Skating away... Photo

Photographer’s Note

Skating on the natural ice is a favorite pastime in Holland since at least the Golden Age (17C), as one can see on numerous Dutch classical paintings from that period. Sadly, these days the canals freeze thickly enough for skating only once in a decade, but when they do, everybody goes on ice. I did it too for this shot, although not equipped with skates, as this old woman, but just with a camera. The trees are white from the hoar frost, a rare phenomenon which holds for maximum a day. The backdrop is the neogothic church of the village of Rijpwetering. I found the composition rather symbolic: the church, the old woman skating in its direction, and the wooden stork on the left, which signifies the birth of a child in a nearby house.

Budapestman, KLB, asajernigan, leonorkuhn, papagolf21, Cretense, mortijo, avene, AiresSantos has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Budapestman (41488) 2009-11-10 2:58

Hi Alexander,
a superb photo with beautiful details, the composition is very nice, the colours and lights are splendid. Peaceful and nostalgic mood, Have a nice day!
George

KLB (17927) 2009-11-10 3:03

Hello Alexander

Looks like a Carper's shot except the not exactly square format ;o)
Great composition with the person ideally placed in your picture and all the elements to get a well balanced image.
The orange jacket is perfect to catch the attention : lucky you !
Perfect exposure and a striking quality to appreciate each marvelous detail.
Compliments.

Regards
Karine

jasmis (50044) 2009-11-10 3:10

January... Uff. I was afraid this is todays photo.
Regards.

asajernigan (14054) 2009-11-10 3:43

Alexander,
This is a great winter scene. Your composition is great using the canal to lead the eye into the scene. The skater gives the shot life and a sense of direction. The lighting and colors are fine and the photo has nice sharpness.
TFS,
Asa

leonorkuhn (13513) 2009-11-10 3:54

Hi Alexander,

Amazing winter scenery. I don't know ice, but I think that the guy is skating on a layer not too thick. Very good POV, includind the beautiful church and the magnificent tree with gray branches. The stork is a very interesting bonus!

Greetings
Leonor

papagolf21 (56096) 2009-11-10 4:05

Bonjour, cher Alexander,
Très heureux de revoir vos photographies ! Une photographie prémonitoire !
L'image est fort bien composée et se prêterait à servir de cartes postales pour les fêtes de Noël ou du Nouvel An.
Très belles couleurs et définition.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Morac (20190) 2009-11-10 4:54

Bonjour Alexander,

C'est une superbe composition bien équilibrée par la présence et l'emplacement de cet homme en orange.
amicalement

Marc

Cretense (55528) 2009-11-10 4:59

... on the thin ice of a new day! -That was a title of a song by Jethro Tull! anyway, beautiful daily life scene, excellent job in framing and composition, beautiful reflection! Flawless light management, brilliant colours!

Hercules

mortijo (12084) 2009-11-10 6:54

A nice shot, like a postcard. Excellent shot. the orange anorak is a gift.
Regards,
John

Nicou (44407) 2009-11-10 7:02

Hello,

alors ça patine déjà, merveilleuse image la belle glace avec le reflet à sa surfaces, es maques, la vest orange du patineur donne une bele touche colorées, cet arbe et sa gelure et le colcher fier, superbe compo, splendide.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

Bartleby (4784) 2009-11-10 7:40

Hi Alexander,
An interesting composition indeed. All the elements revolve around the bright figure of the skater and her reflection. I also like the engaging POV. Well done.

Philippe

yquem46 (7820) 2009-11-10 8:22

Good evening Aleksander
A nice luminous shot of a frozen canal under winter light
Nicely composed. Even this orange jacket fits well with a dutch landscape
Best regards
patrick

avene (10930) 2009-11-10 20:10

hi Alexander,
as you say, everything seems to come together for this photo - the light, the frost, the reflection of the church tower on the ice, the colour of the woman's clothes and sense of direction she adds to the scene... amazing level of details, I can see every sinle branch on the tree. great shot, my compliments.

best,
Kristine

Rosa (4589) 2009-11-11 3:09

Bojour,
belle photo de cet homme qui patine sur cette rivière gelée.
Superbes reflets et belle profondeur de champ qui nous mène vers ce petit pont et cette jolie église.

Amitiés Thomas

AiresSantos (41780) 2009-11-12 14:00

Hi Alexander
Wonderful winter composition fine sharpness and colours
I like a lot the colours and POV
Have a nice evening
Aires

npecanhuk (13567) 2009-11-22 4:14

Hello Alexander!
A very beautiful photograph!
Sharpness, exposure, dof, pov, square format, colors and composition are all excellent here too!
Great moment with the ice-skater turning this image into something quite lively and inviting! I'd love to be him/her!
Architectural details and winter atmosphere at their best!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

jemaflor (39167) 2009-11-23 11:47

Hi Alexander,
Well composed with this icy place, good place for this skater and its orange reflection, the church and the tree give a good and interesting fg, well managed.