Backlit Harbour, a photo from Bay of Plenty, North Island

Photographer's Note

Hi all. This is Whakatane harbour. Whakatane is a small town on NZ’s east coast Bay of Plenty region. Tourism is one of the major industries here with boat trips out to volcanic White Island and other boats trips that specialise in Dolphin and Whale watching and even swimming with the Dolphins.
When I took this shot I was trying to catch a good shot of a curvy stream (in WS) and turned and saw this scene and took a quick snap which turned out to be the photo I liked the most.
I expect I’ll be posting a few more from this town, since my daughter has moved here I’ll no doubt be spending a bit more time here myself.
Enjoy, Paul.

gracious, vmf-214, Graal, Gerrit, rodgerg, Uhu, Budapestman, belido, Photo65Net, stego, Kielia, Charo, Docarmo, josepmarin, ChrisJ, papagolf21, Cretense, Emile, jaywalker, Bluejeans, MLINES, Flavia, Cricri, plimrn, lucasgalodoido, jafadabret, danos, Floydian, dip, AiresSantos, jhm, Didi, BWJ ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

Dyerco (10185) 2009-03-26 21:20

Hi Paul
The exposure was well handled considering the brightness of the sun. I see what you mean about the curvy stream in the WS.
Phil

gracious (20025) 2009-03-26 22:08

Hello Paul,
How are you!
thank you for this beautiful shot on Whakatane harbour, loved the glimmering light on the harbour and the peaceful atmosphere across it!
have a wonderful weekend, Paul!
take care and regards
Tony

vmf-214 (1648) 2009-03-26 22:49

Hi Paul,

Good choice on posting this photo, Great job on the exposure setting. Nice glimmer on the water and good details and clarity for a bright sunny day. Great job Paul.

Cheers
Jason.

darek1978 (13361) 2009-03-27 0:31

Hello Paul,
Great capture. I like the calmness and serenity of your photo. The magic light, soft tones and reflection works very well. Congratulations!
Have a nice day,
Regards,
Darek

Graal (103040) 2009-03-27 1:44

Hi Paul,
an interesting view and place - here and in WS. Well presentation of harbour, good note and quality of photos.
Gr., Aleksander

mikolaj_kawa (0) 2009-03-27 2:02

Hello Paul! Nice lightness and colours. Very interesting focus. Original composition. Good work, very good. Well done!

Gerrit (62042) 2009-03-27 2:09

Hi Paul.
Magical light on this fine harbour scene with the green mountain as a perfect background.
Great atmosphere.
Regards, gerrit

rodgerg (55767) 2009-03-27 2:12

Hello Paul,

A pleasant place full of serenity. A nive view with beautiful contrasts well collected and a great prospect too the houses and the hill in the BG.
Best regards of Belgium,
Roger

Uhu (8609) 2009-03-27 2:49

High!
Quite a nice photo - with all these small things on the water and this special color of it. Seems to be a very nice place to visit - but soooooo very far from Europe!

daddo (28748) 2009-03-27 2:56

Hi Paul. I love the subtle light overall which is being contrasted by the brilliant streaks on the water's surface.The many details make this not only a beautiful scene but also an intriguing one. regards. Klaudio.

Budapestman (82620) 2009-03-27 3:15

Hi Paul,
Peaceful atmosphere of this place with spectacular composition and depth. I like the attractive details and the soft lights. Superb shot. Have a nice day!
George

belido (19934) 2009-03-27 4:23

Hi Paul,

I find this very moody. I like to see the glimmer against the "darkness". Simple and effective...and thank you for the image in the ws. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

Photo65Net (43144) 2009-03-27 4:34

Hello Paul,
Nice and balanced compo.
Your exposure is pleasant,
Have a nice day,
JB.

stego (24132) 2009-03-27 9:54

Hi Paul,
Is there an equivalent for "bucolic" when we are talking about sea instead of land? It's a wonderful image, beautifully composed, with a fantastic light very well profited.
I really don't understand why didn't you keep the achieved photo that is the WS for another main post. In terms of graphics/compo is even more appealing than this one.
Have a nice weekend.
Regards, José.

Kielia (24077) 2009-03-27 10:57

Hi Paul,
small harbors like this one have their special charms especially when the light is as beautiful as it is here. But it is not only the light that makes this image very attractive it is also the atmosphere of coziness and the beautiful architecture you have captured here. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

BelCan75 (2201) 2009-03-27 11:33

Hi Paul,

Great POV with wonderful light, especially that streak of light in the background on the water. Great view with the boat coming towards us and the lush green mountain side in the background. Great work!

Greetings,
Ann

Charo (51290) 2009-03-27 15:28

Hello Paul,
Superb capture with a closed frame with a light and very interesting.
Excellent colors and details.
Best regards,
Charo

ifanik (21679) 2009-03-27 22:16

Hi Paul
Very beautiful photo my friend with very nice atmosphere
I like the lighting
Well done
Best regards
Nick

Docarmo (9767) 2009-03-27 22:18

Hi Paul,
I like this image without sky... it is different and very well done. Interesting visual impact with those boats coming!
The WS is very beautiful too!
TFS,
MCV

danyy (0) 2009-03-28 0:02

Bonjour Paul,
des lumières très difficiles et presque impossible dès lors de bien tout équilibrer. Mais on ne perd pas grand chose du typique du paysage.
Je crois que tu as bien fait de ne pas inclure du ciel dans ta photo.
Best regards.
Daniel.

Nicou (193806) 2009-03-28 2:05

Hello,

très belle image ce reflet sur l'eau sont merveilleux, avec ces beaux bâteaux, ces lumières brillantes, superbe.

Bravoe t amitié

Nicou

Giorgio (11279) 2009-03-28 2:21

- Hello Paul, I hope you're fine, good capture despite the difficult lighting conditions, it's a quiet place which inspires calmness, in any case, a pretty place for the residence of your daughter, lucky dog!
Have a nice weekend.
giorgio

aadilj (18102) 2009-03-28 3:39

Hello Paul, this is very vividly and very intelligently composed with smart use of the heus and the dof

josepmarin (59385) 2009-03-28 4:53

Hi Paul,
what fantastic effect of the back light in this capture, I love its luminosity, its sheens and the reflections on the water, that they creates an interesting image, with a good graphism.
A great work with the exposure, which gives an excellent result in the tones and in the quality of the image.
Well done, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

ChrisJ (171194) 2009-03-28 17:10

Hi Paul

Nice fg reflections in the dark, still harbour waters, with the boats making good focal points. Excellent lighting contrasts & sharpness. Tfs!

sacavem (18620) 2009-03-28 17:42

Olá paul,

Good shot and good work to capture this image.
Excellent composition, very nice colours. I like the reflection in the water.
Regards,
Filipe

trekks (14348) 2009-03-29 0:40

hi Paul

And here is the A700 output :)

It looks like you have moved to a nice new territory here with the water body fronting a hill, which will no doubt offer you great photo opportunity in days to come.

It can be tricky shooting backlit harbor especially when the angle of light strikes on the water to create shiny surface [or ripples]. But the calm water had been generous to you for this reflection and mirror effect of the harbor view.

I look forward to your series of posts from this place.

tfs, bill

papagolf21 (152605) 2009-03-29 1:12

Bonjour, cher Paul,
Une image d'une grande beauté. Il se dégage de cette composition une sensation de sérénité et de plénitude.
Très belle ambiance, image très réussie.
Amitiés.
Philippe

jmdias (114240) 2009-03-29 2:55

paul
interesting light, making a strip in the background while there are big darker areas around. the boats are nicely put in the compo, that part of an anchor is interesting too

hugs
jorge

Cretense (68709) 2009-03-29 4:31

Hi Paul!

Beautiful seascape, nice moment and timing, with that boat leaving the harbour! Great composition and framing, the light managment is great, althought under given lighting conditions there's not much colour, this could also make a great b&w photo! Congratulations!

Hercules

delkoo (68) 2009-03-29 6:52

bonjour paul
this is absolutely great shot, full of light and colors. Excellent composition and perfect moment to capture such place and such scene.

regards

didier

Emile (20352) 2009-03-29 14:38

Hola Paul.
Nice shot with a good management of the light, very good POV, I like your wide frame in this one but your WS with the curvy stream is also a magnificent photo.
TFS.
Best regards.

jaywalker (16105) 2009-03-29 15:46

Hi Paul, A very impressive photo & your choice of POV was well decided, the strong light is very good & the boats are beautifully placed, the green background add nice contrast, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

Waylim (25436) 2009-03-29 16:13

Love the glimmering and sparkling light you capture here, and the really rich dark green vegetation and forrest in the background is really nice setting for the harbor. Very nice details and good POV showing the overall of the harbor, composition is also good, leaving lot of water foreground, clean unclutter to complement and balance the background where there are much more elements. Thank Paul.
Way

Bluejeans (64251) 2009-03-29 16:22

Ola Paul,
Lindo ponto de visão sobre este porto parece bem calmo , os reflexos dos barcos na agua ficaram lindos , bonitos tons de verde, bom enquadramento da foto ,

MLINES (12516) 2009-03-29 23:53

Hi Paul, A fine maritime scene well timed and cropped with the main boat well positioned. I like the green waters, calm and well presented. TFS. Murray.

Flavia (10352) 2009-03-30 3:27

Hi Paul,

You should consider posting the WS picture as main post. Its a very beautiful picture with stuning composition, light and subject. To be honest with you I guess the other one is far superior than this one n all he aspects. This is a nice shot, but a more ordinary one. I find the subject here quite far and the composition not too strong. The other one is really outstanding!

Regards,

Flavia

Greg1949 (9011) 2009-03-30 5:24

Nice capture Paul, the detail and depth are awesome. That the boat is crossing and not yet in the center is just perfect.

Greg

Cricri (176) 2009-03-30 12:24

Hi Paul
C'est une image agréable, bien composer et la lumière est magnifique, j'aime aussi celle en WS, intéressant POV
Bon séjour à Whakatane
Friendship
cricri

plimrn (21344) 2009-03-30 14:39

Hi Paul,
I like the light in this back-lit shot with the earliest or last rays streaming down the hillside, and the boat gliding through the still water. However, your WS photo is pure magic and far too fine to languish away in the WS.

I guess you'll get more chances when you go back to visit your grandchild -er- daughter.
HLJ, Pat

lucasgalodoido (27698) 2009-03-30 15:07

Hi Paul,
interesting image of this Harbor, and the reflections and contrast of picture was very well captured. Great job.
Regards,
Lucas

jafadabret (56501) 2009-03-30 23:42

Bonjour Paul.
Des deux photos celle du WS est ma préférée. Il reste que la photo postée est d'une grande beauté avec la lumière et les reflets autour des bateaux.
Beau travail !
Jacques

danos (110407) 2009-03-31 1:35

Hello Paul,
really nice and picturesque this little port with the backlit to create a background that looks like a blur one.Informative your complementary shot as the place looks tranquil and calmly.Well done.

Regards,Danos

pablominto (53746) 2009-03-31 5:22

Hello Paul,

Nice mood here!
I like the texture of the water, reflecting surroundings in this attractive mix of green and blue...
Good division of the frame in sky/sea, fine details in the boats!

Greetings,
Pablo -

toto (0) 2009-03-31 9:39

Bonjour,
belle photo de ce port avec ce bateau rouge qui semble venir vers vous.
Jolies couleurs, beaux reflets et cette lueur dans le fond donne un flach d' ou les bateau semblent sortir.
Bien vu, bien fait.

Amitiés Thomas

Floydian (30970) 2009-03-31 16:04

Hallo Paul,

Looking through the images you posted lately during my absence. Bay of Plenty, did i pass there? I have no idea, i heard so many names and saw so many things, i can hardly remember, but i don't think i passed that area.
Here the contrasting light looks nice, although it's a bit dark on the red boat.
Please post some more, i'm curious what you bring up next from this area...

Regards,

Henk

skippy007 (12510) 2009-03-31 21:41

Hello Paul, Sounds like you will be able to kill more than the one bird with one stone.;-), a very beautiful place to visit & your daughter as well, excellent, we can expect to see more of Whakatane harbour. Well composed, excellent clarity, but I think it is the light & colour that makes this shot stand out as it is with your WS bonus shot, which by the way is also very good & very different to this & worthy of posting on it's own. It has a Loch Ness type of atmosphere, could the green buoy be the tail of --- no, I suppose not. ;-).
Take care
Thanks
Santo

jimkilgallon (0) 2009-04-01 1:58

Hi Paul
Have not been down to Whakatane yet but sure will one day. The backlighting is gorgeous with the boats positioned well in the composition. Beautiful reflections to finish the scene very well. Can't believe Summer is over although the weather has been gorgeous and I hear it will be this weekend so maybe Ill go up to Hokianga Harbour for myself.
Cheers
Jim

dip (21408) 2009-04-01 6:24

Hello Paul,
beautiful image of the harbour,good POV and amazing light!
well done,
Dimitris.

AiresSantos (56155) 2009-04-01 23:22

Hi Paul
Very interesting picture of this harbour. Unusual perspective and balance. Good informative note, very good sharpness
TFS and greetings
Aires

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2009-04-02 1:04

A great water shot. The light give the picture a nice atmosphere. Very nice shot from interesting place.
Best wishes,
Achim

jhm (211734) 2009-04-04 9:27

Hello Paul,

You work here with a wonderful contrast, you use the boat and harbor in a clarity atmosphere.
Splendid dark background.
Composition and presentation are superb.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

Didi (61589) 2009-04-06 9:40

Hi Paul
Interesting spotlights into a dark composition.
I like also your bonus picture; it was preferable to post it as another main picture.
Best regards.

BWJ (3094) 2009-04-06 18:18

Hello Paul,
This is a very effective and beautiful backlight. The boat in the foreground gives good depth. The shimmering silvery light gives the picture a dreamlike feeling. I like it very much. I also like the workshop very much.
Kind regards,
Betty

Angshu (56760) 2009-05-13 20:57

Hello Paul
Good contrast between the shimmering water between the boats & the darkish colours in the rest of the picture. I am quite intrigued by the green structure centre of right...looks like the "Devil" is taking a dip, tail up ;-). What's it by the way? Well done!
Regards
Angshu