Photographer's Note
Another shot from Sossusvlei and a typical "picture postcard" image that most people will associate with Namibia. This one was taken on the drive in along the gravel plains just after sun-up. The animal you can see is an oryx, locally we call it a gemsbok. These animals have an amazing capacity to survive for long periods without water and are, to my mind, one of the most beautiful species of buck native to Namibia.
This photograph is copyright of Rosemary Walden - © Rosemary Walden 2012. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of the image in any form is prohibited. You may not, except with my express written permission, copy, reproduce, download, distribute or exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system
janjan1897, No_One, jjcordier, papagolf21, delpeoples, ktanska, macjake, timecapturer, Cricri, ines8, ourania, i9l2y1m8a8t3, romanaa, CLODO, tyro, scroller, claudeD, Curious_Eye, kennyblack, maloutim, PaulVDV, COSTANTINO has marked this note useful
Critiques | Translate
rbassin
(27472) 2012-11-30 9:19
hello Rosemary
Voici une mangifique photo, la courbe et la couleur de la dune sont de toute beauté.
Bon cadrage avec un bon graphisme entre la plaine, la dune et la partie sombre en arrière.
Bon W-E
Roland
dta
(98848) 2012-11-30 9:25
hello Rosemary ,
A fantastic capture of this famous place . the contrast between the orange dune and the darkest Bg is amazing . But also with the FG : that loks like a cultivated field ! The Oryx , well placed in the composition is the cherry on the cake .
Bravo
yquem46
(38752) 2012-11-30 9:33
Hello Rosemary
Two icons of Namibia in the same image !
Nice contrast of the sand with the green grass, beautiful shape of the dune
Someday I'll be there, no doubt !
Have a nice WE
Patrick
annjackman
(23019) 2012-11-30 10:32
Hello Rosemary,
Better than most picture postcards! I like the high contrast and the beautiful shape of the dune. The lonely gemsbok seems to have some grass to eat and I imagine that this area can be very barren.
A striking, harsh landscape - love it.
Best wishes, Ann
Wahclellaspirit
(4125) 2012-11-30 10:41
Hello Rosemary,
Indeed, the Onyx is one of the most beautiful of all Antelope species with their spiralled antlers, and their hides. What a time to see this beautiful image appear through your lens with the deep reds and greens of the landscape compliment one another. The "Dune," what can one add to its beauty in words, other than "Spectacular!"
Nambia, A Postcard of Earth...
Steve
janjan1897
(2301) 2012-11-30 11:12
Hello Rosemary,
What a fabulous landscape and great composition ! The dark background could cause us to believe that the picture was taken at night, with the moonlight providing illumination to the landscape. The oryx is a good focal point, perfectly placed in this beautiful scene. The rhythmical alternation of the green and brown stripes makes for an interesting visual effect. Really a great image.
Have a nice weekend.
Jean
JFS
(32459) 2012-11-30 11:23
I take my hat off Rosemary, I only can say BRAVO for such amazing shot. Incredible!!!
Thanks and have a good day!
Juan
No_One
(4) 2012-11-30 12:10
Hi Rosemary,
This is just stunning. This landscape is so alien to me, and even if this is a scene some people may be familiar with, I am not one, and I am blown away. THe deep saturation of the dune, and the deep shadows and black sky, they make for a totally otherworldly scene. The oryx and cultivated farmland are a reminder that this is indeed Earth, and the animal could not be better positioned. I hate to sound like I am gushing, but this is incredible, thank you for sharing this.
All the best
Noel
kiks
(12805) 2012-11-30 12:53
Realy a beauty this one. The colorscontrast and the the lines are in perfect harmony. Beautiful light and i dont understand what it is the dark bg that works so well here.
Best regards
KIks
mkamionka
(74351) 2012-11-30 13:38
Hi Rosemary,
spectacular photo. The dune makes an extraordinary shape. I like the deep shade, it results in a very impressive effect. Interesting contrast also between the orange dune and the green grassy foreground. The animal is a real highlight though. I guess plenty of people have photos of dunes there but not mane with one of these amazing animals. Excellent work,
M
carlo62
(81265) 2012-11-30 13:40
Ciao Rosemary
l'immagine è doppia, possiamo prendere solo la parte superiore e diventa una foto dal grande grafismo, possiamo prendere la parte sottostante ed è una foto sulla natura molto bella, tu le hai messe insieme ed hai creato un'immagine più complessa e più interessante.
Saluti
Carlo
ACL1978
(7511) 2012-11-30 14:19
Just gorgeous, Rosemary - simple but striking. Everything is in precisely the right place here, and the vibrant colors just leap off the screen. I'm trying to figure out the BG though - is that a larger dune in shadow behind the bright one? It must be tremendously large! Amazing scale and beauty here, really a brilliant shot.
Andrew
Hansaphotos
(11381) 2012-11-30 16:30
Hello Rosemary
What a great capture from the edge of the desert. Such a nice effecf of the difference in light between the plains in the foreground and the enormous wall of sand in the background. Also a fantastic colour contrast between the different elements in the image. A fantastic composition! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your WE.
Best regards, Erling
npecanhuk
(79329) 2012-11-30 16:42
Hello Rosemary!
Wonderful picture!
The natural details and the presence of that wild animal were a great subject for a superb photograph!
You did an excellent job... that's for sure!
Special regards to the colors, exposure, chosen pov and composition!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan
chrisvek
(7003) 2012-11-30 17:13
Hello Rosemary
That's an excellent shoot with splendid details and so wonderful colors and contrasts.Awesome POV and so great atmosphere.
Have a nice month
Chris
jjcordier
(79299) 2012-11-30 22:46
Rosemary
Superbe photo avec un premier plan lumineux animé par cet oryx paisible et ce fantastique arrière plan de dune, très graphique. Deux icônes de l'endroit rassemblées dans une magnifique image.
Amicalement
JJ
trevormoffiet
(3112) 2012-11-30 23:18
Hi Rosemary,
This is a fabulous image. Your three messages were very informative for understanding the background. The image is even more fascinating once given that information.
Regards,
Trevor
papagolf21
(152607) 2012-12-01 1:21
Bonjour, chère Rosemary,
Merci de nous faire rêver, de nous faire découvrir des paysages étonnants.
Une image emplie de qualité et de savoir-faire.
Bravo !
Amitiés.
Philippe
delpeoples
(60342) 2012-12-01 1:46
HI dar Rosemary
I think I read one of your responses to the critique where it's just become apparent to you how unique and compelling this landscape is. It's certainly a sight to behold and one that I've never witnessed before. I suppose if we see something every day, we take it for granted. The textures of the sand dunes really are magnificent and their lines and folds are like a knife edge. The icing on the cake is the beautifully contrasted foreground and the light shining on the grasses. Of course the oryx crowns the shot beautifully. And no wonder he needs to survive long periods without water!
Thanks for sharing, have a lovely Saturday
Lisa
ktanska
(44744) 2012-12-01 2:50
Hi Rosemary,
Amazing how storng contrasts that backlight makes. Well composed view vith triangular dune is sunshine and even bigger behind. The gemsbok is well placed of course.
Kari
macjake
(98438) 2012-12-01 2:59
Hi Rosemary
another fine looking nature scene :)
and you're so correct about this being the type that we'd normally see and think of when Namibia comes to mind.
its a shame the very very bottom FG is blurred, but that will happen with longer focal lengths and tele lenses.
the star of the show has to be that sexy curve of contrasts in the bg, beautiful isn't it!
I like how every thing is layered too, with the horizontal lines of yellow striking across the frame.
wonderful shot, as its hard to produce a qualily image without some godly expensive long tele lens that national geographic photographers use on these identical scenes!
the light and colors are extroadinary
cheers
craig
timecapturer
(49288) 2012-12-01 4:34
Hi Rosemary
fascinating shot this and so beautifully composed. The graphical effect of the light and shade are just amazing and the presentation inspired. I love it!
Enjoy the weekend - Brian.
Juzo
(2151) 2012-12-01 5:57
Hi Rosemary,
A postcard indeed, and as you say, a famous image style from Namibia. It truly looks stunning and you bring it forth so well. I am curious about the sky..is that rain?
Cheers
Justin
Nicou
(193806) 2012-12-01 6:40
Hello
Grandisoe cpatage et iamge sueprbe vue et compo quelle iamge quelle couleur cette dune avec l'arrête cet éclairage, et cet impala dans le décor avec le graphsime de bandes une emrvielle grandisoe image.
Bravo et amitié
Nicou
batalay
(41261) 2012-12-01 7:04
Hello Rosemary,
This photo represents a collaboration of a good composition, light, timing... and it is from a world so far removed from my travels. Thank you for letting us all see a timeless scene that must have appeared decades, centuries and millennia in the past.
Warm regards,
Bulent
Cricri
(176) 2012-12-01 8:22
Hi Rosemary
Un paysage magnifique, incroyable forme de la dune, le contraste des couleurs, et le plus avec l'oryx bien placé dans l'image, merveilleuse composition
Belle soirée
cricri
dkmurphys
(79209) 2012-12-01 9:00
Hi Rosemary,
A true amazing result in this image. Very original, well taken!
Daniel
ines8
(6128) 2012-12-01 15:15
Hello, Rosemary,
A stunning and wonderful image,fantastic colours!
Warm regards,
ines
thebest
(4276) 2012-12-01 22:43
Hello Rosemary,
WOW!!!! Stunning image - I just love the colours that wonderful sail like mass of orange is surreal - excellent quality image & interesting notes!!!
Kindest regards,
Dawn.
romanaa
(8430) 2012-12-01 22:44
Hello Rosemary,
this is a real stunner. Brilliant composition, the animal is beautifully positioned to a very special orange dune. I guess you used a very long lens. I was not able to figure out how you could get such dark starry night sky with so much sunlight in the foreground until I noticed that others had raised the same question already. Even after reading your explanation I still cannot imagine what the whole landscape looked like. Nevertheless, this picture is amazing and and forces me to use my brain (with no satisfactory result though- as usual, LOL) .
I absolutely love it.
Bravo
Bes wishes
Romana
emka
(158092) 2012-12-01 23:32
Hi Rosemary, Nice oryx against the dune. Amazing shadows, so dark, almost black. It creates special effect. Fantastic curve and this delicate line up there, amazing!
Warm regrads
Malgo
HimalAnda
(10671) 2012-12-02 0:32
Hello Rosemary,
I like the contrast of colors on the dune : the dark color in the background, the warm orange color of the dune in the front of it. And, of course, you managed to catch the oryx!
Stéphane
Robert1969
(7160) 2012-12-02 1:04
Hello Rosemary,
I disagree the words "picture postcards" because
the most postcards haven't this quality.
This picture is in short a party for the eyes.
Wonderful composition, beautiful light management
and colors and a picture with layers. But it's
also a picture that I will recognize over twenty
years.....Goes to my favorites.
Friendly regards,
Robert
brianmcc
(6223) 2012-12-02 3:42
hi rosemary,
this is almost an abstract composition, except for the inclusion of the oryx which gives context and scale to the picture. the sunlit dune is stunning, it is almost glowing. the lines of gravel and grass provide additional colour and texture, while the dark background provides great contrast with the sand.
have a lovely sunday,
brian
Haymotion
(2761) 2012-12-02 3:47
Very very nice composition.
The effect of this sand with the sol is incredible.
And in the first plan the animal in the toundra is very beautiful
TFS
Vince
abmdsudi
(95869) 2012-12-02 3:47
Hi Rosemary
An awesome nature wonder, an icon and trademark of Namibia. simply love the strong lines and curves and the stunning contrast rendered and looking closely the glimpses of scattered dune plants are pretty visible within the darkness. But what amazes me is the dark shadow that you have captured! Simply remarkable shot, Congrats.
Kind regards
siudzi
(34141) 2012-12-02 4:23
Hi Rosemary,
Love this post! The scene has been seen and composed perfectly based on an interesting concept. The color of the sand is unique and makes the view so vivid. Excellent!
Best,
Gosia
ourania
(51103) 2012-12-02 8:38
Hello Rosemary,
a marvellous composition that exalts the interaction of lines, shapes and colours. I love the way you've divided the frame between the flat land and the dune, the contrast in colours and textures is amazing. The gemsbok is superbly placed enhancing interest and joining the main parts of the composition. Light management is wonderful, it has offered fantastic colours and has allowed the definition of very attractive details like the most subtle curve that separates the dune from its dark backdrop. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great week,
Ourania
mesutilgim
(0) 2012-12-02 9:07
Hello Rosemary !
This one is absolutely a "masterpiece" ! Everything hre is just topclass. Specially the black and orange background is just great. And the gemsbok is a bonus of this wonderfull scenery.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM
Fis2
(170693) 2012-12-02 11:00
Witaj Rosemary!
Wow!
Fantastic picture.
Wonderful place.
Excellent colors and sharpness.
Very impressive picture!
Bravo!
Best regards
Krzysztof
karacabeylis
(1471) 2012-12-02 13:13
if i dare it is a top-dollar work indeed. quite effective and so striking.
i9l2y1m8a8t3
(4814) 2012-12-03 0:05
Oh my goodness! Definitely added to my favorite list!! this is out of this world! Love the play with lights! The orange is simply bursting into my eyes, and i love that thin orange line that stretches allthe way to the upper right. That oryx is a bonus to this frame, actually it would look a bit incomplete without it. But hey, this is wonderful catch, the timing, colors, exposition, everything is well captured! Beautiful! Gosh, i wish i could visit this place someday!
have a nice day!
'twas nice seeing you photographs again!
matt
Silvio1953
(221525) 2012-12-03 0:38
Ciao Rosemary, really a masterpiece, fantastic light and colors, lovely composition with superb creature in a wonderful natural ambientation, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio
jemaflor
(147076) 2012-12-03 2:53
Hi Rosemary,
Great visual impact with the tone and the strong contrast, erfect with the detail with gemsbok, tfs.
notrap
(7812) 2012-12-03 11:39
Hello Rosemary,
hoe did you manage it to take this photo in april and upload it end of november? It is so marvellous, if it was mine, I could not wait to show it !
Regards,
Elvira
CLODO
(45116) 2012-12-04 0:05
Hi Rosemary
Heaven picture for sure! A superb landscape with the incredible orange sand dune as background contrasting with the stripes of green grass and chery on the cake, the antilope
hats off!
Direct in my "CLODO"s favorites", pictures I would like to be the author
CLODO
Bluejeans
(64251) 2012-12-04 5:33
Ola Rosemary ,
Fantástica esta tua foto com estas cores e este Oryx em primeiro plano bem iluminado , a cor da enorme duna e linda , belo contraste de cores, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo
AlessiaVittoria (191) 2012-12-04 12:50
Witaj Rosemary,
poziome linie, dzielace zdjecie na pol wprowadzaja spokoj i pieknie wspolgraja z ksztaltem wydmy. Nasycone, kontrastowe kolory i zywy element, ktory dodaje soli obrazowi. Piekny kadr!
Gratuluje i pozdrawiam!
Bogna
baclama
(19214) 2012-12-04 12:52
waouh...
just wonderful...fabulous colors, graphic, contrasts...
congretulations!
tFS
vero
korbee
(6619) 2012-12-04 14:03
we can say this is the classic Africa photo Rosemary,that sprinbok and the sanddune are fantastic,as we can see on the faraway anymals right that dune is just huge!
jan
tyro
(30513) 2012-12-04 16:56
Hello Rosemary,
Let me be the one that gets you over the "century" with this one!
Not that points really matter at all, but I've looked at this picture several times in utter amazement and am still stuck for words to express my appreciation of it.
Of course, as I often say, it is the light which makes this one so absolutely special as it does with all great photographs. The strong early morning sun illuminates the red dune against a still black sky making it stand out incisively and I particularly like the fine line of the top of the dune as it curves upwards and off to the right, the right part of the dune still buried in deep shadow.
And what a fine background for the lone oryx standing on the rutted grassland and placed perfectly in the frame and in respect to its background too.
Fabulous strong light and contrasts, glorious vibrant colours, perfect exposure and, as always, exquisite details and sharpness.
Beautiful!
Kind Regards,
John.
sevy
(58) 2012-12-05 0:26
Hello Rosemary,
I like a lot Oryx, I find it is a very beautiful animal and so iconic for Namibia.
Very strong graphism here with the colors, the silhouette of the lonely animal and the shadow in background drawing shapes.
Yves.
Nard
(6972) 2012-12-07 4:48
Hi Rosemary
I realy like this picture, especially the very contrasting shade on the dune. The colors and light are still so stunning, a perfect framing with the grass on the FG, inclusion of the oryx, and the dark BG. Great shot
Regards
Bernard
anode (56) 2012-12-07 6:27 [Comment]
barni
(15751) 2012-12-08 13:46
Hello Rosemary
Quel beau contraste.
Jole composition très esthétique
Bonne soirée
Christophe
tatadalou
(7459) 2012-12-08 14:22
Hello Rosemary,
Without gemsbock, you would think being in front of an array of contemporary art! The geometry of the scene and the extraordinary light on the red dune have been beautifully captured. It's wonderful !
Delphine
claudeD
(47754) 2012-12-11 2:51
Hello Rosemary,
wow! what an amazing picture from Namibia. Excellent composition,fine colors and very good sharpness. I like the shot very much.Very well done.TFS.
With regards from Luxembourg
JC
Curious_Eye
(1320) 2013-01-19 8:40
Dear Rosemary,
Belated, nevertheless sincere wishes for a happy 2013.
This is, indeed, a perfect image for a postcard and what a postcard! I love the way you play with the lines here. The sharp outlines and strong colour of the sand dune make it look almost abstract, yet the animal quickly gives us a clue this is real! The colours and textures of the background are a treat too. Beautiful work.
Warm regards,
Izabela
dekanski
(9363) 2013-01-30 11:48
Dear Rosemary,
impressive gallery, Namibia and South Africa are obviously a great inspiration for you and full of eye-catching landscapes and peoples. Photos are fantastic, not only from Africa.
I especially like this one! A few that I like best, I'll reward with two points and stereotypical comments!
All the best
Saša
jabber
(323) 2013-04-22 5:15 [Comment]
daddo
(28748) 2013-04-22 5:42
Hi Rosemary. Hard to believe that I had missed this absolute stunner. Whatever I write, it's been covered already. Simply put, inspired, inspirational. Best wishes. Klaudio.
kennyblack
(4207) 2013-05-15 8:02
Hello Rosemarie
Your beautiful gallery with a unique style is a wonderful show and choose one picture is very difficult for the beauty of all. I chose this for the particular contrast of colors very pleasant. Perfect shot with settings and light balance ... perfect. Loved the outcome of this beautiful work and thanks for sharing it.
The best greetings, have a nice day ... Marino
KristinsCamera
(2384) 2013-07-07 16:17
rosemary,
this is just a stunning photograph. i'm not quite sure how you did this, but it is both surreal and captivating in its colors and its atmosphere. beautifully done!
kristin
PaulVDV
(62880) 2014-08-16 13:17
Hello Rosemary,
Posted already a while ago but today I discovered it by chance.
What a strong colour contrast. The black background gives it something magical.
Excellent composition.
The gemsbok is an important element of the picture and the animal looks into the right direction.
Indeed, this is a picture that I associate immediately with Namibia.
Best regards, Paul
COSTANTINO
(116421) 2015-01-22 3:36
Hello dear friend Rosemary Walden
what could I say for this mafnificent photo?
only greetings your inspiration created
a first shot quality and generally
a typical picture postcard
I liked very much your idea almost
minimalist with vivid and impressive colors
very well composed the lonely gemsbok
seems to have some grass to eat
original version destinated for
an exhibition
regards
Costantino
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Rosemary Walden (SnapRJW)
(31631)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2012-04-12
- Categories: Nature
- Exposure: f/14.0, 1/200 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Theme(s): Namibian Landscapes 2, Your Favorites, CLODO"s selection XV [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2012-11-30 9:07
- Favorites: 7 [view]
Discussions
- To ACL1978: Shadow Dune (1)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2012-11-30 08:06 - To Noel_Byrne: Thanks Noel (2)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2012-12-01 08:31 - To kiks: Shadow Dune (1)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2012-11-30 08:18 - To Juzo: Rain? (1)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2012-12-01 06:35 - To Robert1969: Thank you (1)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2012-12-02 08:37 - To CLODO: Thanks! (1)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2012-12-04 02:09 - To daddo: Thank you (1)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2013-04-22 06:35 - To KristinsCamera: Thank You Kristin (1)
by SnapRJW, last updated 2013-07-08 01:55