Shoreline, Salt Evaporation Pond

Some people don't see in this image what many others do see. That's not a failing, nor would I pass judgement one way or another, but questioning why one would do this when Photoshop is available is perhaps not the right way to put it. To my eye, this image is much deeper than a fractal-like edge separating an orange triangle from an uneven, earth-toned one. The strong graphic component no doubt is part of this image's success, but that success is also created in the subtle gradations and textural changes throughout the basic areas. In fact, those textural changes become more interesting to me the longer I look, making me wish for a large print or very high resolution file.

 

There's a whole essay in here somewhere about why we make challenging photographs when technology allows for shortcuts both in-camera and after-camera. I think I'll resist the temptation to explore it here. The real answer as to why do this with a camera and a kite instead of a keyboard, with regard to *this* image, is right there in the photographer's notes: the process entertains him to no end.

 

Well, the process, and, more importantly to the viewer, the result itself, has proven entertaining indeed in this image. Nice work.

Cris,

 

This is a very beautiful and a very original image indeed. The way you shot it is unbelievable at least to me. A perfect 10 for originality and aesthetics and of course a perfect 10 for anything else which these two parameters do not capture, perseverance, passion for your work... well you name it.

Oh yes congratulations on the POW.

 

"there are many wonders of the world that we live in, and Photoshop doesn't have any filters that can render them"

 

Well said Mark.

 

Regards

another great shot... although i'm not affiliated with them, i think you should consider submitting this image to science or nature magazine. these are the world's most prestigious scientific journals and either would benefit from having something like this grace the cover. these halophilic archaebacteria you capture (orange pigment is from bacteriorhodopsin, which does a very primitive type of photosynthesis) are frequently covered in research articles and photos like this are often sought out by editors as a segway into a story.

 

Congratulations Chris. I don't have a whole lot of time right now, but let me simply say that I have visited your portoflio many times in the past, and I am enthralled by both your process and your results... although I imagine a GREAT amount of luck is involved as well.

 

In any event, while I prefer the photograph of the "s" wave with the back-flow of water, I am very happy to have seen your efforts recognized. I will return later in the week to offer a more coherent comment.

I think I haden't ever seen a image like this.The texture of wave is very nice.But if we could see an animal or something else on beach, the shot would became much more nice.

 

I love it. the colors are stunning. The mention of kite photography has taken this image to great heights. You often hear who cares how it's done. In this case i do care. Full marks to you and your kite!

I think all is already said! Excellent picture. I agree with a comment above, I'm sure you have more fun with that kite than if you just try something in a fractals program. 10/10.

Just to echo the sentiments of others. very creative and very intriguing and also not my favorite of a very neat collection of images. Something about the fuzziness in the orange part detracts. Also as stated above, I think your pictures are very marketable. The Chaco Canyon pictures are aesthetically not as nice as others in your folders, but there are not very many really good shots of that place and I would have gladly paid handsomely for one or more of your nicely wrought kite pictures of the area.

 

I tried kite pictures once using one of those smithsonian kits, an instant camera and a tricky shutter release mechanism. One of those father-daughter projects that never worked out. Your pictures are better than I would have imagined kite pictures could be.

 

Congratulations.

Cris, I just want to say that I've also been watching your portfolio for some time. It's an inspiration to see a dedication to showing us a different perspective on the world not seen from planes, ballooning or of course on the ground. There is great beauty around us if we can just find the right perspective. You work hard at finding that spot. In answer to "Why not do it in photoshop?" Why would you want to? You can get out from behind the computer and enjoy the real world. I also enjoy some of the PS projects on photo.net, but they pale in comparison to the real world seen with fresh sight.

 

Thanks for sharing, and yes I agree "Photographer of the Week" and beyond is a more apt description of what you've shown us.

That is such an insane way to take pictures! Congrats on an original method and an original shot.

Ahhh... So happy to see an image of yours selected POW. My amazement of the beauty of these images just never ends - especially when I consider how you've done them. So clever, with just surreal results. Congrats!

I was so taken by this photo when I first found it (before it won POW) that I spent a day or so researching how to build my own kite. I'm profoundly jealous and can only imagine what I might have done with this technique in Antarctica. Marvelous!

 

I admire your ingenuity, but would suggest that a helium filled balloon would offer greater security and protection from catastropic failure. Interestingly enough, images similar to this can be obtained via the use of a microscope, which is not meant as a criticism, but only to point out how shapes viewed at very large and at very small scales can resemble each other.

I thought this was an awesome macro shot before reading the caption. Totally cool, you should be proud, you developed a technique and followed it through and now you are an inspiration to us all.

Cris,

 

I come in late here and can only second all of the adulation. This photo and those in the rest of your portfolio easily stand alone as intriguing and beautiful images quite independent of the technique used to achieve them. That we then wonder how they were taken, and that we must often make an effort to know what we are looking at, makes their beauty all the more compelling. (What an enormous letdown it would have been to find they were merely photoshop creations!) I marvel at the skill that has been brought to bear. There is a passion and understanding of technology (well documented in your KAP site) quite beyond the normal technophilia of camera fanatics. And there is an aesthetic intuition required quite beyond that necessary for photographers who actually see what they are shooting. Bravo and congratulations.

Can't believe I missed this one, great shot! I just visited your site and was blown away.

wonderful foto

great photo of nature

This photo definitely makes it into the "art" category in my book. Unique and inspiring.