que vida... Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

que vida!...

or what a life! (in english)
see, even a dog agrees...

san marcos, unmistakeably san marcos de laguna, a charming little village on the coast of lake atitlan. some (locals, of course) say it is the most magical lake in the world.

probably i should mention the fact that most of the businesses in the village are gringo hippy run massage parlors, alternative therapy and yoga centers. and when i say 'businesses' i mean huts with thatched roofs...

please check the workshop posts following the links above too.

not that it's so relevant for the mood in the photo, there are 4(!) volcanoes in the frame; going from right ot left: San Pedro (2995 meters), Atitlan (3537 meters), Toliman (3158 meters), and Cerro de Oro.

enjoy a little piece of paradise!

--
PS. a note to the esteemed moderators: the people in the foto are NOT my friends or family. I simply shared a dock with them while waiting for a water taxi. the lady was giving facial massage to her boyfriend. i glanced at her and pointed to my camera: "may i?" she nodded with a smile. the result is here.

gunbud, Waylim, cray-z, jorgi, mphotographies, jlbrthnn, Atousa, belido, Sne011, fulvio52, gracious, Wandering_Dan, zeynepe, danos, ciakgiak, steliosk, alainh, avene, stego, Adrian_S, jurarafal has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Greg1949 (8519) 2008-12-09 11:58

Kristaps, this one is a WOW shot, it tells a complete story and the shot is executed perfectly, GREAT shot man!

Greg

tcgt1979 (153) 2008-12-09 12:08

kristaps,
This is a great shot. And it gives credit to Atitlan's beauty. I have been there and know just how magical it is.

delic (6735) 2008-12-09 12:52

I've seen better looking lakes (whatever that means), and I think it's the presence of the couple that makes the picture special. Cool shot, Kristaps. I like the first ws, too, esp. the red umbrella. Cheers!
Hakan

pauloog (6963) 2008-12-09 13:11

Hello Kristaps,
Excellent perspective and a wonderful contrast between the clear scene in front and the more dreamy faded landscape behind.
Regards,
Paul

gunbud (28181) 2008-12-09 19:38

Hi Kristaps,
Lovely lakeside shot with a beautiful misty mountain backdrop.
The slightly tilting dock makes an excellent leadin to the vast lake.
Your fellow travelers fit very well in this tranquil scene.
Regards, Tom

Waylim (11163) 2008-12-09 20:24

Kristaps,
This is a shot that I look for and find it most interesting, as much as I love the perfect landscape or portrait, I love the perfect moment more. this is one of those intimate moment that you have captured in time and freeze it, and in front of this landscape just make it better. Great shot, congrats.
Way

jasmis (51047) 2008-12-09 22:29 [Comment]

Show Comment

cray-z (48) 2008-12-10 0:32

Hi, Kristaps.

She loves him. He deserves it... oh, it is a business you say. Oh, well...

Nice picture to look at on a gray rainy morning as todays here.

The ratio of warm and cold colour tones on the shot is just perfect.

Luka

jorgi (3804) 2008-12-10 0:43

Hi Kristaps,

oohh...ahhh...iii...so sweeeeeet :P
OK, the motive very cute...gentle...the scenery fantastic...the connection of couple with vast blue scenery on horizon superb as it gives it a notion of infinity...endless love...(although she is probably just a massage therapeutist :)

But.
The best thing here is light managment. This sky is so bright that eyes hurt looking at it. Very hard conditions. Definitelly still rrrawing but did you also used active D'lightning?
You say que vida I say que photo! :)

My compliments,
Jeri

I_WanderingSoul (652) 2008-12-10 0:49

Hi Kristaps,
That a nice moment you have captured there!
The whole scene fits together so perfectly.
Lovely afternoon by the lake.
TFS,Neelima.

mphotographies (1976) 2008-12-10 1:30

Hey Kristaps,

A soothing and cosy setting...drops all the weight you carry on your shoulder and Se retrouver, sevader! (give yourself real escapism!)

The scene is so unbelievable and some might see as 'staged' or 'acted'...the thing is really believable "rest and activity" in paradise. Well done ;)

Cheers!

Jom

Yeah the dog is so lucky dude!!!

jlbrthnn (39083) 2008-12-10 3:43

Hello Kristaps,
I am stressed a little in this moment, and I am ready for the installation of the next photograph:) The light is very beautiful, the landscape is imposing, and on this pontoon, one feels the peace of the places perfectly. A beautiful image suggestive and carried out well. Congratulations.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

Atousa (3466) 2008-12-10 3:52

Salam Kristaps,

Seems to be a very peaceful place ..I think the title suits the shot specially after I saw the WS post ..the mounts in the BG act as beautiful borders for the lake..TFS
Best regards, A

belido (16935) 2008-12-10 4:38

Hi my friend,

Yes, I would say that "que vida"...or "essa é a vida de que preciso" (this is the life I need). What a view. I wonder how is the view of the guy on the boat there. Peace, tranquility...all those good things. If it's the end of the day or evening you would get a more powerful lighting but it's good as it is. Great job and idea!
Regards,
Carlos

BennyV (4921) 2008-12-10 6:18

Hi Kristaps,

Lovely scene of not so daily life unfortunately. What does a man have to do to find himself in that position? Mmm...here's to trying!

Paradise!

Benny

Sne011 (3103) 2008-12-10 6:51

Hello Kristaps,
It's a beautiful photo, I just love the scenery with those two, peaceful and enjoyable. Great natural colors, it's so relaxing just looking at this photo :)
Have a nice day,
Sneza

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-12-10 9:04

Hi, Kristaps.
A nice, intimate moment on the lake. Striking angle, excellent lighting, great presentation. A picture that most certainly tells a story, I like it very much. Have a good day, buddy. I'll see ya soon. I've been busy as hell the past few weeks, can't say I'm thrilled...
Cheers,
Fulvio.

gracious (20017) 2008-12-10 9:59

Hello Kristaps,
How are you!!
I thank you for such a relax image captured from the paradise of the lake Atitlan!
the pov is absolutely great with those wonderful lights set upon it!
a pleasant and pleasing image to enjoy!
thanks a lot
take care and regards
Tony

archimatica (13344) 2008-12-10 14:12

Kristaps, this one is really a WOW shot.
Que vida!
Fantastic moment.

Best regards,
Renzo

Wandering_Dan (3299) 2008-12-10 19:01

Hi, Kristaps -

Really nice composition; the bodies make an interesting diagonal parallel to the dock diagonals but contrasting to the volcanoes in the rear - and, yes, it is relevant to the mood to mention that they are volcanoes! They both create and disrupt paradise.

However, I have a problem with the black framing; the dock merges into it, so the frame cannot define the border.

Best,
Dan

zeynepe (9364) 2008-12-11 1:02

Hi Kristaps,
Among them there are many beauties. With every kind of charm,with great mountains in BG and probably the most peaceful view of lovers. Harsh sunlight made for difficult shooting and you managed it superbly.
Congrats and have a nice day,
Zeynep

baba_flies (8133) 2008-12-11 10:44

Hello Kristaps! I wrote you such a nice text when the server dived :))) almost like your dog in the WS. This is such a wonderful environment to sit down and give someone a massage, what a way to finalize a long day of hiking, exploring the villages, visiting a local market or trying to find a room to stay for the night. I did not expect such a picture and it is quite refreshing in a way and sometimes, when you travel in remote places, it is sometimes nice to talk to other people from your home country but maybe this is just me. The mountains are wonderful and how they fade in the light. Wow I could use a massage. Instead I am going out with my best friend exchanging xmas gifts and have a drink together in the Mexican Restaurant 2 minutes from where I live. I would rather stay at home and do nothing but ... this is the Season! Great photo, I love it, I really do. Barbara.

MarcT (21103) 2008-12-11 11:53

Hi Kristaps,
What a nice moment :o)) That's a place I'd like to see in the same situation...
Fine shot of a very special place
Cheers
Marc

danos (33386) 2008-12-12 4:16

Hello Kristaps,
nice and tranquil the moment that you shot this scene.Lucky that she permitted to shot this completely private moment of the couple.I like the perspective of the wooden jetty and the creation of depth in the scene.Well done.

Regards,Danos

npecanhuk (14798) 2008-12-12 7:02

Hello Kristaps!
How lucky that guy is! How lucky you were to be there at that perfect moment to capture this image so nicely! I love volcanoes and this view of them by the lake is very attractive and beautiful! The very foreground, with the wooden pier, is also eye-catching and it pleases me a lot! TFS - Congratulations!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan

marietom (32108) 2008-12-12 13:29

hello Kristaps

Excellente scène, si tranquille...
Superbe décor, avec ces montagnes au loin.
Ca fait rêver tout ça !
Bonne soirée
Marie

emilbo (9667) 2008-12-14 13:45

Allô Kristaps!
Comme il doit être plaisant de prendre un bain de soleil sur ce quai en admirant le magnifique paysage, "Quelle vie..." comme tu dis. Excellent èclairage, bonne composition et superbes couleurs.
Bravo!... et bonne semaine,
Emilius

ciakgiak (11364) 2008-12-15 2:51

Kristaps Hello,
that envy! As I like to be instead of that lucky man.
This is a beautiful image of great serenity and peace, you are able to block a beautiful moment of daily life.
Best regards, have a nice week.
Giorgio

steliosk (4784) 2008-12-15 12:50

lovely exposure and pov my good friend,
Lightroom processed?
great job! I mean it

Regards
Stelios

jmdias (19953) 2008-12-15 15:41

kristaps

the vie is so nicely build that we can think it is a collage of 2 images. The background is so blue and the foreground so iluminated in more hot colors and we can feel these 2 different parts of the compo. people are fabulously put and the scenery is amazing. a perfect image, congratulations

hugs

jorge

alainh (35391) 2008-12-16 22:13

hello Kristaps
excellent !!! i want to be there !!
a true pleasure, your work
friendly
alain

avene (11140) 2008-12-17 7:48

yeah, wouldn't mind something like this right now. it's gray, dark and ugly in NYC today, so this scene feels like science fiction.
the composition with the pier in the foreground leading the eye towards the mountains works really well, I find the overall result conveys a great sense of open space, calm and relaxation, no wonder the couple has decided to use this place as a massage parlor. the light seems a little harsh, but at the same time it adds a pale shine to every detail. nice one.

hugs,
K.

plimrn (19754) 2008-12-17 8:04

Hi Kristaps,
Capturing that sky without blowing it out shows amazing light management!! The peaceful and loving couple contrasts well with the imposing presence of the four volcanos. As to the WS, I love that dog leaping into the water.
HLJ, Pat

stego (22484) 2008-12-25 17:23

Hi Kristaps,
Si señor, eso si que es una *bella* vida!
Enjoying a massage under the sun by your beautiful and caring girl friend in the most scenic environment... There is something almost mean in presenting such an image, as it makes us envy, which isn't a nice feeling. :D
Great perspective, with the pier and the couple perfectly in harmony with the landscape. Mayb efrom a purely technical point of view, the bright haze is a flaw, but I think it is part of the great charm of the image. I appreciate also the PP done on the face of the girl, which makes us think that you used a reflector of the kind they use in professional photography and cinema.
Regards, José.

zumoduvas (1974) 2008-12-28 4:54

Hola Kristaps.

Esto es vida en el paraiso en una excelente toma.

Que pases un feliz año.
Jose Luis.

bantonbuju (48796) 2009-01-04 0:02

hi kristaps,

impressive, indeed...
i wish that every day in this 2009 year, and everywhere in the world, would look so quiet, peaceful, and beautiful...

all the best!

j.

Adrian_S (621) 2009-01-05 15:00

incredible sharpness, outstanding colours and great depth. This is truly a course book on TE:P

jurarafal (265) 2009-02-17 15:16 [Comment]

Show Comment

mikele_pl (2304) 2009-02-24 5:53

Hi Kristaps,

I have a photo from exactly the same place, but yours is a winner with this couple in the centre. Very relaxing mood and truly magnificent badckgound. Well done!

greetings

michal