Alta Martianscape

[Octane]

All,

A relatively tiring climb up The Remarkables leads one to Lake Alta; a 500m by 250m body of water nestled between the peaks of The Remarkables. Unfortunately, the scene was rather barren due to low-lying mist which covered the peaks surrounding the lake and therefore made it rather unphotogenic.

A short climb away, however, was a rather more inviting scene.

Here, I've captured the last glimpses of sunlight as our star settles in for the evening whilst loose moraine and beautiful tussock covers the exposed rockface.

Fingers numb, upper lip frozen, intense shivering, the surrounding red and grey -- it made me think of what sunset would be like on Mars.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
3.2 s f/16.0 at 17.0mm iso200

Higher resolution available here (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/am.html).

As always, comments, critique, bashings, etc., most welcome.

H

[rcheshire]

I think you've captured the bleakness. This might sound strange, but the focus in the foreground gives the impression of being there or that someone is there. Many photos are often quite detached and neutral in terms of the relationship to the photographer - I think you've captured the presence of a seeing eye. I'm almost expecting to see a foot appear in the foreground.

The colours too, are Turnerish, which I like immensely. I'll leave the technical aspects to someone qualified - aesthetically, I like it.

[troypiggo]

Wonderful. Very bleak, yet the colours, light, and textures are so interesting.

[JD2439975]

I bet the intense shivering made setting up the camera interesting. :lol:
It sure looks cold & desolate to me.

[M54]

Great photo.
Stunning place.
I'm green with envy.

[Suzy]

I love the texture in this. And then all of a sudden out of the blue there is a little puddle of water that draws your attention away from all the different kind of rocks- fabulous. Great shot. Certainly does look like another planet. Next time, grab a wildlife creature (i.e. frilly neck lizzard or something and plonk him on a rock to add some added depth (is that the correct term - don't know photography terms, sorry) to this pic. Off course you will already have a tamed reptile ready to go within your kit. :lol: Seriously though, I think the added wildlife would really add a zing. I suggest you travel with a net next time :D to catch you some widlife. And that sounds just so easy doesn't it?! :screwy:

[Octane]

Rowland,

A number of people have commented on both the bleakness as well as the (compliment) that it almost feels like you're standing there looking across the plain. I am really happy that that has come across in the image. After all, that is my aim -- to try and place you into the scene without you actually knowing or caring where it is. My goal's accomplished. ; )



Troy,

Thanks, mate! It was quite surreal up there; all alone at the top of a peak. Wonderful feeling!



Justin,

It was really quite painful. Your fingers start hurting, especially when you're carrying a tripod around. I can imagine what it's like in the middle of winter. :eyepop:



Molly,

Thank you!



Suzy,

Quite the imagination! I'll make some room in my camera bag for a reptilian friend next time. ; )



Thank you everyone.

H

[barx1963]

Beautiful shot H! The Remarkables are well.... Remarkable. Only ever been up there when covered in snow and with planks attached to my feet, but a stunning part of the world.
Did you use a grad filter with this one?

Malcolm

[Octane]

Hi Malcolm,

Indeed! I have used GNDs for pretty much all my images (apart from falls).

It's quite a sight up there sans snow.

H

[h0ughy]

nice looking image H, you must have had a great time taking them. I am buggered to know why you wait 3-4 weeks to reply to people who post comments when you are on the site all the time?

[Octane]

Dave,

Fair question. I'm also on another few sites. And, always doing something or other online.

I let the images run their course so I can reply to everyone in one big sitting instead of making individual replies and inflating post counts.

If it's annoying or a hassle, please let me know and I'll stop or try and make an effort to reply sooner individually. I didn't know it was an issue...

Cheers.

H

[astroron]

Very evocative shot H:thumbsup:
Suzy,Lizards and freezing cold just don't go together:question:

[Chancellor]

Stunning, absolutely stunning.

Also, hi H, long time no see.

// Jeff

[Octane]

Thanks, Ron. : )



Jeff,

Wow! Definitely long time!

Great to see you around these here parts. Getting into astro? : )

Catch up soon!

H

[Shep]

Great shot, it made me imagine being on Mars as well before I read your post about it :)

[Octane]

Sarah,

Cheers! :)

Another pic coming shortly.

H