VALENTINE'S DAY Photo

Photographer’s Note

VALENTINE'S DAY

Today it is cold and overcast in Virginia, and it seems an auspicious time to post an image of a scene somewhat more inspiring. It is also St. Valentine’s Day, February 14, associated with a day celebrating love. Of course, there is a certain irony in that it refers to a 3rd century Christian martyr, who, the day before his execution, used his own blood to leave a message of love for his girlfriend.

Just as in the irony of St. Valentine’s martyrdom being associated with a happy day of celebration for lovers, a similar irony exits in this photograph. The beauty in the scene, with sunlight streaming through the mist, evocative of landscape paintings by the 17th century Dutch Master Jacob van Ruisdael, belies the misery that existed in this site some 146 years ago. During a very bleak winter period in December of 1862, over a hundred thousand troops of the Union (Northern) and Confederate (Southern) States were pitted against each other, and many thousands of them perished. Thus neither for its historical association, nor for the shared irony, but for its beauty, this image is meant to be my Valentine's Day card for all my TE friends.

In the past, I have occasionally submitted images showing scenes from the Fredericskburg Battlefield, and even collected them into a theme My Daily Drive… . This image will be imported into that theme.

Nikon D-200, 28-200 Nikkor lens, ISO-200, tripod, f/22 aperture for depth of field.

isabela_sor, ymrk, Buin, gracious, Wandering_Dan, Kielia, robertosalguero, jaywalker, polter, cfreire, BWJ, Didi, papagolf21, JCG, belido, feather, Beasolea, ahmetgedikli, ALIRIZA, yedirenk, ncreehan, MLINES, stego, jhm, ChrisJ, bostankorkulugu, asajernigan, stelli, zeca, Tezic, phwall, polpo56, emjleclercq, Angshu, meltemi, adores, Emile, jwmunro, Vasa, LiaV, didemay has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

isabela_sor (41881) 2009-02-14 9:08 [Comment]

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mesutilgim (36210) 2009-02-14 9:14

Selam sevgili Bülent kardeşim,
Muhteşem bir kare; kompozisyonu ile, sımsıcak renkleri ve ışık kullanımı ile mükemmel bir çalışma. Ağaçların arasından sızan ışığa bayıldım ! Bu kare bana biraz da ortaçağ'ın flaman ressamlarının yapıtlarını anımsattı.
Tebrikler
Selam ve sevgilerle
MESUT ILGIM

PS.Benim bugünkü post'umun WS'na baktın mı ?

TGULUMSER (12406) 2009-02-14 9:17

Hello Bulent Bey,
I like the compositions of this kind a lot. The light rays create a fascinating atmosphere.
Wish you all the best for you and your family,
Best regards,
Tulay

AROBN54 (10653) 2009-02-14 9:20

What a beautiful shot, Bulent!
The light is extraordinary. I love the way it comes in at an angle from the side and the color is wonderful. The road leads in nicely and I love the long shadows. It really does look like an Old Masters painting. Beautifully done! Happy Valentine's day to you also and many thanks,
Shelly

Buin (36786) 2009-02-14 9:30

Hallo Bulent!
This one has a really wonderful atmosphere - nearly a bit mysterious. These inclined sunrays really are most beautiful, as the play of light and shadows is. A photo "to dream into..." Thank you also for this interesting note!
Have a nice weekend. Greetings from Germany with still a lot of snow!
Frank

gracious (20017) 2009-02-14 9:36

Merhaba Prof.Bulent,
Selamlar!
Beautiful image with the best displayed of light and shadows and the exposure and focus is perfect!
loved the colour and lights really!
have a wonderful Valentine's day!
warmest regards
Tony

Wandering_Dan (3169) 2009-02-14 9:59

Merhaba, Bulent -

I thought I recognized this scene! This one has a lovely atmosphere, and the autumn leaves in front add a welcome spot of color.

Are you suggesting that peace after a battle is an appropriate Valentine's Day message? :-)

Best,
Dan

RedDevil (1071) 2009-02-14 10:21

Should one day be happy and not sad, however.
But the picture creates a sublime atmosphere.

Kielia (8159) 2009-02-14 10:31

Hello Bulent,
First of all it is a very interesting note that accompanies this sublime composition. I am impressed by its natural beauty and by the wonderful light you have captured. Most of all I like the quiet atmosphere of a 17th century painting. Excellent photo work!
Warm regards
Harriet

robertosalguero (2759) 2009-02-14 12:11

Hi Bulent,

The light filtering through the branches is precious. A romantic and peaceful scene and very appropriate for this day. Light and colours are soft and give this composition more charm. Thanks Bulent :-)

Roberto

jaywalker (12186) 2009-02-14 13:56

Hi Bulent, What is very good here is the brown frame as it really highlights the picture, the rays of light through the trees give the shot extra beauty, the broken branch is well positioned in the foreground & the road coming in from the right is a great addition, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

polter (6026) 2009-02-14 14:10

Hi Bulent !
What a beauty. Ruisdael-like really.
And the broken, dead tree branch to accentuate your story about love and death mixed together.
Greetings T.

cfreire (11635) 2009-02-14 16:23

Hi Bulent,
This is a special Valentine's day! The lights pass wonderfuly through the trees for the lovers in the world. Good and creative POV. Excellent framing indeed. Best regards, Consuelo

BWJ (1771) 2009-02-14 19:04

Hello Bulent,
You take the most beautiful pictures of the battlefield. The angle of the road and the rays of light coming from the side give great depth to the image and the feeling of entering the forest. The colors are spectacular. You have a perfect eye for capturing these amazing scenes.
Kind regards,
Betty

ymrk (8285) 2009-02-15 0:35

Merhaba Sevgili Hocam,
Işık hüzmelerine hayran olmamak elde değil!O yolda yürümek isterdim,sevgililer gününde,sevdiğimimle...
Duygular ve görsel lezzet için teşekkür ederim,iyi günler dilerim,

Yağmur

Didi (35668) 2009-02-15 0:47

Hi dear friend
Very great picture with nice divine lights and a deep foreground.
Your daily drive to work is very nice and interesting, mine is very ugly :)
Best regards.

papagolf21 (55872) 2009-02-15 1:16

Bonjour, mon bon ami Bulent,
Réussite sur toute la ligne ! la composition est de toute beauté. Encore une image qui ornerait la couverture d'un livre ou d'une jaquette de CD pour sa beauté.
Un cadrage soigné, belle mise en scène, bel éclairage, que du très bon en somme !
Amitiés.
Philippe

JCG (24783) 2009-02-15 2:01

Hi Bülent,

Still a very good note just places the image in context ... I remember your previous views on this place and how the light and contrast are still as beautiful and interesting.
Moreover, for the pleasure I made a WS, I hope that you enjoy.

With all my friendships and a very good Sunday,

Jean-Charles
PS: I am flattered by the comparison with Leonard on my photo with the swan, thank you Bülent

[workshop] [compare] +

belido (15997) 2009-02-15 2:22

Hi Bulent,

What an attractive atmosphere. The light rays really do their part in the compo. You found the a very good angle for shooting this. I think Brazil is the only country that doesn't celebrate Valentine's day in this date, weird! Thanks for sharing this beautiful photo!
Regards,
Carlos

feather (49848) 2009-02-15 5:39

The time of your drive to work coincides perfectly with the time the sunlight streams through the trees, although I guess that changes with the seasons. It is always a very attractive sight and this one makes an excellent addition to your theme.
Kath.

Beasolea (1634) 2009-02-15 7:25

Hello Bulent,
All your collection with the same motive are beautiful.
Perfect timing and lighting. The streams of light coming through the trees, catching the morning mist looks simply fantastic. Your composition, catching the edge of the road, yet not putting the whole road in the picture, is very nice looking. Color and detail is equally as good. I love the nature showing : hello, good morning, keep smile will be beautiful day, enjoy the day :-)
Best regards
Bea

jonathan_hart (22564) 2009-02-15 8:36

very attractive lighting, simple and successful composition
regards
jc

carper (63968) 2009-02-15 9:58

thank you for the interesting note my frikedn.
and.... of coarse the fantastic photo in my favorite format, fantastic is the shining and the good atmosphere, you did do a fantastic photo job here Bulent I like it a lot. Have a nice day.
regard jaap

Graal (57208) 2009-02-15 10:19

Hi Bulent,
nice landscape and impression in one. Great sun rays and game of light with shadows. Peaceful mood. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

ahmetgedikli (21543) 2009-02-15 11:53

Hocam Merhaba,
Çok hoş bir manzara... Sol taraftan süzülen ışık muhteşem...
Selam ve sevgiler.
Ahmet

ALIRIZA (16195) 2009-02-15 12:47

Merhaba Bülent Abi,
Çok güzel bir Sevgililer Günü hediyesi. Özellikle ağaçların arasından süzülen güneş ışınları göz alıcı. Ellerinize sağlık...
Selam ve saygılarımla...
Ali Rıza

delkoo (33894) 2009-02-15 13:05

hi bulent
A delightful view, what I like the most about your picture is how you have perfectly managed the light... it is very impressive...

great moment
didier

yedirenk (7123) 2009-02-15 17:55

Hocam merhaba,
muhteşem bir atmosfer.sisli detaylar ve ışık huzmeleriyle rüya gibi bir görüntü.soft ışıkta yeşilin tonları enfes görünüyor.serin ve temiz havayı hisseder gibi oldum.bakış açınızla derinlikte çarpıcı.ellerinize sağlık.selamlar,sevgiler.

Cevdet

MLINES (10824) 2009-02-15 22:27

Hi Bulent, Good use of light and shadows. With your normal flair of making a scene come to life with your historical notes this is an interesting place. I learn new words and thoughts from you as almost everyone does i'm sure. All the best from a flooded and burnt land down under. TFS. Murray.

jrj (34777) 2009-02-16 2:17

A nice forest setting where the good light makes a fine play and effect Bulent.

A good example of how daily life moments can come out in an attractive peaceful setting as here.

stego (22318) 2009-02-16 5:57

Hello Bülent,
Another wonderful addition to your interesting theme of "Daily Drive to Work". You are very lucky to have such a view in your way to work and you achieve sharing that beauty with us, wonderfully capturing the play of of the early sun light. Like many of your posts, it reminds much a fine painting.
Regards, José.

azaf1 (15541) 2009-02-16 7:41

Merhaba Bulent

What more romantic could you have thought to contribute for the day! A serene place for a walk with someone you love, in the woods with the sunrains penetrating the foliage and creating nice lights and a road taking you along the path of life. Even the broken branch has its meaning with the obstacles we meet in life.

Have a nice day and belated wishes for the day
Argiris

mauro61 (14528) 2009-02-16 10:11

ciao Bulent,
mi piace questa immagine con la luce che filtra tra i rami degli alberi.
Composizione di grande atmosfera e ottima inquadratura
buona serata
maurizio

kri54 (1515) 2009-02-16 22:21

congratulations

jhm (81637) 2009-02-17 3:34

Hello Dear Bulent,

I look for to a young couple in the fog as addition for Valentine.
Also without couple, is these picture very nice.
Splendid sunrays between the trees,with a little bit morning fog in background.
Composition and colours are very well. TFS.

Best regards,
John.

ChrisJ (69430) 2009-02-17 3:48

Hello Bulent Bey

I like the sidelight streaming in through the trees at left. Good mood & atmosphere with attractive pastel colours & superb sharpness. Tfs!

anesugur (16514) 2009-02-17 13:53

Merhaba Hocam,
Fotoğraftaki derinlik ve renkler, özellikle de ağaçlar arasından süzülen ışık çok güzel.
Ustalığınızı yine göstermişsiniz.
Türkiye'den selamlar. Uğur

toto (18539) 2009-02-17 14:05

Bonsoir,

belle photo de ce chemin superbement arboré, avec en plus ces rais de lumières qui passent au travers.
De toute beauté et belle réussite, j' ai plusieurs fois essayer dans les sous bois, mais si je vois les rayons dans la nature, ils ne ressortent pas sur ma photo.
Belle réussite.

Amitiés Thomas

bostankorkulugu (33328) 2009-02-17 17:11

ışık dolu bir kare, bilgi dolu bir not yine... sevgiler profesör:)...

asajernigan (13865) 2009-02-18 9:24

Bulent,
This is a well composed shot with the off center road leading the eye through the shot. The streaked lighting gives this shot an eerie appearance somewhat suitable for it's past. The colors are good with excellent sharpness and DOF. The areas of sun and shadow create nice contrast.
TFS,
Asa

jimkilgallon (0) 2009-02-18 20:19

Hello Bulent
Your famous trees with sun rays guiding through them, superb work involving light and shadows while the square format works very well here.
Excellent
Regards
Jim

stelli (2939) 2009-02-19 3:50

Thank you Bulent for the thoughtful card but also for the historical information! It is a lovely scene and you are definitely fortunate to be driving through such beautiful scenery on the way to work. I used to do the same when I was in Connecticut driving from home to the University. Thank you for sharing! Regards Stella

zeca (20024) 2009-02-19 8:30

Excellent shot, Bulent! I like the darkness cutted by those sunrays, creating some mysterious mood. It looks like a paint!
Regards,
Zeca

daddo (11263) 2009-02-19 21:30

Merhaba Bulent Bey, This scene of yours reminds us strongly of the folly of Man. Much ado about nothing in the end of it all. Nature stands impassive as we kill each other for all sorts of causes. I am not suggesting that some causes are not worth defending, but why must it be at the cost of the lives of so many young men? Disputes should be settled over a game of chess. It is a fine scene, contemplative in aspect. If only the Light could touch us all as in this scene, where it illuminates both big and small. Selamlar. Klaudio.

Tezic (16927) 2009-02-20 12:54

merhaba Bülent Bey,
çok başarılı bir ışık kontrolü ve enfes huzmeler... her yönü ile çok güzel bir kare... tebrikler...

phwall (5410) 2009-02-20 13:58

Hello Bulent,
I've enjoyed all your images from your daily drive and this one is no exception. I've not been to Virginia, but some years ago (1977) I went to the battle field at Manassas, it was a day similar to this, although somewhat more overcast with patches of fog rolling across the fields. It was an experience I have never forgotten, the totally overwhelming sensation of great loss and sadness. I can close my eyes and see the fields so vividly, an indelible memory etched into my mind. This photograph takes me back there immediately, the light streaming through the trees, the long shadows and the early morning mist recreate the same spine chilling experience I had so many years ago.
A wonderful photograph in every respect.
Thank you for the note, as per your usual good self, an enjoyable read.
Warm regards
Peter

salvator (18743) 2009-02-21 7:55

Hello Bulent Bey,
Absolutely wonderful image with superb rays and wonderful shadowsand colors. Superbly managed and shot.
Best personal regards.
Salvator.

polpo56 (7752) 2009-02-24 22:58

Ciao Bulent,
wWhen a ray of light reaches pierces the darkness, is always a sign of good omen. I really like this homage to the light, subject to which I devoted an thene in my gallery.
Have a nice day.

Ludo

Bluejeans (31479) 2009-02-25 11:28

Hello my friend ,
Que linda foto ficou divina esta luz a passar por estas árvores, os tons de verde ficaram bem vivos ,sem duvida um belo lugar para passear , belo ponto de visão , boa profundidade de foto , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

emjleclercq (14125) 2009-02-25 13:46

Even before I red you note, the image was reminiscent to me of the ones you have alrady posted from this old Civil War battlefied. The mist, or perhaps just the light effect through the foliage, combined with the shadows, conveys a strong atmosphere of nostalgia.

All the best,

Emmanuel

windosil (762) 2009-02-25 14:29

Indeed a very suitable Valentine, Bulent. The reds and bright green on the left speak of warmth, the blue haze speaks of mystery - twin aspects of love. and it's a perfect frame.
Hoping your weather has now improved, as ours has,
Winifred

Angshu (33215) 2009-02-25 22:24

Hello Professor 'A'
In most of the images in this theme (your favourite stomping ground, as I once mentione), the play of light as they strek in rays diagonally through the trees, makes it absorbing viewing. Like your inclusion of the broken tree branch in the FG...provides depth & additional character to the shot. Well done!
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

Tobias__Ortmann (2589) 2009-02-26 14:12

Hi bulent,
wow you got here a great atmosphere with very good light and nice pov
very well done
Toba

meltemi (9744) 2009-02-27 11:51

Hello Bulent,
you did a nice job again capturing the lights. I like a lot the composition, there's an atmosphere of peace and certitude. The kind of picture that speaks to our soul. The trunk laying in the golden light, alone in the middle of these old big trees, so beautiful in the play of light and shadow, is a kind of metaphor to our constant search of sense and peace.
All the best.
Stella

adores (15251) 2009-02-27 14:42

Hi Bulent!
I like this, the atmosphere is perfect, especially because of the rays of light passing through the trees. Very well captured!

Emile (19775) 2009-03-03 14:55

Hola Bulent.
Lovely shot to celebrate St. Valentine's day with the peaceful and romantic atmosphere that your were able to catch from a very good POV. The sunlight coming through the trees and the long shadows with some spots of light plus the presence of the fog produces a very a wonderful composition. Very well captured.
TFS.
Best wishes from Miami.

jwmunro (6859) 2009-03-03 21:50

Hello Bulent -

The early morning light softened by the fog makes for a nice image. This route must be a joy to drive. Well seen.

Thank you for sharing.

John

pablominto (39872) 2009-03-08 0:06

Hello Bulent,

I like the play of light, leaving an almost magical atmosphere in the forest!
No one will be surprised if Snow White and the seven small ones turn up..........

Greetings,
Pablo -

Vasa (4764) 2009-03-11 17:57

The atmosphere is the queen here, dear friend Bulent. Nice, so nice visual poem. I am proud of your work.

Friendly your

Branko

LiaV (337) 2009-03-14 16:23

Dear Bulent,
I love the atmosphere in this image, very well captured! The light does indeed hint at the work of Van Ruisdael. Good composition: the format works very well here. Well done!
Regards,
Lia

didemay (2401) 2009-03-23 13:12

Bulent Merhaba,
Agacin arasindan diyagonal inen isik huzmeleri harika. Isik ve golgenin dansi gibi. Cok hos, yumusak bir kare.
Bu arada fotograflar nefis. Hepsi cok samimi, sicak.
Hepsi cok guzel ama dunya guzeli esin ile ikinizin oldugu kare cook guzeel:) Gecikmis sevgililer gununuzu kutlar bizim fotolarin bir kac gun sonra yolda oldugunu belirtirim:)
Svgler,
D:)

KemaLMerT (11074) 2009-04-12 18:39

Işık, komposizyon harika, keyifle izlenen çok başarılı bir kare.Kutlarım.

jorgi (3798) 2009-04-21 10:16

Hi Bulent,

this must have been most wonderful walk! The light comming between trees is simply divine and makes this forest with road like a place in a fairy-tale. The silence can be felt through silk-like rays that makes this scenery absolutely overwhelming. Simply wonderful!

Best regards,
jeri

jafadabret (38881) 2009-04-24 0:10

Bonjour Bulent.
Quelle atmosphère dans cette photo !
Le soleil et la brume, l'arbre couché et la route qui traverse un coin de la composition, tout ça fait effectivement penser à une peinture de paysagiste du XVIIème siècle. Cet arbre couché symbolise les vies perdues dans une guerre tout aussi absurde que les autres.
Amicalement,
Jacques

halikarnas (2061) 2009-06-04 8:13

Bülent Bey,
Işık ve gölge,
ritim ve ahenk,
Kompozisyon.
Sanat'ta olması gerekenler,daha doğrusu bunlar varsa sanat'ta vardır.
Bu fotoğraf bir ders!
Sağlıklı günler.
Ataman

jmcl (13721) 2009-06-24 9:14

Hi Bulent,

Strikingly beautiful image all about light .. from a wonderful angle and wonderfully filtered through the trees .. tremendous.

take care,

John