Yamuna in Watercolour, a photo from Uttar Pradesh, North

Photographer's Note

You may disagree, but I think that mist, by blurring contours of things, creates an effect not dissimilar from that of a watercolour painting.

I've said before, that a visit to Taj Mahal is an occasion to practice many genres of photography, including landscape, and this is an example. I liked this view of Mehtab Bagh gardens (normally, this is where people take photos of the Taj Mahal from) but it was the boat that made me raise my camera and shoot, especially the sight of the lady (or man) in red travelling in it. :-)

In WS two images of the Taj itself, taken 90 minutes apart. I have mentioned before that, upon arrival, I found the monument shrouded in mist. I did lift, however, revealing the intricacies of the wonderful architecture and the canvas of blue sky (not as intense blue as it may be during the more popular months, but still good for more classic shots than my morning ones).

holmertz, jean113, pajaran, Fis2, PaulVDV, lucasgalodoido, ChrisJ, Royaldevon, COSTANTINO, macjake has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

holmertz (101864) 2021-07-05 9:04

Hello Kasia,
Two classic Taj views in the WS, the misty one after all quite original for the peculiar light, the other one surprisingly uncrowded. But of course this is my favourite. There is a perfect diagonal line between the corners cutting through the boat and the pavilion. The only slight drawback is the lighter patch in the upper right corner. Is it a cloud of heavier mist? Anyway, I agree about the watercolour effect. Maybe chalk pastels could have had a similar effect.
Kind regards,
Gert

jean113 (27585) 2021-07-05 10:40

Hello Kasia, three interesting pictures. We are so used to seeing the Taj Mahal in perfect light, yet in these we see it shrouded in mist which adds an air of mystery.
The main post does indeed look a watercolour with its subtle colours.
Even with a poor light the boat shows a reflection plus the merest hint of another one from the riverbank.
Interesting notes.
Kind regards, Jean.

Silvio1953 (220417) 2021-07-05 10:58

Ciao Kasia, fascinating misty view, lovely composition with boat in FG, beautiful reflections, magic atmosphere and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

lousat (138505) 2021-07-05 12:29

Ciao Kasia,the fog always has its charm and offers a special touch to the photos, often always the same as those of the Taj. I was very happy when I found the fog in the desert of Oman, I took unique and rare photos. And yours are also very special, the first is beautiful, and among the 2 WS obviously I choose the foggy one, we have already seen the other too many times. Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Fis2 (169567) 2021-07-05 12:54

Czesc Kasiu!
Super mgielka, to atut tej fotografii.
Ciekawy obiekt no i ta odbita lodka to wisienka na torcie.
Znakomita kompozycja i kolorki.
Pozdrawiam.
Krzysztof

PaulVDV (62720) 2021-07-05 15:12

Hello Kasia,
I didn't know the viewpoint in the Mehtab Bagh gardens.
I wonder if these gardens were already known for their view in 1995 because I did walk at the river side of the Taj along the Yamuna looking for a nice viewpoint.
It was the beginning of the rainy season and the river was far from its highest level. I remember groups of vultures that didn't appreciate my presence.
The colourful clothes of the people in the boat and their reflections in the water make them stand out in the misty morning.
The environment exudes a lot of tranquility ... while I remember Agra as the most chaotic and unnerving place where I've ever been in India :)
It pays to get there early and watch the Taj slowly emerge from the fog. But I would rather not have the fog lingering all day. I really like the colours of the photo you took after an hour and a half.
Best regards, Paul

ifege (46851) 2021-07-05 20:51

Hi Kasia
Yes - the first 2 are very watercoloury and atmospheric. The other WS gives a clear classic view.
cheers
Ian

abmdsudi (95869) 2021-07-05 20:52

Hi Kasia
Lovely soft light, misty ambiance & wonderful visual atmosphere with the boat and its passengers enhances the ambience! The panorama gives your eyes so much space to wander in and calms you down while speck of vivid red clicks and does make lots of diff. A delightful capture indeed and I love the overall feeling... hats off
Best regards

mkamionka (73198) 2021-07-06 2:31

Czesc Kasia,
swietna seria. Ja bym sie pewnie zalamal majac takie niebo przy Taj Mahal, a Ty swietnie sobie poradzilas i zrobilas z tego cala historie. Jak to mowia: kiedy zycie daje ci cytryny -zrob lemoniade :)
Ta lodka bardzo ci sie przydala, ale dla mnie ktory lubi pocztowki, zdjecia z workshopu sa jeszcze ciekawsze.
Pozdrawiam serdecznie,
M

lucasgalodoido (27698) 2021-07-06 5:02

Hi Kasia,
really an interestin effect of fog, and another of watercolour paint is a good filter for light. Great capture here and at your WSs. Great job, my friend.
Regards,
Lucas

ChrisJ (171146) 2021-07-06 16:28

Hello Kasia,

There is an unseen line between the boat in the bottom right and the mist shrouded and domed structure across the water at top left. A nice reflection of the boat too. Good mood and atmosphere. Tfs!

Tue (91440) 2021-07-07 6:55

Hello Kasia,
The mood is wonderful here, the calm water and the fog create a great atmosphere. The reddish tones of that tower and the colours of the people's clothes jump out well from the greyish surroundings.
Lars

Royaldevon (85546) 2021-07-10 4:22

Hello Kasia,

Mist always engenders a moody atmosphere, as here, and you have made a very good composition, one that could be used effectively to explain composition to students of photography.

Your w/s are quite different in their subject and who could turn away from seeing that wonderful, romantic building, emerging from the mist. You had some excellent moments!

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

COSTANTINO (115387) 2021-07-10 5:47

hello dear Kasia and have a pleasant evening
delicate and artistic photo
with a hidden mystery
I love this peaceful atmosphere
and the boat down there
regards
Costantino

GyurMaster (24668) 2021-07-12 4:01

Hello again,

Its a very calming composition. I like the tranquility.

Best Wishes,
Gy.

macjake (98256) 2021-08-16 11:49

Hi Kasia
imagine living here in Agra, and having access to photograph this place each and every day - but most likely its taken for granted by locals. Just like how I take for granted the mountains we have in our day to day scenery, even when driving the local roads. These misty shots are great, it goes to show how lucky i was to get such a clear blue sky. this scene alone makes me want to head back to India, love it.
cheers
Craig