Good Morning Orchha Photo

Photographer’s Note

Visitors to my gallery would now be well aware of the place which is one of India’s best kept secret - Orchha. The very word "Orchha" means "hidden" and, verily, this small town stands for it. It is a hidden archaeological legacy of medieval India, it is a hidden 'throb' of romance and emotional rupture, it is a hidden face of history, a hidden treasure of spiritual tranquility, a hidden poetry written on stones! Those, having a feeling of being endowed with inner aesthetic sense, should make a visit to Orchha and experience its melodious lull and transcendence.

Orchha is believed to be founded in the 16th century by a Bundela Rajput chief named Rudra Pratap.

With the solemn row of pale brown weed-choked domes and spires, the riverside Chhattris or cenotaphs are Orchha's most melancholy ruins. These are temples constructed as memorials to illustrious Bundela kings. The banks of the Betwa river are dotted with 14 of these cenotaphs.

Indeed the Chhattris are best viewed from this bridge or from the boulders on the opposite bank, and during sunset, one can see their remarkable silhouettes against the setting sun & their reflections on the still waters of the Betwa.

Surprisingly, there are not many pictures of these magnificent chhatris at sunrise. I braced the slight morning chill & went upto the bridge, waiting for the sun to rise. And I was not disappointed. The rising sun bathed these pale brown chhatris with its first light, turning them into pure gold, as if to say "Good Morning Orchha". Locals come to the placid Betwa River for their morning dip & other activities. I was able to get one of them in the frame as well. Hope you’ll like it.

PixelTerror, isabela_sor, pablominto, feather, Kielia, abulafia, saylan-cb, danos, Scharan, plimrn, riclopes, carper, elendim, Felip, avene, robob, emjleclercq, josepmarin, Atousa, Emile, pierrefonds, Didi, bnallama has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

npecanhuk (13093) 2008-11-15 4:39

Hello Angshuman!
Excellent chosen viewpoint! Pretty good sharpness, brightness with natural and beautiful colors! I think I've already seen some pictures of this place (maybe even yours??!!), but this one is also special! Very nice, eye-catching and interesting! I specially like those rocks in the water and the partial reflection of the "buildings" in the bg on the water!
TFS - Congratulations!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan

aadilj (17950) 2008-11-15 4:49

You are back at what you are best at Angshu. this one again is marvellous and very expertly compsoed. I love the hues and the composition

PixelTerror (86032) 2008-11-15 5:06

Hi Angshuman
Very nice image as the city structures glow in the morning sun, this very still foreground is good for contrast, wide impression and depth, and the lonely person is the ultimate eye catching touch, I like it a lot !
Have a nice day JY

isabela_sor (41913) 2008-11-15 5:08 [Comment]

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pablominto (40008) 2008-11-15 5:09

Hello Angshu,

The awesome light really makes the temple ruins stand out!
The warm colours rendered adds to the atmosphere and creating a fine contrast to the water in the shade...
A fine composition and a pleasant division of the frame, sharp fine details!

Greetings,
Pablo -

feather (49848) 2008-11-15 5:24

I have said many times that sunrise and sunset images are often better with the sun behind you as here, so it illuminates the subject with the best light. Add some still water and the golden subjects make stunning reflections. Very well composed with the diagonals from the long rocks leading the eye. I fully understand your reason for wanting the person in shot, as the activity is an important part of this place, but I can't help feeling a bit distracted by the pink clothing. Nevertheless it is a stunning image.
Kath

TopGeo (21423) 2008-11-15 5:48

Hi Angshu! Excellent work!It is very impressive picture here. Have also important FG level with the rocks but also with colours of reflections. The indirect lighting in the BG give perfect impression of temples and composition! I praise you
Georgios

Kielia (8191) 2008-11-15 5:59

Hello Angshuman,
excellent POV! I have already seen the other photos of this fascinating place, but this has a beauty of its own due to the golden light and the nice reflection. I am not quite sure if I should like the "human touch" you have included, the colour of the shirt is not a real pleasure for the eyes. But it is a great capture anyway! TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

abulafia (4802) 2008-11-15 6:18

Yes Angshuman, I believe we have seen this place in your gallery before:)
But still quite interesting, and nicely presented over the water.
Harry

Graal (57278) 2008-11-15 7:49

Hi Angshuman,
nice composition and interesting image. I like the warm light and reflections of temples in water. Good complementary informations. Fine photojob.
Gr., Aleksander

jonathan_hart (22564) 2008-11-15 8:00

when i noticed the person in foreground I cold realise the scale and it changed my perception
beautiful viewpoint and excellent warm light
regards
jc

saylan-cb (12726) 2008-11-15 8:04

Hi Angshuman,
Very nice photo!Great POV and beautiful light.
Well done!
TFS/Regards

somak_g (463) 2008-11-15 8:19

hi angshu,

this is beautiful. its the blue water and the golden glow which makes this shot special.

regards
somak

danos (31716) 2008-11-15 8:40

Hello Angshuman,
i'll say good morning my friend with this superb morning view of this splendid place with the morning light to floodlight the facade of Orchha buildings.The dotted rocks lengthwise of the river, create depth in the scene.The man that try to pass over the rocks, add life in the scene.Well done.

Regards,Danos

Scharan (13951) 2008-11-15 12:53

Olá Angshu

Uma foto maravilhosa de um lugar fantástico.
Belo primeiro plano, e ao fundo o cenário é banhado de um leve tom dourado...
Parabéns, gostei muito.
GA
Vera

Morac (19940) 2008-11-15 13:27

Hello Angshuman
Very nice image as the city structures glow in the morning sun.
I love the hues and the composition.
Regards
Marc

dkdash (214) 2008-11-15 18:45

A dream indeed. Looks like you captured the moment these splendid temples built. Congratulation from me for this superb view. You made me thinking going to Orchha very soon.

plimrn (19558) 2008-11-15 22:01

Hi Angshu,
Well worth the early morning to get the light on the domes. The person in the FG adds scale and life, the reflection is a plus.
Your reasons for loving this place are clear.
HLJ, Pat

sumanchak (595) 2008-11-16 0:18

Hi Anshuman,
Its a trademark shot of yours. The composition & the subdued colour is very good.
Well done..
suman

riclopes (32865) 2008-11-16 5:05

Olá Angshu, another marvellous picture of this magic place. It must be very beautiful to see the first rays of the day making the architecture turn into gold as we see here. As a contrast it's amazing the softness of the completely still water surface in FG. Nice framing with the diagonal of the stones leading to...the human presence ;-) and her reflection. A gorgeous picture.
Friendly regards,
ricardo

carper (64094) 2008-11-16 9:46

a fine one Angshu,
a good atmosphere a fine balance and a good atmospherein the composition, very good one, have a nice evening.
regard jaap

elendim (1677) 2008-11-16 11:14

Hello Angshuman!
Excellent shot,amazing picture!
Good light and contrast!

Elena!

Felip (3905) 2008-11-16 12:43

Hi Angshu,
You have chosen here an excellent POV that allows a perfect view of the entire group uf buildings in the background. The existence in the shot of that human figure on the rock, gives an idea of the size of the place. Lights are also fantastic.
Best wishes

Felip

avene (10886) 2008-11-16 16:10

hello Angshuman,
I like a lot the pale pastel sky, it creates the feeling that everything is very crisp and delicate, and I find this feeling fits well the elaborate architecture of the temples. the smooth wates in the foreground is beautiful, no different in texture from the sky. your timing is just right to capture the golden light, excellent work.

regards,
Kristine

sayat (2941) 2008-11-17 2:05

A fantastic view! The golden-lit buildings and the cool, calming reflections are amazing. The inclusion of the person (with a beautiful reflection!) offers great scale.

robob (3640) 2008-11-17 5:18

Hello Angshu,
Un décor de rêve ici avec quelque chose d’irréel tellement c’est joli,
Bon choix du moment, la lumière est excellente,
A bientôt Angshu,
Robert

emjleclercq (14129) 2008-11-17 14:09

An excellent framing with 2/3 of river with a very nice blue color, and the beautiful temple reflecting inot it as a background. A very sucessfull shot.

All the best,

Emmanuel

marietom (31780) 2008-11-18 9:46

hello Angshu,

Magnifique paysage, aux très belles couleurs. J'aime bien ces reflets en partie cachés par les rochers.
Bonne soirée
Marie

josepmarin (33591) 2008-11-18 11:57

Hi Angshuman,
I like your setting and the organization of the elements, with the water and the stones in foreground, and the old city in background illuminated by the low Sun and with a few warm really magnificent tones.
There is a great aesthetic level in this work, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

Atousa (3434) 2008-11-18 21:33

Salam Angshu,

I like the tranquility n stillness in this well framed shot..very good timing n light management that shows the temples shiny as sunshine..very beautiful dream land ..do the travelers usually visit Orchha or it is still hidden as its name says? ..TFS
Best regards, A

Stepan (27167) 2008-11-20 22:55

My last visit will be in Orchha !! Great.
The opposition shadow/sun is excellent and produces an eye-catching compo.
And the palaces are so beautiful.
Makes me feel like returning to that amazing place.
Stéphane

Emile (19803) 2008-11-21 12:37

Hola Angshuman.
Superb shot captured with the first morning lights, very well composed. Your POV is very good and also your great colors and wide frame, the presence of the man is an extra in your wonderful photo.
Best wishes.

jmcl (13721) 2008-11-22 21:24

Hi Angshu,

Wonderful note .. beautiful tone on the buildings .. contrasted against the blue of the water .. all that water is thoughtful .. I love the stillness .. it feels silent .. wonderful image. take care, John

pierrefonds (25949) 2008-11-23 6:23

Hi Angshuman,

The reflections in the water are assets to the composition. The point of view leads our eyes toward the buildings of Orchha which is receiving a good illumination from the sunrise. The presence of the person on the rock has an effect of scale. The scenery is well frame. have a nice day.

Pierre

Didi (35744) 2008-11-27 10:18

Hi Angshu
Interestind deep foreground who guide the eye until this beautifull architecture bathed by the warm light of early morning.
Well done.
Best regards.

bnallama (3755) 2008-12-06 23:50

A secret revealed.. thanks for sharing... I like the presence the person and the reflection on the left... Bala

arkane (97) 2008-12-28 12:15

WOW! Wonderful shot...the colours are superb...Nice composition and POV...i like it a lot.Best wishes, Marin