Breathless!, a photo from Jawa Timur, Java

Photographer's Note

Kawah Ijen volcano is one of several volcanoes located within the hugh 20km diameter Ijen Caldera in East Java, one of the most impressive natural wonders of Indonesia. lying at 2300m above sea level. The caldera rim is still visible in places, but has been partially buried by Kawah Ijen, Gunung Merapi, Gunung Rante and Gunung Pendil volcanoes. The caldera is today largely filled with coffee plantations that dominate much of the picturesque landscape. Kawah Ijen nearly 1 km wide harbours a large warm acidic crater lake, the world’s most acidic and the principal attraction here is sulphur which lies hidden between sheer walls of deeply furrowed rock at more than 200 meters. It is here, the site of a labor-intensive sulphur mining that hundreds of men carry out one of the most grueling and dangerous jobs in the world.

Their work begins with a climb up to the crater rim and down to the vent, where the sulphur forms. The sulphur is broken into manageable pieces with nothing more than metal rods, braving extremely dangerous gases and liquids with minimal protection and then loaded as much as they can carry into bamboo baskets and hand carried. The loads sometimes exceed 70 kg and are carried by the men up a winding path made of crumbling rocks and sand several kilometers to the weighing station. A single miner might make as many as two or three trips in a day. At the end of a long day, the miners can expect an amount of money considerably larger than anything they would make from most other jobs in rural Java. The sulphur is then used for vulcanizing rubber, bleaching sugar and other industrial processes nearby.

The acidic lake is without doubt offers the most stunning views at day break when the sun begins to shine the crater area and you will see the beautiful reflection of the golden sunlight reflecting in the lake's turquoise green - the solution of sulphuric acid and hydrogen chloride- with an ethereal brilliance. One of the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen in my life! Seeing at glance for the first time literally took my breath away. Standing on a top ridge looking down at that steamed poisonous sulphuric gas, is truly a fusion of natural beauty and fatal danger. The acidic nature of the gases also leads to irritation and inflammation of the eyes and sudden releases of large volumes of gas from the lake may be fatal to those near the bottom of the crater.

This was taken from the top rim facing north, the best vantage point but be prepaired by the welcoming pungent sulphur fumes!!

SnapRJW, Budapestman, rychem, patdeph, vasilpro, Bluejeans, papagolf21, emilbo, kato, bayno, holmertz, Gigidusud, dip, Graal, jjcordier, adramad, williewhistler, jhm, jlbrthnn, Cricri, eldancer1, jusninasirun, josepmarin, Robert1969, delpeoples, lakshmip1949, siolaw, CLODO, mkamionka, fritzi007, paololg, kiks has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bema (25936) 2012-04-17 7:26

Hi dear Abmdsudi,

looks really very breathtaking, and i think you mean it in a double sence.. the smellings must be very awful..
thanks for sharing this interesting view!

have a nice day, see you around, cheers Bernd

ciakgiak (30331) 2012-04-17 7:34

Caro Abmdsudi,
Wow!!! Che magnifica foto, un paesaggio che poche volte l'occhio umano ha la fortuna di poter ammirare dal vivo, ma che grazie a te possiamo ammirare in tutta la sua bellezza e grande suggestuione.
Belli i colori e la qualità, splendido l'effettio derivato dal fumo misto alla bella luce.
Un caro saluto
Giorgio

altay1364 (0) 2012-04-17 7:54

İyi günler
Çok güzel bir kare !ayrıntılar çok ustaca ve bütün olarak mükemmel . tebrik ediyorum

Afsanehbagheri (3206) 2012-04-17 8:23

سلام دوست من

نما و نور خیلی زیبا منظره فوق العاده است

تبریک

SnapRJW (18792) 2012-04-17 9:24

Hello Abmdsudi - I have seen some sulphur mining shots on TE but I don't recall seeing a shot of the wider landscape. This is a fascinating shot, wonderful detailing in the crater rim. The sulphur deposit and rising cloud of gases illustrate just how dreadful it must be to work in this environment - it looks like the mouth of Hades. A superb landscape with a sinister reality! TFS. Warm regards rosemary

Budapestman (82620) 2012-04-17 10:17

Hi Abmdsudi,
a picturesque view with fantastic composition and lights, the POV is effective, great atmosphere, Tfs! Have a nice week! Kellemes hetet kívánok!
György

rychem (9264) 2012-04-17 10:42

Interesting place, beaitiful phenomenon of the naturem beautiful light and colors
regards
Ryszard

JFS (32189) 2012-04-17 10:43

Impressive shot, this is an spectacle! The image is perfect, top class! Thanks Abmdsudi!

patdeph (35738) 2012-04-17 10:57

hello Abmdsudi
splendid and spectacular picture of this volcano.I love the colors and the effect of the smoke,half in the shadow, half in the sun.
I had seen recently an emission at TV about the job of the men here, it seems to be terrible.It must be also difficult for you, with the gaz.
Regards
Pascale

vasilpro (40194) 2012-04-17 11:01

Hello Abmdsudi,
Superb composition with a spectacular view to the volcano, wonderful atmosphere, lovely light and colors, very good clarity, contrast and sharpness, TfS!
Greetings, Vasilis.

Bluejeans (64239) 2012-04-17 11:16

Ola Abmudsudi ,
Que bela visão deste vulcão em atividade , penso que estes fumos podem ser mortais mas ao mesmo tempo o contraste amarelo verde e lindo , bom ponto de visão alto , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

papagolf21 (76611) 2012-04-17 11:34

Bonsoir, Abmdsud ,
Quelle photographie présentée ! Superbe réalisation étonnante et dont le réalisme subjugue. Les couleurs sont splendides. Le résultat est excellent.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Jeppo (17623) 2012-04-17 12:04

ciao abmsudi,

I like these stunning colours. the smoke rising from the yellow sulfourous area is quite frightening

ciao
jeppo

emilbo (20872) 2012-04-17 12:17

Il fallait être là pour le voir et prendre cette photo spectaculaire. Je crois qu'il vaut mieux ne pas s'y baigner. L'atmosphère de chaleur ne manque pas et les couleurs sont toutes à fait fantastiques. Un beau spectacle à voir.
Toutes mes félicitations et merci de partager,
Emilius

kato (6801) 2012-04-17 12:39

Hi Abmdsudi,

You're capturing well the top of volcano by a good angle ad excellent tone, so it's impressive to see the pool covered with the green water in a crater, the smoke which has erupted and the rock surface dyed to yellow. We can feel the sulphuric smell from this spectacle. It's impressive in strength of the smoke by distance, too. And, the whole is harmonized well by interesting good color balance.

Kind regards,
mikio

bayno (16241) 2012-04-17 13:01

Hi Abmdsudi,
wonderful shot, worthy of National Geographic, known for the yellow color that perhaps reveals the presence of sulfur in the volcano, wonderful colors and striking contrast between them, very nice light and smoke that climb the sky...great job...
warm regards,
Valter

holmertz (26982) 2012-04-17 13:09

Hello Abmdsudi,
You have explored a lot of astonishing places for the pleasure of TE members. This title can obviously be interpreted in at least two ways. Without breathing the sulphur I am just breathless at the view of the caldera and the incredible yellow and green, as well as the clouds of smoke rising from the sulphuric area. A spectacular view and an exceptional photo.
Kind regards,
Gert

Gigidusud (8106) 2012-04-17 13:47

Hello Abmdsudi,
This is an impressive shot!Great POV,nice light and beautiful colors.I like it!
Thanks for sharing.
Ghislaine

Didi (48938) 2012-04-17 18:09

Hi Abmdsudi
This is a great place, You had hard conditions of lights.
But your subject is very interesting.
Well done.
Best regards

Waylim (22357) 2012-04-17 21:43

Hi Abmdsudi

Really amazing view and a great shot. I imagine the light is difficult and the focus due the smoke, but you dis such great job with it even the strong shadow and light. the golden glow and the turquoise green of the crater lake is really fantastic devide by the smock. Must be an incredible sight. Great job with the photo.

Way

dip (21921) 2012-04-17 22:58

Hello Abmdsudi,
very impressive view,excellent POV and amazing colors!
thanks for sharing,
Dimitris.

Fis2 (73146) 2012-04-18 0:05

Witaj Abmdsudi!
Wonderful place,
lovely view.
Good POV and superb colors.
Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

Graal (88982) 2012-04-18 0:17

Hi Abmdsudi,
unusual place and view. Good presentation this volcano. Fine high POV You had. Amazing colour of water and rocks. Photo I like.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

TopGeo (37994) 2012-04-18 0:24

Hi Abmdsudi,
a picturesque view with fantastic composition and lights effect, Wonderful photo!a ideal format, chosen pov, combinations of tones and colors, management of light, level of sharpness and composition are all excellent and really pleased me!
Best regards
Georgios

jjcordier (62394) 2012-04-18 0:28

abmdsudi
Très bonne photo de ce volcan de Java. le cadrage est bon mais ce sont surtout les couleurs qui attirent. Un contraste étonnant entre les fumerolles soulignant l'activité du volcan et le calme absolu du lac de cratère.
Amicalement
JJ

sevy (13273) 2012-04-18 0:30

Hello,

I hope to visit this place in June. It is good for me to see in advance what is possible for photo.
I like here the play of color for the composition between yellow, green and blue.

Yves.

dkmurphys (36857) 2012-04-18 2:22

Hello,
Spectacular natural scene. So many colors and textures in this detail. Wonderful composition, well taken.

Daniel

adramad (27556) 2012-04-18 8:08

Hello Abmdsudi.
How wonderful image is superb, is a gift which we offer to enjoy this spectacular view of the volcanic lake, ideal that green water and the variety of color ranges from the rock, highlighting the yellow sulfur and fumes .
Perfect sharpness and brightness. The magnificent note values the image we behold.
Well done. I love it.
Best regards.
Luis.

williewhistler (7317) 2012-04-18 8:47

Hello Abmdsudi,
your judicious use of the GG filter helps to capture the atmosphere created inside this amazing natural phenomenon,it has the look of what we imagine Hades to be with smoke and steam billowing from inside Earths` core.
A fantastic presentation of one of the more inaccessible locations.
Regards Les.

jhm (122490) 2012-04-18 9:02

Hello Abmdsudi,

I know the smell of these odor, looks really very breathtaking.
Absolutely a very good picture, truly realistic.
You plays excellent with light and shadows, this gives a nice composition.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

jlbrthnn (79773) 2012-04-18 10:40

Hello Abmdsudi,
The landscape is indeed fantastic, the colors too. It's a beautiful picture, which rewards efforts to reach this point of view. The light, colors and sharpness are excellent. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

kiks (11389) 2012-04-18 12:06

This is a place that i would like to visit not only for the beauty of it that you show so well on this marvellous photo.
Best regadrs
KIKs

Cricri (86535) 2012-04-18 13:06

Hi Abmdsudi
Quel beauté ce paysage volcanique, des couleurs au combien merveilleuse, impressionnant avec la fumée, mais combien magnifique a voir, compliment
Belle soirée
cricri

eldancer1 (17106) 2012-04-18 15:18

Wow! Awesome capture of this volcano! Thank you for the information, very valuable. Good details and wonderful colors. Well done, tfs.

jusninasirun (17142) 2012-04-18 23:51

Salam my friend down south.
This is definitely a top drawer shot that one would like to keep and behold. You have captured the right atmosphere with warn tone of the volcanic activity moving across the emerald water of the lake. Lovely details and well crafted image for visual pleasure.
Thanks and have a nice day.
Regards,
Jusni

josepmarin (55063) 2012-04-19 3:59

Hi Abmdsudi,
from this good POV you have caught the fantastic colors of the water and of the rocks in this volcano, with the magnificent graphical effect created by the fumaroles, which give a touch of mystery to the image that you offer us in this good composition.
A beautiful work.
Best regards,
Josep

danyy (0) 2012-04-19 8:02

Bonjour Abmdsudi,
la région la plus tumultueuse du monde sur le plan sismique et volcanique. Il faut être courageux pour se retrouver au bord de ces cratères.
Des caldéras sulfureuses et même sulfuriques parfois, mais toujours avec des couleurs magnifiques.
My best regards.
Daniel.

zanzi (12608) 2012-04-19 12:00

Bonsoir abmdsudi
Rarely this title has been so much deserved.
I can guess that the smell was breathless too...
Bravo
Chris

Robert1969 (6238) 2012-04-19 23:52

Hello Abmdsudi,

Impressive surrounding. It seems peaceful with
the beautiful colors, but the smoke left in
the picture it shows how dangerous it is
(strong title). The light management and the
composition are as alway great.

Friendly regards,
Robert

delpeoples (45018) 2012-04-20 5:19

Hello dear Abmdsudi

A sensational photo of a fascinating subject. Volcanoes always have a very particular attraction, as this one does. Sensational colours and sharpness. The steam certainly sets the scene and adds to the atmosphere of menace. A wonderful photo, I hope you don't mind me adding to my Volcanoes Theme.

Warm regards
Lisa

Silvio1953 (98259) 2012-04-20 6:50

Ciao Abmdsudi, fantastic view of amazing lake, wonderful colors and excellent clarity, fascinating composition, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

siamesa (27449) 2012-04-20 8:46

Boa tarde Abmdsudi

It seems a liquid emerald. The colors are spectaculars.I like the mystery mood of the composition. Superb capture.
Abraços
maria

everlasting (13803) 2012-04-20 12:50

There really isnt anything I can add to the list of comments here but I wanted to drop by and give my kudos

yquem46 (32323) 2012-04-22 10:44

Hi Abmsudi
A couple of good ones posted in your gallery when I was away for a week
Just like this one
Have a nice sunday
Best regards
Patrick

lakshmip1949 (19110) 2012-04-22 14:04

Hello Abmdsudi,

Working in any kind of mines is hard . Here, you have presented the crater rim showing the details . The white fumes coming from the crater is very clear .The colored rocks contrast well against the green water. Very beautiful shot with perfect lighting, sharpness and colors.

Lakshmi

siolaw (37568) 2012-04-22 23:15

Hi Abmdsudi
Breathless in both senses of the term makes it an clever title and the photo seems from another world.
A well known place with those guys toiling under unbearable conditions.... Great note to tell the story too.
Greetings
Laurent

CLODO (24734) 2012-04-24 8:34

hello Abmdsudi

You were close to hell! The fantastic palette of natural colors enhanced by the sun ray are attractive, and the smoke adds some drama. Your note remarkably well documented. I wish I go there.
Thank for sharing
Regards
CLODO

mkamionka (24583) 2012-04-29 1:12

Hi Abmdsudi,
spectacular view. This is one of the places I dream to visit in the future. It is so unearthly so incredible.
The colors are fantastic with the greens and yellows and the acidic cloud. It is much safer to see it in a photo I guess.
Great work, congratulations!!!
M

fritzi007 (7580) 2012-05-01 13:08

Hello Abmdsudi,
also here in Austria we have seen a film about this area. I'm very impressed!
regards
Wolfgang

paololg (31442) 2012-05-04 13:01

Ciao dear Abmdsudi,
I give gladly the 100th point to this fantastic picture, almost infernal, in which you have handled the side light in a perfect way, getting an interesting effect. Also excellent the sharpness, sincere congratulations!
Ciao, have a nice weekend!
Paolo

jmdias (45830) 2012-05-04 17:20

abmdsudi

amazing image, full of informations and surprising details. very beautiful colors, the light is strange and the place looks like a vision from another planet. nice job. TFS.

hugs

jorge

sabermonajati (7603) 2012-05-13 11:45

hi
interesting place you captured.
yes that church is Armenian.but this country fall from Persia limit 100 years ago by Russia.
regard
saber

maria-v1981 (10403) 2012-07-12 6:12

Hello Abmdsudi,
It is a fairytale composition, amazing place, very proffesional shot. All this power is wonderful.
Regards,
Maria

gus72 (2508) 2012-11-30 16:37

Hi abmdsudi !!
you have visited so many interesting countries..... I will continue to have great pleasure looking at your photos.
here...... your note adds interest to the photo...... yes it is a very dangerous place to work
I like the sharpness of this image.... and I am lucky that i can see the crater thanks to your efforts to climb up
Have a nice Sunday
Gus

Photo Information

Copyright: abmdsudi abmdsudi (abmdsudi) (26311)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-30
Categories: Nature
Camera: NIKON D200, TOKINA AT-X PRO 16-50 F2.8 DX, Cokin P121 Gradual Grey G2 ND8
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/40 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Volcanoes III [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2012-04-17 6:00