Remarkable Twilight

[Octane]

Hi all,

An accompanying image to Jewels of Her Crown (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/johc.html).

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; one processed for the main image proper, and, another for trees towards bottom left.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
160s f/11.0 at 17.0mm iso100

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

Comments, critique, etc., most welcome.

Regards,
Humayun

[Dennis]

A stunning, most beautiful and inspirational photograph Humayun! Your planning re the vantage point certainly paid off and I admire your dedication to the art. Yes – like astronomy, standing in one spot whilst the air temperature plummets certainly cools down the body temperature.:D

As an alternate view, I might have tried cloning out the spikes from the lights at bottom left?:shrug:

Cheers

Dennis

[multiweb]

Kudos to you for braving the cold. That is dedication. :eyepop: And yes it was worth it. It's a truly remarkable picture. :thumbsup:

[DavidU]

Damn, that's an image and a half !

[lacad01]

Nice work :)

[troypiggo]

Wonderful dedication and results.

[Octane]

Dennis,

Usually when hanging around the G-11 waiting for stuff to be captured, I'm in a freezer suit, so, don't even notice the cold! :)

You're absolutely right about the spikes down the bottom. Bit horrible, aren't they? I'll have another stab it and mask in the exposure from earlier in the night and mess around with the colours until the trees blend in. Shouldn't be too hard.



Marc,

Cheers, mate. Glad you enjoyed it. :)



David,

Thank you, sir. :)



Adam,

Cheers!



Troy,

Thanks! I'm going to post a larger version so you can appreciate the beautiful glow in the image which doesn't come out in the 800x533 version.



Regards,
Humayun

[Octane]

For anyone interested: http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/rt2.html

160 seconds. Noise? What noise?

I believe that's Spica's trail towards the left.

Regards,
Humayun

[gary]

Hi Humayun,

Beautiful. That shot turned out really well!

Having stood at that same spot at the same time of day taking photographs, I can
appreciate how cold it can get. The wind goes right through the trouser legs
and you start to think of all the warm weather gear still down in the car parked
at the base of the gondola. :)

[Lumen Miner]

Great shot!
"ISO 100" interesting indeed!!