A touch of autumn. Photo

Photographer’s Note

Hi all. This is one of those shots I’ve been eying up for a long time. I’ve driven past this scene (as have many NZ’ers) dozens of times and have never stopped for a photo, till now! I think the traffic authorities would rather I didn’t also ;-). This is Lake Taupo as seen from state highway one halfway down the Hatepe Hill, no lay-by or parking area. The island is called Motutaiko.
We have the first colours of Autumn coming through, the poplars are the first to turn. There are willows and for the Ausies there are gums also and the darker lower trees are natives which will eventually grow to full height and take over.
The mid afternoon light wasn’t ideal but when you’re passing through you make do, one day I will make the effort to be here at the right time in the right season to show the scene at its best.
Enjoy, Paul.

stego, Docarmo, ribeiroantonio, phwall, gracious, banaei_nikon, dareco, vmf-214, siolaw, Floydian, ChrisJ, belido, Gerrit, Photo65Net, josepmarin, Scharan, trekks, alainh, judesta, rodgerg, edytungkal, AiresSantos, papagolf21, Uhu, Cricri, JCG, Kielia, BelCan75, plimrn, dip, jafadabret, Budapestman, zeca, Dyerco, Bluejeans, skippy007, axiotea, BWJ has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

stego (22350) 2009-04-04 19:14

Hi Paul,
Let me have the honour to be the first writing about this beauty.
What stands out besides the amazing beauty of the view, is the contrast between the colour temperature of the FG and BG. It's like a metaphor of the seasons - Autumn in the FG and Winter in the BG.
You took good profit of the beautiful light that produces a kind of relief in the forest and makes the water and the sky glow without being so OE.
Bravo, it's really a beautiful and achieved photo!
I also had the temptation of stopping in the highway to shoot more than once. ;D
Regards, José.

Docarmo (8814) 2009-04-04 20:24

Hi Paul,
Excellent composition, with several layers of different elements, giving a fantastic impression of 3D. I tip my hat!
Congratulations!
MCV

ribeiroantonio (21839) 2009-04-04 20:32

It is a very nice picture. The light is perfect and the different colours in the foreground are really beautiful. I also like the cloudy sky. Well done.
Antonio

phwall (5532) 2009-04-04 20:43

Hi Paul,
An interesting visual indeed. The foreground looks completely at odds with the background. The light filtering through the poplars gives them quite a surreal look when compared to the rest of the foreground foliage, a scene that I'd associate with Jurassic Park.
A wonderful capture in all respects.
Regards
Peter

gracious (20017) 2009-04-04 20:57

Hello Paul,
Thank you so much for this beautiful autumn scenery over the lake, I did not stop here also when on the last trip to Raupehu!
the fg elements makes a perfect contrast in colouration against the far distance islands! very nice!
you have a wonderful sunday, my friend
cheers
Tony

banaei_nikon (775) 2009-04-04 21:13

Hi Paul,
Excellent composition,A wonderful capture in all respects.
Regards
Well done..
**MAB**

dareco (17104) 2009-04-04 22:14

A beautiful scene, and I like the fall colors. Perfect pov, and very nice depth. TFS

vmf-214 (1622) 2009-04-04 22:42

Hi Paul,

A splendid fall view looking towards Lake Taupo, Wonderful colors in the trees as they change and beautiful lake to go with the sky. Nice clarity and sharpness and great job of catching different elements in this photo. Great job Paul.

Have a great Sunday
Jason.

siolaw (25720) 2009-04-05 1:01

Hi Paul,
The place deserves a picture for sure... ! The POV is unbeatable with a far and wide view on the scenery.
Nice variety of trees and vegetation does an excellent FG, while the island and coast is the right BG.
I wonder what it will be when you show us this spot at its best as you say!!
Greetings
Laurent

Focales (514) 2009-04-05 1:29

Hi Paul,
Ce paysage est magnifique et je rêve de pouvoir visiter un jour ton pays que l'on dit superbe. Merci de nous offrir ces images d'un pays lointain et diversifié si j'en crois les quelques images que j'ai vues.

Floydian (30970) 2009-04-05 2:31

Hallo Paul,

I was in Taupo, leaving there with lots of sunshine heading to this area....when i came here, overcast, slight rain, nothing interesting.....but man, i saw this landscape right in front of me...isn't that amazing, we stood almost on the same spot. No pictures from my side, weather and light was not good at all, but see here, this is also how it can be, wonderful. The blue toning over the lake works perfect here. Maybe we would have some more sunshine in front to bring better light in that part, but look at that view...it's beautiful.

Have a nice day,

Henk
p.s
Funny part is, when i came back to Taupo sun was shining, no clouds, no rain at all...what a strange country you live in, looks almost like Holland ;-)

ChrisJ (69973) 2009-04-05 3:47

Hi Paul

A superb Autumn view of Lake Taupo, taken from a marvellous high pov (despite what the traffic authorities might think!). Good colour & sharpness. Tfs!

ahmetgedikli (21783) 2009-04-05 4:40

Hi Paul,
A wonderful landscape! Great composition, sharpness and good colors... Nice work.
Have a great sunday.
Ahmet

npecanhuk (13595) 2009-04-05 4:42

Hi Paul!
That's a very pleasant and very good-looking picture!
Soft lights and colors really please me!
The view inspires me with lots of peaceful feelings!
TFS - Congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

belido (16255) 2009-04-05 4:57

Hi Paul,

wonderful location. It's such an exquiste place...it looks almost unreal. I like a lot your photo, Reserving two thirds for the foreground was the right decision. Good exposure management and superb details. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

Gerrit (35593) 2009-04-05 7:36

Hi Paul,
fantastic view in wonderful light.
Excellent composition and sky. Great colors/
regards, Gerrit

Photo65Net (43084) 2009-04-05 9:08

Hello Paul,
Nice quiet mood in this landscape.
I like the contrasts in the FG,
Have a nice day,
JB.

jmdias (19053) 2009-04-05 9:23

paul

very beautiful landscape, full of poplars (I guess), I liked the shape of that far island ant that texture of clouds. beautiful framing, well done

hugs

jorge

ifanik (20468) 2009-04-05 11:32

Beautiful landscape photo
Congratulations for the nice colors
Best regards
Nick

josepmarin (33769) 2009-04-05 12:10

Hi Paul,
You have caught skilfully the immensity of this landscape, with a great depth of image and a perfect angle of framing.
I like the luminosity and the nice combination of the blue tones of the sky and of the lake with the autumnal tones in the forest.
Excellent composition, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

Scharan (13951) 2009-04-05 12:24

Olá Paul

Linda foto e linda paisagem.
O primeiro plano nos mais variados tons de verde, cores quentes, muito bonitas e o segundo a leveza dos tons frios de azul.

Parabéns Paul!
GA
Vera

ElAprendiz (7370) 2009-04-05 14:22

Hello Paul:

The high point of view has been very appropriate. The intensity of exposure was the most adequate to prevent the sub-exposure, and the tones are very warm and pleasant.

Surely that is a wonderful scene, with a good depth of field and a large frame. Excellent.

John

trekks (14262) 2009-04-05 16:51

hi Paul

It must be wonderful to be up at this level and looking down to see such beautiful scenery of nature with the 'skyscapers' of plants rather than concrete/steel and sprouting into the sky among the greens. The distance mountain and water body really adds a touch of class to this view. The air looks a little foggy but another time perhaps will show a good comparison of the best hour to shoot such a place. I agree.

Great work.

tfs, bill

alainh (35357) 2009-04-05 21:57

Hello Paul
Motutaiko seems to be an eden !! i like these vertical trees wanting to see the sea. another salvage place of your famous country.
friendly, Paul
alain

aadilj (17950) 2009-04-05 22:17

This one is lovely Paul. I love the layered approach and the way the horizon ahs been shot. Nice hues and lovely composition

pablominto (40390) 2009-04-05 23:37

Hello Paul,

You have captured a fine view to the lake, and the image has a fine feeling of depth!
I notice also the fine trees beginning to make the seasonal change colour wise...
A good colour palette and fine details, the cloud formation is well exposed and makes a fine topping for the scene!

Greetings,
Pablo -

judesta (992) 2009-04-06 2:47

Hi Paul
You are blessed to live in such beautiful surroundings, I plan to make the quick trip across the Tasman more often after my visit to the Sth. I love the way you show the different tones and heights of the foreground trees, with the beautiful Lake Taupo as a backdrop what could be better.
Cheers
Jude

rodgerg (23699) 2009-04-06 3:26

Hello Paul,

A very plesant view with the firts autumn's colours in the FG and a great propsect. A well balanced composition in differents plans well delimited. Very nice sky well collected too.
Have a good week,
Roger

carper (64484) 2009-04-06 3:51

fantastic shot Paul,
good composition, fine mood, marvelous place, good dof. I like it a lot, have a nice day.
regard jaap

Giorgio (8662) 2009-04-06 6:28

- Superb landscape and very good composition Paul, this two part with different levels give a superb relief effect, bonus two colors also, well done!
Greetings.
giorgio

edytungkal (4519) 2009-04-06 8:31

Yes a dream place for photographers and the final result is so beauttiful, like Maria said your compo make it more special with 3d effects. Congratulation for the shot Paul....
tfs

daniel

Graal (57631) 2009-04-06 10:16

Hi Paul,
beautiful autumnal landscape. Fine POV You had. Image like painted. I like it a lot.
Gr., Aleksander

danyy (68454) 2009-04-06 23:01

Bonjour Paul,
beaucoup de magie dans cette scène, celle de ces teintes des arbres aui premier plan, j'aime particulièrement les grans qui émergent bien. Contraste de teintes avec un arrière plan plus bleuté.
Un paysage vraiment enchanteur.
Amicalement.
Daniel.

AiresSantos (41820) 2009-04-06 23:46

Hi Paul
Fine POV and colours in this excellent composition. I like the beauty of the place and the colours
TFS and greetings
Aires

Nicou (44465) 2009-04-07 1:39

Hello,

mangigique compo, cette vue sur la merc, les belle collines rondes et toute cette végétation en premier plan, fantastique.

bravo et amitié

Nicou

papagolf21 (56141) 2009-04-07 1:39

Bonjour, cher Paul,
Merci de nous faire voyager d'une aussi belle façon, cher Paul. Il existe des lieux merveilleux qui emplissent nos yeux d'enchantement.
Voilà tout l'intérêt de Trekearth, apprendre et découvrir par l'image et les notes.
Un grand merci du partage.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Greg1949 (8507) 2009-04-07 3:17

Just coming into spring I do not envy you now entering the cold seasons Paul, however they are great times for some great photo work. I can't tell for sure but this looks very tropical or Mediterranean rather than the disiduous forests I see up here in New England. Great shot and can't wait to see it as the leaves turn their bright fall colors.

Greg

Uhu (7354) 2009-04-07 8:23

High!
What a landscape, what a strange and beautiful one! I really like this photo - it has so many details and perspectives!

Cricri (43030) 2009-04-07 9:02

Hi Paul
Déjà avec cette lumière le paysage est magnifique et splendide a voir avec le contraste de l'arrière plan et la végétation en cadrage, c'est merveilleux..
Friendship
cricri

fserajian (4453) 2009-04-07 10:02 [Comment]

Show Comment

JCG (25137) 2009-04-07 10:06

Hi Paul,

An extraordinary landscape and stunning vegetation in the foreground. I love the harmony of colors and the serenity of this view. It is very pleasant to watch. The depth in the picture is great. A beautiful and interesting photo, thank you Paul.

With all my friendships and soon

Jean-Charles

Kielia (8373) 2009-04-07 10:53

Hi Paul
you managed to create an impression that almost looks like a painting with wonderful light and colors. And your POV works very well including these fascinating trees and the sky. This is a masterpiece. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

BelCan75 (2416) 2009-04-07 10:53

Hi Paul,

What a beautiful place! I love this view witht he willows in the foreground leading to the view over the bay, the mountains and the beautiful sky. Great POV with wonderful light, colours and details! Excellent work!

Greetings,
Ann

plimrn (19596) 2009-04-07 13:17

Hi Paul,
This is a great view of Lake Taupo; The misty lake view matches the sky and the island adds a lot of depth to the lake. The size of the FG popular trees really tell about the steepness of the overlook.

I wonder why the best views are often in places where it is impossible to stop? Guess I need to hike or cycle more.
HLJ, Pat

dip (12532) 2009-04-07 23:14

Hello Paul,
wonderful landscape!
very good POV and depth,natural colors and good lightness too,
well done,
Greetings,
Dimitris.

Waylim (10741) 2009-04-07 23:48

Paul,
Funny how these trees are taller than the rest, when I first saw the thumbnail, I thought it would some sort of rock formation. Beautiful forrest foreground and the beautiful bay background, the sky is a little bit bright, but you managed very well overall with good details and beautiful and natural colors. Thanks Paul.
Way

jafadabret (39323) 2009-04-08 0:19

Bonjour Paul.
C'est souvent qu'on regrette de ne pouvoir s'arrêter sur la route pour prendre de beaux clichés comme celui-ci. Les teintes d'automne sur les peupliers sont superbes. Les lointains en bleu mettent en valeur ce premier plan de belle manière.
Excellent !
Jacques

Budapestman (41530) 2009-04-08 2:30

Hi Paul,
Great shot of this picturesque country. The depth of the photo is splendid, excellent colours and lights. Beautiful shot with very nice details. Thank you for sharing. Have a nice day!
George

jaywalker (12190) 2009-04-08 11:38

Hi Paul, A nice blue tone on the top part of the picture contrasts very well with the country side underneath, the overall view is gorgeous & the clear light is easy on the eye, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

zeca (20026) 2009-04-08 21:31

Its a beautiful landscape, Paul, and I specially like that tall trees well contrasting in the foreground. Of course that the bay at background is also beautiful, showing peaceful waters, at least from this far point of view. Well taken!
Regards,
Zeca

Flavia (10202) 2009-04-09 3:20

Hi Paul,

Amazing this landscape with the forest on the fg and the sea on the bg. Those high trees seem to be trying to reach he sky! The round hilly Island is charming.

Regards,

Flavia

Dyerco (9008) 2009-04-09 3:45

Hi Paul
It looks like a watercolour with all the different vegetation. It begs for a grad ND filter to help bring down the exposure in the sky. Do I see a waterfall on the far left?
Phil

anto95 (1794) 2009-04-10 0:03

Hi Paul,
All aspect of the pictures are superb (especialy depth of focus and composition).
Antonello

Bluejeans (31993) 2009-04-11 15:52

Oi Paul ,
Linda esta paisagem com cores de outono , estas árvores altas são lindas , muito bonita a paisagem de fundo , belos tons de verde, boa luz e profundidade , parabéns!!
um abraço Gonçalo

skippy007 (6957) 2009-04-13 22:26

Hello Paul, Naughty boy, I know exactly what you are saying, there is a spot out of Melbourne where I'm always tempted to stop but it is a little dangerous & illegal. I've looked at this for quite a while it looks king of weird but beautiful at the same time I think it's the contrasts that makes it interesting, I mean the flat lake & the rocky outcrops, the FG vegetation & the water, the tall poplars surrounded by the shorter greenery. I also like the sky, all in all good scenery well captured & presented.
Thanks
Santo

axiotea (16027) 2009-04-14 7:07

Hello Paul
it was a good idea to stop to present us that beautiful view from a well chosen pov and although the light might have not been at its best, it is an amazing place. I like to see the forest leading the eye to the lake and hills.
I'm waiting forwards to see that location in the right season ;)
Cheers
Marilyn

BWJ (1771) 2009-05-20 17:36

Hello Paul,
A breath taking view! The shot is well composed with beautiful fall color just beginning. Excellent DOF. The light is nice and there is good contrast in both color and texture. I like it a lot.
Kind regards,
Betty

Angshu (33533) 2009-05-25 5:37

Hello Paul
Like how the poplars stand out in more senses than one...for their height & also for the tinge of autumn colours, still surrounded by green. The lake & the silhouettes of the small islands create a very attractive BG. A fine shot!
Regards
Angshu

luki2323 (157) 2009-06-05 9:26