Jewels of Her Crown

[Octane]

Much like all of New Zealand, Queenstown is a stunning place. Nowadays it is very touristy, but, I don't think that detracts from the natural beauty that this place is famous for. Even the twisting, and winding drive there is unforgettable for its spectacular scenery as you make your way around and down the mountain.

Where this photograph was taken was my first stop in Queenstown. It was made from the viewing platform at the top of the gondola ride.

In the late afternoon, about 2 hours prior to sunset, I took my spot; right in the corner of the platform. I felt this was the best vantage point for taking an unobstructed shot. I'm sure my presence annoyed quite a few tourists as they tried to clamour and squeeze into the corner to have a photo taken. I wasn't going to budge as I knew that as soon as I moved, the spot would be taken. There were several serious-looking photographers up there; I got there first and I knew what I wanted to capture: the jewels in Queenstown's crown -- The Remarkables.

I had completely forgotten how cold one gets when they stand in the one spot for a long time. By the end of the imaging session I had turned into an icicle. I think it was worth it.

This image is a blend from a double-process of the single RAW file to obtain the richest saturation of colours in the Belt of Venus, and, the highlights in the trees towards bottom left. I have tried my best to mimic what I actually saw with my eyes.

Slightly higher resolution found here (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/johc.html).

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
5s f/14.0 at 17.0mm iso100

As always, comments and critique are warmly received.

Regards,
Humayun

[iceman]

Beautiful picture of a beautiful location!

The only thing that distracted me momentarily was the bright green fire tower (?) in the lower middle of the shot.

Excellent work H. I bet it was a dark windey drive back!

[Octane]

Hi Mike,

Thanks!

I thought about getting rid of that, but, then, I don't like removing things from a scene. Perhaps I can tone it down a touch.

That's actually the world's only night-time bungee jumping place. :)

Regards,
Humayun

[jjjnettie]

Pure magic H.
Thanks for sharing it with us.

[h0ughy]

nice - was there 20 years ago LOL.

[Quark]

Beautiful work Humayun,

A stunning scene, the light levels and colours look just so natural.
I concur with Jeanette, when I first looked at this, my initial impression was "Magical".

Regards
Trevor

[lacad01]

Really is a remarkable shot ;) Great colours.

[Liz]

Thats a beautiful photo Humayan !!!

Love Queenstown - such a gorgeous setting .... and when i was there about 2o years ago, there were some very nice boys there too :whistle::whistle:

[gary]

Hi Humayun,

Short of leaving the lens cap on, it would have to be near impossible
to take a lousy shot from the top of the gondola at Queenstown. :lol:

It simply is one of the grandest views in the world.

Having said that, like the mountains, your shot is remarkable and
a thing of beauty. :thumbsup:

You are right about how bitterly cold it can get standing around up there!

Hope you took the drive down to Paradise and the Dart Valley.

Best regards

Gary

[kinetic]

Speechless H........!

[Zubenel]

Here Here. Now desktop!!!:eyepop:

[hotspur]

good exposure,however-i feel your last two photgraphs have been to
"busy",i feel that this would have been a better photo if you had just
concentrated the photo on the mountain,sea and sky.

the reason why i feel this is because one almost gets a "dizzy" feel.because of the for-ground,i felt this too in regards "thunderous cascades",in that pic if you had just conncentated on the "middle" area
i.e the magical water,and left the waterfall for a seperate pic,and same
with rocks in front,

with regard to taking pics for magazines,you really need to do your home
work on the person who does the editing,it is no use composing what you think is good,when they dont have the same mind set as you.
Belive me,they will throw things thats not how they feel isright.
I have had pics published in various magazine,the only reason
why,is because i looked many previous magazines they edited,as you
have a good "eye" you will soon observe that they all have their
own particlar way they like angles etc.

please note that i didntimply that you took a previous photo with a "point and shoot" camera,far from it.

have you thought about contacting travel agents to do photos for them?

kind regards Chris

[Octane]

Jeanette,

Thank you, once again. :)



David,

lol, go back now, with the missus and kids?



Trevor,

It's a pretty special place. I would love to go back in winter when it's covered in snow. Cheers!



Adam,

Thanks!



Liz,

Thanks!

I don't know about the boys, but, the scenery and food was great. :)



Gary,

:lol: You're absolutely right, you'd be hard-pressed to not take a spectacular shot from up there! Just have to be there at the right time, I guess.

I didn't make it to Dart Valley or Paradise. I did see them both on my map. Perhaps next time.

Thanks so much for the wonderful compliment!



Steve,

Cheers!



Zubenel,

Glad you like it. :)



Chris,

I appreciate the critique and I understand where you're coming from now. Perhaps if I cropped the city out of it and just had a panorama of the mountain features it might make it a bit less busy?

As for the waterfal, I do have several shots I've taken at differing focal lengths highlighting exactly what you've mentioned -- one for the water, one for the rock features, and the one I posted -- everything. Will get to them in due course. :)

Do you have an online gallery or something that I can have a look at, so I know what kind of calibre I have to aspire to in order to get my stuff in books or magazines? Would love to see!

I'm not entirely sure my work is up to a standard that it would be worth speaking to a travel agency about. I really don't know where to start with that. I guess I should process all the shots first and build a portfolio. After that, I don't know. Help would be appreciated!

Thanks heaps for the constructive criticism -- I do appreciate it. :thumbsup:



Thank you, one and all.

Regards,
Humayun