Hygge - a Danish mood Photo

Photographer’s Note

After a long period of dark and grey days the sun was finally shining last Sunday and I had to go to Denmark to visit one of my favorite places, the cozy harbor of Hoeruphav where I enjoyed the special feeling of Danish coziness, "Hygge", which is a Danish phenomenon! It is as important to the Danes as "saudade" is to the Portuguese or “chic” to the French. It is one of the fundamental aspects of Danish culture, and although translated as "coziness" it has no exact English equivalent. Hygge is a complete absence of anything annoying, irritating, or emotionally overwhelming, and the pleasure from comforting, gentle, and soothing things. It is actually the one thing, which helps us to comprehend the true spirit of the Danes.
I think that "Hygge" is an art, and I would define it as the Art of Creating Intimacy. Some nationalities are easily and unrestrainedly intimate - like the Italians – or not at all – like the Germans. (And in my next life I will become a Dane I can assure you!)
Taking pride in what you have now and not just what you dream are part of Danish life and Hygge.
And the good thing about Hygge is that you can apply it anywhere. Danes allocate it generously to everything commonplace.

skippy007, pablominto, bema, saxo042, gracious, besnard, fanni, bakes888, dareco, leo61, rginer, feather, JCG, papagolf21, Royaldevon, phwall, gunbud, shevchenko, trekks, fulvio52, dip, Vasa, macondo, mafegan, Greg1949, jorgi, Cretense, Jeppe, xuaxo, PixelTerror, Fellini has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

npecanhuk (13027) 2008-12-12 6:26

Hello Harriet!
You have just changed the photograph, but my previous comment fits well to this one (although I think this one is a bit better!).
Though the sky is cloudy and grey and the horizon has lots of bare trees, likely to lead us to a sad mood, the colorful boats and their reflection on the mirror-like water surface compensates it all and the picture turns out to be very interesting and beautiful! I really like it! Great job!
TFS - Congratulations!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan

tcgt1979 (153) 2008-12-12 6:29

Harriet!
Very nice crisp photo. Even though there is cloudiness and the trees have lost their leaves, the picture gets enough color from the boats to bring the image "alive". The water is still enough to reflect the boats beautifully. I see a house in the background, I wish its roof was of a brighter color, it would have added to the liveliness of the photograph! The sun plays a good part here, reflecting on the white sides of the boats to create a nice sheen! very nice.

bema (8431) 2008-12-12 6:59

Hallo Harriet,

soso, die Nationalität wechseln im künftigen Leben, das würde ich jetzt schon gerne tun..
tolles Bild mit ausgezeichneter Schärfe und schöner Spiegelung im Wasser, gefällt mir sehr.

ein schönes Wochenende wünsche ich Dir, Gruß Bernd

Buin (36852) 2008-12-12 8:25

Hallo Harriet
Neben dem für mich ungewöhnlichen Anblick ;-) besticht dieses Foto durch seine perfekte Qualität und der Ausstrahlung absoluter Ruhe. Zusammen mit Deinem sehr interessanten Kommentar ein schöner Beitrag hier. Seit ich in der Ruhephase der Altersteilzeit (toller Begriff!) bin glaube ich auch manchmal, so etwas wie Hygge zu empfinden ;-)
Ein schönes Adventswochenende!
Frank

saxo042 (15102) 2008-12-12 8:46

Hi Harriet,
An amazingly calm sea, as a mirror. The reflections are totally undisturbed by waves or ripples. Interesting note also, "Hygge" must be the same root as we have in Swedish "hygglig" which, according to the dictionary, means "decent, tolerable, pally". Maybe that also covers the essence of this photo!
Regards
Gunnar

gracious (20017) 2008-12-12 9:47

Hello my friend Harriet,
Thank you for this beautiful sharing with good quality in it's amazing sharpness and colour! the reflection is so perfect from the calm water! it's give a very peaceful feeling from this wonderful image!
thank you once again
wishing you and family a happy festive season in Germany!
my sincere regards
Tony

besnard (30118) 2008-12-12 9:48

Bonsoir Harriet
Un joli cliché de ce port qui respire le calme et la tranquilité. C'est très agréable à regarder.
Merci pour le partage et bonne soirée.
Nicole

Longroute (8885) 2008-12-12 11:19

Hello Harriet,

a nice simple composition where the light and the coloured boats play a major role. fine reflecions in the calm water creates a serene atmosphere.
I find strange what you say about danes. I travelled all over Europe, and in Copenhaghen I had the impression of a unique coldness in people. But I was very young at the time, and I could have been wrong, and maybe in small towns the atmosphere might be different.
Best regards,
Donato

gilou530 (34681) 2008-12-12 12:17

salut harriet
de très beau reflets dans cette photo ou ces bateaux bien typique sont pleins de charme et ton cadrage les met parfaitement en valeur, beau travail
amitiés
gilbert

JLG (2086) 2008-12-12 12:20

hello Harriet
tres belle cette compo
une belle lumiere du nord un bon cadrage ce qui donne une photo tres reussie
bravo
have a nice WE
jean louis

bracasha75 (21652) 2008-12-12 12:41

Halo Harriet
Oh wie schone Spigelung auf die wasser flache und ein eifaches und echt schones foto
Einfache sahen mahen das leben schon
Schonen wochenende Harriet wunsche ich dir
Bratislav

Miha2ou7 (4887) 2008-12-12 12:59

Hey Harriet,

Nice to see you posting some photos of Denmark after a while. A beautiful little harbor. Cozy is indeed the word I`d describe it with. Nice compo and colors.

Best regards.

fanni (8711) 2008-12-12 15:10

Hello Harriet,
I am impressed by the mirror reflection in the quiet, very smooth water! The blue boat is a real eyecatcher :)
Actually, the harbour really looks very quiet, very peaceful, as if nothing in the world is able to disturb its peace and quiet. Very nice, quiet, soft colours; very good lighting and contrast. I like the quiet atmosphere of this area.
Well, "hygge" is what I badly need now, I am dead tired of the megapolis noise, rush, rat race and vanity!
best regards,
Elena

bakes888 (18055) 2008-12-12 18:38

Hi Harriet. Hygge sounds a bit like a warm bed on a cold and wet night, more than just cozy. Nice capture. Good sharp reflections to give a calm mood. Well balanced composition. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

dareco (17024) 2008-12-12 21:57

A beautiful picture, and since I live on the prairie I always enjoy these ocean scenes. Good lighting and reflection and lots of great colors. TFS

leo61 (42808) 2008-12-12 23:30

Hallo Harriet!
Sehr schönes Winterlicht und eine gute Kompo.Gute Tiefe und sehr schöne Spiegelungen.
Gruß,Leo

rginer (525) 2008-12-13 2:19 [Comment]

Show Comment

feather (49848) 2008-12-13 9:30

Despite the dark sky, the sun was able to illuminate the scene perfectly and also give extra strenth to the gorgeous reflections. The water was so still the reflections are as sharp and clear as the reality. Interesting note about the characteristics of different nations.
Maybe I'd rather not know what you say about the Brits! :D
Kath

JCG (24827) 2008-12-13 10:52

Hi Harriet,

A calm sea and a light that seem to back that allow to have excellent and beautiful reflections. A beautiful composition, relaxing and very enjoyable to watch. Harriet well done and thank you for your interesting note.

With all my friendships and a great WE,

Jean-Charles

COSTANTINO (22181) 2008-12-13 11:11

Hello Harriet
What can I say for this amazing reflection..
Only compliments and no other comments..
A very interesting,impressive and worthseeing photo
bravo,Costantino

holmertz (9284) 2008-12-13 12:42

Hello Harriet,
Oh, these lovely little tug boats and fishing boats again, and the water is so clear that I get to see them twice.
Thanks for sharing,
Gert

TopGeo (21393) 2008-12-13 14:45

Hello Harriet! Interesting picture and note for hygge of Denmark. The lighting the reflection and boats they give a composition and a good disposal picture great and symmetry excellent
Regards
Georgios

papagolf21 (55956) 2008-12-14 0:33

Bonjour, chère Harriet,
Tout respire calme et beauté dans cette composition, les bateaux se mirent dans ces eaux calmes avec volupté.
Une belle ambiance se dégage de l'ensemble.
Une image qui fait plaisir à voir.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Royaldevon (5786) 2008-12-14 7:58

Hello Harriet,

Hygge is a wonderful concept. I will make an effort to remember this word. Is the 'y' pronounced 'i' or 'ie'?
The brightness of the boats lifts the dulness of the sky, the reflected greyness in the water and the lifeless trees. And can I 'feel' the tranquility! The clear, refected images double the impact!
A beautiful shot.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

phwall (5422) 2008-12-14 15:28

Hi Harriet,
Ah, a photographers dream, foreground sunlit subjects against a grey sky, perfect. A lovely capture, so quiet and tranquil. The sharpness of the image is excellent, especially the reflection. Just enough colour to keep the softness of the overall atmosphere tranquil.
A perfect capture in the true meaning of Hygge.
Regards
Peter

gunbud (27533) 2008-12-14 18:59

Hi Herriet,
I really like this one with the glass like surface of the tranquil harbor catching a fetching reflection from the colorful small fishing craft with the lovely blues and whites making for a wonderful contrast.
This shot is a definite "hygge."
Regards, Tom

shevchenko (9746) 2008-12-14 21:29

Hi Harriet,
The water is quite calm, perfect reflection on it, nice soft sunlight against cloudy sky, natural color and lighting to record the daily weather, good shoot.
Allt

trekks (14260) 2008-12-14 21:42

hi Harriet

Denmark. Boats.

Really perfect reflection of the boats in water to show such a calm side of this view. Very well lit condition and a good capture of the mood.

tfs, bill

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-12-15 4:43

Hi, Harriet.
You sure made the best out of the available light to provide a lovely, most subtle contrast between leafless trees and those colored boats. Moody view, soothing and most inspiring, it goes hand in hand together with your GREAT note. TFS! Have a good day, see you soon.
Fulvio.

jafadabret (38927) 2008-12-15 7:55

Bonjour Harriet.
Tu as réussi cette photo de belle façon. L'aime la lumière et l'effet miroir sur les bateaux. Les couleurs sont en harmonie.
Excellent !
Jacques

buscape (3405) 2008-12-15 10:00

Hallo Harriet,
das Wasser scheint irgendwie dein Element zu sein.
Tolle Spiegelungen und auch ein sehr schönes Licht. Die Farben sind natürlich und die kleine Kirche im Hintergrund gefällt mir auch gut. Gefällt mir gut.
Viele Grüsse aus dem Donautal,
Helmut

dip (12408) 2008-12-15 11:25

Hallo Harriet,
eine schöne Komposition sehr gut qualitativ,
ich mag die ruhige Atmosphäre und das Licht hier,
gut gesehen und fotografiert!
Grüße,
Dimitris.

Vasa (4836) 2008-12-15 12:22

Already the thumbnail of this picture is amazing... I like the gray dominating this image, but the colors are wonderful above the great light. The photo for dream and soul. All compliments Harriet, dear friend,

friendly your

Branko

Silvio1953 (40771) 2008-12-15 12:31

Ciao Harriet, lovely view of beautiful boats with fantastic reflections, very well done, ciao Silvio

jmdias (18733) 2008-12-15 15:55

harriet

these calm waters give us an idea about what that danish word can say. beautiful soft light, framing and pov. colors of the ships against the nude trees created a nice contrast
reading your note about intimacy: some years ago a girl from germany visited my town (she has a friend here) and that friend presented her to me, we were in the middle of the bank and I gave her some kisses in the face (something usual to our friends or to people who will be friends). the german girl was so hard and rigid about that public kisses giving by me (a strange guy)she was so paralized like a stone sculpture, I guess that was a very, very hard experience for here.hahaha.

hugs

jorge

macondo (12973) 2008-12-16 4:03

Hello Harriet.
Beautiful quality photo with marvellous sharpness (not overdone) and superb capture of the light and colour in this tranquil scene. The two things which appeal to me are the gentle slope of the trees in the background and the lovely reflection. The sky is dull, but the colours of the boats stand out so well and enliven the picture. Very nicely done and good note too.
Regards,
Andrew

Bluejeans (31553) 2008-12-16 5:46

Ola Harriet,
Que lindo reflexo deste barcos de pesca , ficaram perfeitos nesta agua calma , gostei muito da luz suave , belo ponto de visão , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

mafegan (3949) 2008-12-16 7:32

Hello Harriet
Your notes tell of an interesting Danish phenomenon which teaches a little of Danish culture. I like the rounded shapes of the boats, the brilliant colours, perfect reflections and the sharpness. TFS. Marleneer

Greg1949 (8507) 2008-12-16 8:56

Harriet, this one is similar to your "Cozy Harbor" but the lighting is really much better. I love these little ships and their no nonsense approach to being on the water. Well seen and captured.

Greg

clio (22350) 2008-12-16 13:32

Bonsoir Harriet,
I like all these boats. Taken by face or by profile, their reflections are magnificent.
And I also like this strange port in the middle of nowhere.
Beautiful, amicalement
Diane

lancehannah (1307) 2008-12-16 17:10

Hallo Harriet,
Ich kann nur sagen,Du wirst immer besser u.besser.Welch ein herliches szene.Great surface reflection of the boats and a superb resolution and quality of the whole picture,chapeau!
regards from Spain,Lance

Waylim (10717) 2008-12-16 18:31

Harriet,
It is a wonderful mood in this photo, though the weather is not perfect, but you color and light you captured are so inviting. Great composition and beautiful reflection on the water. Very serene fall landscape. Simply lovely. Thanks
Way

danyy (67958) 2008-12-16 22:55

Bonjour Harriet,
c'est un endroit que tu as vraiment l'air d'aimer beaucoup.
Tu nous en propose ici, une vue calme, mais je suppose qu'il fait souvent calme là-bas, et des lumières impeccables qui avec la netteté, nous permet de voir tous les détails.
J'aime beaucoup le rendu du ciel et les reflets.
Bien amicalement.
Daniel

jorgi (3798) 2008-12-16 23:08

Hi Harriet,

wonderful late autumnal view.
I specially like the light, so silverish and sharp. It illuminates boats so fantasticly.
Grey sky and its repetition in most calm water create an excellent background for boats and their reflections.
The hill in a background with its diagonal form gravitating towards the left part of the photo perfectly balances boats and the house on the right which appear to be concentrated around the tallest mast.
Photo of most wonderful atmophere.

My best,
Jeri

Cretense (54794) 2008-12-17 10:01

Hi Harriet!

Beautiful and sweet little harbour, beautiful boats, fantastic reflections! Great composition and framing, wonderful colours, despite the cloudy sky! Congratulations!

Hercules

pablominto (39918) 2008-12-19 1:19

Hello Harriet,

A pleasant harbour scene, looking really nice or "hyggelig" if you like..!
Seems like a slow day for the fishermen, resting ashore waiting for better conditions...
Good details, and the calm waters act as the perfect mirror!

Greetings,
Pablo -

skippy007 (6799) 2008-12-19 21:40

Hello Harriet, A lovely note accompanied by a beautiful image, actually I could have said it the way round, a beautiful image accompanied by a lovely note & it would have been just as good. The grey sky is there but enough light to make it look warm & cosy, good, light, detail & the still water has provided you with interesting & colourful reflections. I think I understand you note perfectly.
Thank you
Warmest regards
Santo

mauro61 (14614) 2008-12-21 1:37

ciao Harriet,
bella immagine del porticciolo sotto un cielo minaccioso che non ti ha impedito di cogliere i bei riflessi sull'acqua.
Ottime le luci e i colori,
buona giornata e buone feste
maurizio

Jeppe (18623) 2008-12-21 10:40

Hi Harriet
Indeed a fine explanation of the Danish word Hygge – I like the moment you captured at that harbor. The calm weather and reflections makes the shot. Too bad the weather nowadays gray and sunset very very rear.
Merry X-Mass and happy new year to you and your family
Jeppe

claudeD (11154) 2008-12-24 9:57

Hello Harriet,

very nice picture with fine colors and excellent sharpness.I like the reflections in the water very much.Excellent fotojob.TFS.

Merry Xmas from Luxembourg

Jean-Claude

xuaxo (5635) 2008-12-26 16:46

Hallo Harriet
Beautiful mix of colours, despite that grey sky.
~
That's interesting that you know about Portuguese saudade (or Cape-Verdian sodade).
I searched "Hygge" in English Wikipedia and it is redirected to Gemütlichkeit!
I remember the Dutch gezelligheid.
Greetings,
F.

dumbo (4302) 2008-12-28 12:59

Hello Harriet,
Beautiful boats and fantastic reflections! I like these well saturated colors and this good composition you've made.
Have a great 2009!

Best regards,
Eino

PixelTerror (86026) 2009-01-03 6:21

Hi Harriet,
Good you got some sun because it helps make the whole picture very luminous and pleasant, and this winter sun does not strike too hard on the boats white structures.
Happy New Year !
JY

Angshu (33267) 2009-01-10 21:57

Hello Harriet
A fine photograph with excellent reflections. The sunlit objects in FG against a grey sky is perfect. A lovely tranquil capture. The sharpness of the image is excellent. Very nice picture.
Regards
Angshu

Fellini (4954) 2009-03-09 1:14

Hi Harriet...
Wonderful reflection to create a very good composition.
The result of wonderful colours of this scenary and the quite atmosphere is a really pleasant image. My best compliments!
Greetings
Alex