On Loss (Through a Hole in My Heart)

[Octane]

If you were to look into my eyes, you'd find me; look into my heart and you'll find you. And, that's where you'll always stay.

Slightly larger version here (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/ol.html).

Likely my best photograph to date.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
4s f/16.0 at 40.0mm iso100

H

[leon]

Your dead right H that is a stunner mate, beautifully captured.

Leon

[erick]

like MAGIC, H. I want to study that image a bit more....

[rcheshire]

Stunning H - superbly effective. It is one of those shots that you want to study.

[Miaplacidus]

Visual poetry, mate. Haunting.
Brilliant!

[erick]

Is that mist or cloud - the bright patch in front of the far side of the gorge? Very effective behind the dark overhang.

And the long exposure working its wonders on the flowing/falling water.

That large boulder teetering on the edge of the fall adds a dynamic.

The soft underpinning of the image by the ferns.

Sorry that I have to "take half a point off" for the small branch that stands in the near foreground and in front of the leftmost stream of the falls. It's a distraction, to my eye.

:thumbsup: :thanks:

[leon]

Sorry Eric I have to disagree that little branch actually enhances the whole mood of the image, the falling water would have been to clean and stark, well that is IMHO.

Leon

[ballaratdragons]

As I have said to H in another place, I find the top 1/3rd of the image my favourite part.

It gives me the feeling that it is a child's secret playground, like there are pixies and fairies hiding in their waiting for children to play with, but is also very haunting.

Lovely work

[troypiggo]

Stunning. The mood, textures, contrast, lighting, list goes on... love the delicate foliage/branches.

[bloodhound31]

H, this is your best yet. I reckon better than your moment forever caught in time.

Absolutely ...... I don't even have a word....

Now and then a picture comes along that really impresses. This is that picture.

Baz.

[gary]

Hi H,

Great shot and I recognized the view straight away as Hopetoun Falls in the
Otway Ranges.

Here is my take on it from the same vantage point -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=53726
which appeared in this thread from Feb 2009 -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=41100

It is a fabulous spot and I love your treatment of it! :thumbsup:

Best Regards

Gary

[Ric]

A pearler H.

My hat's off to you.

[ahuva]

Really nice, I feel so in awe when I look at this.
I was also glad your quality control wasn't your signature. I believe that I have to watch what I put out in the universe and I don't want it to be hate! Love your picture!

[jjjnettie]

It's my desktop image.
I can feel your heart and soul in this one H.

[Screwdriverone]

H,

I often read a collection of short stories by Isaac Asimov (The Asimov Chronicles - Century Legend Books), one of which instantly caught in my mind when I viewed your picture....

It is a story told by a guest (Theodore Jarvik) to the Black Widowers banquet club about a "Quiet Place"

Jarvik recites the tale of a place in the forest to which he is taken by a man known to him only as "Dark Horse". This man is unknown to him, but they meet and converse about how even though they are in the countryside and supposedly away from most of civilisation deep in the woods, sooner or later the sound of conversation reaches them and they can never feel truly at ease.

The man who called himself "Dark Horse" tells of a place where there is no interruptions or distractions, where nature created a "healing silence in a world which was one large, long eternal cacophony of noise". Dark Horse leads him to the place which is unsignposted and off all tracks. They enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place and then Dark Horse leads him back to the resort where they are both staying.

It has such a profound impact on Jarvik that he attempts, without luck numerous times to find this place again, to no avail. He relates the story to the Black Widowers who ruminate over the details and solve the mystery of the identity of Dark Horse in order to help Jarvik try to locate him and help him to guide him back to the place of tranquility.

Jarvik's obsession causes him to recall the words to Adelaide Anne Proctor's - "The Lost Chord" and he changes the meaning of some lines to suit his own dilemma of not being able to recapture the peace he encountered and the joy of finding a place of peace, beauty and solace in a world often shrouded in a cloak of noise.....

"I have sought, but I seek it vainly, That one lost place divine, From which came the spirit of silence that entered into me"

We never get to find out if Jarvik actually finds Dark Horse or the Quiet Place again.

However, I think you have not only found it, but have captured its beauty and essence perfectly, in a way that instantly cast my mind back to the poetry and sublime skill of one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time.

For taking me again, on the journey to the Quiet Place, Dark Horse, I thank you.

Cheers

Chris

(Quotes and excerpts from the story listed above - The Quiet Place - Davis Publications Inc, from The Asimov Chronicles - Fifty Years of Isaac Asimov, c. 1989 Random Century Australia Pty Ltd - ISBN 0-7126-4690-6) - used without permission.

[suma126]

its your best black and white photo so far. you should post a before processing photo and after to help us poor souls.

[RobF]

Wow, just stunning alright. Love it.

[peterl]

This looks great in black and white.
Has an old world look.
This would look great on a large canvas....
Well done H...

peterl

[Paddy]

That's a big call H given how beautiful your work is. And you could well be right. It is a stunning piece of work.

[Octane]

Leon,

Thanks, mate. I really do like this image.



Eric,

Just for you, mate: http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/ol2.html

Thanks!



Rowland,

Thank you, mate. See the link above.



Brian,

Appreciate the kind words, thank you.



Eric,

Oh, sir, you are a hard marker -- but, I really appreciate that!

The bright patch is mist that was floating in and out of the scene.

Your criticism is most valid. I sometimes look at this image and think, that branch shouldn't be there. Then, I think it adds a little character to the scene, too. Divided!

Thank you.



Cheers, guys.

H

[Octane]

Leon,

Yay! Agree with you. :D

Cheers!



Ken,

Appreciate that, thanks! Great to see that the image ignites some imagination. :)



Troy,

Too kind, mate. Thank you.



Barry,

Thank you. It is a very personal work for me as it represents a rather sombre and melancholic period in my life.



Gary,

I remember your images -- thanks for the relink!

Appreciate the kind words.



Cheers, all.

H

[Octane]

Ric,

Why, thank you, sir. *bows*



Beth,

lol @ quality control quote.

Thank you for looking; I'm glad the image evoked an emotion within you. :)



Jeanette,

You know it. :(

Thank you. :)



Chris,

Oh, man, oh, man.

Your comment means so much to me. As an artist, what more could I possibly ask for? :)

Thank you.

Psst, email me: octane2 AT optusnet DOT com DOT au -- I have a surprise for you.



Shane,

I will have a section on my web site with tutorials. One of them was going to be black and white conversions in Digital Photo Professional. I will take your comment on board and do a tutorial on this very image. Coming soon. :)

Thanks, mate.



Cheers, all.

H

[Octane]

Rob,

Thanks, mate. Glad you like it.



Peter,

Thank you!

I made a 22x22 on 24x24 paper for the one who this was meant for and it looks stunning. I haven't yet made any prints on canvas, but, will definitely do one in the near future.



Patrick,

I still feel the same about this image. :)

Thanks, kind sir.



Thank you to everyone who looked and commented. If my image conveyed a feeling, or evoked an emotion within you, my job is done.

H

[Omaroo]

When you know Humayun's story behind this photo it means that much more. Well done fiend. It really, really works.

[multiweb]

That is indeed a very special picture. A secret place punched out in a hole through the trees. I love the depth of field, the softness of the fall vs. the sharpness of the branches and the black and white rendering. It accentuates the light. It could have been a very messy picture as it is so busy with so many elements and layers but you've beautifully highlighted the theme. Top work. :thumbsup:

[Octane]

Thank you Chris and Marc. :)

Appreciate the kind words. :)

H

[oosh]

I can see why you like it mate, really nicely shot. The dark trees and foliage frame it beautifully, as if showing a hidden place you wouldn't usually see. Love it :D

[Octane]

Thanks, Jason. This is a personal work for me. The print is just sensational. :)

H

[oosh]

Oh man I don't doubt it - isn't it amazing how much more dynamic things can look on paper? This one doubly so.

[strongmanmike]

Yeh another rather intriguing and moving image...

Where are you astro photos these days BTW :shrug:

Mike

[Octane]

Cheers, Mike.

Yeah, work and weather has put paid to imaging in recent times.

Having said that, the sun is kissing the horizon and I'm just out the front of Frank's place looking forward to a clear night. :)

Wish me luck; I've had my next image planned for months. I hope to start on it tonight.

H

[Bassnut]

Gaud, I missed that, geez, that is just amazing. Sublime composition and so suitable in B/W

[erick]

Many thanks, H :)

[lacad01]

Stunning! :thumbsup:

[Suzy]

For me, it's King Kong in the bushes. :D
Agreed with Ken, very haunting... certainly makes you think.

Absolute stunner of an image, H. I just can't get over even the tiniest leaf in the distance being so crisp. And don't even get me started on the light play - crikey!

[EddieT]

H.. That is truly magical...

[Octane]

Fred,

Glad you enjoyed it, mate. Was great to catch up with you on the Gold Coast, and have enlightening conversations on photography and social issues out the back of that tavern, lol.



Eric,

You're welcome!



Adam,

Thank you. :)



Suzy,

Thanks so much for looking and the kind words.

As mentioned a couple of times, I can't even begin to put into words what this image means to me. There is a lot behind it.



Eddie,

Wow, you, Fred and Mike all in the one thread in a forum where you lot aren't known for posting. Mind blown. Haha!

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it.

Was lovely to meet you at the Gold Coast, too. Might see you at the Malin's next year? :P



Thank you, so much, everyone.

This one's quite special, methinks.

H

[Screwdriverone]

[EXHALES LOUDLY] whew, lucky I wasnt holding my breath for tooooo long H?

tap, tap, tap, tap.......;)

Cheers

Chris

[Octane]

;)

You breathing, still? :P

H

[naskies]

Beautiful!

[Octane]

Thanks, Dave. :)

H