Mystic Dawn

[Octane (Humayun)]

The first rays of dawn begin to ignite Mount Tasman and Mount Cook, approximately 20 km in the distance, whilst the crystal clear steely mirror image is reflected on the calm and tranquil waters of Lake Matheson.

I almost thought that this morning would be a write off as there was an enormous amount of mist and low-lying cloud blocking the view. Just as I thought it was all over, the clouds seemed to disperse right before first light.

This image was made on an incredibly cold morning.

Needs a little more work but I'm just about happy enough to post it, as is.

Note the first rays on all the tallest peaks and the waterfall in the distance.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
2.5s f/11.0 at 40.0mm iso100

Slightly larger version available here.

Comments, critique, etc., most welcome.

H

[JD2439975 (Justin)]

Welcome back H, Another beautiful image (as always).
That water is like glass, I really like the mirroring effect it gives with the symmetry only broken by the submerged branch on the left.

Despite the cold it must have been a hell of a way to greet the day.

[bartman (Bart)]

WOW!
Just Stunning!

[Liz]

Wow, that is beautiful H, what a wondrous feeling to be there witnessing that!!

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Another spectacular shot H. I really need to vist NZ one day
The cloud hues warm up what looks to be a really chilly spot. Initially I thought the folliage on the far left was distracting but it actually evens out the symetry of the overall shot

[iceman (Mike)]

Beautiful shot - well balanced, beautiful reflection.

[StephenM (Stephen)]

Wow Humayun! That is a masterpiece! I reckon that might be your best yet. Brilliant work.

Cheers,
Stephen

[DavidU (Dave)]

Wow h! Beautiful

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

What a stunning photograph Humayun. Next time you go to NZ - consider taking a student with you....

[DiamondDust (Ingrid)]

Originally Posted by Omaroo

What a stunning photograph Humayun. Next time you go to NZ - consider taking a student with you....

Pick me, pick me!! Awesome photograph H, thanks for sharing.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Looks a lot like Middle Earth....wait a minute...it is!!!

Great shot, H!!!

[bloodhound31]

Gorgeous image mate. I love the colour reflections from the clouds. Those rugged peaks give it that special something.

I know envy is one of the seven deadlies mate, but that doesn't stop me from suffering from it...

Wonderful work Humayun.

Baz.

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by JD2439975

.... the submerged branch on the left.....

Together with the bare tree trunk leaning to the left on the right of the frame. Marvellous framing, H!

[SkyViking (Rolf)]

Congratulations Humayun, absolutely stunning image. Perfect composition, and that fog in the background looks great!

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Octane

This image was made on an incredibly cold morning.

Top shot H! You can tell. You'd only get this kind of clarity especially at sunrise near water in glacial temperatures otherwise the dew would be smoking all over the place as soon as sunrays touches it. Looking at the shot I can just hear your teeth rattling in the background and the occasional "f.. it's cold!"

[TrevorW]

Top shot H surreal I'd like to see a bigger one if you can

[suma126 (Shane)]

mouthwatering location. i can feel the cold weather coming from the picture.

[M54 (Molly)]

Magical!
Love the composition!

[Ric]

Amazing and inspiring work H.

You definitely have the eye for it.

[TheDecepticon]

I have got to say that is an absolutely fantastic shot. It has a surreal and fantasy art type look to it. A corker and, I think, an award winning image for sure.
Well done, your skills in the dark art of photography are certainly to be admired!
I vote IOTW, even though its astro theme is small.