Sand bullets under a milky sky Photo

Photographer’s Note

Well, let’s start from the beginning
To tell about my Mauritanian journey.

The first 100km of asphalt
on the way to Akijoujt cross a flat empty desert
beaten by the wind that lift the sand.
The welcome of the desert!

-.-

Late late night arrival
Queues and settlements
Then finally almost three hours of sleep.
But the day was waiting outside
I can’t let it for long
I want to feel the mood of the country.

Nouakchott
Sandy lanes
Travelled up and down
By old Mercedes 190
And decrepit minibuses
Horning all the way.

Strong early morning light
And it’s still cold in the shade.
It’s time to leave (can’t wait)
Time to go toward the desert.

Left the capital
On a black strip of asphalt
That vanish into a sandy air.
A strong wind
Change the sand
In a myriad of bullets
Under a milky sky.

It’s incredible the peace
You’ll find in a simple tent
When you leave
The outside hell of sand and wind
For a tea and a little time to think...

Bien, sevy, avene, angela926, Dpbours has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Bien (4727) 2007-12-21 10:28

Hi Luca, I usually like my neighbours, but today particularly! Wonderful note to start of with, I always look forward to reading them! The image is very intense. There is a feeling of peace to the scene and still you can hear the wind blow, your hear the squeaking of the sheds blocked door and you squint your eyes for the dust that covers you. An image covered mystery but also in such beautiful light and soft colours. Very carefully composed. Superb work that makes me travel and dream! Sabine

sevy (13302) 2007-12-21 10:32

Hello Luca,

I am happy to see you are posting your first photos from Mauritania. I came back Monday, and I will try to post on a regular basis the look I got from this country.
I like a lot the atmosphere on your photo, mainly the rendering given by the wind and the pastel colors, nicely broken by this touch of red on the barrel.

Yves.

Morac (20265) 2007-12-21 10:52

Hi Luca,

I like a lot the atmosphere on your photo

Regards
Marc

avene (10944) 2007-12-21 11:09

I had a chance to experience sand storm in Morocco, and I absolutely agree about the sand biting like bullets. love the colours in this shot, and how everything seems to fade in the distance. I also like that you've left the composition very simple, I find it better focuses attention on the colours and textures. very good work.
best,
Kristine

Alain (288) 2007-12-21 11:37

Luca:

The red barrel amplifies the redness of the air (sand dust). Nice. I want to squint my eyes looking at the sand storm.

Alain

Leonie (8647) 2007-12-21 12:38

Ciao Luca, Bentornato! Affascinante atmosfera del deserto che ci porti qua! Sono curiosa di vedere anche le prossime! Buon Natale a te!
CIao, Léonie

angela926 (1882) 2007-12-21 15:33

Hello Luca
Lovely mood here! Good composition and pov, very nice colors. well done
Angela

AnimeshRay (8886) 2007-12-21 16:47

This is a very beautiful photo, Luca, with a strong sense of desolation and silence, with poetry. Very nice color.

Dpbours (218) 2007-12-22 12:12

Hi Luca,

The outside hell of sand and wind... Yes, I know what you're talking about. I worked in Sudan for half a year and did a few field trips before that. It surely is a hell of sand and wind. Have a look at this one ;-).
Great note accompagnying your shot. Love it!

Greetings, Dennis