emerald Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

here i present you my somber, cloudy version of the famous quilotoa lagoon. since avene has already posted a sunshiny version of the lagoon, i decided to show it in a more disadvantagesous light. the cloudy setting is actually more prevalent there. at times, we could see the clouds literally crawl into the lagoon bowl... unfortunately, despite my wide angle, the perspective got rather compressed (in my opinion): it is not clear from the foto that right behind the foreground grass there is a 300 meter drop to the lagoon level. that's right, the lake itself is 300 meters below my POV.

-- background information:
"quilotoa (key-low-TOE-ah) is a water-filled caldera and the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 3 kilometres (2 mi) wide caldera was formed by the collapse of this dacite volcano following a catastrophic VEI-6 eruption about 800 years ago, which produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that reached the Pacific Ocean, and spread an airborne deposit of volcanic ash throughout the northern Andes. The caldera has since accumulated a 250 m (820 ft) deep crater lake, which has a greenish color as a result of dissolved minerals. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor and hot springs occur on the eastern flank of the volcano." [credits to wikipedia.org]

the site is owned by an indigenous kichwa tribe. supposedly, theirs is the only fully indigenous owned full-service hotel/restaurant/hostel complex in the country. a toll is collected (fair price) upon entering the village (i do not remember any other fees requested). the complex features a souvenir market, a simple, but delicious restaurant, a hostel, a soon to be finished hotel in construction and a viewing platform for less adventurous visitors.

--
ps. it was suggested that the sky might be overexposed here: actually, the white blob on the left is a foggy cloud setting down into the valley right behind the lagoon. as far as i remember: the cloud was just that: white and featureless. actually, in terms of light, the brightest spot in the whole scene is around the 'annoying blue spot' in the sky and right under it. it seems - no overexposure there.

-- other quilotoa loop encounters from our trip i have gathered in a theme: quilotoa loop.

Charo, Ethelep, belido, fulvio52, delic, denisn72, Wandering_Dan, nikosrio, jhm, avene, gracious, Floydian, gunbud, fabdemacedo, Philippe, plimrn, GLEM, giorgimer, zeca, parbo, leo61, steliosk, marcan44, Karsten71 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bigtim (3487) 2008-05-05 6:22

Salut Kristaps,
incroyable cet endroit les couleurs de la terre sont absolument magnifique, dommage que le ciel soit un peu surexposé¨

tiM

[2] +

Dworkin (79) 2008-05-05 6:28

Hi Kristaps

Very interesting capture, the colors are beautiful and the overall composition gives a dramatic impression.

Maybe the sky is a bit overexposed, you can probably fix it with few post-treatment

Good job, anyway.

Regards

Sam

[2] +

belido (17203) 2008-05-05 6:29

Hi Kristaps,

very impressive register. Love the dark tones. They fit well here. You made good use of the foreground and the cloudy sky at the back to emphasise the exquisite lake. Very pleasant seen. I must go there!!!
Regards,
Carlos

[2] +

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-05-05 6:35

Pretty awesome shot, buddy!
Gloomy and gorgeous, I would say.
Contrast and colors are superb, with perfect accents provided by those bright yellows in fore/lower-midground.
I don't see any overexposure in the sky... I put on 2 pair of glasses and I still don't see it...
Maybe next time you tell the fog to be not so featureless... LOL!!!
Great shot, love it!
Cheers,

Fulvio.

[2] +

Greg1949 (8551) 2008-05-05 6:36

Kristaps, interesting exposure to say the least. It compares perfectly with the clear day view but could easily be a different location because of the colorong. Nice comparison. Good note as well.

Greg

delic (6735) 2008-05-05 6:40

Reminded me of Lough Tay in Ireland. Its color must be from tannin. Looks nice under that sky. The little patch of blue is somewhat annoying. Good one, Kristaps. Regards,
Hakan

npecanhuk (15212) 2008-05-05 7:04

Hello Kristaps!
Ecuador is not a big Country, but it has a great deal of natural beauties!
I like very much this picture! It makes me want to be there, right were you were! What a POV!
TFS - Congratulations!
Neyvan

denisn72 (7093) 2008-05-05 7:14

Hello Kristaps
Amazing place and stunning colours. I really like the golden colour in that picture. Great atmosphere there and the bit of blue sky is charming. The water seems so dark! Well done!
Best regards
Dneis!

Wandering_Dan (3331) 2008-05-05 8:03

Hi, Kristaps -

Fascinating FG light capture here. And a good composition overall.

Best,
Dan

nikosrio (1052) 2008-05-05 8:09

Ecxellent shot.Gives a dramatic impression.
The clouds are great and the small part of blue amazing.
Regards
Nikos.

Merline (6578) 2008-05-05 9:27

Disadvantagesous light ?! You must be kidding :-). I love it; It is sometimes like this and I am glad to see it under a dramatic mood. The dark green of the lake is so beautiful, surrounded by the lighter rocks in the foreground and the bits of vegetation. BUSHES BY THE LAKE ?? o)))That tree in the composition gives it a lot of depth. It's like being at the beginning of the world...reminds me of Iceland. I see no overexposure, only big rainy clouds and that tiny "annoying" opening of blue to enhance it all. My compliments Kristaps, very balanced and beautiful work!

Enjoy the rest of the day
Cheers
Michèle

delkoo (35058) 2008-05-05 9:37

hi Kristaps,
impressive view on the lagoon, That must have been a wonderful trip and you got a most gorgeous shot. i plan to go to Escuador for the next year,
when I see your photos, I am more and more enthusiastic.

regards
didier

Tobias__Ortmann (2591) 2008-05-05 9:41

Hi kristaps amazing shot I really like it
great pov nice composition with the bush and also good contrast
the scenery is fantastic I have to go there
well done Toba

avene (11252) 2008-05-05 10:49

very impressive shot, the intense colours work well to emphasise the drama created by the menacing clouds. I like that foreground tree a lot, I think it makes all the difference in the scene, especially how it leans towards the lake as if twisted by constant winds. and I agree that there's no overexposure, you can actually see how the clouds give way to the billowing fog. superb work, my compliments.

take care,
K.

bracasha75 (22543) 2008-05-05 14:21

Hi Kristaps
Very complete work and very dificult shot
The colors and contrast here are good but the composition is special
Excellent work
TFS
Cheers,Braca

gracious (20017) 2008-05-05 14:57

Hello Kristaps,
Very impressive and dramatic view over the Lagoon with that powerful clouds above!
the colour and lighting is very special in this composition!
many thanks for the share with a wonderful notes
cheers
Tony

Floydian (30970) 2008-05-05 16:04

Hi Kristaps,
I have not been to this place, and seeing this i really regret this. The dark tones bring out a fantastic mood, could be a scene from Lord Of The Rings. It are the deep colours what makes this image, but that small patch of blue is also real bonus...great, absolute great.
Regards, Henk

trekks (14336) 2008-05-05 17:32

hello Kristraps

Great view of the lake and valley perspective from this high angle shot. IMO, I am not sure if the contrast level is too strong due to pp work but the overall effect of the mood is great.

tfs, bill

gunbud (28325) 2008-05-05 19:47

Hi Kristaps,
You have captured dramatic high altitude beauty with this great crater lake surrounded by striking treeless banks seen below a very dangerous looking stromy sky with a patch of blue showing through. \
Regards, Tom

molla (6935) 2008-05-06 0:24

Hej Kristaps
It's amazing to setwo similair interpretation of
this view. I like this a lot, the tree makes it inpressive and gives us a good foreground. the dark color of the water makes it a bit scary and mystic.
tjingeling
Anders

jhm (83802) 2008-05-06 3:16

Hello Kristaps,

This is no easy picture for taking, the backlight care for difficult light.
I find that you very well did, with the lake in middle of the picture.
You play excellent with ligth and colours, nice composition.
Thanks for sharing.

Best regards,
John.

yso (3209) 2008-05-06 3:47

Hi Kristaps,
So fantastic atmosphere ! Congratulations !
Regards,
Yves

ahmetgedikli (22249) 2008-05-06 6:27

Hi Kristaps,
Very nice view... Excellent POV, good contrast and light. Well done.
Have a nice day.
Ahmet

dvlazar (6492) 2008-05-06 8:30

This looks like an absolute gem in the volcano - well captured! The crater hike was very well worth it to see this.
Cheers!
Dave

fabdemacedo (455) 2008-05-06 9:24

Hello, this picture is wonderful, well contrasted, sharp. You're right, dificult to imagine that there is 300m drop just behind the foreground, but you're picture is deep, we can se very far inside...water is like if you had used a long exposition but the effect is not the same with the clouds. I think it's a very nice place to be, very particular athmosphere.
Thank you.
fabien

nirvana73 (8896) 2008-05-06 9:56

Hello Kristaps
vooow
great atmosphere
nice colors and presentation
tfs
regards
Ozhan

Polonaise (5638) 2008-05-06 12:22

Dear Kristaps...
There is only only reason in the entire world for me not to jump on my chair upon seeing these kind of photos...
The reason is: Their sheer number around...
Good God...
Any visit to ANY photo website...
Any visit to any bookstore...
Albums, calendars, traveling brochures...
Gazillions of these photos...Everywhere..

Is your photo beautiful...?
Yes...!!! Absolutely beautiful...

And that's the problem, buddy...

It's too beautiful for me.. It's like walking in the garden full of roses and you have that overpowering feeling of stomping on all of them...
Just too many, too beautiful, too smelly - to really adore them...
You start looking sub-consciously for a head of cabbage, thorn of cactus or naked bamboo stick...

You start looking for a photography rather and not for a digital copy of the lagoon.

I loved your rough, rookie photos from your early months - much better.
Here - you are one of many smooth operators of some mechanical device...
Love your skills - hate of wasting the time...

....................

[2] +

Philippe (11791) 2008-05-06 14:13

Hi, Kristaps. As you say, difficult to believe there is a 300-metre drop to the lake. But if you look to the other side, you can easily imagine what it must be like here. You've chosen a good POV to show us the caldera and there are good contrasts between the water and the edge of the lake on this side. The sky is amazing, especially the blue spot in the middle of the grey clouds.

danyy (69963) 2008-05-06 14:46

Bonjour Kristaps,
il fallait d'abord arriver à cet endroit pour avoir ce prestigieux point de vue surélevé, ensuite penser à utiliser le grand angle pour augmenter la superficie photographiée, utile ici.
Et puis bien cadrer.
Tout y est, le résultat est superbe.
Regards.
Daniel.

crckt (7102) 2008-05-06 17:56

Hi Kristaps,
What PP did you do to the shot? It looks out of this world. There's something in it, I don't know what which looks like it is from Sci-fi movie or something. Bottom line, I like it a lot :)
Regards,
Shaeri

baba_flies (8191) 2008-05-07 4:56

Hello Kristaps! What a dramatic view! I like the last blue, the little whole that comes through the clouds showing that there is still some sun around, somewhere up there. The light is attractive and adds a dramatic aspect to this rugged area, it underlines it in my eyes even a bit further. No flying weather I am afraid looking at those clouds ... and I guess you need oxygen as high up this place probably is - if a Cessna can make it at all. I read your note about learning to fly ... do it! Despite the price ... it is a priceless experience although I am only on the passenger seat and my man is the pilot in command. He brings me to places I never dreamt of and to interesting situations every once in a while. There are other thoughts that cross my mind sometimes if it is sill appropriate to fly when the resources get smaller with each day, but does it make a difference if tiny Barbara makes this difference? I really don't know. Wonderful photo work ... Barbara.

batalay (21422) 2008-05-07 6:20

Hello Kristaps,

An entirely complementary image to Kristine's slightly better illuminated image of the lake. Not surprisingly, your note is first class, as is the image. Now is this the caldera of volcano, filled with water, as is the one in Santorini?

Warm regards,

Bulent

plimrn (19892) 2008-05-07 12:49

Hi Kristaps,
Nice of you to place the link to kistine's photo it's interesting to see the lake in two different moods. Here the weather is threatening and the fog bank creeps in, leaving only that touch of blue for contrast but still the deep lake maintains its green. Great note too.
HLJ, Pat

maximage (13724) 2008-05-07 13:52

Bonjour Kristaps,
Cette image est vraiment extraordinaire! De toute beauté. La lumière avec ce magnifique ciel est splendide. Belles images sur l'Equateur.
Merci pour le partage.
Amitiés.
max

pboehringer (770) 2008-05-07 18:33

Kristaps,
this almost seems to be a replicate of the Crater Lake in Oregon - a mini replica! This shot is the perfect example that we don't need always the best light and magical moments to get a great shot. The light and weather conditions are all but not good nad yet you managed to make it look extremely dramatic and most beautiful!
Peter

Wanda1 (11025) 2008-05-07 22:13

Hi Kristaps,
The dark brooding clouds with the tiny patch of blue peeping through is simply great and really adds something to the shot. The whole image has a deep and quiet mood to it, and you have captured some nice foreground detail too.
Regards
Wanda

ifanik (20696) 2008-05-08 6:31 [Comment]

Show Comment

GLEM (2998) 2008-05-08 13:28

hi Kristaps,
fantastique image avec une ambiance 'fin du monde'. La lumière diffuse permet de mettre en valeur le relief, excellente composition.

gl

giorgimer (21710) 2008-05-08 15:51

Hi Kris,

WHAT A GREAT PLACE! I like your shot very fascinating despite (or thanks to) the light conditions. Excellent atmosphere.

TFS

Gio

capthaddock (28640) 2008-05-08 17:12

Amazing crater, I confess I prefer the sunshiney version, but this makes a good comparison, the sky can be overexposed easily in this type of weather, but that is not the case here. I especially like the blue hole.

zeca (20026) 2008-05-08 21:18

Wow, I like it, Kristaps! The black hole in the mountain and the blue hole in the sky! Both great details! The lights are dramatic both on the sky and on the ground details. This is a great capture! Congratulations!
Cheers!
Zeca

azaf1 (15615) 2008-05-10 0:25

Hi Kristaps
You must be very lucky to experience sights like this. It's just a wonderful place and the threatening sky makes really unique as a composition
Compliments
Argiris

kiks (6173) 2008-05-10 6:23

Hello Kristaps, not only the landschape is amazing but also the way you catch it! You made good use of the clouds and the tree at the left give a good idea of scale. Lovely work
TFS
KIKs

sacavem (8703) 2008-05-10 13:39

Olá Kristaps,

Beautiful view from Quilotoa.The nature shows fabulosos places to us and it serves TE so that all can know them in any part of the world.

TFS and greetings,
Filipe

I`ll smile tomorrow

ElAprendiz (7370) 2008-05-10 13:44

Hi Kris:

An extraordinary landscape of lush beauty, as all those who presented the Andes, along the entire South America.

The tones are excellent, composition with this huge volcanic lake, is unmatched, from a well chosen because of you. Congratulations.

John

parbo (11054) 2008-05-11 0:32

Hi Kristaps,

How did you fix this beautiful frame pixel by pixel? Splendid texture changes and matte crater lake creates really unique view with cloudy sky. Right usage of wide angle too. A great one, congratulations.

Friendly Regards,

Ertugrul
PS. Sorry for my late visit, I was on assignment.

Bluejeans (33457) 2008-05-11 7:13

Ola Kristaps,
Que linda paisagem magnifica , muito bonitas a natureza , gostei muito do céu quase que dá para tocar com a mão , boa profundidade de foto, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

jrj (34779) 2008-05-13 6:17

What a landscape K. Superb result in this work under maybe the best weather for having some effects suitable for such a place. Good work - well disposed.

leo61 (44118) 2008-05-14 11:14

Hi Kristaps!
Great shot of this craterlake.Wonderful light in the foreground and good contrast with this grey sky.Great POV and good composition with the tree at the left side.
Regards,Leo

Angshu (34253) 2008-05-16 1:14

Hello Kristaps
The beauty of the lagoon is unparallel whether in sunlight or in cloudy weather as this. Like your inclusion of the bush in the FG. Colours on the ground are interesting...a combo. of yellow & green, with the yellow more enhanced than in Kristine's shot. That small window of blue in the sky is very appealing as well. Good work my friend!
Best Regards
Angshuman

marietom (32294) 2008-05-16 14:09

Hello Kristaps,

Il est beau, ce lac, ta composition, avec ce tout petit bout de ciel bleu est très belle. Magique, cet endroit.
Bonne journée
Marie

Charo (32234) 2008-05-20 17:31

Hola Kristaps,
Una foto bastante espectacular con buenos colores y una gran atmósfera. Una bella y casi enigmática foto. Buen trabajo
Cordialmente
Charo

sagar (2307) 2008-05-28 8:18

Hi Kristaps,
I regret the fact that I missed this 'out of the world' shot for so many days!!!!!
Wonderful , thats all I can say....The dark cloud looks superb , and whats really wonderful to behold is the little peeping blue sky amidst the darkness surrounding it.
The lake looks so pristine and calm.....the gloomy weather was perhaps the decisive factor in making this shot what it is- a true gem!!!
Regards,
Sagarneel.

steliosk (4784) 2008-06-03 5:24

Undoubtedly this is a great description
Outstanding exposure and balance.
Great POV too. Your ultra wide angle lens did it again

Congratulations for this one

Regards
Stelios

joscel1975 (489) 2008-06-28 0:03 [Comment]

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Stepan (27175) 2008-06-28 0:10

I do enjoy that kind of dark light, especially in such a dark landscape. Makes the place really impressive, really stunning.
Stéphane

marcan44 (3211) 2008-08-22 13:59

Hello Kristaps,
really beautiful this volcanic lake.
The shot is fantastic and very professional and elegant (HDR?).
Definition, management lights and clearness impressive.
My compliments!!!
Kind regards
Mario

Karsten71 (303) 2008-12-06 14:35

Hi Kristaps,
stunning colours... what a dramatic sky... I actually think that the 'annoying blue spot' you are referring to further adds to the picture (it is in the perfect position, too ;-) the colours of the shore below the lagoon have an almost surreal feel to them...
superb!
TFS,
Karsten

man33m (60) 2008-12-31 9:09

Wow! spectacular scenery. And superb photo

siislam (290) 2009-01-01 3:12