Rice Stairway to the Heavens, a photo from Ifugao, Cagayan Valley

Photographer's Note

PLACE:
Bounded by a 10-hour Bus Ride from Manila, the Batad Rice Terraces, a UNESCO heritage site, were built way back 2000 years ago. One of the most stunning and most visited places in the Philippines. Imagine the Ifugaos (locals in this province) creating this staircase of Rice with bare hands is beyond reasonable doubt, amazing.

The Terraces is not in its perfect time when we visited. It was brown as locals were preparing for the planting period. Nonetheless, seeing this Terraces live (which I only see in postcards and photos before) for the first time put me in awe.

Best time to visit is March-May as the terraces will be in its greenest. If you want to see terraces of gold, then June would be the best as it will be harvest time. I couldn't imagine seeing these terraces in tip-top shape, I guess I'll simply break down into tears.

ABOUT THE TRIP:
Nevertheless, this trip was worth the bus ride. Definitely, the most stunning places I've ever been in my country, not to mention how my legs were deeply shattered with the hike. I also learned a lesson, never hike without any preparation. Haha. I almost died.

Speaking of death, 5 days after our visit, the same bus that we took crashed (loose breaks) into the ravine killing 14 people, 3 of which are foreigners.We were just lucky and blessed to have survived that overnight trip. Geesh

PHOTO:
I used a GND Filter for this one, but I didn't notice that the top right of my filter was wet (due to drizzling). That explains that odd ghostly effect on the top right of the image. Any tips how to get rid of this in the PP?

krzychu30, dta, PaulVDV, williewhistler, abmdsudi, jjcordier, chawax, timecapturer, Giustiniani has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

krzychu30 (15512) 2014-04-04 10:11

Hi Matt,
I could watch these rice terraces 24/7.
Amazing and picturesque natural wonder(ok.of course created by the people),but it doesn´t change the fact they always look beautiful.
Perfectly captured!

Kind regards
Krzysztof

dta (98848) 2014-04-04 11:12

Hello Matt ,
A gorgeous terraces landscape . Some of the fields are with water , other ones not . I should like to see that plave one day .
TFS

lousat (138695) 2014-04-04 11:24

Hi Matt,spectacular view on the rice terraces,a neverending staircase made by a very difficult work,great choice of point of view and the usual top quality,i like it! I'm waiting some new funny pic on facebook..ehehe...have a nice weekend and thanks,Luciano

PaulVDV (62810) 2014-04-04 11:38

Hello Matt,
Batad is one of the places I've visited in Ifugao. This is a wonderful memory for me.
Beautiful capture of this spectacular amphitheater of rice terraces.
The roofs of some houses add more colour to this picture.
An excellent example of impressive nature and how people have transformed this for their livelihoods.
Best regards, Paul

cargus (13872) 2014-04-04 12:11

Beautiful landscape, beautiful colors, well framed and rendered, image well done.!
cordially
Adrian

siudzi (34141) 2014-04-04 12:12

Hi Matt,
This landscape filled by the rice tarraces looks extremely unique and exotic. Like it a lot as well as your presentation full of interesting details, colors, layouts. Cool and very well executed capture. TFS!

Have a nice weekend!
Gosia

federico (6109) 2014-04-04 13:39

hi matt, really impressive panoramic picture, nice and interesting light too, good composition
well done
fred

williewhistler (16606) 2014-04-04 14:03

Hello Matt,
I`m pleased that you managed to survive the bus ride,it sounds scary to me but this well composed shot makes your efforts worthwhile.
The patterns along the hillside are really well portrayed,
There is lots of depth and many interesting features to peruse and enjoy.
Regards Les.

abmdsudi (95869) 2014-04-04 20:53

Hi Matt
I can feel the depth, vastness and clean air from this pov Matt! it's a wonderful collaboration between man and nature, the patterns and colours and there is a multitude of detail here, an absolute treasure trove make me think of a painting or woven tapestry. It's extremely beautiful and the greyish sky perfectly contrasts the brighter side of the fields and lovely touch of vivid colours enriching the shot. Fine image and pleasure to view, congrats
Best regards

jjcordier (79299) 2014-04-04 21:55

Matt
Superbe photo de ces magnifiques rizières en terrasse. Ce que tu nous racontes a dû te faire froid dans le dos rétrospectivement.
Amicalement
JJ

chawax (20764) 2014-04-05 0:48

Hi Matt,
A fantastic human made landscape ! Very good point of view. Interesting note. And it looks like you took the bus the right day ... Sad for the people who died :(
Regards,
Olivier

timecapturer (49288) 2014-04-05 2:59

Hello Matt
a fascinating landscape and captured in your own inimitable style. Looks beautiful and amazing.

Enjoy your weekend - B.

brianmcc (6223) 2014-04-05 4:54

hi matt,
your viewpoint here is superb and it really gives a great glimpse of the landscape and surroundings. the fields are incredible and a wonderful spectacle.
regards,
brian

Giustiniani (3650) 2014-05-01 13:51

Hello Matt,
a superb POV, the overhang rice gives a wonderful view. A beautiful composition in an ideal light.
It is difficult to imagine that people have been able to build these bare rice in a place so steep hands.
Sincerely,
Magaly

delpeoples (60342) 2014-07-12 9:03

Ciao Matt

A beautiful and breath-taking photo. I love these terraced lands and know that they're not easy to reach. Beautiful POV, amazing colours and perspective. A sensational shot, congratulations.

Best wishes
Lisa