Alaska's Great Question Mark Photo

Photographer’s Note

This large kelp question mark on an Alaskan beach unfortunately epitomizes that state's future. Global warming is occurring faster in Alaska than almost anywhere else. The boreal (far northern) forest is under great stress from warmer drier weather, allowing insects to wreak great damage, particularly on the Kenai Peninsula, and increasing the incidence of forest fires. The ocean is several degrees warmer than it was just a few years ago. The ice pack, which normally melts back just a few miles from the northern coast in the summer, was 150 miles (250 km) away this year. When polar bears cannot reach the ice pack, they cannot do their primary hunting, which is through holes in the ice where seals breathe or exit. Glaciers are receding rapidly. Permafrost is thawing, undermining support for both trees and buildings. In Alaska, global warming is not just a future risk, it is a present fact.

This question mark seems a worthy symbol for the state.

Galmeida, keanfan, rhizomes, elihesamian, devimeuxbe, capthaddock has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

keanfan (696) 2005-10-11 11:20

This is a very well composed photo, highly symbolic. The glare of the sun rays ties in very nicely with what you're describing, as it shows how warming is threatening the biophysical milieu. And I like the waves in the background, the association with glacial melting is compelling. Great shot.

hadas (92) 2005-10-11 11:31

good composition that wrapped with good lightning and colors

eza1701 (3343) 2005-10-11 11:40

Hi Ken,

This is a well composed shot and a thought provoking note. I like the angle you have taken the shot from and the amount of detail on the seaweed.

rhizomes (15325) 2005-10-11 16:01

Hi Ken !
Great shot you propose here !
I find this picture very interesting (your note too)
The light playing with the wet sand and vegetation is very nice !
Christophe

Cormac (26449) 2005-10-11 19:51

Not only is this a beautiful shot, with the sunlight reflecting off the wet sand, but the question mark piece of kelp adds another level of meaning to the shot. Very interesting and well executed - great work!

Galmeida (12559) 2005-10-12 3:31

Hello Ken,
Fantastic low angle view in this beach wth a great DOF and distant scenery. Very well captured and is wonderful the moment, light, colors, handling of light. Alll in one and also a decisive creative inspiration and moment with a nature gift.

EXCELENT and very well seen, done and a SPLENDID composition.

Best to you and your work.
Fernando

elihesamian (26091) 2005-10-12 12:26

Very well seen Ken,amazing kelb form you seen and very well captured with a special POV in front of light,very well worked and composed,I enjoy it,Thanks for posting,

Best
M

devimeuxbe (55681) 2005-10-20 7:17

HI Ken
Nice composition. It's really well done. The light is great also.
BErtrand

capthaddock (28640) 2005-10-23 7:50

Hi Ken - simply awesome, the angle light everything and a meaningful note as well, super job. Pity the local population's voting patterns do not reflect any concern for the environment.

Photo Information

Copyright: Ken Alexander (kensimage) (8539)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-08-00
Categories: Nature
Camera: Canon EOS Elan 7, Sigma 12-24 mm EX DG / f:4.5-5.6, Kodak Elitechrome200
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-10-11 11:06