Kournas Lake, a photo from Rethimno, Crete

Photographer's Note

One of my shoots during my visit to Kournas Lake.Below some information about Kournas Lake.

GR: λίμνη Κουρνά είναι η μοναδική λίμνη γλυκού νερού που υπάρχει στην Κρήτη. Η λίμνη Κουρνά στην αρχαιότητα ήταν γνωστή με το όνομα Κορησία, αλλά αργότερα πήρε το σημερινό όνομά της από την αραβική λέξη για τη λίμνη.Βρίσκεται σε μια πολύ όμορφη τοποθεσία, σε ένα κοίλωμα ανάμεσα σε λόφους, περίπου 4χλμ μακριά από τη Γεωργιούπολη στο νομό Χανίων (δυτική Κρήτη).Η λίμνη Κουρνά είναι σχετικά μικρή με μέγιστο μήκος 1087 μέτρα και μέγιστο πλάτος 880 μέτρα. Καλύπτει έκταση 579 στρεμμάτων και είναι γενικά ρηχή με 22,5 μέτρα μέγιστο βάθος, ενώ βρίσκεται 20 μέτρα περίπου ψηλότερα από τη θάλασσα.Η λίμνη Κουρνά είναι ιδανικός προορισμός για έναν απογευματινό περίπατο, ή μια κοντινή εκδρομή μέσα στην ημέρα. Πολλοί την προτιμούν και για ένα απογευματινό πικνίκ. Το τοπίο είναι χαλαρωτικό και όμορφο, είτε θέλετε να περπατήσετε στη φύση, είτε να κάνετε μπάνιο ή ποδήλατο στη λίμνη.Στην λίμνη Κουρνά υπάρχουν δυο πηγές στη Νοτιο-Ανατολική όχθη, από τις οποίες η μια είναι ορατή στο τέλος του καλοκαιριού, το Μάτι ή Αμάτι, όπως την αποκαλούν οι ντόπιοι. Η λίμνη τροφοδοτείται από τα νερά που κατεβάζουν τα γειτονικά βουνά και οι λόφοι, που τα πετρώματα της περιοχής διακόπτουν την υπόγεια ροή τους και δεν τους επιτρέπουν να συνεχίσουν την πορεία τους μέχρι τη θάλασσα.

ENG:Kournas Lake is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Lake Kournas was known as Lake Koressia in antiquity but later took its current name from the Arabic word for lake.
The lake is in a beautiful landscape, lying in a valley among the hills, about 4 km from Georgioupolis in Chania Prefecture (west Crete).Lake Kournas is relatively small, with a maximum length of 1,087 m and a maximum breadth of 880 m. It covers an area of 579,000 sq. m. and is generally shallow, 22.5 m at its deepest point, while it lies approximately 20 m above sea level.Lake Kournas and its environs are protected under Natura 2000.The lake, an important wetland, is home to ducks and , eels, water snakes and a rare species of bicoloured terrapin with a patterned shell, the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemysterrapin).Herons and cormorants also sometimes appear on the lake.
Recently there have been reports of large goldfish appearing in Lake Kournas, as somebody dumped them there without considering the results of introducing a new species to a closed ecosystem.Lake Kournas is easily reached from Georgioupoli - you can take the country road from the village without going on the national road. Ask for Mathé’s taverna, pass it and continue to the lake. Be careful as you approach the lake, as you may see signs about 400 m before it, pointing either straight ahead or right. These are sometimes even set side by side. Don’t worry, you can approach the lake from either direction.Walk around the lake, whose colours change according to the time of day. The sun plays creative games with the hills and trees around the lake, lighting first one and then the other side and giving the water an aquamarine tint.
The lake also changes size, as the locals say, as the level drops in late summer, revealing a thick layer of white sand which forms temporary beaches. In these months you can walk along the bank all the way round the lake. The full circuit takes no more than an hour.

jacquest, bayno, joso, Royaldevon, Budapestman, sacimar, tedesse, jhm, williewhistler, jlbrthnn, jlbrthnn, pierrefonds, Sonata11, papagolf21, PecoBud, ChrisJ, maria-v1981, danos, Didi, josepmarin, dip, ourania, adramad, asajernigan, Robert1969 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jacquest (14468) 2012-05-11 9:21

Hello Chris,

The view of all those kayaks and pedalos is nice to see and entices to take the water and relax. Good saturated colors in a strong sideway light well controlled. Good DOF and people give a sense of perspective.

NBest regards

Jacques

golus (2893) 2012-05-11 10:02

Hello Chris,

A great composition having so many interesting elements laid out excellently. I liked the lighting, sharpness and clarity of this shot. However, colors look somewhat aggresively oversaturated and distracts the enjoyment of the beautiful scene. Otherwise a nice shot. TFS and best wishes,

Suleyman

bayno (16407) 2012-05-11 10:20

Ciao Chris,
very nice saturated colors and light, great shot, I love this lake nestled in the mountains, excellent quality and depth...nice work...
good evening...
Valter

marina7 (6134) 2012-05-11 11:27

Hi Chris,
what a bright place! Actually it's a bit too bright for me, especially those reds:))
Did you go kayaking there? Must be fun in this beautiful setting. Nice place.
Cheers
Marina

mohammad_H (6666) 2012-05-11 13:26

salam
نمایش زیبای ساحل دریا با قایقهای بادی رنگی
اسمان و کوه در پس زمینه
وضوح مناسب ورنگ جذاب
تبریک بابت این عکس بینظیر
شب خوبی داشته باشید
View the beautiful beach with colorful inflatable boats
The sky and mountains in background
Attractive color and good clarity
Congratulations for this wonderful
Have a nice evening

Royaldevon (18339) 2012-05-11 15:03

Hello Chris,

The delights of the lake are here to be appreciated. You have a lovely angled line of bright canoes to lead the viewers succinctly to the well positioned bush and the parasol.
Although the bikini clad lady could have been an asset to the interest, she is detrimental to your composition, as she is leading out of the shot instead of into the shot. Maybe you could consider cropping her without spoiling the overall composition.

have a lovely w/e,
Bev :-)

Budapestman (82620) 2012-05-11 15:24

Hi Chris,
a splendid summer atmosphere with attractive composition and many lovely details, beautiful place to relaxation, Tfs! Have a nice weekend! Kellemes hétvégét kívánok!
György

sacimar (25957) 2012-05-12 4:16

Hello Chris,

good image of this scene in a daily moment, I like the fresh scene, colors are nice here, it invites you to have a swim...

Best regards,

Sergio

abmdsudi (27098) 2012-05-12 7:09

Hi Chris
This is really multicolor indeed with great details in this compact beach, good sharpness with strong vivid red to catch the eyes. Well done
Best regards

tedesse (22467) 2012-05-12 14:29

Hi Chris!
An interesting scene from everyday life in the resort. Wonderful colors and light, good sharpness.
Have a nice Sunday
Tadeusz

jhm (123116) 2012-05-13 3:40

Hello Chris,

Exactly a very funny day with high temperatures.
The view of all those kayaks and pedalos is nice to see and entices to take the water and relax
Colors and sharpness are very nice.
Composition and presentation be superb.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice Sunday,
John.

Miguel82 (8567) 2012-05-13 3:46

Hello Chris
A superb kayaks and magnific landscape
Fine colors and excellent sharpness
Have a nice sunday

williewhistler (7593) 2012-05-13 6:16

Hello Chris,
I agree with Suleyman that the colours are rather gaudy which is a pity as the composition of an idyllic holiday scene is very good.
Regards Les.

eldancer1 (17316) 2012-05-13 7:58

This looks like a scene from the Colorado River here in Southern Nevada. Nice capture of those pleasure boats. Good pov and dof with nice details. Wonderful colors with good saturation. Well done, tfs.

jlbrthnn (79787) 2012-05-14 4:10

Hello Chris,
This freshwater lake is amazing in the aridity of Crete. The picture is nicely framed. The landscape is sharp and deep. Light and color are excellent. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

pierrefonds (48661) 2012-05-14 4:24

Hi Chris,

The distance between the boats and the mountain is giving depth to the composition. The point of view is showing the details and colors of the boats and of the mountain. The late afternoon light is enhancing the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

Sonata11 (28748) 2012-05-14 6:45

Hello Chris,
marvellous composition and framework of this beach. This place looks spectacurar. Splendid vivid colors, sharpness, clarity of so many details, POV are fabulous and DOF too. Perfectly well done.
All the best,
Barbara

papagolf21 (76973) 2012-05-14 9:10

Bonjour, cher Chris,
Une photo qui fleure bon la période estivale. Un lac, des bateaux de tous genres, de quoi s'amuser et de profiter de l'environnement particulièrement sympathique.
J'aime ces couleurs éclatantes, cela fait du bien !
Une composition qui donne envie de s'évader.
Amitiés.
Philippe

lakshmip1949 (19110) 2012-05-14 19:01

Hello Chris,

A nice array of kayaks and paddle boats. The bright red colors are eye catchers.There are many details to be seen here. The mountain makes a nice background.

Lakshmi

PecoBud (3778) 2012-05-15 10:25

Good morning Chris, nice photo of everyday life on the lake, which is one of my favorite pastimes. Good light management, however if you would have toned down the color saturation a bit it would have been a lot better. All and all a beautiful scene and wonderful POV.

TFS..........Your Friend from California.......Buddy

Nicou (98741) 2012-05-15 10:31

Hello

merveilleuse compo et iamge avec ces beaux bâteaus rouges et blanc, les parasols les personnages, quelle belle vue et image sueprbe compo e tiamge.

bravo et amitié

Nicou

ciakgiak (30337) 2012-05-15 12:10

Ciao Chris,
L'effetto delle canoe rosse in primo piano, su questo bellissimo paesaggio, è molto piacevole e particolarmente efficace, mi piace molto questa composizione luminosa, nitida e solare.
Un caro abbraccio
Giorgio

chandrapranil (979) 2012-05-16 1:50

Hi Chris,

Lovely shot. I can imagine how wonderous it would be kayak these beautiful waters. Yoru colorus are very good.

Thank you for sharing

Pranil

ayferaldanmaz (984) 2012-05-16 7:17

hi chris,
very enjoyable shot with many colourful elements. great light manegment and sharpness.
tfs, greetings
ayfer

maria-v1981 (10409) 2012-05-16 12:57

Καλησπέρα Χρήστο,
Το καλοκαίρι ενδείκνυται για θαλάσσια σπορ. Υπέροχες λεπτομέρειες και φανταστικό μέρος με καταγάλανα νερά.
Καλό βράδυ,
Μαρία

pajaran (36868) 2012-05-16 13:39

Dobro vece.
Vrlo interesantan i dobar tekst sa datim podacima o mestu i jezeru ...
Dobar snimak, pespektiva i prikaz lepim bojama.
Dobar rad i kompozicija.
Lepo mesto za odmor i rekreaciju.
Prijatno vece i mirna noc, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Google.

Good evening.
Very interesting and good text with the given information about the place and the lake ...
Good shot, pespektiva and display beautiful colors.
Good work and composition.
Nice place for rest and recreation.
A pleasant evening and a quiet night, all the best.
Paja.

lousat (58414) 2012-05-16 15:22

Hi Chris,a lot of colors and reds in this very nice and rich composition close to this lake,beautiful point of view and details,i like it!Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

emilbo (20926) 2012-05-17 6:04

Allô Chris!
Une magnifique photo bien captée dans une excellente qualité d'image. Une scène de toute beauté et merveilleusement colorée. L'endroit idéal pour pratiquer le kayak et le pédalo. Une image plaisante à regarder avec de merveilleuses couleurs. Beau travail.
Félicitations... et bonne journée,
Emilius

ikeharel (38062) 2012-05-17 8:35

The lady on left has some doubts which boat will suit her, Chris. No, seriously, the red & white color of those boats is an eye catcher and in strong contrast to the blue dominating scene.
Fine place, nice collected from POV.
Kalispera,
Ike

danos (74478) 2012-05-18 2:56

Χρίστο γεια σου,
όμορφο στιγμιότυπο από μια λίμνη που για να είμαι ειλικρινής πρώτη φορά ακούω για την ύπαρξή της και ενημερώηθκα από το λεπτομερέ σημειωμά σου.
Η τοποθεσία πράγματι φαίνεται ελκυστική για μιά βόλτα και ένα πικ-νικ.

Σε χαιρετώ,Δάνος

siamesa (27455) 2012-05-19 1:09

Bom dia Chris

The red boats make a very bautiful effect in this composition. Very good exposure. Beautiful place.
Abraços
maria

marcan44 (6223) 2012-05-19 7:22

Ciao Chris,
una immagine piena di vita e colori ripresa l'estate scorsa.
Buona la prospettiva e profondità dell'immagine.
Eccellente sharpness
Buona domenica
Mario

francio64 (38188) 2012-05-20 12:21

Hi Chris,
buona composizione, con una piacevole vista del lago.
Barche ormeggiate in FG a dare colore, arricchendo la composizione.

TFS!
Francesco

CanmoreKevin (2111) 2012-05-20 19:13

Chris,
Beautiful vivid colours. Nicely composed.
Kevin

alpi1500 (1376) 2012-05-21 7:39

Hi
Great composition and very good sharpnes , congrat.

Cricri (87288) 2012-05-22 10:59

Hi Chris
Des couleurs merveilleuse dans cet endroit touristique agréable pour les distractions sur l'eau et découvrit la paysage
bon POV, très belle réalisation
Belle soirée
cricri

mauro61 (52527) 2012-05-22 13:24

ciao Chris,
scena tipicamente estiva con le imbarcazioni in acqua.
Spinta la saturazione che rende brillanti i colori,
saluti
maurizio

mesutilgim (68590) 2012-05-23 13:03

Hello Chris,
Wonderfull beach scenery; captured from a perfect pov.
Very good and perfect ligth management. Nice bright and eyecatching colors.
Many interesting notes enriches your entry.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

jemaflor (69709) 2012-05-25 9:56

Hi Chris,
Good depth with the choice of this pov, interesting colors contrast between red and ble, tfs.

Silvio1953 (99177) 2012-05-25 10:33

Ciao Chris, great view of lovely place, nice composition with boats, splendid light, wonderful colors and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

Didi (49146) 2012-05-25 11:00

25/05/2012 N° 34
Hi Chris
Nice view indeed but the colours looks a little bit excessive, specially for the red.
Easy please :)

ChrisJ (87654) 2012-05-27 1:57

Ciao Chris,

The fg red kayaks contrast superbly against the blue sky and shadowed areas of the bg mountain peak as well as the blue cyan water. A busy scene with lots to look at & with reasonable sharpness. Good colour saturation & framing conforming to the rule of thirds. Tfs & have a nice Sunday!

josepmarin (55191) 2012-05-28 5:29

Hi Chris,
in this capture we can see the sport activities that are developed in this lake, in the middle of a really attractive landscape.
I like the dynamism, the spontaneity, and the vitality of this scene, besides the great chromatic power of its saturated colors, under a nice light.
It is a composition very pleasant at sight. Well done.
Best regards,
Josep

dip (21961) 2012-06-01 14:54

Γειά σου Χρήστο,
έμαθα και κάτι καινούργιο διαβάζοντας το σημείωμά σου:)
ωραία πολύχρωμη φωτογραφία από τη λίμνη,
χαιρετώ,
Δημήτρης.

ourania (13057) 2012-06-02 3:53

Καλημέρα Χρήστο,
πολύ καλή σύνθεση με βάθος και προοπτική, με όμορφα χρώματα και εντυπωσιακές αντιθέσεις. Έχεις πετύχει έναν πολύ καλό φωτισμό και η ατμόσφαιρα γαλήνης και ξεγνοιασιάς δίνει μεγάλη ευχαρίστηση. Μου αρέσει πάρα πολύ η απόδοση των υφών και η διασπορά ανθρώπων σε όλο το κάδρο που δίνει κίνηση και προσθέτει ενδιαφέρον. Μπράβο και ευχαριστώ!
Να είσαι καλά, καλό Σαββατοκύριακο,
Ουρανία

AiresSantos (56155) 2012-06-04 2:11

Hi Chris
Beautiful perspective of the Kournas Lake
Fine details, good POV and colors
Have a nice day

adramad (27872) 2012-06-06 9:04

Hi Chris.
Wonderful corner of the lake in this beautiful composition, the intense red of the boat gives a strong visual impact that attracts attention, a beautiful picture summer, which also conveys a sense of calm and relaxation. Well done.
Have a nice day.
Best regards.
Luis.

asajernigan (19669) 2012-06-09 7:22

Chris,
This is a well balanced photo with the boats on one side and the umbrellas on the other. The lighting is fine as is the photo's color and sharpness.
TFS,
Asa

Angshu (51394) 2012-06-10 22:13

Hello Chris
Nice picture of summer by the lake with the red inflatables certain eye catchers. Nice warm cold colour contrast with the red & blue & the mountains provide a nice backdrop
With Regards
Angshu

Robert1969 (6330) 2012-07-04 8:40

Hello Chris,

A picture that has a a splendid summer
atmosphere for the most people. The
picture has a good light management and
composition...can be used in a travel
magazine.

Friendly regards,
Robert