From the saddle. Photo

Photographer’s Note

Hi all.
What we are looking at here is the southern end of the Ruahine Ranges, the peak we see is Wharite Peak and if your eyes are really good [I have the advantage of the full res file ;-)] you can see a radio tower on top. The tower is for just about all the TV and radio broadcasts in the area. Taken from Saddle Road, hence the title.
I took this shot last night and as usual I took too many and with too many to pick from I had a hard time coming to a decision as to which one to post so I have one in WS also to ease my mind a little. Perhaps some will like it more that this one?
As always comments and critiques appreciated.
Paul.

ribeiroantonio, vmf-214, Docarmo, edytungkal, Photo65Net, belido, Dyerco, feather, Budapestman, Kielia, gracious, stego, lucasgalodoido, plimrn, macondo, AiresSantos, Graal, papagolf21, ChrisJ, BelCan75, Emile, josepmarin, Cricri, alainh, dip, MLINES, jafadabret, jhm, BWJ, Scharan, skippy007, danos, jaywalker, Charo, Didi, zeca has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ribeiroantonio (21917) 2009-03-13 21:36

This is a nice view where the sheep make a true visual impact (not the windmills). However, i have to say that I do prefer the wide view of the WS. The sky looks great with the two different levels of clouds and the open gate acts like a free invitation to enter the picture and admire the scenery. Well done
Antonio
PS. something is wrong with TE. This is my 14th critique for the day (March 13th) and I already ran out of greenies!!!

vmf-214 (1622) 2009-03-13 21:40

Hi Paul,

Good POV looking up at Wharite Peak. Good details I can see the radio tower at the top of the peak. Well done on the contrast and the sheep you can see clearly in this photo. Great job Paul.

Best regards
Jason.

Docarmo (8834) 2009-03-13 21:49

Hi Paul,
What a beautiful view, I like a lot the presence of those sheep, and there are some of them looking at you - a nice eye contact. The light on the background is fantastic!
Congratulations!
MCV

Flavia (10202) 2009-03-13 22:10

Hi Paul,

My husband is coming back from your country, I almost joined him there for the weekend, but unfortunately it didn't work out. He's fascinated with its beauty!

Lovelly picture with pleaseant light and subject. The white windmills (?) and the sheeps are a nice addition to the compostion offering a colours contrast to the green grass. Excelent depht.

I like both shots for different reasons. I guess the horizontal one works better, but I like the sheeps on this one.

Regards,

Flavia

edytungkal (4519) 2009-03-13 23:53

Both pictures i like but maybe i prefer this than the ws, I have an idea if you crop the foreground and change it to the square format maybe it will give a different way to enjoy your picture. Anyway its a well picture, thank you for sharing and have a great WE.

PS I have the same problem, I can not sign in since friday 13, but it back to normal since this morning..

daniel

Photo65Net (43084) 2009-03-14 2:11

Hello Paul,
Nice choice for vertical format, which suits perfectly with the natural curves.
Have a nice day,
JB.

belido (16493) 2009-03-14 4:41

Hi Paul,

what a beautiful land! I like a lot your play with the light. Love how the image is divided in its layers. Great nature photo!
Regards,
Carlos

Dyerco (9078) 2009-03-14 6:13

Hi Paul
You have captured some nice light on the hills. I like the horizontal view for the capturing more of the sky but those white fence posts are a bit distracting so I opt for this one. Excellent DOF.
Phil

feather (49860) 2009-03-14 7:36

I just did a long critique and it disappeared into the ether!! :(
I was saying why I prefer this one and think you made the right choice. While the open gate in the WS can be said is an invitation into the scene, it is in the wrong place to lead the eye to the sunlit hill, where we want to be directed. In this one there are more brighter patches in the shade than in the WS making more varied contrast. This one also has closer sheep, although both have a great sky.
Kath

Budapestman (41920) 2009-03-14 9:10

Hi Paul,
Beautiful landscape with spectacular vertical composition and depth. The lights are beautiful likewise, splendid natural photo. Have a nice weekend!
George

Kielia (8501) 2009-03-14 10:11

Hi Paul,
very nice image, with gentle colours, well chosen point of view and well done composition. Sharpness is adequate and exposure is perfect. I really like the details you got in this fascinating landscape and the inclusion of the light on the hills adds a touch of mystery to the atmosphere in this one! I like both versions equally! TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

gracious (20017) 2009-03-14 11:20

Hello Paul,
good morning from Auckland!
Wow, I loved this one especially the awesome sunlight that appeared partially on the top! simply beautiful!
best pov to have the fg interest leading right to the top of the peak!
take care and have a wonderful sunday, Paul!
Tony

stego (22352) 2009-03-14 12:02

Hi Paul,

It would still be a great view without those picturesque clouds and the lovely bucolic touch given by the lambs, some of them looking curiously to us. Beautiful light, superbly registered.

It's tough to decide which one is better, because the WS is also very good and attractive. Being a quite different POV, or even if it wasn't, you could just do another main post with it and/or with others you certainly have. Nevertheless, I find the white thing on the fence a bit disturbing.

I understand too well your difficulty in making a selection from a series that turned out good. Sometimes I secretly long for the times of film when we couldn't afford making too many shots of the same scene. On one hand that obliged us to be more careful and selective, but on the other hand we could never gain the experience given by the freedom of trying every kind of POV and technical adjustments that digital brought to all of us who couldn't afford burning several rolls of film a day.

Regards, José.

emka (21466) 2009-03-14 14:41

Hi Paul, hehe, problem of choice! I have it every time I want to send a photo for TE (and it means everyday, as I am strongly addicted :))) and it is difficult for me to decide which continent it could be :)).
Both photos are very nice but I prefer this one as here there are more sheep and some windmills. I can see this tower quite clearly without glasses. Very pleasant peaceful landscape.

Regards

This hill reminds me the brain.

Malgorzata

lucasgalodoido (16603) 2009-03-14 14:45

Hi Paul,
interesting these elements of your composition, all in perfect harmmony, the cows, windpowers and curiosoty mountain terrain. Great shot.
Regards,
Lucas

plimrn (19656) 2009-03-14 16:10

Hi Paul
...and here I was imagining you doing a cowboy thing!!

That is a difficult choice between the two photos you presented. I DO agree with your choice for the richer colors in the foreground; although both have the sunlight and shadows, the interesting gullies on the hills and the lovely clouds in the sky.
HLJ, Pat

pablominto (40712) 2009-03-14 23:47

Hello Paul,

I notice the sheep, curious as always wondering what is going on!
A pleasant framing with a good sense of depth, fine details and vivid colours...
I also notice the windmills, a disputed element in the landscape!

Greetings,
Pablo -

danyy (68778) 2009-03-14 23:52

Bonjour Paul,
une photo avac tellement de profondeur. La taille des éoliennes, pourtant impressionnante, donne une idée de leur éloignement.
J'aime l'harmonie de ces vallonements sous ce ciel magnifique.
Une toute bonne exposition.
Amitié.
Daniel.

cdmonson (2751) 2009-03-15 0:04

Hi Paul:

I know, I know, good for the environment, but dang, those windmills have a knack for spoiling beautiful vistas. No wonder the residents of Cape Cod don't want them off their shore. :)

What a nice shot of beautiful rolling hills. Those sheep are a great touch. I think there's a bit too much foreground grass, but otherwise (with the exception of the windmills, which you can't control) it's a lovely shot.

Clark

macondo (13111) 2009-03-15 1:47

Hi Paul.
A simple enough but very pleasing landscape with a lovely sunlit patch on the slope and a great sky. The many undulations and wrinkles in the surface are very interesting, and I like the whites of the sheep and the wind machines. It's a thoroughly humanised landscape, really. Well done.
Regards,
Andrew

rodgerg (24091) 2009-03-15 6:29

Hello Paul,

A nice landscape with a good use of vertical format. I like the balance of your composition with differents plans well delimited. An image rich in details ( windmill, sheeps) well collected. Good photowork.
Have a good sunday,
Roger

jimkilgallon (0) 2009-03-15 12:51

Hi Paul
Very nice lighting on the top of the hills while the fg is bathed in shadow. The vertical framing is pleasing to the eye with awesome cloud formations and colours.
Well done Paul
Regards
Jim

barrufeto_77 (25809) 2009-03-15 15:34

Hi Paul.

I wish I were in a place like that. The calm & peace sensation is amazing. And how you guide our eyes till the top is great.

My compliments

colinb (1536) 2009-03-15 20:29

Really nice shot. The DOF is stunning, with very dramatic contrasts in the clouds in the sky and the folds of the hills. Thanks for sharing!

Waylim (10789) 2009-03-15 23:13

Paul,
Lovley, lovely landscape and the few sheeps really adds a lot to the composition, it kind off spice up the greenery a bit and off course the wind turbines are good elements too, rather than powerlines. beuatiful rolling hills and nice POV looking up to the beuatiful sky with very nice clouds illuminated by the low and warmer tone of the sun light. Beautiful nature shot. I enjoyed it. Thanks
Way

AiresSantos (42120) 2009-03-15 23:45

Hi Paul
Fine picture From the saddle. Well balanced and choose the vertical format in order to show us more details.
Excellent colours and DOF
Have a nice week
Aires

Graal (57941) 2009-03-15 23:46

Hi Paul,
nice landscape, interesting view on the hill. Fine light an sheeps accent on FG. Good work.
Gr., Aleksander

Giorgio (8708) 2009-03-16 0:35

- When a radio antenna is placed in a so nice place Paul, we can say that is a good country, you tell me in Paris, we are also lucky, since the transmitting antenna is on top of the Eiffel Tower! Anyway an opportunity for a beautiful photo, well done!
Greetings.
giorgio

Nicou (44829) 2009-03-16 1:37

Hello,

Superb cadrage, le format de l'image est mangigique que superbe ciel se cette belle colline avec le moutons, très bien vu.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

papagolf21 (56367) 2009-03-16 1:55

Bonjour, cher Paul,
Deux compositions, deux réussites. Des paysages très agréables à contempler. J'aime beaucoup les petites taches blanches représentées par les moutons disséminés dans la lande.
Le modernisme s'est installé avec la présence de ces éoliennes.
Image très pastorale.
Amitiés.
Philippe

aadilj (17950) 2009-03-16 2:02

Hi paul, this is yet again a superb and a very well composed image with finely controlled hues and etxtures. the use of the lights is also lovely

ahmetgedikli (21911) 2009-03-16 3:55

Hi Paul,
Very nice compo... Beautiful colors good sharpness and good lighting. Well done!
Regards.
Ahmet

ChrisJ (70231) 2009-03-16 4:53

Hi Paul

Nice repetition of the sheep & wind turbines in the bg. Superb sharpness & well composed. Tfs!

jmdias (19267) 2009-03-16 8:09

paul

very beautiful that spot light in the hill and these details in the ground, the animals are another great point of interest.

hugs

jorge

trekks (14314) 2009-03-16 11:09

hi Paul

I also must say I would prefer landscape wide view because the FG grass is not as interesting to me as the valley and the sky or the winding road leading away. The sheep and the windmills are a good inclusion. Especially nice clouds!

tfs, bill

BelCan75 (2418) 2009-03-16 11:22

Hello Paul,

Beautiful shot with great layers that work themselves up to the top of the photo. I wouldn't have noticed the radio tower if you didn't point it out. Great POV with such beautiful light, great colours and details. I like the sheep and windmills in the scene as well. The workshop photo is beautiful as well and I can't choose. So two thumbs up for both! Great work!

Greetings,
Ann

Greg1949 (8507) 2009-03-16 14:00

Paul, these are certainly some dreamy scenes from what appears to be the middle of nowhere, which is always a good place to go to take pictures of course. The erosion / lava trails looks a lot like the arid side of Maui. Great capture.

Greg

ifanik (20540) 2009-03-16 15:44

Hi Paul and thank you
This is a very beautiful landscape photo with wonderful colors
Well done
Best regards
Nick

dvlazar (6478) 2009-03-16 20:59

A nice moment with the light shining thru onto the grass - and the sky is just superb. I like the vertical framing - doesnt bother me at all.

Dave

carper (64878) 2009-03-16 22:44

very nice one Paul.
the light is great here, the sheep are doing well in the well taken composition, very pleasant landscape photo. have a nice day.
regard jaap

bosskokoss (1760) 2009-03-16 23:52

Hello Paul. Interseting , oryginal composition.
Fantastic view, nice colours and good sharpness. Regards Piotr.

Emile (19977) 2009-03-17 8:34

Hola Paul.
Beautiful landscape with the inclusion of sheep, your upward POV is very good, nice colors and you played very well with lights and shadows in your wonderful composition. Your WS is also good but I prefer this one.
Best regards.

josepmarin (33785) 2009-03-17 10:06

Hi Paul,
Good depth of image in this vertical setting, I like the contrast of the sheeps in the meadow with the modern mills in the hills of this beautiful landscape.
The sky is very nice and balances the graphism of the composition.
Your choice on this one is right.
Nice work, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

Cricri (43092) 2009-03-17 10:16

Hi Paul
Très joli celle çi ou le regard est attirer au loin, tout est beau le paysage avec les moutons, les formes et détails des montagnes, un tout dans un bon choix du format, belle image
Good evening for you
cricri

alainh (35367) 2009-03-17 22:35

hello Paul

i prefer this one for the elements of the composition and the horizontal for the mouvement of the clouds !! a fine place. if i was a cheap, i will be haapy to live here !!!!
friendly, Paul
alain

toto (18709) 2009-03-18 12:30

Bonjour,
belle photo de ces montagnes avec ces collines qui montent de plus en plus.
Ces moutons au milieu, ces éoliennes un peu plus loin et ces nuages gris au dessus du sommet donnent a votre photo une belle profondeur de champ.
Le choix de la hauteur allonge la prise aussi, ce qui est bien.
Amitiés Thomas

dip (12584) 2009-03-18 12:31

Hello Paul,
beautiful scenery,good point of view and amazing light,
the WS is also very nice,I prefer however this one,
very well done,
Dimitris.

MLINES (10884) 2009-03-18 13:16

Hi Paul, A timeless view of sheep in the hills of NZ. The wind turbines are definately a new part though. Well composed and presented. TFS. Murray.

jafadabret (39627) 2009-03-19 0:53

Bonjour Paul.
Les deux photos sont très belles. J'aime les zones bien éclairées comme sous l'effet d'un projecteur. Les moutons et les éoliennes semblent faire bon ménage.
Une vue très agréable !
Jacques

jhm (82545) 2009-03-19 1:47

Hello Paul,

Wind mills for energy a very good idea in this wonderful mountain landscape.
Very nice area for the sheep, excellent panorama image.
Composition and presentation are very well. TFS.

Best regards,
John

Uhu (7378) 2009-03-19 8:32

I see why Lord of the Rings was filmed on these islands - it's looking simple, but original and unusual at the same time.
Very good photo!

BWJ (1773) 2009-03-20 8:47

Hello Paul,
I like the vertical format. This view of the mountains, hills, and sheep in the field gives the feeling of distance and depth. The natural colors, sunlight and shadows on the hills are beautiful. Also, the sky and cloud formations add to the beauty of this well composed picture. It is a lovely landscape.
Kind regards,
Betty

Scharan (13951) 2009-03-20 13:33

Um belíssimo trabalho que ficou ótimo na vertical. As cores são maravilhososas e a composição muito agradável.
Belo céu...parabéns Paul!
GA
Vera

skippy007 (7053) 2009-03-21 2:00

Hello Paul, I was expecting you to tell me that you were on your bike when you took this shot, I was about to congratulate for it but instead congratulations are still in order but not for what I first thought but for this scene & your capture, great depth, interesting FG & sheep, nice contrast & colour, my apology but I prefer the WS version, the open gate I think is what does it for me.
Thanks
Take care
Santo

danos (32468) 2009-03-21 4:01

Hello Paul,
nice landscape view with the gorge to lead the eye on the top of the Mt.I like the cow that graze, as the light that falls on the far end hills. These three-bladed wind turbine,are the most common modern design of them and are an eye cacher for the scene Well done.

Have a nice weekend,Danos

jaywalker (12190) 2009-03-21 6:43

Hi Pual, A great rural picture & the lack of colour variety is typical of these areas, the sheep & windmills are wonderful additions & there is super light, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

Charo (31671) 2009-03-21 13:46

Hello Paul,
Perspective of these beautiful mountains and meadows with his sheep and also with wind turbines that are flooding our mountains throughout the world, but everything is not to pollute the planet more.
The horizontal view I like the WS too. Good job.
Best regards,
Charo

Didi (36090) 2009-03-22 4:21

Hi Paul
The place remembers me some views of Auvergne in France.
Very ggod point of view on the mountain.
Good balance between lights and shades.
Best regards.

fserajian (4485) 2009-03-22 23:04 [Comment]

Show Comment

zeca (20026) 2009-03-24 22:47

Hello Paul!
Beautiful view, excellent lights! I like the vertical framing, creating nice depth. Well taken!
Regards,
Zeca

John_F_Kennedy (31427) 2009-03-25 3:52

Splendid composition, with wonderful colours in a clear and sharp image. I like the cloud formation. Best wishes,
Achim
Best wishes,
Achim

mauro61 (15540) 2009-03-28 1:19

ciao Paul,
mi piace questo scatto dalla buona profondià in cui si arriva alle nuvole partendo dalla campagna con il greggie.
Buone le tonalità scure.
ben fatto saluti
maurizio

mumek (17468) 2009-03-30 2:26

Good morning Paul!
beautiful scenery from Manawatu. I see that the sheeps, like a photographer, they are watching you. Lovely composition with excellent play od the colours, light and shadows. My compliments
best regards
ziggy

Glint (3042) 2009-04-02 11:42

hello Paul,
nice light and colour here. I like your POV looking up the hill. You and I seem to have a sheep thing going on! :))
Bev
PS I like windmills too.

Bluejeans (32293) 2009-04-03 5:48

Ola Paul ,
Bonita esta foto vertical deu uma bela sensação de tamanho da montanha , tem belos tons de verde iluminados pelo sol , o céu estava magnifico , gostei muito dos animais a pastar , belo ponto de visão , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Angshu (33645) 2009-04-10 1:15

Hello Paul
Seemed to have quite a few posts in my absence (still here sporadically). Delightful light on the peak which creates nice interest and contrast with the shadow in the FG. Even the clouds are excellent here. Well done!
Regards
Angshu