The industrial silence, a photo from Korinthia, Peloponnesus

Photographer's Note

A shot of a refinery, right beside the National Road Athens-Corinth, very close to the Isthmus of Corinth. I 've seen it hundreds of times, when returning from trips around Greece. Many times I thought I should stop by and take a shot, but I was always leaving it for some other time, because I am always returning late, many hours after my favourite "blue" hour. This time, I was late again (I had passed that "blue" hour in Heraion, ***CHECK HERE*** ), but I decided to give it a try anyway! I like the result of the b&w conversion, but for anyone who wants to compare, here's the ***COLOUR VERSION IN WORKSHOP***.

The title comes from the debut album of o Norwegian rock band with the spanish (!!!) name, Madrugada, released on the 30th of August of 1999. That album contained one of my favourite songs of the last 10 years, titled "Strange colour blue" (***LISTEN TO THE SONG***).

HERE ARE THE LYRICS:
"Blue
Strange colour blue
Sixteen tons on the moon
Blue
Strange colour blue
Coming back to you
Pushing through
Pouring rain
Nearly there
Nearly there
Oh blue

Blue
Strange colour blue
Sixteen tons on the moon
Hey little mister driver man
Keep your head up
We are nearly there
I am racing
Outside and below myself
Nearly forgot myself there
Nearly there
Yeah

Oh everybody's sleeping now
An industrial silence singing
And the rain will keep hammering down from over head
Now there's a blue, blue strange colour blue
Let me dream of me and you
Oh how the rain keeps hammering down
Pour

Oh running down the window
Like a vein on my arm
Oh running down the window
Like a vein on my arm
Yeah

This is how we do it
This is how we do it
This is how we do it
Nearly there

Oh blue
Strange colour, a colour blue
Yeah, a colour blue
Oh, blue blue blue yeah
Strange colour, colour blue
Yeah, a colour blue
Oh blue blue blue yeah
Strange colour, a colour blue
Oh a colour blue

Hey little mister driver man
Keep your head up
We are nearly there
Nearly there
"

Copyright © 2009 – Hercules Milas. The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

v_vicky, JCG, zo_tos, vasilpro, ciakgiak, ymrk, Wanda1, Dashab, bostankorkulugu, ngk, manousos_jr, adramad, alvaraalto, denisn72, akm, swapankumarroy ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

Yves-triga (5149) 2009-10-15 4:14

hello hercules,
i like your photo, your réalisation.
we are not accustomed to see picture of this kind from you.
nice composition and idear,
well see
yves

avene (12675) 2009-10-15 4:15

stunning shot, Hercules, the refinery looks as if made of shining silver, certainly an unusual approach to industrial scenes, I'm very impressed with the result. few stars in the dark sky adds an almost cosmic feeling here, great shot,

best,
Kristine

bartekp (4746) 2009-10-15 4:21

Hello Hercules,

Amazing Shot!!! I checked both version, and both look nice. B&W - good workshop.

Regards

Bartek

bema (26591) 2009-10-15 4:24

Geia sou Hercules,

the impression of this b/w conversion is a strange and good one, but by the way, i also like the colored version, still a fine motive and a great capture of yours..

have a fine day, kalo apogeyma, Bernd

stefanocer (10642) 2009-10-15 4:24

Great one , impressive view , night photo is best for this kind of subject in my opinion , I also like colour version , compliments .
Stefano.

cagla (4342) 2009-10-15 4:53

Hello Hercules, the industrial smoke this time worked very nice, and made the photo a masterpiece. It is like an image from a different mystical dreamy galaxy. Congrats and TFS.
Regards.
Çağla.

mauro61 (53411) 2009-10-15 4:57

ciao Hercules,
splendida questa immagine della raffineria con ottime luci e un meraviglioso blu diffuso su tutto lo scatto.
Ottima definizione.
buona giornata
maurizio

smarcell (19965) 2009-10-15 5:06

I always thaught that rafineries at night are a good subject.
They are a sort of crazy castle.
I like this interpretation of the subject
regards Stefano

v_vicky (1037) 2009-10-15 5:07

Ekpliktiki!!!

P.S. M'aresei eksisou kai i egxromi.

Vicky

JCG (35153) 2009-10-15 5:22

Hi Hercules,

This photograph is already marvellous color but with this treatment in black and white, it is sublime, that gives a futuristic aspect to this industrial site which I like much. The long exposure creates extraordinary veils of smoke which is sublimated by the good management of the lights. A really interesting and artistic composition, Hercules cheer.

With all my friendships and a very good day,

Jean-Charles

Adrian_S (1179) 2009-10-15 5:34

What an interesting effect given by the blue hue. The name of the song fits perfectly: it is indeed a strange, though outstanding, colour blue. Usually such a long exposure to so many light sources doesn't end well, but I like this one.

All the best
Adrian

francio64 (39888) 2009-10-15 5:40

Ciao Hercules,
un cromatismo davvero incredibile. La zona industriale sembra di ghiaccio.
Spettacolare il contrasto con il blu del cielo.

Ottimo lavoro!
Francesco

imtiyaz (1005) 2009-10-15 5:54

Oh man.. wat fantastic shot...
Love this one

I will try this whenever I get a chance ;)

IB
http://photography.imtiyazbasha.com

I_WanderingSoul (686) 2009-10-15 6:09

Hi Hercules,

This is a brilliant idea! Looks like it is made of silver. Very well taken and we are glad that you stopped this time to take this shot.
And i liked the color version too.

TFS,Neelima.

athanvas (2369) 2009-10-15 6:12

Ãåéá óïõ Çñáêëç!
Ðïëõ ùñáéá åðåîåñãáóéá áðï ìéá åîéóïõ õðåñï÷ç ðñùôïôõðç åêäïóç.
Ìðñáâï óïõ!!!!
ÂÁÓÉËÇÓ

Budapestman (82620) 2009-10-15 6:28

Hi Hercules,
great impression with stunning details, the mood of the photo is fantastic, impressive composition and mysterious lights, Congratulations. Have a nice day!
George

DRAKOLIMNH (1224) 2009-10-15 7:34

Δεν ξέρω αν περισσότερο θαυμάζω την ιδέα η την αποτύπωση της.Ενα είναι σίγουρο.Και τα δύο είναι τέλεια.
Απίθανη φωτογραφία-ευχαριστώ!
Πέτρος

lightsensor (757) 2009-10-15 7:35

hi, Hercules,
good try on B&W on this. your color one looks good too! on this B&W, is quite simple and sharp! the "white" lights up the "black". good contrast and long exposure light control. well done!

J-P,

zo_tos (1084) 2009-10-15 7:46

geia sou irakli,
magiki fwtografia, mou aresoun polu ta viomixanika topia (alla mono stis fwto!)
i aspromauri ekdosi mou aresei pio polu, stin egxrwmi me xalaei ligo to entono portokali tou fwtismenou agwgou,
xairetw!

baba_flies (8829) 2009-10-15 7:51

Hello Hercules! An incredible shot and I must admit it scares me a lot, the icy tone makes it worse and at the same time it is so beautiful. It shows so well how far we came and yet we all want to participate in the run to reach the top, to have a good life, there is no escape unless we all slow down, but who wants that really. Congratulations ... fantastique ... and yes I will listen to this music, I search for new stuff these days and this comes just right. Thanks + have a very good evening, Barbara.

Colombiana (2957) 2009-10-15 8:45

Hercules,

Que foto mas espectacular! Se ve futurista, como el panorama de una cuidad del ano 2126! Felistripasiones parcero!

Maryori ;)

vasilpro (41801) 2009-10-15 8:45

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Η ασπρόμαυρη έκδοση μου αρέσει πάρα πολύ έχει κάτι μαγικό, ιδιαίτερα η "πνοή" στον ουρανό των φωτεινών αντανακλάσεων από τα χιλιάδες φώτα του διυλιστηρίου.
Εξαιρετική σύνθεση και εκτέλεση. Ιδέα που μου έχει περάσει και εμένα από το μυαλό αλλά που ποτέ δεν το προσπάθησα, τώρα πια δεν θα το τολμήσω.
Σε χαιρετώ, Βασίλης.

TopGeo (38220) 2009-10-15 9:03

Γειά σου Ηρακλή!
Ευχαριστώ για την εικόνα την με τόσο όμορφο τρόπο δωσμένη! Αλλά ένα μεγαλύτερο ευχαριστώ για την γνωριμία με την φωνή του Madrugada (shine,Sirens kai Riverbed) κορυφαία! Τα διυλιστήρια πολύ ρύπανση??/
Πολλά χαιρετίσματα!
Χαιρετώ

CLODO (45094) 2009-10-15 9:09

Hi Hercules
Industrial picture, it's brand new on TE! I like your B(blue!)&W shot, and the way fumes are going on the right due to a strong wind and low speed.
Sharpness thanks to the tripod.
A new way of making pictures, thank you
CLODO

sayeed_rahman (6461) 2009-10-15 9:43

Man you can create an extraordinary visual appeal out of the ordinary..how many skylines have we seen..the urban jungle..but is this right place at the right time..i dont think so...right taste from the right person..that why we see what we see..

I am shooting people and this attracts me..the execution..the presentation..this is what makes you great my friend.

tc

yaya13baut (3344) 2009-10-15 10:30

hi Hercules,
a great night shot. lights of refineries or other industrial places have something magical in the night.
good "blue" treatment, it gives a nice mood (I also like the true colours version).
Yannis

ciakgiak (30) 2009-10-15 10:49

Hello Hercules,
I'm really honest when I say that this is a masterpiece! What an incredible effect created the 30sec. of exposure. Superb image, congratulations.
Friendly regards.
Giorgio

Morac (27725) 2009-10-15 11:32

Hello Hercules,

Amazing Shot!!!
This is a brilliant idea! Looks like it is made of silver.
Regards
Marc

brandstaetter (15915) 2009-10-15 13:08

Hi Hercules,
both versions are good, the b&w more sophisticated, the coloured has some more impact.
A dreamy vision.
Cheers Chris

ymrk (15099) 2009-10-15 13:21

Kalimerhaba file mou!
Ooooooooops,what did you do!this is fantastic indistrial pan. Hercules.I know that,in TE,indistrial photos are very beggarly...And this is stand supreme among...Congratulations!

Yağmur

gilou530 (34) 2009-10-15 13:29

salut hercules
une image presque irréelle en N&B mais je préfére nettement la version couleur qui montre une superbe maitrise de l'expo bon travail
amitiés
gilbert

antua (16) 2009-10-15 13:35

Καλησπέρα Ηρακλή,

εκπληκτική και άκρως εντυπωσιακή η φωτογραφία σου! Όλα μοιάζουν σαν να είναι φτιαγμένα απο ασήμι! Μοναδική σύνθεση... Συγχαρητήρια!

καλό βράδυ,
Αντώνης

rigoletto (34279) 2009-10-15 15:05

you know how to make people say "wow" :)
i do wow now...
cheers,
dnz

pauloog (11751) 2009-10-15 17:50

Hello Hercules,
A fine night view of the gasoline making machinery. The hazy milky plumes give a very special effect, well done.
Regards,
Paul

Wanda1 (15142) 2009-10-15 21:35

Hi Hercules,
It looks like a futuristic sci-fi city...I like your black and white conversion with it seems almost a blueish tone. The wisps of smoke in the sky add a strange impression.
Regards
Wanda

barrufeto_77 (28888) 2009-10-15 23:36

Hola tio.

Desde luego, un paisaje de lo más apocalíptico parece si señor. La típica foto de peli de estas de tiros, robots y muertos.

Un saludo!

jasmis (58631) 2009-10-16 0:20

Superb industrial night shot. An impressive one.
Regards.

Longroute (19600) 2009-10-16 1:31

Compliments for this original composition. With your skill and good eye you mananged to transform a ugly industrial plant into a work of art. The original colour version is fine enough but the W&B (and blue) version is more graphic and has a lovely atmosphere.

(Long ago I had the same idea but with daylight, you can see it
Here
Next time I'll try by night...)

Ciao,
Donato

Gerrit (59968) 2009-10-16 2:39

Hi Hercules,
graet idea to convert this vioew into B&W. A fairytale view on a industrial complex.
regards, gerrit

Dashab (2564) 2009-10-16 3:00

Hello Hercules,
Silver magic! I love this shot, the conversion into B&W is extremely successful (although the colour version is very good, as well). All of the silver and bluish tones of the photo make it into a scene from another world. Perfect light management, excellent composition. I think this is one of your coolest photos! And it is perfectly matched with the song. Thank you and have a great weekend. Dasha

Greg1949 (9011) 2009-10-16 4:57

Hercules, nice capture and a fine choice for B&W I think. The detail in this is just magical.

Greg

Dyerco (10185) 2009-10-16 7:22

Fabulous shot Hercules.
These refineries make for a fairyland type image at night and the 30 sec exposure allowed for the smoke to flow. Very well done. Aren't you glad you finally stopped:))
Phil

coco (30439) 2009-10-16 10:56

Kalispera Hercules y enhorabuena por este fotón.

¿Cómo consigues estas cosas?
Todo, todo en la foto es soberbio... composición, exposición, luz, color.... todo es genial.

Ta leme, file mou.

bostankorkulugu (42832) 2009-10-16 14:23

definitely one of your best giritli mou... deniz is right, a big WOW for that... hugs...

bostani

(cappadocia?)

ifanik (21679) 2009-10-16 21:21

Kalimera Hraklh synadelfe tyxere giati den asxoleise me to epaggelma mas xaxaxa
Gia thn foto den xreiazetai na pw tipota
Ksereis kai kseroyme oloi ...!!!!!!!!
Xairetw file kalo Savatokyriako

ngk (2413) 2009-10-17 3:00

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Φανταστιές φωτογραφίες!! Και οι δυο εκδόσεις ειναι πανέμορφες !!!!!
Συγχαρητήρια.
Σε χαιρετώ
nasos k

manousos_jr (285) 2009-10-17 4:55

Kalispera Irakli!

skizw ta ptuxia pou den exw :))
h fwtografia einai ena ergo texnhs!
makari na mporouses na deis thn ekfash mou
otan thn eida!
apsogos!
apsogos!
apsogos!

ta sunxaritiria mou
gia allh mia fora!

xairetw
Georgios!

sacimar (38171) 2009-10-17 9:14

Hola Hercules,

que gran foto! me gusta mucho, me has dado una idea.... me gusta mas esta version que la original en color natural, hiciste buen trabajo, enhorabuena!

Un saludo

Sergio

bebbetto (120) 2009-10-17 9:29

Ciao Hercules.
I had a look to the coloured one. Both are great shots as usual, and interesting as well, perfectly managed.
This one is cold and reflects the life of a refinery.

adramad (66904) 2009-10-17 10:14

Hola Hercules.
No esta en mis preferencias las fotografias de industrias, pero en este caso tengo que felicitarte por una estupenda realizacion, la vision en B&W confiere mayor atractivo a la imagen. Una foto espectacular.
Saludos y buen fin de semana.
Luis.

stelli (3009) 2009-10-17 11:10

Excellent and very artistic photo! Thank you for sharing! ΦΙΛΙΚΑ Στέλλα

alvaraalto (42234) 2009-10-18 14:01

Hi Hercules,

Thank you for this bluetiful experiment including the matching multimedia presentation.
Everything is contributing to an excellent creative artwork.

Groet Rob

takisleontidis (85) 2009-10-19 12:19

Καταπληκτική φωτογραφία Ηρακλή. Πολύ όμορφο καδράρισμα και τέλειος φωτισμός. Η κίνηση του καπνού και τα αστέρια δίνουν ζωντάνια σε μια "βιομηχανική" φωτογραφία. Και εγώ κάθε φορά που περνάω κατά το σούρουπο σκέπτομαι να σταματίσω αλλά έως τώρα δεν το έχω κάνει. Υπάρχουν ένα δύο σημεία της διαδρομής με μεγάλο φωτογραφικό ενδιαφέρον τα οποία πρέπει να τιμήσω και σύντομα!
Τάκης

delpeoples (60326) 2009-10-20 1:36

Hi Hercules, I don;t know how I missed this gem before, but I'm glad to have discovered it. The blue and silver tones are impressive. Corinth could either be Oz with its Wizard or a city 1,000 years into the future. It's a fantastic and unique composition, thanks for sharing it, Lisa.

mkamionka (61018) 2009-10-20 8:21

Hi Hercules,
fantastic view, I like very much industrial "architecture" it is very photogenic. So original and different from everyday's life.
The chimneys are especially cool with the long exposure.
Great work,
M

denisn72 (8314) 2009-10-20 15:04

Hi Hercules,
An impressive industrial scene! Great lines and excellent exposure settings. The scene seems magical! Good work!
Best regards
Denis!

Bluejeans (64251) 2009-10-23 11:20

Ola Hercules,
Está fantástica esta tua foto , foi uma boa escolha por estes tons de azul escuro , achei lindo o fumo no céu , bonitos detalhes, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom fim de semana

COSTANTINO (103979) 2009-10-24 10:53

Gia sou Irakli
Ke afti i fotografia ine kallitehniki
San diamantakia pou feggoun sto misoskotado
Ke o titlos ta lei ola,den hriazete sholiasmos
Kalo week end
Costantino

Rafer (0) 2009-10-29 0:09

Ostras¡¡¡ excelente y original foto con ese toque azulado casi lunar,,,,saludos

salvator (19110) 2009-10-30 8:55

Wow Filemou,
this is superb. A true work of art. The sharpnessof it all and the monochrome look is superb.
Se xereto. Salvator.

clio (27961) 2009-11-03 5:30

Geia sou Hrakli,
I like both versions but this one has something magic with this black which seems to be a deep blue.
We think of jewels which sparkle in their velvet jewel box, and we are so far from the reality!
Great shot, bravo!
Artemis

patdeph (35750) 2009-11-03 5:37

helo Hercules
how could I miss such a fantastic photo!This is a refenery,it makes pollution,but,it appears like a jewel!It's woooooooooonderful!
Regards
Pascale

akm (1216) 2009-12-01 5:35

Hello Hecules,
I remember the first time I saw a refinery like this -- in full view -- at night. I was young -- hitch hiking across Europe -- and was absolutely awed by the beauty of something that really ought not to be beautiful. Your image -- and the wonderfully apt song -- brought it all back.

I have remained fond of industrial landscapes but you have taken the art up a level. This is a really stunning image. Thank you for a great post.
Best regards,
Mary