Four Palms, a photo from Boa Vista, Barlavento

Photographer's Note

This picture was taken in the isle of Boavista, Capo Verde. Cape Verde is made by several islands, each one rather different from any other in terms of landscape. Some are sandy and harsh, others are covered with forests and plants. Boavista is a desert island, surrounded by long sandy beaches with blue sea and nobody around for miles. Is is not one of the more touristic islands, but there are good accomodations in the main town. Then the best way to visit the isle is to rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle and tour around, discovering every day a new beach. Then, in the evening, you can come back to your hotel, have a swim in the pool, a good shower, and enjoy some "catch-of-the-day" fish for dinner.

Let me say that Cape Verde is not a tropical paradise, as it is often sold by the travel agencies. The ocean can be cold, windy, and waves are usually at least two meters high on the beach. So if you are looking for sunbaths, calm and warm sea, and imagine yourself sipping a dring near the sea, you migh be partially disillused. Still, Capo Verde is a wanderfull place for its people and the beauty of its landscape, but the best way to enjoy it is to travel around, and not staying the whole week at the hotel as many tourists do (complaining because it is windy or the ocean is not warm enough !).
This picture was taken inland (the isle is roughly 30 Km diameter, more or less) in a clody day.

The picture was scanned by a Velvia 50 color slide

woladorsky, elihesamian, xuaxo, euryan, eversmile, mafegan has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Lavan3d (299) 2007-08-30 0:53

Hi Smar Cell,

Great photography! Nice POV!!

I really liked the heights of the trees.., look like a step.

Good Composition with nice depth of view.

Regards,
LavanSJ

woladorsky (806) 2007-08-30 1:32

Stefano,

Great job, the decreasing effect of the palm trees ben by the wind and the amazing and beautyful settings of Boa Vista makes your picture a pearl!

great shot

ci vediamo

Rolando

Dpbours (222) 2007-08-30 2:20

Hi Stefano,

I had to think immediately of a picture I made myself some time of four palms.
Quite a barren landscape you're showing us here! I appreciate the vastness and the dark clouds and mountain in the distance. I have to say that the silouettes of the palm trees themselves are rather soft! I might have selected the top part one by one and done some edge sharpening on them.

Thanks for sharing! And thanks for the note. I always appreciate a good story to a picture.

Dennis

sagar (2410) 2007-08-30 3:59

Hi Stefano,
Beautiful shot of the stormy weather.
The silhouette of the palms are just perfect.
Regards,
Sagarneel.

chc (1468) 2007-08-30 9:14

Belle perspective ! Bravo
christophe

archimatica (20648) 2007-08-30 9:34

Stefano,
bellissima composizione, esile e forte al tempo stesso come sanno essere questi alberi.
Buono il focus e la post_elab essendo una scansione.
Alla prossima
Renzo

elihesamian (26149) 2007-08-30 14:56

Hello Stefano,

I like this simplicity at work,a special poetic scene and look by you,amazing tonalities you reached that I like,a fine feeling of the wind,the sound of the wind,...a very good photo,Thanks for sharing it,...also I visit your gallery,congratulation! a good gallery you created here,Thanks a lot.
Best Wishes
M

xuaxo (6854) 2007-09-05 13:59

Ciao Stefano!
Very interesting view of the poor palms.
You are right to say Cape Verde is not a tropical paradise, at least like the Caribbean or Polynesia. It's more like a desert paradise, if one can see the beauty in a desert landscape and, especially, in its people. (I'm not Cape-Verdian, but I have strong links there).
Regards,
Francisco

sothy81 (9646) 2007-09-16 11:51

I have no doubt to say that you are a master of graphic shot. This one is just amazing where these 4 coconut trees lining up so well. I can feel a sense of wind. Well done. Sothy

euryan (8440) 2007-09-21 12:26

Once again, beautiful composition. I love the subtle colors and stormy clouds. Very moody and artistic feel. I love it.

About your note: I agree, Cabo Verde isn't the place to go if you are looking for a beach paradise. Cabo Verde is about the people, and the culture. I love Cabo Verde and I hope I can go back someday, and photograph it properly.

RandomCameraGuy (3071) 2007-09-21 16:01

Stefano, you have a great eye for the graphical image. Love the mood in this shot, nice.

eversmile (11636) 2008-05-10 2:45

Hi Stefano

I like the composition on this one, graphic and sober, with a good choice of contrast. And the note is helpful. Regards, Marine

mafegan (8626) 2010-02-01 4:58

Hello Stefano
This seems to be desolate location and extremely windy. Your notes are excellent and complement the scene. Tfs, Marlene