new zealand Speed of First Light

It's been almost three months since I've been on PN. For this I beg

your pardon, as I haven't stayed up-to-date with your images. Our

time has been taken up with travel to New Zealand in March; the

sudden, sad, and unexpected death of our dog, Bernie; and our

daughter's upcoming wedding on June 10. I am back and will visit

your images regularly after the wedding.

 

Being a subscriber to PN for five years now, I have seen my

insights and appreciation for posted images evolve. Often in

reading comments, I get the sense the image is the only message.

To me, such viewings are incomplete. Images also teach me

multicultural lessons as I view photos, converse globally, and learn

about the people behind the images. I learn international

geography, and when astute taste of others cultural practices. This

all hit me in New Zealand. How ironic since New Zealand is an

English speaking nation with roots to Britain and similarities with

Australia, Canada, and the U.S.

 

I hope that sharing my evolution of thinking about images will have

meaning to other PN regulars and users.

 

This image was taken with my Lumix point and shoot on Air New

Zealand in the vicinity of the International Date Line. I enjoy the

colorful first light and sense of speed and vastness of space.

Please share your comments. More from New Zealand will get

posted gradually.

 

Another lesson for me is that ratings, don't matter. Comments and

connections with fellow PN friends do. Together we share and

learn and develop our skills. Many thanks and please excuse my

absence. Larry

Welcome back, Larry. I'm looking forward to seeing your images of NZ. It is always a learning experience to see a place you are familiar with through the eyes of someone who is seeing it for the first time. AG

I have seen this many a time in similar situations as described by you and each time I see it, the wonder only grows. High above the ground - the perspective really does change, if only to make us realize, how minuscule a footprint we have compared to the universe that surrounds us. Great shot !

Adrienne,  I am look forward to your perspectives and comments as a New Zealander as well.  My images were no doubt affected by the black cloud of Bernie's, our border collie, death while we were in NZ as well as by really poor, but likely typical weather.  I look forward to our communication.   Larry

Nirvikar,   Thanks for your comment.  I agree about being reminded about how insignificant we humans are in the context of the world and universe.  Being aware of this increases our sensitivity.  I appreciate your picking up this theme in this image.

larry,  this would be the first image of yours i have ever seen,  but have made you one of my interesting people just so as i can follow your work on new zealand.  i floated around the world for 10 or 11 years and everyone i met who had been here all spoke so highly of the place that i just had to come and see for myself.  that was 33 years a go.  this past summer was the worst summer i can remember weather wise,  but now we are having a really settled and beautiful winter.  we live in the marlborough sounds have a look if you like.

www.ngaiobay.co.nz

Welcome back.

I enjoyed your write-up probably more than the image itself, but can appreciated the majesty of what you were seeing. The airline windows I've looked out of have never provided sufficient clarity to ever consider taking and image through (smiles).

I know your daughters wedding will go wonderfully well.... so enjoy.

Look forward to your NZ images........ not been there myself (yet).

Best regards

Roger,   So you moved to New Zealand 33 years ago.  I can understand why.  New Zealanders are the friendliest and most helpful people we have seen anywhere.  We experienced the poor summer or early fall weather throughout our trip, yet the trip was terrific, though too short.  The only part of Marlborough we saw was Picton en-route from Nelson to get the ferry to Wellington.  The wind and rain was so bad that day that our ferry was cancelled or delayed a few hours.  When we did go, it was drilling rain and quite rough.  We turned it into an appreciation for the majesty of the ocean. To get the quality images I'd like, I'd need to be able to go back to places and hang out in the right spots.  So, what we have is what we captured as tourists.  Thanks connecting with me, Roger.  Larry

Grayham,  Thanks for your note and nice wishes on our wedding next weekend.  Somehow the widow on this plane was clean enough to get off a good shot.  I look forward to more communication with you.   Regards.   Larry