Towards Rapu-Rapu Island Photo

Photographer’s Note

A Journal Entry from 07.11.07 (on a boat to Rapu-rapu Island, approx 2p)

It all reminds me of my days on a Palawan ferry banca (boat): the rhythmic sound of the water going over the pontoons, the slight clamminess of the skin because of the saltwater, the flying fish jumping out to avoid the boat. One thing I don’t remember, and that’s not to say I didn’t experience it, is the wooziness, slight headache, and general sleepiness that I’m feeling right now. I haven’t been on the water for years though, so my sea legs have had little practice.

Back to the flying fish, there aren’t nearly as many (smaller here too) than in those days in 2001 in Palawan. I haven’t seen any other kinds of marine creatures either (again in Palawan I couldn’t help but see life everywhere, from various varieties of fish and jellyfish, to dolphins). Could this be because of the reported massive fish-kill on the island? I’m still quite a ways away (I can almost cover the island with my hand with my arm extended out), could the possible toxic spill from the Australian owned Lafayette mine have affected the marine life out so far? These are apparently life-rich waters, the massive whale shark being one. [note: Things didn’t get any better as I got closer to the island—and I never saw a whale shark.]

And I don’t think I had such a generally grey day back then either, and it looks worse over Rapu-rapu—but that’s part of the season, at least the waters are calm.

I’m not sure what to expect on this trip. My seasickness has almost passed and I’m starting to think clearly again. I’ve got just a couple days on the island [upon landing and talking to people about the problems there we ended up staying four], what will I learn, see, photograph?

©2007 alex felipe
All Rights Reserved.

Travelling by ferry from Legazpi City to rapurapu. cost: P60. (bus Manila to Legazpi P720)

tomauer, MayaG, erdna, kensimage, eleparc, MKING has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Darren (6819) 2007-11-11 2:31

This is excellent Alex, I am not sure why there is such a lack of comments. Good use of lines to point is into the distance and a very nice convesion to b&w as well. I don't really have any nits to pick on this, it is really good.

Edit: Have to say that I don't care for the watermark at all. I am sure you knew that though :)

Furachan (0) 2007-11-11 3:26

Yo, Alex! What a lovely composition - it really speaks to me. So well anchored with the roof of he oat on the right side, the presence of the ubiquitous motorcycle in that part of the world. It oozes peace. really very nice work (I can't understand the samll number of comments - stumped tere..)
best,
Francis

MayaG (2393) 2007-11-11 5:23

A wonderful composition. The strong mood of the image certainly becomes even stronger after reading your nice entry. A true marine story.

erdna (5348) 2007-11-11 6:43

Very nice overall with your write-up! This is good journalism work.

Andre'

kensimage (8541) 2007-11-11 17:11

You've really captured the mood here of waiting for departure, of sitting and looking out at the vast scenery, looking out because there's nothing else to do, the schedule is not in your hands. Great tones that set the boat off against the sky. Nice POV to place the men against that sky. Regards, Ken.

vapours (7913) 2007-11-12 4:57

An excellent shot Alex, everything just seems so calm and relaxed here as the boat, island and clouds all roll into each other and appear as one.

I'm assuming from the watermark that you've experienced some photo theft?

eleparc (24059) 2007-11-12 17:09

i would have loved this shot if not for this awful name print in the middle of the shot! Pity!

MKING (3050) 2007-11-13 10:19

All those horizonal lines, even the texture of the water and sky, add up to a tranquil reading of this. And then one goes to the note and the quietness takes on a sinister aspect.

Saw this on your blog, I want to go travelling again-- just out of the city not necessarily overseas.

tomauer (306) 2007-11-15 22:10

Beautiful Write up and Scene. TE Lacks great notes.

The Black and White really does good to the whole story behind it. Great Use of lines!

I really like the detail in this. Thank you very much for sharing.

Mabuhay! I hope you enjoyed the Philippines!