yes, indeed like a Chinese painting. TFS,
Deniz

riclopes (32362) 2008-01-29 3:11

Most amazing capture of the sunset in this special place. The image of that big circle of red/orange is fascinating and the way you balaced the composition with the boat at the opposite corner is really good. Strange and very beautiful grey tones all over - the mist there is constant and we never see the sun disapearing in the horizon...I think I would like to see a bit more of the Mekong, but this result is superb.
ric

Didi (33760) 2008-01-30 2:24

Bonjour Vincent
C'est un paysage magnifique très bien présenté.
J'apprécie ce soleil partiellement voilé par la brume et la compression des plans par l'utilisation d'une longue focale.
Amitiés.

konok (2003) 2008-01-31 3:55

Typical sunset at Louang Prabang, captured on the very pofessional way in a good composition!
TFS
Janos

jemaflor (36474) 2008-02-09 5:01

Salut Vincent,
Très esthétique ta vue avec cette bonne capture de ce soleil rougeoyant, la silhouette de la montagne complète bien la photo, la position du soleil dans la compo est parfait.

giorgimer (17490) 2008-02-09 14:32

Hi Vincent,

extraordinary image, very beautiful composition with the boat and this incredible sun. I also like a lot the different layers.

Very well done!

Gio

brevbrev14 (364) 2008-02-27 9:33

Hi Vincent, sunsets are not my fav. subjects..but this one is really good with a wonderful red ballon in the sky and a great silhouettes of the mountains
The boat is the cherry on the cake
ciao!
Valeria

michiels (4170) 2008-03-06 6:59

hello Vincent,

beautiful !!! like a dream. the red sun is amazing.
beautiful luang prabang ... it's so special and charming !!!
greetings, inn

dkeus31 (24546) 2008-04-06 11:28

Hi Vincent,
a nice image with the big sun here, great colors and light
regards
didier

tapdur (1635) 2008-04-07 7:18

tout simplement impressionné !

respects

Bruno

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-04-07 15:21

Absolutely wonderful, Vincent!
Perfectly balanced, with that boat and the setting sun skilfully placed in opposite corners and a most incredible, dreamy background. Your management of light is simply superb and does full justice to this magnificent view.
My compliments!
See you soon,
Fulvio.

edytungkal (4513) 2008-04-10 2:09

Yes i love the mood and the atmosphere here and that sun ball really a nice focal point despite the bg a little bit grainy and noisy but i dont care for that. A poetic shot Vincent, tfs..

daniel

zahoor_salmi (2116) 2008-09-08 22:41

fantastic place and view, great low sun, fine misty and peaceful atmosphere.

patmor (230) 2008-11-25 9:13

Bonjour Vincz
Tres belle composition, magnifiques couleurs, bravo.

Wandering_Dan (2734) 2008-11-25 9:50

Hi, Vincent -

An incredible shot; everything in it works to create a fantastic mood. Even little things like the boat in the river positioned to balance against the moon. And great treatment of difficult lighting.

Best,
Dan