Summer Came Early, a photo from New South Wales, East

Photographer's Note

Bushfires are a serious problem in a lot of countries and Australia is no exception. Summer in Sydney is a wonderful time of the year except for one thing, bushfires. This fire started as a small “controlled hazard reduction burn” by the local Bush Fire Brigade. Like what happens in so many instances nature took over, the wind changed, and what started as a small controlled burn quickly became an inferno. No houses were threatened or lost, thank God, but it took almost twenty four hours to get the fire under control, luckily for the fire fighters a change came through in the early evening and we had heavy rain. Fifteen hundred hectares of bush was reduced to smouldering ruin. I took this around noon yesterday just after the first big flare-up happened. Didn’t seem to bother the two guys fishing though.

cfreire, Kielia, Fiddlee, vmf-214, ymrk, leo61, westozman, alftrek, azaf1, npecanhuk, ifege, judesta, macondo, lukas, elendim, argycon, Sistercosmo, feather, gunbud, Clementi, mpb001, Gerrit, hispic, kevinos, Charo, Vasa, tolis68, mark_mk, dta, litiancai, Colombiana, SridharRao75, Nelu_Goia, robbie9, crhieatt, luisafonso has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

cfreire (11739) 2008-11-15 4:59

Hi Peter,
Impressive shot well composed with beautiful colors and contrasts. This big cloud is like scene's movie. Good pov and framing. Regards, Consuelo

ymrk (14393) 2008-11-15 5:26

Hello;
This is miracle!Wonderfull shot!
Amazing photo,congratulations,
See you soon,

YAĞMUR

eversmile (11624) 2008-11-15 5:45

Hi Peter.

This is an excellent capture with a POV that emphasizes the dramatic of the situation. The presence of the boatmen on the quiet lake is a strong contrast. The colors of the smoke column and their reflection on the water are good too. Well done!
Regards
Marine

Kielia (17649) 2008-11-15 6:06

Hi Peter,
this is really a dramatic situation and you are presenting us a very fascinating capture with that cloud almost coming out of the frame. A really impressive composition with excellent colours. My compliments!
Warm regards
Harriet

rodgerg (55729) 2008-11-15 6:58

Hello Peter,

An excellent photoreportage, the large composition emphasizes the dramatic of the situation of these aerea in the summer. An interesting photograph dus but a very good photo too with nice contrasts, great prospect and colours very well collected.
Have a good day,
Roger

glasscafe (1040) 2008-11-15 6:58

Hi Peter!

Really spectacular! Fantastic shot and POV, the colours are simply super! Congratulations!

Greetings from Madrid!
Alberto

baba_flies (8827) 2008-11-15 9:06

Hello Peter! Impressive and scary, and every year and I guess more often than ever, our newspapers write about bushfires in Australia. I do not want to write "great picture" although it has an excellent quality but it goes more into the documentary style that I appreciate sometimes more than just "nices", it tells stories, it gives us think-work. Thanks for showing, this is very impressive to me. Enjoy your weekend ... taking pictures I suppose ... Barbara.

vmf-214 (1648) 2008-11-15 10:14

Hi Peter,

Great shot and capture Peter, Very good color and compsition. Really like the reflection on the water and very good details. This reminds of some of the fires we have around here in the spring a lot people just carry on with what there doing like it happens all the time.

leo61 (53805) 2008-11-15 11:32

Hi Peter!
An impressive capture of this bushfire.It looks very dramatic with this collumn of smoke.Great composition with this little boat and the yellow buoy.
Regards,Leo

westozman (3187) 2008-11-15 18:45

G'day Pete!
Nice 1st posting with the new Nikon gear - the picture really tells the story: the authorities do a lot of so-called "controlled burns" here in WA, but I've never been a believer in tampering with Nature, although I guess if they didn't, the arsonists would do far more damage. Looking forward to seeing some more of your work, my friend!
Cheers,
Jeff

alftrek (3270) 2008-11-16 1:17

Hello Peter,

I recognise this place which I think is behind your house viewed from your timber deck, the same view as the earlier post with the fantastic sunset. Hope I am right.

Its amazing how the mood of nature changes from a heavenly scene to one which seems so destructive. The POV here is good especially when you have reserved a portion of the composition for the blue sky, providing a good contrast with the smoke.
A superb post.

Hey, I almost missed out the fact that you are now using Nikon D90. Welcome to the Nikon Club.

Cheers
Alfred

azaf1 (15910) 2008-11-16 1:44

Hi Peter
Much as I regret those fires that have devastated forests in Greece, the foto is just stunning! A beautiful combination of colors and an excellent POV that create an excellent composition
Compliments
Argiris

carper (96) 2008-11-16 1:47

a very special capture here Peter,
it just like a sand storm is coming, very good balance and a nice contrast, thanks for sharingPeter, have a nice day.
regard Jaap

npecanhuk (45335) 2008-11-16 1:52

Hello Peter!
Although you are registering a problem, the effect in the image is very good! It does look a bit threatenning and the quality of your photograph enhances this sort of feeling! I like the shapes and colors of the smoke and the shadow created by it over all the rest is what mostly creates the atmosphere in this one!
Lots of blessing rain for you all!
Thank you very much for sharing the picture with all of us and for the pretty informative note!
Have a excellent sunday!
My warmest regards,
Neyvan

Nicou (83186) 2008-11-16 2:30

Hello,

On dirait un tornade, quelle image, grandiose, cette forme qui part toute petite et qui s'ouvre, les teintes merveilleuse, ces reflet sur l'eau, vraiment une très belle réussite.

Toutes mes félicitations et amitié

Nicou

ifege (7823) 2008-11-16 2:33

A great shot Peter,
You've capturing the atmosphere very well. I hadn't realised that there were big fires yesterday - we were at Robertson in mist and cool weather - not an early summer here.
Regards
Ian

judesta (1006) 2008-11-16 2:43

Hi Peter
Working for the fire brigade in the call centre I rarely get to see the the many bush fires that we send our firefighters to. So thanks for posting this photo. Awesome capture of the smoke cloud and the change in colour of the water as it reflects the smoke adds a lot of drama for me.
Cheers
Jude

macondo (17133) 2008-11-16 3:16

Hi Peter.
Very timely reminder of what could happen a lot this summer if the forecasts are correct that we are in for a very hot one. Well timed photo, with the small boat and buoy adding a touch of colour, scale and interest to the scene. The fire looks a bit like a whirlwind. Incredible the way it has mushroomed to fill the sky. I like the contrasting reflection in the water - the brown and the blue. Very well done and good note.
Regards,
Andrew

jhm (112152) 2008-11-16 5:10

Hello Peter,

A very spectacular picture, very pleasant for look it.
I can my absolutely represent that the whirlwinds are a serious problem in your country
These colours are marvelous and the pov and depth excellents.
Nice perspective through the excellent choice of your angle.
Anyway, it's an interesting photo of this traditional practice and your note is fascinating, too. TFS.

Have a nice sunday,
John.

elendim (69) 2008-11-16 11:07

Hello Peter!
Impressive and dramatic photo!Good POV and contrast!Very well done!

Elena!

argycon (2769) 2008-11-16 12:10

Hi Peter,
An impressive image captured perfectly from a great POV.
tfs
Kostas

Sistercosmo (3635) 2008-11-16 14:35

Hi Peter,
a very dramatic capture! While we're here waiting for the first real snow, you are worrying about bush fires! The colors and pov are amazing. The guys fishing are probably immune to this kind of stuff. When you grow up with it, it becomes less threatening, right? Excellent photo!
Thanks for sharing and take care!
Linda

Waylim (20289) 2008-11-16 23:41

Peter,
An excellent quality image showing the sad reality and problem in many parts or the world. We are having a few fires going on here in Southern California, one is only about a 15 minutes drive from my home. Very sad that this is happening every year around this time.
Way

cobra112 (15585) 2008-11-17 5:08

Hi Peter. Very dramatic taken but faboulouse reflections on the lake. Great colours and contrast.

Roberto

feather (51114) 2008-11-17 6:16

When I read the title I was feeling envious as the Southern Hemisphere is greeting summer and we in the Northern half only have a long winter to look forward to. Then I looked closer and saw if summer means bushfires well..... Good to hear the fire was eventually put out without great loss. What appeals to me about this image is the way the water is split in half by the different colours in the sky for the reflection. The fishing boat, although tiny in the frame is an important element in the composition.
Kath

gunbud (33784) 2008-11-17 8:13

Hi Pete,
The blue sky blens perfectly with the yellow billowing clouds of smoke.
The broad bay catches a striking reflection of gold and blue on its riffling surface.
Wild fires in the dry season and mud slides in the wet season plague the California coast. Could it be global warming?
Regards, Tom

Clementi (52479) 2008-11-17 9:07

Ciao Peter,
Impressive shot !!! This big cloud of smoke(i thingh) is like scene's tornado.strange reflection on the water,impressive composition with excellent colours.
Giorgio

Royaldevon (12724) 2008-11-17 13:24

Hello Peter,

From the thumbnail, I thought this was a 'Twister'! However, I'm sure each causes as much devastation! My son was in Sydney a few years ago when there were terrible bush fires. It was even reported on tv in the U.K.

You have composed this shot very well, laying emphasis on the billowing smoke which is the source of the drama. It actually dwarfs everything around.
This is like a journalistic shot.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

batalay (30786) 2008-11-17 15:20

Hello Peter,

It is a beautiful picture, but a very sad sight. From the thumbnail, I thought it might be an active volcano. Of course, as you head into summer and might encounter bush fire, we are looking at winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Southern California, certainly one of the loveliest areas in the United States tends to be more balmy. But, In response to a statement that there are "... No distinct seasons," a Californian was heard to observe, "You must be kidding. We have the season of wild fires, the season of earthquakes, the season of mudslides..."

Warm regards,

Bulent

mpb001 (4600) 2008-11-17 15:30

Hi Peter,
What a unique and stunning shot. I think your composition is supurb, and the boat in the water really gives a scale to the smoke overhead. Very rich colors and perfect sharpness.
Regards,
Mike

Gerrit (43095) 2008-11-17 22:28

Hi Peter,
Sad story but a strong image and a good composition in thirds and an off centered fire. The little boat forms o good beaking element.
Regards, Gerrit

hay_kes (30308) 2008-11-17 23:42

Hi Peter,
Wooowww!!What an amazing shot vith great atmosphere.TFS.
Cheers,

hAyAti

hispic (9619) 2008-11-18 0:53

Hi Peter,
Great shot with extreme impact! Excellent capture to compare smoke on the water and a fishing boat.
It is regrettable not to be seen with animated picture on TE.
Best wishes, Hisashi

kevinos (7311) 2008-11-18 1:33

A very dramatic scene, Peter, a real reportage shot.You have managed to frame the action nicely. I will be back in Sydney later in your summer, i dread to thing what one might encounter out towards the Blue Mountains. regards kevin

Charo (51174) 2008-11-18 14:15

Hello Peter,
The fires are terrifying but are inevitable, except those caused by man.
Takes a fantastic and very dramatic with great perspective and colors.
Best regards,
Charo

Vasa (15217) 2008-11-18 14:42

Hi Peter,

so glad to see your gallery. I decorate this last picture, but I am not true in front of all others photos you posted. Let's say that this is my first visit and that we have all our time.

Dramatic subject here and no doubt skill reaction of photographer. Your Nikon is in good hands. Friendly your,

Branko

tolis68 (1996) 2008-11-20 0:21

Hello Peter.Amazing ,rare moment.You shot impress the power of nature very realistic,very nice dramatic colours and light.

regards,
Apostolos.

cagla (3684) 2008-11-20 10:42

Hi Peter, very simple and very nice compo with beautiful color tones, but a very serious subject. Thanks for sharing. Have nice weekend. Regards, Çağla.

mark_mk (266) 2008-11-21 10:04

Hi Peter,
WOW, looks dangerous man! Definetly not a nice thing, but it does look nice on the photo! Great colors and composition, this lovely boat definetly adds a lot to the image! Very good work, a dramatic image!

Take care
Mark

dta (40012) 2008-11-21 14:16

Hello Peter ,
An impressive picture , with the mix of the peaceful water , and the dramatic cloud of smoke .
Well captured .
Denis

daddo (16675) 2008-11-21 23:37

Hi Peter. Looks somewhat cataclysmic or at least ominous. Incredible colour of the giant plume of smoke.The shape reminds me of the atomic mushroom.A great shot that demonstrates the seriousness of living on the driest continent. God knows what is waiting for us in the hills this year. Regards. Klaudio.

skippy007 (12466) 2008-11-22 3:25

Hello Peter, An impressive even if somewhat eerie scene, the huge cloud of smoke & it's reflection giving us some indication of the enormity of the raging fire, quality is excellent as always. For those two fishing not to bother I would say that there was a good chance that the fish were bitting. Right place right time, congratulation, well done.
Take care
Santo

foozi (7097) 2008-11-23 20:56

Hello Peter,
a very special shot of the disaster.
The photo is very dramatic, showing the smokes contrasting to the blue sky.
Very spectacular shot of real life crisis.

Regards,
Foozi

litiancai (1048) 2008-11-23 21:47

Hi Peter,
It's an interesting subject, and good reporting, your notes are interesting. The smoke has created a strange hue in this shot, particularly on the lake. Must have been quite a sight. The only thing I might have done prior to posting is rotate the shot a little, as looking at the far shore of the lake it doesn't look level. Otherwise, great capture.
Regards
Lee

Colombiana (2931) 2008-11-24 19:38

Hi Peter,
From the thumbnail, I tought this was a tonadoe.
Impressive capture. Thanks for the informative
note as well.
Regards,
Maryori

jimkilgallon (0) 2008-11-24 20:42

Love this Peter
Sad the fire is happening of course and it does destroy habitat but that booming smoke is surreal, and the boat shows the depth of this smoke. Well presented documentry Peter.
Regards
Jim

arjunnandi (45) 2008-11-25 9:51

Hi Peter,
its been a long time, i was off for a few days.
But i see that i have missed a lot! you have posted a lot of magnificient photos.
Peter you are simply AMAZING!
regards,
arjun

COSTANTINO (36497) 2008-11-27 12:58

Hello
A fantastic shot taken in a fantastic way..
what a combination,what a presentation..
A shot well done and well seen
good pov
Many attractive details and clear colors
excellent capture
Costantino

isabela_sor (46815) 2008-11-28 12:24 [Comment]

Show Comment

SridharRao75 (278) 2008-11-28 22:41

Great shot Peter! One of those 'F/8 and be there', the emphasis of course on 'be there'.

Sorry, couldn't help but fiddle with the composition. See my workshop.

Sridhar

[workshop] [compare]

emka (49747) 2008-12-02 23:33

Hi Peter,

Impressive view of the big smoke. I saw such fires controlled or in not in the USA. And many places where the forests were burnt after the fires some years ago. Sometimes is OK, sometimes one have to wait hundred years to recover.
Splendid view of the sea. To you the summer came early and to us the winter.
Regards

Malgorzata

devimeuxbe (58447) 2008-12-04 2:15

Hi Peter
This is a beautifull picture with a nice and impressive sky. It look like a volcano. It's nice to get this touch of human life with the boat. It give a size to the landscape
Well done
Bertrand

aadilj (18058) 2008-12-15 1:24

Hi peter, this is dramatic and well compsoed before being hit by it!!! The colours and the tones are well captured

smarcell (19571) 2008-12-18 5:36

Very spectacular scene. It is amazing how the brown-yellow tones fill the whole left part of the frame.
A very nice effect
Regards Stefano

robbie9 (274) 2008-12-19 5:24

Hi Peter,
Amazing shot. Really amazing!
I like very much the composition, the colors and the contrast.. The photo transport us to that moment!
BR, Roberto
Pd/ thanks for your critique about my shot of the Golden Horn, a critique from a person with a full quality gallery like you means a lot for me :)

mafegan (8340) 2008-12-26 15:07

Hello Peter
A great photo of contrasts - a raging bushfire and two fishermen relaxing. TFS, Marlene

crhieatt (5355) 2009-03-09 5:11

Peter,

.....of course, we now know just what a terrible year it was for Australian bush fires........but, as always, terrible events do not preclude (is that the right word?) good and artistic photography. Here, the raging devastation is transformed - by distance - by the photographer - into a rather pleasing form hovering, growing over the lake, in which the threat is both present and absent and the same time.

My regards
Colin

luisafonso (862) 2009-04-01 2:49

You really created a great photo out of this sad occurrence. The composition makes perfect sense. Giving all the predominance to the sky is very clever here. I would have in fact cropped a bit from the bottom to make the sky stand out even more. Very nice!

vizugonesailing (338) 2010-04-30 5:02 [Comment]