Chichen Itza Photo

Photographer’s Note

Chichen Itza

The El Castillo pyramid, nearly 80 feet high, is the most striking structure at Chichen Itza. Each side of the pyramid has 91 steps – which with the addition of the top platform, equals 365 steps, one for each day of the calendar year. El Castillo (The Castle) dominates the site both for its size and for the symmetry of its perfect proportions. Open-jawed serpent statues adorn the corners of each of the pyramid’s four stairways. More serpents appear at the top of the building as sculptured columns. At the spring and fall equinoxes, the afternoon light strikes the trapezoidal structure so that the shadow of the snake god, Kukulcán, appears to slither down the side of the pyramid to bless the fertile earth. Many people travel to the site each year to see the shadow move slowly down the side of the pyramid.

Chichén Itzá is a Maya civilization archaeological ruin in the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico. The site's architecture has both classic Maya and Toltec influences, making it a fascinating city to wander through. Built beginning about 700 AD, the site reached its heyday between about 900 and 1100 AD.

asajernigan, gervaso, Jakab, paololg, belido has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

asajernigan (14046) 2009-09-14 18:35

Betty,
This is a nice shot of this great temple. The people add a nice sense of scale for the shot. I have visited Tulum but have always wanted to go to Chichen Itza. Your composition is great showing the temple from the corner allowing us to see two of it's sides. This angle gives the photo a nice sense of depth. The lighting and colors are great as is the sharpness and details.
TFS,
Asa

gervaso (5082) 2009-09-14 19:26

Hello, Betty!

This place is really magical, besides all its beauty! You got it with few tourists, something I was not able to do when I was there. Colors and sharpness are great! Wonderful composition! Good job!

mkgoyal2004 (635) 2009-09-15 0:16

Hi Betty Jones,

Though the light is not proper, due to clouds, but eventhen you have taken this architecture beautifully with perfect sharpness and framing. Congrats.

alin-m (899) 2009-09-15 6:45

Great immage,nice piramid.Verry good picture.Regards.Alin.

batalay (20800) 2009-09-15 21:23

Hello Betty,

This is a classic shot of El Castillo in Chichen Itza, all the more remarkable because it is not overrun by tourists. In fact, there is a certain charm in seeing a photographer and his subject, serving as a scale for the height of the pyramid. It is a beautifully composed shot, with a dramatic sky. I was there twice, during the Christmas holiday in 1974 and 1975, and climbed it both times. I understand an elderly tourist fell and was killed a few years ago, and the authorities closed it to tourists ascending the pyramid. Your note is first class as usual.

Warm regards,

Bulent

http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/mayan/ElCastillo.html

Fis2 (45519) 2009-09-17 15:01

Wiotaj Betty!
A very curious object.
Good frame, colors and light.
Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

Jakab (3440) 2009-10-07 5:59

Hello Betty,
this faultless photo is a worthy representation of this beautiful and extremely valuable heritage of ancient Maya civilization. Composition, lighting seem to be optimal, the clouds as background are excellent.
Congratulations!
Laszlo

paololg (13464) 2009-10-09 11:29

Ciao dear Betty,
the dramatic sky contributes to emphasize the beauty of this suggestive Maya pyramid. This pyramid is the symbol of the culture and the amazing architecture of this ancient people. Excellent view, compliment!
Ciao, have a nice time!
Paolo

belido (16219) 2009-10-15 5:14

Hi Betty,

I'd love to visit this place. There is some mystery in the air...your photo has an excellent quality. I particularly like the cloudy sky in the background. It makes the scene more dramatic. Very fine details and good colors/lights. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos