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A moment of tranquillity, before the rain started again : - )

Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated. Thank You!

This is lovely.  Where I walk there lives a family of swans.  It is one of the reasons I go there.  I just love that the leading swan looks his reflection like Narcissus.  The gentle wake behind the swans, the bits of vegetation and protruding rock both about their size makes for such a lovely composition of surprises in various elements.  The view of bottom rocks in forefront and the colors of leaves and mountains in backdrop all work with the grey wetness to make this meditative, slightly melancholy, and beautiful.  

So peaceful and serene Alf. Just a great shot with one of the nicest backgrounds I have seen. The mist along the shore sets the mood for the entire image, quiet, soft and peaceful. Excellent work my friend.

BR,  Holger

Yeah, have to agree.  A gorgeous landscape on it's own, but with the addition of the swans and the sleeping frog face it just gets better and better.  Love it... Mike

I am almost surprised you had not worked on and posted this one earlier, but it was just the right time I suppose. I know how much you love this area. Your earlier landscapes, one where there are swans near the opposite shore (@2009 I think) was lovely as well. There is just something about the gracefulness of 'swans' in an image, combined by the still waters that adds a certain 'magic'. I think the image is more interesting for the 'rock-sleeping frog and water plants in the foreground. The fog that reveals just enough detail is so perfect for this composition. Beautiful capture and processing Alf. I am always amazed by the subtle detail revealed in the foreground of the rocks at the bottom of the lake.

Hi Alf,

  Beautiful peaceful scene that makes you whish you where there sitting on the bank watching each moment change.  Thanks for sharing.  Take care, Patsy

Hi Alf, a very tranquil scene, beautifully observed and captured. It really opens up in large view and you can appreciate all the details and reflections. Lovely work. Best wishes. Sarah.

I've got a peaceful easy feeling. What a wonderful photograph.

Brent

Beautiful balanced view....i was staring at the large ver.as it was live view...

Many compliments and regards!

Hanan

So very good to hear from you! 

Swans are fascinating creatures, all gracefulness and calm on the surface, hiding inner strength and ferocious response when they are feeling threatened. 

Your words are like spontaneous poetry, the "grey wetness" provides perfect shooting condition's, well for me at least.

Sincere Thanks & Best Regards 

Alf 

HOLGER 

The location is Grasmere, in the UK "Lake District" one of my favoured locations in the UK.  I don't spend much time here during the summer, but tend to visit in the autumn and winter when the visitors are less likely to be about.

Many Thanks for you thoughtful feedback Holger! 

Best Regards 

Alf 

MIKE 

Yes I have replaced the ducks with a sleeping frog, it was much less prone to argument and cost less than the ducks : - )  The swans being vain of course just wanted to get in on the scene. 

Many Thanks Mike! 

Alf 

GAIL 

I keep visiting my archives and rescuing photo's to process, but I think one from 2009 was a different lake, albeit within 20 miles of this one. I also posted one in 2013 from this lake. 

You are very perceptive about the fog, it can be quite difficult to get just the right density of fog to allow visibility of the distant shore but without losing the overall foggy effect and atmosphere of the image. 

I tiptoed away from the scene ....didn't want to wake the frog : - ) 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful feedback.

Best Regards  

Alf 

PATSY 

I must agree with you, even looking back at the image now makes me want to be there again.  

Many Thanks & Best Regards 

Alf 

SARAH

Thank you so much! 

It makes me wish that all of my time was my own : - ) 

Best Regards 

Alf 

BRENT 

There's a song about that : - ) 

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words! 

Best Regards 

Alf 

HANAN

Many Thanks for your interest it is most gratifying to read that you enjoyed viewing this image.

Best Regards 

Alf 

You're right, checked again and it is the 2013 one. The one with the swans on the other shore is a different location!

Interesting observation, I never considered it from an oriental perspective before now. 

Many Thanks 

Alf 

Beautiful and serene image on a set where the mist sets the background outlining the objects in the foreground.  The two swans stand out as well the small rock which attracts the eye immediately.  Beautiful and nostalgic image of a moody and cloudy day...cheers!

It does not get any better. Superb!

Thank heavens  that Loch Ness (Nessie) did not surface to upset the tranquil mood of this image.

Thank you so much for your interest and kind words.  It was one of those grey days of autumn, when the hints of colour made all the difference. The two swans were a bonus.

Best Regards 

Alf 

TONY 

This lake (Grasmere)  is in England about 150 miles due south of the famous Scottish Loch Ness.  But then of course Nessie could be capable of travelling overland : - ) 

Sincere Thanks 

Alf 

The accolades you've earned in connection with this image all are well deserved.  It's almost futile for me to try coming up with something that hasn't been said already.

So I'll mention something new to this discussion - legend, because of the mood of this image.  Swans play major roles in the mythology of many cultures.  If one looks hard enough at the image, it may be possible to see Leda before she was raped by Zeus.  There also is a Norwegian legend, if I remember correctly, that tells us how swans acquired their white color.

A hearty bravo to you, Alf - a beautiful, graceful, and sensuous image.

My best,

michael

It's frustrating not to be able to find some way to suggest how to  improve this image.  I feel so inadequate! :-)  You've hit a sweet spot with this nicely balanced composition.  Cooperation from the swans is a factor in the success of this one as are the calm waters and soft lighting.  I'm thinking that it would be a treat to view a collection of your posts @ 20" x 30" or even larger.  I could use some help with the air fare should you decide to do that.  Best, Len. 

Humble apologies for my late reply this one must have slipped past me. 

I like the new spin on the image, they are noble creatures Swans, and although I wasn't aware of the historic mythology, it really doesn't surprise me either. 

Thank you so much for your insightful thoughts and comments.

Best Regards 

Alf 

LEN 

I'm sure there is a way the image could be improved, maybe another rock and a bit more foreground vegetation,  and maybe another swan, I always find three such an interesting number.  But given what was on offer I just gave it my best shot.....after waiting for what seemed like hours for them to line up.  They didn't really cooperate, they just got bored and decided to move : - ) 

I have printed a few images, not many, and they hang in the house in various places. But it would be a n interesting exercise to hold an exhibition and be able to see peoples reactions. 

I think you could sell a few too Len, that would help with the air fare! 

Many Thanks & Best Regards 

Alf