Morning in Borobudur Photo

Photographer’s Note

Borobudur is another of those places that can seem entirely removed from time, at least for a few minutes in the early morning before the crowds swarm over it.

I like this shot for a couple of reasons; principally that the key elements are iconic and timeless, and the serenity of the Buddha contrasts with the background of threatening sky and smoking volcano.

This shot required the extra dynamic range available from shooting in Raw format, as the sky was quite bright compared to the foreground. The final image is a composite of two layered conversions from Raw at different exposure values.

gren4, garageolympo, bibiweb, tinamunk3, Joffre has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

gren4 (603) 2005-11-26 17:40

I appreciate the technique you have described here.The result lacks a little contrast as an image but looks good under the difficult lighting conditions.Your composition is really nice and makes me want to go and see this view.I was wondering if the visability of the volcano gets worse as the day progresses.

[2] +

garageolympo (242) 2005-11-26 17:44

I liked the composition and natural colors. I added a workshop, I hope you'll like it.

[workshop] [compare] +

ballyna (1689) 2005-11-26 17:51

justin ,
great compo,wonderful light.the sky adds your compo,the misty mountain as well.
regards

amstel (2298) 2005-11-26 19:36

Well done Justin!
Really nice picture. I like the closed framing with the row of stone bells. The pic looks balanced. And the mountain in the background adds to the atmosphere!
Clever idea!
Cheers!

DaveMacPhee (1136) 2005-11-26 23:09

Really great composition in this shot. Something about it is very satisfying. I would have added a bit more saturation, but it's still a fantastic shot.

bibiweb (8) 2005-11-27 3:59

Hello Justin,
There are a lot of views of Borobudur on TE but I think your's offers a very beautiful composition. I like the low morning light here, and your framing with the buddha in the foreground, the stupas around and smoking Merapi in the back. The cloudy sky makes it creates a mysterious atmosphere....
Have a nice Sunday.
Brigitte

tinamunk3 (6390) 2005-11-27 5:53

Hi Justin,

I think you found the absolutly best POV pf Borobudur - well framed - the Buddah in the center and the volcano as a beautiful background.

Really nice.

:) Tina

quelquepart (802) 2005-11-27 8:23

Hi Justin,
your composition is just excellent.
The world belongs to those who wake up early as we say in france...
Olivier

lelson (275) 2007-04-12 17:45