Cool oasis ... Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is a section of the Elands River, in the Elands Valley, right next to the well known 5 Arch Bridge in Mpumalanga. Before crime hit us as badly as it has, this was a wonderful place to cool off in the really hot midday sun - especially in the shady areas. The crime is so bad now, most people don't dare to stop there anymore for fear of being hijacked or mugged. It is sad to fear for your safety when there are such beautiful places to see. I could not relax taking this, but the view is too much to resist taking the time for a shot...

Any comments on improving this are welcome.

Tech: Cropped, adjusted levels, sharpened and resized.

cmartos, digi-mom, guyfortier has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

davecall (575) 2004-05-14 16:57

Hi Judy, I grew up in Mpumalanga & this brings back those good old memories. What I like about this pic is the vegetation in the background, reminding me of how beautiful the Lowveld is.

nwoehnl (120) 2004-05-14 17:17

What a pristine and beautiful view, Judy, and how sad to hear about the circumstances that you mention in your note - quite a contrast. I can understand you wanted to take this shot of the lovely cascade in front of the trees and bushes, thanks so much for doing it and sharing it here on TE.

I thought the colors and contrast maybe could be boosted a bit and tried a workshop. Please let me know frankly what you think - you are the one who knows the place, and I have the feeling I might be off track or have overdone it a little.

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albiback (8506) 2004-05-14 17:20

which beautiful water, to plunge there for a bath veiled the result of your photograph ;-)

digi-mom (1064) 2004-05-14 19:16

Such a beautiful place. Your note changes the mood though, as I'm sure that knowledge did for you when you were there. How to keep the bright white sun from overpowering the dark shadows is always hard. I'm glad you posted what you could get though.

cmartos (6086) 2004-05-15 3:18

Beautiful view, beautiful water, looks cold though ;-). It really looks like a small paradise, despite history. And you made the right choice by not resisting and taking this shot. Thanks for sharing Judy.

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