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) 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
Mike,
Thanks; coming soon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by iceman
Stunning scenery, stunning photo!
Can't wait for the colour version too!
jJjJJjjjJ,
Cheers, you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjjnettie
H, you should submit a portfolio to them. Really you should.
This image is so surreal, stunning.
Ric,
Thanks, kind sir. Coming soon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ric
What a shot H, simply awesome.
Like everyone else I'm waiting for the colour version.
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevnool
Stunning as usual H.
Looks like a grand location.
Cheers Kev.
Troy,
174 views, 10 replies. It's no good; don't worry, you weren't alone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by troypiggo
How did I miss this first time around? Looooovely!
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!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
