Dark and Mysterious, a photo from Sabah, East

Photographer's Note

Sense of spiritual mystery, awe and fascination… that was my first impression of the Kiansom Waterfall, about half an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu and another 30 to 45 minutes trekking to reach this waterfall.

I was standing still, seeing the rainforest shielding the surrounding from the bright light of the sun and providing the dramatic spot lighting down to the surfaces of the area. That really was a wonderful moment to a new trekker and a beginner photographer… Me. I almost been totally blank… what should I shoot, since everything seems to be so beautiful and amazing. I lost the listed ‘things’ in my brain of what would I shoot.

My camera went automatically off for three times, since I did nothing but gaping. Thanks God, I was there with my trekking/photography master, and another good friend. They had started working their tripods out, few yards away and their busyness awoke me from my heavy amazement.

Where was I? Yah… the spiritual mystery, awe and fascination… I started drawing the image in my head while keep on doing my trial and error shots, mostly about practicing the theory. Not to a perfect nature shots.

It was said that the ‘shot’ will usually come lately. That day proved me of what my master tipped me. This particular shot ‘came’ late, almost to the end of our shooting hours. Dark and mysterious… yet, a wonderful and thoughtful experience.

Happy shooting,
Ramdan

trekks, ewanshamsudin, abanibi, Cretense has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ewanshamsudin (347) 2007-12-27 10:40

Wahhhh:

1. shot of film noir exuberance
2. mood-evoking notes not unlike rabani and jusni
3. great shot

...and who is your trekking/photography master? Do we know him?

abanibi (749) 2007-12-27 17:19

Hello Ramdan! Very evocative! This photo has a very special light, and a soul of its own. You definitely caught the moment with the best light, thanks to your patience, and knew how to capture it without burning the lights or making it too dark. I like the green rock slightly lit on the right and the way it takes us to the waterfall. The only suggestion I can do is to darken a bit the rock in the centre-right, as it gets too much prominence IMO. Have you tried the vertical frame?
Very good work, especially for a beginner! :-) Keep on it!
TFS and best regards,
Inés

Cretense (68663) 2007-12-28 5:55

Hi Ramdan!

Excellent, very atmospheric shot with an almost b&w colour treatment, and fantastic dark light managment that enhances the atmosphere. Perfect choice of the shutter speed, great tight framing and composition. Congratulations!

Best regards,
Hercules

trekks (14348) 2007-12-29 2:10

Yes, a little dark, like the title says.

Very good color tone. The light filtering down is what makes this contrast. 1/10s exposure is good for the water flow.

Stones, water and falls - one of my favorite shooting choices. I have no such luck to see light coming from opening above, so far. Those I have seen are all open with light from all directions.

Well done, and can I expect to see more from this series?

TFS, bill

Stepan (27210) 2008-01-04 22:57

Light is well managed here again and you have the right title. That's well seen, that's well done...
Stéphane

char_mifsud (541) 2008-02-13 4:58

Hello Ramdan,
Very good color tone. The light filtering down is what makes this contrast. Perfect choice of the shutter speed, great tight framing and composition. Congratulations!
Regards,
Charles
Malta