Genesis, a photo from La Digue, La Digue and Praslin

Photographer's Note

My intention in this image was to portray a warm tropical environment that feels remote, surreal and timeless. The rock has a sculptured prehistoric presence almost like a fossil or an ancient monument. It is purposely spare and without reference to size. Do you guys think this rock in inherently interesting enough to make the overall concept work? I left a slight tilt to the horizon, because a level horizon actually leaves the rock feeling lop-sided. JPG compression is adding noise that is not nearly as evident in the full size version. Thanks for any input you may have on this one!

-Mike

jmcl, MikiM, chpp, Nelu_Goia, ersoyyilmaz has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

prezntime (3946) 2008-07-16 19:00

Well, that is Surreal...incredibly dense. The texture of the stone is outstanding and smoothe and...well, incredible. I love how you've managed to place this stone upon a layer of mist with your long exposure.
The Pastel colors only add to the otherworldly feel.
My only pick, is the slight tilt to the horizon...using a Hasselblad, with such quality of texture and color, the tilt is unacceptable and distracting. I think it's a matter of angle...the stone seems vertical. If you rotating left, you might get the right orientation to set the horizon straight...well, if you could do it again.

Regards,
Chris.

jimkilgallon (0) 2008-07-16 19:10

Hello Michael
Another fantastic shot to your gallery. The shapes, curves and shadow detail in this rock make it interesting in my opinion and with the deep colours around, it is working well. The tilt is easily corrected in Photoshop without affecting the rock.
Very surreal, congrats
Jim

batalay (41261) 2008-07-16 19:42

Hello Michael,

This is indeed a surreal image, exquisitely conceived and flawlessly implemented. The dramatic contrasts in light and shadows, the deeply cleaves creating sharp edges, the iridescent colors in the sea and the pastels in the sky — all collaborate to make this a memorable shot. The tilt of the sea does not add or detract as far as I'm concerned, but I do like the convex curvature apparent in the horizon.

Warm regards,

Bulent

jmcl (14535) 2008-07-16 21:54

Hi Michael,

The textures of the rock are tremendous .. the palette between the sea and sky is stunning .. the combination of the texture and palette make it an image that manages to grab you from the thumbnail and not disappoint with detail as you come into it .. the sense of motion of the sky against the static stone and mystic water is thoughtful and tremendous .. very wonderful! take care, John

smarcell (19965) 2008-07-16 23:52

It is difficult to get the size of this rock, but the overall result is amazing.
A mysterious atmosphere.
Excellent
Stefano

Cloud__Warrior (391) 2008-07-17 0:50

Hi Michael

No it appear a warm tropical environment to me but it definetly does get the remote, surreal and timeless effect. A very gooodlong exposure.

Andy

dghills (689) 2008-07-17 3:32

Mike,

Absolutely, the concept works! Simple composition is good here, and the complete absence of human trappings (or even Earthly trappings) makes this a timeless, emotionally evocative capture. Now I know what to expect at the edge of the world...

Greetings from Atlanta,

Don

chpp (4283) 2008-07-17 6:34

Hi Michael
this is a perfect surreal shot. sharp details on the rock, showing a smooth texture and at the same time we can see the different tones on it.
The colour and exposure are just great. A low POV with a huge centre piece and yet you manged to get good dof. The tilt is evident but I guess it can fit somehow. However the WS looks really good as well.
very nice job
TFS
C

MikiM (1924) 2008-07-17 6:38

HI Mike,

Your task was completed nicely it is surreal and timeless.
Excellent image - great colors nice tones and textures. The WS version is perfect!
Congratulation!
Keep posting!

Miklós

jmdias (114278) 2008-07-17 8:25

michael

i liked this image, the shapeas of the rock are amazing. I liked the light and the haze effect too. I think it would be better if the rock would be a little more down inside the frame and more sky above
tfs

jorge

VincentFavre (148) 2008-07-21 15:31

Superb colors.

I love it !

dkeus31 (27739) 2008-07-23 4:04

Hi Michael
except of the little tilt, this picture is really nice and moody,the foreground fog adds on the mystery, just perfect!
regards,didier

Nelu_Goia (3116) 2008-08-06 8:52

Hi Mike,
It`s not just the rock;everything makes this photo special.The best of all is the way you managed to create the fantastic mood and the colors,lighting and the long exposure time all contributed to the final superb result.
This is something you don`t see everyday.
Thanks,
Nelu