The Twilight is My Robe - Redux

[Octane]

Captured last September on my previous spring campaign of the South Island of New Zealand, I made this image at the majestic Milford Sound.

I waited three days for the right light and I bore witness to one of the most spectacular sunrises I have ever experienced. It was a moment where I felt blessed to be in such an incredible place; so primeval, so enchanting, so far away; like standing at the edge of the world.

Presented here is the black and white redux of the colour image that I will post soon.

Initial processing with Canon's mighty Digital Photo Professional, then exported to Photoshop for monotone conversion, and further contrast enhancement.

To give you an idea as to the sheer scale of this place, the waterfall that you can see at centre right (Stirling Falls (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/amfcit.html)) is approximately 8 km away.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
6s f/16.0 at 35.0mm iso100

I've placed a large version here (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/ttimrr.html).

I look forward to heading back in the first two weeks of July for a winter campaign, armed with my 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, my Mamiya RZ67 Professional II and a bunch of Velvia 50, Ektar and Portra. :D

Comments, critique, etc., most welcome.

[Omaroo]

Ye gods Humayun. What a rip snorter. I think that your dream gig would be a commission from the NZ travel bureau. Can't wait for the colour to see how dramatic the sunrise is. I love it in black and white though - you can almost feel the icicles. :thumbsup:

[Octane]

Hi mate! What are you doing awake?! :P

I've often thought about submitting my work to the department of conservation, or something along those lines. When I'm good enough, we'll see! :)

The colour one will be coming soon.

I should thank you, by the way, for inspiring me to get cracking on black and white conversions again after our discussion the other week! So, thanks! :D

Cheers!

H

[gregbradley]

Magic H.

I agree you should submit these to some tourism NZ dept. They may well be interested.

New Zealand has some of the worlds best scenery that I have seen and that includes Colorado, Switzerland and Canadian Rockies (also spectacular).

Greg.

[iceman]

Stunning scenery, stunning photo!

Can't wait for the colour version too!

[jjjnettie]

H, you should submit a portfolio to them. Really you should.
This image is so surreal, stunning.

[Ric]

What a shot H, simply awesome.

Like everyone else I'm waiting for the colour version.

Cheers

[Deeno]

Incredible image!
What a magical location..

[lacad01]

Stunning shot alright. What a beautiful place :thumbsup:

[Kevnool]

Stunning as usual H.

Looks like a grand location.

Cheers Kev.

[troypiggo]

How did I miss this first time around? Looooovely!

[bloodhound31]

The only thing that bothers me here is the fact that the reflection of the sky is brighter than the sky above. Was this because of the use of the graduated ND filter?

Other than that, it's way better than any landscape I've ever done! Lovely mate.

Baz.

[Octane]

Greg,

Cheers. In light of recent events, moving to New Zealand is back on the cards. I'll be sorting out my resume to start sending out to contracting agencies and seeing if I can't find work. There is absolutely nothing tying me to Australia anymore and I think the time has come to make the move and work towards living my dream.



Mike,

Thanks; coming soon!



jJjJJjjjJ,

Cheers, you. :)



Ric,

Thanks, kind sir. Coming soon!



Deeno,

It so totally is! Cheers. :)



Thanks, all.

H

[Octane]

Adam,

Thank you, kind sir. :)



Kev,

It is a magical place, totally. Milford and Doubtful Sounds are both sanctuaries in the purest sense of the word. I love when the cruise boats go into the heart of the fjiords and turn their engines off; you're asked to remain quiet, not move about, not take images, and just listen to rawness of nature around you. All you can hear are distant waterfalls, trickling water... the call of the wild. It is an amazing experience.



Troy,

174 views, 10 replies. It's no good; don't worry, you weren't alone. :P



Barry,

You'll note that reflections are always brighter in these types of shots. And, yes, it's due to the graduated neutral density filter. I burnt the foreground in a bit to balance it out a bit, but, it may need some more work. There's a few things that bother me about it and I'll tend to it when I get the time. Perhaps another 1/3rd of a stop of burn-in in the foreground should see the brightness issue resolved.

Cheers!



Thanks, all.

H

[bloodhound31]

Still bloody good though mate!

Baz.

[Octane]

Cheers, Barry.

I will post the updated version here when I get the chance.

H

[gregbradley]

[QUOTE=Octane;849430]Greg,

Cheers. In light of recent events, moving to New Zealand is back on the cards. I'll be sorting out my resume to start sending out to contracting agencies and seeing if I can't find work. There is absolutely nothing tying me to Australia anymore and I think the time has come to make the move and work towards living my dream.



That'd be a loss for Oz.

Greg.

[Octane]

Hah, too kind, Greg. :)

H

[rcheshire]

Don't know what to say H. Sort of silencing... stunning. Wow! Love it!

[gregbradley]

That photo packs quite an emotional impact. Flawless.

Greg.

[gary]

Good one H!

Looks like you gave it the Ansel Adams Zone System treatment. :thumbsup:

[Poita]

That is a really lovely image, I wouldn't expect to see anything better in a travel catalogue or postcard etc.

The only critique I would make is that the sky and reflection are a little off in their tonal balance, and from a personal level, the placement/framing of the rocks in the foreground feel a little clichéd to me, and they lead the eye off to the edge of frame rather than more deeply into the image.
But I am being really, really nitpicky in the interest of some feedback, it took a while to come up with anything to say other than wow!, as I said, this is exactly what I'd expect to see in a top quality book or brochure for 'Visit New Zealand'.

Glorious tonal range throughout the image, beautiful serene feel to the shot. Makes me want to go there!