Gods Country (Click for Larger view)

I think the directions could be aimed at the unwary tourists : - ) 

Amazing location that kind of "gets to you" 

Many Thanks Mike! 

 

Alf 

 

ROSS 

What fine compliments you pay me! Thank You!

Interesting walk it was indeed, every mile uncovers a new treasure, or rather an old treasure re-discovered!  The dwellings and mine workings are dotted all over the area for miles, and the dry stone construction is fascinating.  The upright stones resemble grave markers, but they are in fact just slabs of slate that form a fence. They are quite common in North Wales were slate is in abundance.

Cheers Ross! 

 

Alf 

 

EYSTEIN 

 

You can be forgiven for thinking this is Scotland, as the vibrant vegetation is not dissimilar to that of the highlands, but the location is in fact North Wales.  The sun appeared for a few moments between the scurrying clouds and I took the opportunity to capture this one! 

 

Many Thanks for your thoughtful feedback and kind words! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is so much to compliment in this image.  The perspective, of course, with the rocky path and stone fence leading to the pine and beyond. The soft colors are like a fine painting. How fortunate that the clouds cooperated. A gift!  I've come to expect your strict attention to detail so no surprise there.  All in all very nice work.~~~~~L

Hi, Alf! Love it! It communicates such a strong mood! I love the title - fits perfectly to the picture! Thank you for the pleasure. Warmest regards, Tamara

A beautiful landscape-shot with very nice lighting, Alf!

 

only tiny detail (not sure whether it was your intention or not), is the rather dark top of the tree (seems the vignette 'covers' it a bit) - the tree might stand out a bit more, if it wasn't covered.

Otherwise, I'm happy to join the other's praise: the interplay of light and shade - the essential elements of every photograph - really works well here both in shape and "weight". The composition is classical - which suits perfect to the subject. You also seem to have corrected the distortion of the wide angle very carefully so that the walls of the ruin and the slabs of the fence look "right".

This image immediately prompted me to think of a story line.  For it to work, I have to imagine this place being in northern Britain.  I see a cohort of Roman soldiers marching up this path to be stationed at Hadrian's Wall.  Although their path is clear and free of obstacles, they are feeling isolated and lonely, owing to the abandoned old structure and the lone tree.  They are a bit anxious about what awaits them at the top of the next ridge.  Nonetheless, their spirits are buoyed by the soft greens and golds and the amazing expanse of sky they see.

Amazing work, my friend . . .

michael

Alf.. You always have the ability to show a very nice details with its ideal sharpness. Really very nice work.

 

This new system (imposed upon us) did not "Pop" this image up for my immediate attention (like in the past) so I have just spotted it now............

Wow, so much has already been said, and the thread makes for interesting reading (as do most of yours) so I will go with the rest and commend you on a strong, bright, clear, interesting image that presents well in a larger view.

Congrats my friend

Best regards 

I have to say the places you journey to, in time to get there in the early morning are well worth the drive, but I don't know how you do it Alf. I must be rather exciting for you, you never know just what conditions you will be working in, always a surprise. This is a visually beautiful image that sparks my imagination. I am very interested in the story you wrote about this place. I have never seen a fence made out of slate in any image. Very inspiring Alf. 

Sincere regards, Gail

Hi Alf, I like the way you have presented this place that was radiating with mystical powers, you have caught the very essence of it and remain original - I'we seen some available photos of the place on web..You have it all - composition, graphic elements, perspective, focus in foreground yet great depth of field, the sky working with an image, great yet natural colors, position of the sun creating shadows at the right place - following the line of the path.  Excellent work.   

You sure know what to take pictures of, when and how, Alf! I admire your extraordinary skills shown on this and all your other pictures!

 

Best regards

 

PDE

Fantastic work Alf, thanks for sharing. I love the bright airy feel of the image, and the choice to highlight the slate wall is excellent as it's rather unique. It's a shame the weather is so overcast compared to the bright landscape, but given the circumstances you describe you've done extremely well, and it adds to the atmosphere of the piece substantially.

 

It is an area I'd very much like to explore further; I coincidentally made my first visit to Northern Wales just last weekend, up the road from here in Beddgelert, with a bit of driving around the area. I think I will definitely have to return again.

 

Best wishes, Mark

I thought I had already commented on this shot , must have been a " Senior moment " .  I like the patchy light from the moving clouds and the composition is flawless as usual . I know there is an abundance of Slate in Wales , nice to see it being made good use of . I've only been there once and that was to a Flower Show ! Bill

I was quite fortunate that the clouds co-operated, it can quite easily look like a dark dismal place without the sunshine, the dark slate creating a sombre atmosphere in the rain.

But even then, it retains a wild raw beauty that I love. 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful comments and kind words! 

 

Alf 

 

TAMARA 

 

My bother in law is Welsh and I'm sure I've heard him refer to Wales as "Gods Country" too : - ) 

In this tiny village of slate miners I think God was a strong influence.

I'm really pleased you liked this one Tamara and thank you for your interest and positive feedback! 

Warm Regards 

 

Alf 

 

RUUD 

 

Many Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated! 

 

Alf 

 

WOLFGANG 

 

You have a good eye for detail Wolfgang!  But now I am thinking "Did I inadvertently darken the top of the tree with the vignette or is it just a case of the cloud shadow clipping the tree".  I will investigate via the RAW file. I am not sure if I corrected any distortion, I think I just took the shot with the camera level from a lower position, as I remember. 

Many thanks for your interest and useful feedback, much appreciated! 

 

Alf 

 

MICHAEL 

 

It is most gratifying to read that my photograph inspired such imaginative story telling. I enjoyed reading it and can see just how the scenario would fit in with this landscape. I am told that even before the slate mines were founded in the early 1880's the path was a "Drovers Route" and I would imagine that it has Roman origins. 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and positive feedback Michael! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

MUSEEB 

 

Many Thanks for your interest and positive feedback.  The lens is rated by many landscape photographers as being one of the best in terms of image quality and corner to corner sharpness.

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

GRAYHAM 

 

I'm getting  used to the "new system" now, and although I was ranting and raving about it in none too complimentary terms, now that it has settled down and I can actually customise it to appear as I want on my home page, I actually like it, but shhhhh don't tell anyone they'll think I'm going soft!  : - ) 

Many Thanks for your thoughtful feedback Grayham! 

 

Cheers mate! 

 

Alf 

 

GAIL 

 

I am convinced that getting there in time for dawn or dusk is really the only way to get the very best out of any landscape location. And you are so right about not knowing just what conditions to expect.

My most recent adventure was a trip to a traditional windmill about 90 minutes from where I live. I left the house at 4.30 am to ensure I got there for dawn and I was making great time, when all of a sudden the motorway traffic came to halt! 

I growled and mumbled all the profanities I could think of as I sat there and watched the minutes tick by and with it the precious light, after some 30 minutes the traffic started moving again and I saw 2 cars totally wrecked on the roadside with the police and ambulances in attendance.  It was then I reminded myself just how lucky I was to see this dawn.  I arrived at my destination in good time to capture some lovely early morning clouds.

I still haven't processed a single image from that batch yet........but I will at some point.

The Slate mines and ruins of the village make for compulsive viewing and you can't help but get caught up in the atmosphere of the place.

 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and positive feedback, much appreciated!

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

VLADIMIR 

 

I think the one person that really inspired me to capture images of this area was John Roberts, he used to post quite regularly on this site, but sadly I haven't heard from him in some time. I do hope he is OK. 

It is most gratifying to read that you have looked at other shots of the area and found this one both original and enjoyable to view. 

Sincere Thanks for your positive comments and thoughtful feedback! 

 

Best Regards  

 

Alf 

 

PIERRE 

 

The "when" and the "how" are relatively simple to achieve, but the "what" can prove elusive : - )  It becomes ever more difficult to find new subjects! 

Many Thanks Pierre! I appreciate your interest and encouragement! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

MARK 

 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful analysis and positive feedback! 

It is comparatively rare that both elements, (bright sunshine and dark clouds) appear simultaneously, but when they do they tend to make quite a dramatic kind of light and I think I was fortunate enough to encounter it here. 

North Wales is full of amazing locations, if you need a guide just let me know, but you'll have to get up early : - ) 

Cheers Mark! 

 

Alf 

 

BILL

 

I have lots of "Senior Moments" but fortunately I can't remember them all : - ) 

 

The "Snowdonia" region of North Wales is just amazing, and area's such as this with abandoned mine workings and dwellings are just full of character, well worth another visit if you get a chance Bill.

Many Thanks for your thoughts and encouraging feedback! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Alf,

You have really captured the essence of the place, wonderful light and composition! - most of your landscapes tell a story even without your excellent stories that so often go with your landscape captures! This is what for me makes your landscapes so successful as you have a great affinity and understanding of the places you visit which are then photographed so beautifully! Best wishes. Sarah.

Thanks you so much!

Its very gratifying to read that you like to read the bits of stories and information I sometimes relay. I do think it's important to try and get a "feel" for a place, and when its steeped in history, as most of the UK is, then with luck and the right conditions, the mood and atmosphere can be captured in keeping with the subject.

Cheers Sarah! 

 

Alf 

Could this landscape be better? I no think. All is perfect here: colors, lights, shadows, composition of image, sky, ground. And in B/W? Ciao, Maurizio.

Many Thanks for your kind words and suggestions.

I hadn't previously considered a B & W conversion for this shot, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense.

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

Hi Alf, I'm later than late on this one, but so worth the wait. After reading 30-40 comments on this I came to the realization that all has been said and it's all true. So I'm just here to reiterate what others have already stated. Wonderful composition and what an interesting place to shoot. Alf have a great week.

Best Always,

Holger

Hi Alf,

 

the colors are great, in particular the luscious green of the grass and the cloudy blue of the sky. The spot of light in the middle of the picture also adds interest.

 

But what stands out most here is the composition: Every line that I can imagine points towards the isolated tree, which itself is perfectly placed in the picture. A very, very impressive shot!

 

Alex

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words, your thoughts and positive feedback was worth waiting for : - ) 

This location does have the benefit of a deep rooted history that seems to emit from every fibre of the landscape, as well as some very pleasing aesthetics.

Just a pity its a back breaking walk with all your camera kit : - ) 

 

Cheers Holger you have a great week too! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

ALEX 

 

With all the converging lines I thought you were going to apply algorithms to them for a moment  : - ) 

 

Seriously though, although I considered the composition carefully, I didn't fully appreciative the amount of leading lines until you graphically pointed them out. 

I have noticed this occurs in a few of my images, but I can't say that consciously look for them to that extent, maybe its just luck, or instinct.

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful analogy, very much appreciated! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

it has such a nice calming feeling Alf like most of your image...nice work...regards....David

Looks like its all been said so I'll just say... Simply... Beautiful!

-r-

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words.  A troubled past, but maybe a peaceful future,

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

RAYMOND

Sincere Thanks. It can be a bleak landscape, but it can be transformed with a touch of sunshine into something else.

 

Kind Regards 

 

Alf 

The fence really looks like it stands there since stone age. Your composition is perfect. I wish for a green as fresh as in this shot, everything being burned out in our sides.

Regards, Tibi