Matai Bay. Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Hi all. This shot was taken at Matai Bay in Northland. Situated on the top of the Karikari Peninsular this is one of the twin bays that make up Matai Bay as a whole.
The tree in the FG is a Pohutukawa and is regarded as NZ’s Christmas tree as it flowers right on Christmas time with an abundance of red flowers and it is said that the more flowers produced, the longer the summer will be.
In WS is the other half of Matai Bay, taken looking in the other direction.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

BWJ, phwall, Gerrit, AiresSantos, riclopes, gracious, macondo, edytungkal, danos, jaywalker, Docarmo, Photo65Net, papagolf21, ChrysK, axiotea, josepmarin, belido, jafadabret, trekks, rodgerg, Cricri, feather, plimrn, Charo, lucasgalodoido, litiancai, stego, jhm, vmf-214, Didi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

phwall (5410) 2008-10-23 21:41

Hi Paul.
Nice POV looking through the tree, especially as it has those twisting tortured branches. The light looks wonderful, I'm guessing it is high in the sky but it works well for you in the way it forms light and shade patches on the trunks. Beautiful view, the bay and beach looks fantastic.
Really good image, my compliments.
Cheers
Peter

aadilj (17950) 2008-10-23 22:04

Hi Paul, this one is bold and well composed using the shadows, silouettes and the scenes so well to your advantage. Nice composition

danyy (67882) 2008-10-23 23:14

Bonjnour Paul,
magnifique ce centenaire, il tente d'effacer l'arrière plan avec toutes ses tentacules.
On ressent bien la chaleur et l'agréable climat.JOlies couleurs.
Regards.
Daniel.

Gerrit (35417) 2008-10-23 23:53

Hi Paul,
imposing tree and a fine view in between all those branches.
Beautiful colors and good light handling.
REgards, Gerrit

testmaniac (11832) 2008-10-23 23:54

Hi Paul,very good composed photo with excellent colors. Excellent POV indeed!

TFS and regards,
Phil

Valerka (8159) 2008-10-24 0:05

Hello,Paul,
I love trees, so this photo naturally caught my eyes from the thumbnails.
A lovely POV to show the gnarly and branchy tree.I like the look at the sky through the trees branches.
TFS
Valerka:)

AiresSantos (41220) 2008-10-24 0:38

Hi Paul
Different but interesting view of Matai Bay with the old big tree in foreground
It looks a very pleasant place. Excellent DOF and beautiful colours
TFs and have a nice day
Aires

riclopes (32823) 2008-10-24 1:12

Olá Paul, it's amazing to observe that all that we see here is just from one tree. A spectacular one that makes me want to have a house on it since the view is wonderful ;-) The best surprise is in WS, a magnificent view that deserves a post of its own. Congrats.
Have a nice weekend,
ricardo

gracious (20017) 2008-10-24 1:21

Hello Paul,
Lovely coastal scenery from Matai Bay well captured with the fg interest of Pohutukawa!
the lighting is so beautiful with nice colour and details
many thanks for the sharing
cheers
Tony

Loic_bzh (6934) 2008-10-24 2:29

Hi Paul,

nice and strange tree that let us see only a little bit of this paradise landscape in the background.

Cheers,

Loïc

macondo (12935) 2008-10-24 2:32

Hi Paul.
At first I didn't think I'd like it, the way the tree blocks so much of the scene behind. But really, the tree is a marvellous thing in itself, such a thick trunk and amazing curling branches which catch the sunlight in places. And we see just enough of that delightful little inlet in the bottom right corner. Very nicely done.
Regards,
Andrew

Budapestman (40866) 2008-10-24 3:28

Hi Paul,
Beautiful photo. Likes the narrow composition, the imposing forms of the tree prevail wonderfully. The environment fabulous, the colours and the details very beautiful. I would look at the tree at the time of blooming, a sight may be wonderful. Superb shot, indeed. Have a nice weekend
George

mauro61 (14528) 2008-10-24 4:14

ciao Paul,
l'intreccio dei rami con la spiaggia di fondo da un grande valore alla composizione.
Buona la gestione delle luci
buona giornata
maurizio

Giorgio (8600) 2008-10-24 4:49

- Superb foreground with this fantastic and incredible tree in spite of his imposing size, it lets see enough the splendid bay behind, it's very successful, well done!
Have a nice wekend also Paul.
Greetings.
giorgio

UnTrained (0) 2008-10-24 5:28

Hi Paul,
the tree is like crawling through the capture, kind of a Medusa. Good balance of light for the trunk and also well reduced DOF. Thanks for the workshop showing us the baity of the bay from a different POV.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

edytungkal (4513) 2008-10-24 7:00

Hello Paul,
I think its nice and interesting to frame the Matai Bay through this beautiful tree, i like the different blue on background and created a nice combination to the picture.
A well balance composition....tfs

daniel

danos (31562) 2008-10-24 7:28

Hello Paul,
very impressive this multi-trunks tree near the sea.I think that the real view of the Matai Bay,in the WS and this one photo must be a independent with title a 'Pohutukawa tree'.The creations of the Nature are unbelievable.Well done.

Have a nice weekend,Danos

lightsensor (651) 2008-10-24 8:18

hi, Paul,
this is interesting angle. even the tree all over the view, but i still can see the clear water not far away from where u at. the tree is detail on the taxture but the background didn't wash out. i bet you used flash or PS to fix it, didn't u? good work, my friend!

J-P,

jaywalker (12186) 2008-10-24 8:33

Hi Paul, An interesting composition utilizing the tree as the main of the foreground, the branches look like they are going to reach out & grab something, great texture & a lovely blue background, slightly unusual but why not, kind regards Wilson.

Docarmo (8812) 2008-10-24 10:00

Hi Paul,
Very beautiful tree introducing us to this magnificent place. The play of light and shadow is very well done. The WS added completes the landscape with style.
Congratulations,
MCV

jimkilgallon (0) 2008-10-24 10:48

Hi Paul
My comment would be the same as Andrew's but I can see what your getting at and the result looks splendid. The detail from the tree is first rate, well done.
PS Yes I cancelled going anywhere the weather is just awful, but I hear every Labour Bank holiday is like this.
Regards
Jim

Photo65Net (43084) 2008-10-24 12:18

Hello Paul,
Nice use of the tree curves here.
I like too the light you caught, nice one,
Have a nice day,
JB.

MLINES (10824) 2008-10-24 17:53

Hi Paul, It is good to see both this and the WS which shows how good the coastline of NZ really is. The massive Christmas tree along with the note is a very worth subject. The longer i'm away from NZ the more the yearn to visit again soon. Creative work, both well cropped and the blue skies are icing on these photos. TFS. Murray.

papagolf21 (55872) 2008-10-25 0:56

Bonjour, mon ami Paul,
Magnifique composition où cet arbre étend ses branches telles des tentacules pour rejoindre le ciel.
L'image est parfaitement composée. Un grand merci également pour la photo présentée en atelier (un paradis sur terre).
Félicitations.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Graal (57208) 2008-10-25 2:19

Hi Paul,
amazing big tree, well informations and good photojob. Great view on the picture in WS. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

Uhu (7326) 2008-10-25 2:41

High!
Really interesting object! Christmas tree, right? I'm more used to the other kind of it :)

Nicou (43771) 2008-10-25 9:21

Hello,

superbe image, cet arbre torueux avec ce branche, ce beau fond avec la mer, de toute beauté. Le cadrage est parfait.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

dvlazar (6468) 2008-10-25 9:32

Fascinating old tree youve shot! Its also nice to see the background too - the blue lagoon like ocean looks quite amazing!
Nice work<
Dave

giorgimer (20610) 2008-10-25 10:04

Hi Paul,

very beautiful natural subject, the tree in the FG is simply extraordinary.

Well done!

Gio

emka (21131) 2008-10-25 10:34

Hi paul, Beautiful photo, more of this old tree than a bay. Nice composition. splendid colour of water.

Regards

Malgorzata

axiotea (15895) 2008-10-25 11:17

Hello Paul
Not yet the time of the blossom, maybe in summer time ;) I wish I could see those flowers! Here I like to look at the sea and sky through the branches... A good sense of depth and colors nicely rendered. Thanks for the other pov which gives an idea of the context. This place looks fantastic!
Cheers
Marilyn

Scharan (13951) 2008-10-25 13:52

Olá Paul

Que linda esta árvore de troncos tortos...é bem interessante e merece seu registro, que está ótimo...parabéns pelo olhar.
GA
Vera

Clementi (42815) 2008-10-26 3:35

Ciao Paul,
nice shot,a fantastic tree, with some beautiful branches which form extraordinary figures. very beautiful the sea on the background.
Giorgio

josepmarin (33571) 2008-10-26 4:11

Hi Paul,
Your setting with this enormous and impressive tree in foreground is a good idea, because it offers us a magnificent graphism and it is allowed to us to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the bay in background.
I like the luminosity and the vivid colors of the photo.
It is a great work.
Friendly regards,
Josep

belido (15997) 2008-10-26 5:32

Hi Paul,

very beautiful tree and scenary! What most please me in this one is the lighting and exposure. I also like the graphism provided by the branches and the contrasting blue of the ocean on the back. Great job!
Regards,
Carlos

jafadabret (38881) 2008-10-26 12:33

Bonjour Paul.
Cet arbre est un excellent sujet et il donne tout ce qu'il a à la photo, un graphisme surprenant sous une belle lumière et devant un paysage des plus beaux.
Du grand art !
Jacques

tabora (13636) 2008-10-26 14:27

Hello Paul,
Je pense qu'il ne rentrera pas dans mon salon pour Noel,il a l'air immense,il doit faire bon être dans son ombre par grande chaleur,je me suis penché un peu pour voir la vue derrière.
Amitiés Joseph

trekks (14260) 2008-10-27 2:22

hi Paul

Either I shoot the whole tree, or I am not brave enough to shoot straight into a tree like this and split the landscape viewm but seeing how you did it here, throws the books into my face :)

I think breaking up the blue gradient color of the water works well here because of the thick round branches in unpredicatble directions, and also its dark color texture to provide a stark contrast. I like quite like it.

tfs, bill

Gregtom (7119) 2008-10-27 3:26

Hello, Paul!
Little unusual, but interesting way of composition in this landscape. I'm not sure, what is more important - the bay or the tree... both are nice and interesting. Nice work!
regards,
Greg

Greg1949 (8499) 2008-10-27 4:39

Paul, nice angle on this one, looking through the freee works well. All your shadows and brights work well together and overall it is a great shot.

Greg

Cricri (42735) 2008-10-27 6:33

Hi Paul
Assez spectaculaire ce viel arbre dans ce paysage de toute beauté, j'aime aussi celle du WS,
belle image de la nature
Good day for you
cricri

feather (49848) 2008-10-27 7:49

The wonderful turquoise of the sea makes a beautiful background for this gnarled old tree. There is a nice play of light/shade on the old bark, which is attractive. I also like the view in the WS and think you should post that as a main post sometime.
Kath

plimrn (19552) 2008-10-27 9:49

Hi Paul,
I do think you should take that picture of the bay out of the WS and make it a primary post. The shots together make a fine mini-series.

The tree is wonderful with its gracefully curving limbs. n The bay tempts in the BG; however opening the WS gives a broad feeling of expansive openess which nicely compliments the secluded feeling of the tree.
HLJ, Pat

lucasgalodoido (16537) 2008-10-27 18:50

Hi Paul,
very interesting this strange tree, and good colors of sea, fantastic! Great work my friend, and greetings from Brazil
Lucas

Waylim (10667) 2008-10-27 19:17

Paul,
What an impressive tree, I would love to be a kid and climbing the tree for fun. I don't know why, but I remember love climbing tree when I was little, especially kind with fruits. Perhaps to get away from the normal world down there and up on a tree I can observed things and goes on down below with a different perspective. this one has great details and texture of the trunks, and really good composition as well. Thanks Paul
Way

litiancai (1040) 2008-10-27 21:40

Hi Paul,
This is the kind of shot I don't bother taking any more because it never looks right, but you've done a great job here. Nothing is overexposed, superb depth of field and some great light catching the trees. Good shot!
all the best
Lee

rodgerg (22953) 2008-10-28 3:02

Hello Paul,

A very astonihing and very nice composition witrh this tree in the FG. good propsect too with the island in the BG. Colours and contrast well collected.
Have a good day,
Roger

Charo (31651) 2008-10-28 3:42

Hello Paul,
A very original composition with this great tree extending its branches against the coast.
Excellent details and colors.
Best regards,
Charo

pablominto (39872) 2008-10-28 10:03

Hello Paul,

This is an impressive tree!
Seems like this has reached a considerable age, no wonder in a beautiful setting like this...
And that is the good thing about having Christmas in the summer as you don't have to bring the tree indoor as you can celebrate where the tree is!

Greetings,
Pablo -

stego (22318) 2008-10-28 13:52

Hi Paul,
It's a very picturesque tree. It's quite interesting to see the beautiful coastal landscape thought its silhouette.
Regards, José.

ahmetgedikli (21543) 2008-10-28 14:29

Hi Paul,
Superb composition... Superb POV, very good light and contrast. I like it.
Best wishes,
Ahmet

Stepan (27167) 2008-10-29 13:28

A little strange and unusual to have put that huge tree, in the foreground as main subject. But why not ? Its branchs are a little crazy and the it is easy to imagine the tree could live and move. And then, the sea, as background, is ok.
Stéphane

jhm (81637) 2008-10-31 6:03

Hello Paul,

What a spectacular tree middle of the picture.
We have to look for the blue sea between the branches.
You chose a excellent angle, this care for a nice perspective and very well depth.
Quality and colour are pleasant for look it.
Composition and presentation are very well. TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

vmf-214 (1620) 2008-10-31 10:27

Hi Paul,
Well composed shot you did, Really like the lighting and seeing the view thourgh the limb of the tree. Well done Paul.

Regards
Jason.

BWJ (1771) 2008-11-02 16:11

Hello Paul,
A marvelous graceful tree and a well composed shot with the colorful bay in the background. Good details and beautiful textures especially in the bark of the tree. At Christmas time, the red blossoms of these large trees must be a magnificent sight to see! The colors red and green are our Christmas colors in the US, but our Christmas trees are usually evergreen trees. Your work is lovely, Paul.
Kind regards,
Betty

John_F_Kennedy (30545) 2008-11-03 2:34

Very nice photo of this giant tree with the ocean in the BG. Perfect composition, colours and sharpness.
Best wishes,
Achim

edal (6553) 2008-11-03 14:05

Hello Paul,
Seascape with an exotic tree (from European pov) is a sure eycatcher. Added the vibrant colors, the strong contrast of the fine ilumination - its a masterpiece.
Friendly,
Anton

jmdias (18683) 2008-11-09 3:46

paul

magnificent shapes of this tree against the colors of the sea. I liked the photo cause it isn't usual. We can see details of the tree and see the place where it is located

hugs

jorge

Didi (35668) 2008-11-09 9:25

Hi Paul
Wonderfull country with illimited landscapes.
Interesting balance between shades and lights on the tree who gives a speccial attraction to this picture.
Take care.

polpo56 (7752) 2008-11-13 14:20

Hi Paul,
Beautiful photo. I Like very much the landscape that is looked through the branches of the trees.
Nice composition
Ciao
Ludo

jurek1951 (25708) 2008-11-22 22:58

Hi Paul,
Beautiful and picturesque scenery :] Nice composition, colours and lighting, well framed.
Georg

Angshu (33215) 2008-11-25 0:27

Hello Paul
The wonderful turquoise sea makes a great background for the tree, which seems to spread it's branches in all directions. Like the nice, subtle play of light/shade on the trunk. Your Ws post is gorgeous & definitely worth a main post! Good work!
Regards
Angshu

npecanhuk (12947) 2008-11-29 9:11

Hello Paul!
Your decision to cover up almost the whole image with this tree was... superb! I really like it! This giant and wonderful tree does deserve that sort of hommage! In this case, all the background (it seems to me it's also beautiful) acts just as a framing for the main role player in here!
I really like it!
TFS - Congratulations!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan

kiks (5967) 2008-12-18 11:08

Amazing tree!! I have never seen something like this. I like the POV including the bay at the bg. It gives such a tropical feeling and that i would like to have here now that it is so grey at the Netherlands!
Best regards
KIKs

marcdemoulin (1492) 2009-01-23 12:24

This seascape through this outstanding tree is a great idea. Well done Paul.
Best RGDS
marc