Rumours of Rain, a photo from Caprivi, North

Photographer's Note

One of our summer pastimes is to look out for signs of rain. In an essentially desert country where rains are seasonal and drought a constant concern, rain is always a time of rejoicing. I have know children and adults alike to rush out into dashing rain and dance about! Many a time we have jumped into the car and headed to a dry riverbed to watch the coming of the water. Lying in bed at night watching the lightening and hearing thunder claps is magical and I cannot describe the smell in the air as the rain approaches. (ozone perhaps?) After the rain the land looks fresh and clean, dust is washed from the plants and the air is clear.

This shot shows a Cumulonimbus Incus (Latin for heap-raincloud anvil) a typical cumulonimbus cloud which has expanded to the tropopause due to powerful updrafts and convection and which has fully developed an anvil shape. The tops of cumulonimbus incus clouds usually reach 10500m in altitude but may grow to 18000m, particularly near the equator; this is dependent upon the altitude of the tropopause at the location of cloud formation. As updrafts do not extend past the tropopause, the cloud is thrust upward until this point, where it is forced to spread radially into a characteristic "anvil" composed of ice crystals.

JFS, annjackman, papagolf21, Didi, bukitgolfb301, Royaldevon, ybx, Suppiluliuma, bayno, timecapturer, GREGG, ourania, ktanska, dta, williewhistler, jjcordier, RhodieIke, tyro, PecoBud, vasilpro, adramad, jusninasirun, ChrisJ has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Royaldevon (17741) 2012-05-13 0:18

Good Morning Rosemary,

What you have described makes me realise what strong contrast we have in different parts of the world. You are eleated at the prospect of the rain, we are weary of the constant deluges. This week, we almost suffered flooding. It was only by drastic measures that we managed to divert the rushing water from house and into the fields.

There is a wonderful serenity about your shot and, after reading your notes, I can imagine the sense of anticipation.
The f/g trees are a lovely natural border, focusing atentionon on to the reflections and then the gathering clouds.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

JFS (32053) 2012-05-13 0:54

Only the sky deserved a shot but we do not have to forget the rest; these warm colors, the sense of tranquility ...the smooth light. Lovely work Rosemary!

annjackman (13177) 2012-05-13 1:10

Hi Rosemary,
This has super quality with lovely areas of light and dark.
Weather is fascinating and believe it or not we have had the wettest April on record in the UK and the south-east of England is still declared in drought! We wade through several inches of mud on the woodland footpaths and the lawn is too soggy to mow. I have taken to looking at the website for a large reservoir in our area and it has risen from 50% to 75% full in one month - that is a lot of water! So the wet month has been a blessing except for those people in low areas where flooding has occured. Apparently though if we have another dry winter the drought situation will get very serious next year. So I appreciate how you watch for signs of precious rain in Namibia.
Excellent picture - TFS.
Kind Regards, Ann

siudzi (23837) 2012-05-13 1:18

Hi Rosemary,

What an elegant and peaceful moment you have captured! Really love that scene created by such a special lighting effect. Beautiful picture achieved. Well done.

Have a nice day!
Malgorzata

papagolf21 (76465) 2012-05-13 1:19

Bonjour, chère Rosemary,
Alors là, j'applaudis vivement pour cette superbe image.
Une véritable peinture. Il y a de la poésie, du romantisme dans cette composition.
Très beau mélange entre ombre et lumière.
Superbe !
Amitiés.
Philippe

Didi (48880) 2012-05-13 1:22

Hi Rose
Thanks God it's not a nuclear explosion but a very nice concentration of lights on this splendid cloud.
Well done.
Best regards

bukitgolfb301 (30039) 2012-05-13 1:26

Hello my dear Rosemary

Typical tropical landscape!
Wonderful color and light management.
Perfectly considered framework and composition as usual. So deep and clear focusing should be highly appreciated. Nice color torn you captured.
Thanks for your sharing with your good job and have a good Sunday, best regards,

Takero from Tokyo

Nicou (97543) 2012-05-13 1:28

Hello

merveilleux ciel quelle belle forme, quelle couleur et iamge superbe vue avec le plan d'eau et la belle végétation sueprbe compo.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

ybx (251) 2012-05-13 1:45

Hi Rosemary,
a fantastic scenery, i think one of the most exciting that you can see in Africa!
The cumulonimbus seems on fire and creates a spectacular contrast with its upper part and the blue sky.
Not to mention of the foreground landscape, with the trees lit by late afternoon warm light and the reflections in the calm water.

Warm regards & ciao

Corrado

ashres (1453) 2012-05-13 2:21

hi
The gathered clouds surely gives the hope of rain. Hope, it did not swiped away by the strong wind. The warm contrast of the evening added beauty to the photo.

ashish

bayno (16141) 2012-05-13 2:45

Hi Rosemary,
very nice the formation of these clouds and very interesting your note, beautiful landscape with wonderful light and pleasant colors, also very beautiful reflections, superb depth...have a lovely sunday...
Valter

brianmcc (5536) 2012-05-13 3:44

hi rosemary,
the colours here are beautifully rich and well saturated. it looks as though an aton bomb has just been tested over beyond the trees with the wonderful cloud formations. excellent depth of field.
regards,
brian

timecapturer (30226) 2012-05-13 4:25

Hi Rosemary
there is something about huge and graceful clouds like this that just look so fascinating. Captured in this particular setting they are all the more impressive and beautiful. Love the light and colours here in this exquisite composition. Glorious!

I wish you a peaceful Sunday - Brian.

jester5 (1620) 2012-05-13 7:04

Wow those clouds are wonderful shapes and your handing of the light is excellent.Something very relaxing about the still water and reflections of the trees.Thanks for sharing Rosemary.

Sergiom (39122) 2012-05-13 7:41

Bonjour Rosemary

Ce nuage au loin qui semble capter toute la lumière est magnifique et donne une très belle profondeur à l'ensemble qui est un peu sombre dans le bas de l'image.

Amicalement

Serge

fds (5299) 2012-05-13 7:44

i licke very much the very beautiful sky with the impressive clouds
very nice location with the lac and the trees

GREGG (8243) 2012-05-13 8:56

Hi Rosemary,
beautiful place and beautiful scenery,
fantastic picture showing the power of light in photography,
great job,
Greg

ourania (12287) 2012-05-13 10:37

Hello Rosemary,
this is a fantastic picture not only for its excellent composition and quality but also because of its theme and timing. I love the depth and clarity and above all the exquisite lighting that balances so well the variations of brightness and offers very effective shadows. The moment has an intense beauty as the sky looks gorgeous and dramatic while the landscape has a peculiar serenity. Congratulations for capturing this rare sight so well and thanks for sharing it!
All the best, have a lovely week,
Ourania

npecanhuk (53861) 2012-05-13 10:42

Hi Rosemary!
Beautiful sky!
Attractive picture with interesting reflections!
Sharpness, exposure, colors, horizontal format, chosen pov and composition really pleased me!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

ines8 (5838) 2012-05-13 10:45

Hi, Rosemary,
Incredibly beautiful scenery, so romantic and wonderful....
Warm regards,
ines

ktanska (21495) 2012-05-13 10:55

Hi Rosemary,
That is an impressive cloud especially on this light. Well framed river scene. On this one you really couldn't guess how dry the country is. But I can imagine the importance rain means to you.
Kari

dta (51294) 2012-05-13 11:10

hello Roemary ,
Impressive cloudy formations in the evening light , in this lush part of Namibia .
well captured .

williewhistler (7229) 2012-05-13 11:50

Hello Rosemary,
I like the sense of foreboding generated by the dark vignette effect whilst the reflected trees have a nice glow.
Having been lucky enough to spend some time in Victoria,AU, we know how much rain can be valued, whilst here in the West Country we seem to get more than our share!
Best wishes Les

jjcordier (62280) 2012-05-13 12:57

Rosemary
Ce cumulonimbus est magnifique avec une lumière semblant l'éclairer de l'intérieur. Il est très bien intégré à ce splendide paysage. Très belle photo.
Amicalement
JJ

dkmurphys (36727) 2012-05-13 13:28

Hi rosemary,
Very picturesque scene from the wildness. Great captured moment, well seen!

Daniel

emka (58024) 2012-05-13 23:18

Hi Rosemary,

It is wonderful! This cumulonimbus looks fantastic above the forest. Marvelous composition and perfect presentation. I can imagine the waiting for the rain there.
Still four month to my trip. I can't wait! I look at the map and the photos trying to imagine me there.

RhodieIke (9207) 2012-05-13 23:23

Hi Rosemary, Love the light and mood in this image, you have captured and managed it so well, super colours, love the variations of light/dark in the corners, well done, Trust you are well, Cheers Iain.

sacimar (25957) 2012-05-14 5:34

Hello Rosemary,

good image with an impressive sky, I like the cloud formation, the shape is really eye catching, it is an interesting image,

Best regards,

Sergio

chrisvek (5431) 2012-05-14 8:24

Hello dear Rosemary

Wonderful landscape.I like the time you chose for this shoot.Perfect colors,lightning and background.Very nice result.

With respect
Chris

eldancer1 (16970) 2012-05-14 9:06

Wow! Excellent capture! Looks like an atom bomb just exploded. That's one thing I miss since I moved out of the Philippines are the beautiful tropical cloud formations. Awesome lighting and good details. Wonderful colors. Very well done, tfs.

tyro (13021) 2012-05-14 13:12

Hello Rosemary,

What wonderful colours! Ths reminds me almost of a Constable painting with the most glorious warm light picking out the pale tree trunks and their reflections against a darker background. The sky with the cloud formations you so well describe is beautiful.

Fabulous colours, perfect exposure, excellent composition and exquisite detail and sharpness.

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

PecoBud (3778) 2012-05-15 11:39

After viewing this most beautiful photo Rosemary, I've decided to start saving for a new Nikon camera, maybe the D800.

Beautiful and masterful clarity and sharpness are the center-points here, and with great care to color and light management. Your POV and DOF are STUNNING Rosemary, great job!!

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

vasilpro (40172) 2012-05-15 12:04

Hello Rosemary,
Wonderful composition, excellent POV, beautiful atmosphere, lovely light and colors, great sky, very good clarity and sharpness, TFS!
Greetings, Vasilis.

patdeph (35738) 2012-05-15 12:08

hello Roseùary
wooow, what a splenndid light and an impressive and strange cloud!You are right, the atmosphere is magical.
Regards
Pascale

willperrett (2955) 2012-05-15 13:02

Hello Rosemary
Another lovely scene, which has rightly scored a lot of points (many more than any of mine!!) So I feel a little awkward about offering a criticism, but I will anyway! I can't see into the shadows which are too blocked up for my taste. I've done a WS and I hope you won't mind. Of course your original is still worth my measly deux points.
Regards
Will

[workshop] [compare] +

adramad (27544) 2012-05-15 15:15

Hi Rosemary.
A splendid note which introduces us to appreciate in all its grandeur, the beauty of the landscape after the rains, have captured a very beautiful corner, this pond, trees and everything so green and fresh, the sky is a marvel with these clouds, completing the great show of this beautiful work.
Have a nice day.
Best regards.
Luis.

jusninasirun (17136) 2012-05-15 18:45

Hello Rosemary.
I like the title and beautiful image complementing with fine note. Love the light and reflection with fantastic cloud formation in the sky.
Great shot and thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Jusni

MJR (3141) 2012-05-16 7:10

Rosemary
A striking image, the heavy dark colours in the foreground from the low light more than compensated by your brilliant cloudscape. Lovely catch of sun to the RH foliage and of course Blue Sky !! All topped ofby an interesting note.

I found a few bluebells at the w/e - watch this space !

kind regrds
Martin

ChrisJ (86798) 2012-05-17 6:28

Hello Rosemary

Perfect sharpness, nice reflections & a beautiful warm cold colour contrast between the orange sunset skies & the upper blue sky above the impressive thunderhead cloud. The meandering diagonal shoreline of the lake adds interest & dynamism. Tfs!

Tigerlily (2339) 2012-05-24 9:22

Hi Rosemary,
This is excellentlly exposed image with beautiful colour and light. An image with Constable painting's feeling...