Painted sky...., a photo from Maluku Utara, Maluku

Photographer's Note

This was taken overlooking Maitara volcanic island. The light was getting stronger slowly as the hidden sun was getting higher in the sky just shortly after sunrise. I was taken by all the scenery in the early morning particularly the active sky full of warm clouds' shapes and textures, as if nature had brush-painted with streak of dark grey tone across the low sky and the view was so mesmerising something that I had not seen or taken before. Every once in a while, nature produces a moment of serenity, clear, calm, unruffled, placid, tranquil and unperturbed and this was one such unforgettable moment, alone witnessing once in a life time Mother Nature at her finest unusual creation.

Jailolo is a small hemlet located along the west coast of Central Halmahera volcanic island in North Maluku Province, Eastern Indonesia. This sparcely populated and the least visited island offers a wonderously beautiful landscape and superb tropical natural beauty. It is heaven for any photographer who seeks for beautiful nature and a true place for peace. There are three active volcanic islands nearby - being the major attraction - here which resemble pyramids jutting out of Molucca sea and on a calm clear day this nature beauty continues to amaze the eyes.

Exposed on the foreground using ND8 Cokin P121

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For the record:
Alfred Russel Wallace the famous British naturalist, explorer and geographer stayed on the neighbouring Ternate volcanic island not far from this spot for nearly one year as a base station, exploring Halmahera island and the Moluccas and New Guinea from 1854 to 1862 collecting flora and fauna specimens. The rainforests of Halmahera and other islands of North Maluku province have been described by the World Wildlife Fund as the Halmahera Rain Forests Ecoregion and are home to a number of unique plant and animal species unique to the islands, which are in the Wallacea transition zone containing a mixture of species of Asian and Australasian origin.

The Wallace Line or Wallace's Line is a boundary that separates the ecozones of Asia and Wallacea, which is a transitional zone between Asia and Australia. West of the line are related to Asiatic species; to the east, a mixture of species of Asian and Australian origin are present. The line is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, who noticed this clear dividing line during his travels through the Malay Archipelago in the 19th century. The line runs through Indonesia, between Borneo and Sulawesi (Celebes); and through the Lombok Strait between Bali in the west and Lombok in the east

To honor his great contribution, a road was named after him at his former residence in Ternate island on the slope of Gamalama Volcano as 'Jalan Alfred Russel Wallace' (Jalan means road or street in Indonesian)

Janusz1974, holmertz, Budapestman, bayno, timecapturer, ourania, Graal, jhm, maria-v1981, marcan44, adores, Cricri, ines8, delpeoples, TopGeo, Robert1969 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Janusz1974 (795) 2012-08-02 11:17

Hi Abmdsudi,
A lovely image of clouds.
The light you have caught is just fantastic and it has brought out deep true colours of the palms and sea.
A good wide angle taken from a low position giving good contrast .
Well done
Best regards
Janusz

HimalAnda (10671) 2012-08-02 11:20

Hello Abmdsudi,

This sky and its clouds are very impressive. Your composition, with a low horizon line, is perfect.

Stйphane

holmertz (103564) 2012-08-02 11:29

Hello Abmdsudi,
This is a simply beautiful view, where you have captured the spectacularly shaped clouds with a golden tinge that probably lasted for just a short moment. The black streaks across the the clouds are particularly fascinating. The dense jungle of the tropical shore contributes greatly to the atmosphere.
Kind regards,
Gert

GREGG (7888) 2012-08-02 11:46

Hi,
I like it what is happening in the sky,
puffy clouds, soft light
nice view
G.

bema (26591) 2012-08-02 12:01

Hi dear Abmdsudi,

well a real fine clouded sky , captured in an real fine composed and well selected picture!

thanks for sharing, see you soon, cheers Bernd

dta (98848) 2012-08-02 12:04

hello Abmdsudi ,
What a sky ! And waht a light on this marvelous landscape ! The compositon is fantastic with the contrast between the lit jungle on the right , and the island in the clouds on the left .
I'm not sure about the piece of wood in the FG , but why not .
Regards

JFS (32459) 2012-08-02 12:14

Simply but amazing shot, with so many incredible elements! the whole image is magic! Top quality and superb light. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Juan

Fis2 (171849) 2012-08-02 14:15

Witaj Abmdsudi!
Wonderful landscape.
Beautiful light and colors.
Well done.
Best regards
Krzysztof

romanaa (8430) 2012-08-02 14:25

Hello Abmdsudi,

fantastic show in the sky makes the seaside picture even more attractive, beautiful light mirrors in water.

Best regards

Romana

ACL1978 (7511) 2012-08-02 15:15

Abmdsudi, are those clouds or emissions from the volcano? Either way, they're stunning, clinging to the horizon, with the wisp of darker clouds hanging around them. You did some great lighting work here, expressing the sunrise with delicate exposure while still not losing the light on the trees or the reflections in the water. Really a breathtaking shot.

Andrew

InasiaJones (31566) 2012-08-02 16:17

Hi Abmdsudi,

We don't come across such impressive sky very often. This thing is both beautiful and apocalyptic... A spectacular show of nature.

The island presents some interesting features as well, but you did the right thing by allowing a smaller space for it, as the real deal is in the sky. I almost feel that the island appears to put the clouds in a context, as a supporting role, which is perfect.

You have also attributed a balanced proportion for the water, which displays some very nice reflections, particularly around the island with golden tones.

I read your reply to Denis, as I was wondering if anybody else was commenting about that isolated stick. I know it's a matter of choice and I surely respect your decision, but I don't understand its utility in the composition. I think it takes away the focus out of the serene and wild beauty of your scene, disturbing more than adding anything favorable, whether esthetic of insightful.

Unless it's the horn of an aquatic monster... :-p))

Cheers!

Andrй

Budapestman (82620) 2012-08-02 17:14

Hi Abmdsudi,
a fabulous view with spectacular composition and beautiful lights, the sky is fantastic. Great atmosphere, Tfs! Have a nice weekend! Kellemes hйtvйgйt kнvбnok!
Gyцrgy

npecanhuk (79329) 2012-08-02 17:46

Hello Abmdsudi!
Wonderful sky with those clouds!
Very attractive reflections on the water surface!
Very beautiful view and picture!
The only "problem" here would be that "wooden stick" on the left lower corner!
Everything else truly pleased me... superb photo qualities!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

SnapRJW (31631) 2012-08-03 0:10

Hello Abmdsudi - Magical sky you captured here, the 'brush stroke' is so unusual and it is no wonder you were captivated by it. Beautiful light and a fine image. The only thing that bugs me slightly is the stick in the FG. I might remove it. warm regards rosemary

dkmurphys (79209) 2012-08-03 0:49

Hello,
Splendid atmosphere and a mirific landscape. Nature is amazing. Well taken.

Daniel

bayno (18348) 2012-08-03 1:41

Ciao Abmdsudi,
remarkable effect of dark clouds in the FG, it seems a veil of fine silk that flutters over the sea, beautiful also the background with clouds that make pleasant designs illuminated by a wonderful light, also very beautiful light reflections on the sea, a real postcard, perfect framing...super nice...greetings from Rome...
Valter

sacimar (38173) 2012-08-03 4:14

Hello,

the sky is really impressive here, the clouds in the back are amazing, you captured an interesting scene here, well done

Have a good weekend,

Sergio

timecapturer (49288) 2012-08-03 9:01

Hi Abmdsudi
an amazing shot this! The atmosphere and drama in the sky are just so captivating and irresistible. Nature at its most beautiful and entrancing. Captured and presented gloriously.

Have a great weekend - regards Brian.

ourania (51103) 2012-08-03 9:34

Hello Abmdsudi,
a fantastic moment of supreme natural beauty that makes you marvel at the inspiration which creates such gorgeous images. The natural elements depicted here are very lovely and fill the frame with a mesmerising alternation between serenity and intensity. The light is the catalyst that unites all the elements and makes the view so fascinating. I love the intense glow of the patterned clouds, the calm vibe of the luminous tropical greenery, the lustrous shimmer on the water. Your lighting has been so effective and the colours wonderful. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely day,
Ourania

claudeD (47754) 2012-08-03 10:00

Hello,

what an amazing picture showing this wonderful cloud formation in the sky. You did a perfect framing and an excellent light managment here. I like your fotojob very much.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

JC

siamesa (28231) 2012-08-03 16:04

Boa noite Abmdsudi

This is a splendid photo.Fantastic landscape with a elements that make us to dream. Superb capture and a marvelous image .
Abraзos
maria

amaryllis (37047) 2012-08-04 0:15

Bonjour
un ciel de toute beautй avec ces couleurs et nuages; les reflets dans l'eau, une belle perspective
excellent travail
juliette

Graal (103040) 2012-08-04 0:36

Hi Abmdsudi,
amazing seascape. Unusual sky, good title. Image is well composed. An interesting informations. Photo I like.
Have a nice WE.
Aleksander

jhm (211738) 2012-08-04 1:13

Hello Abmdsudi,

Very nice taken, during the morning time.
Clouds are truly extraordinarily.
Perfectly depth and perspective image.
Composition and colors are pleasant.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

Bluejeans (64251) 2012-08-04 3:09

Ola Abmdsudi ,
Que bela visгo deste cйu maravilhoso de fundo com estas enormes nuvens , tem umas lindas tonalidades de core , gostei do seu reflexo na agua , parabйns!!
Um abraзo Gonзalo

Silvio1953 (222811) 2012-08-04 5:05

Ciao Abmdsudi, fascinating composition with fantastic sky, beautiful reflectins, romantic atmosphere, splendid light and colors, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

maria-v1981 (10966) 2012-08-04 8:14

Hello Abmdsudi,
What a gorgeous picture ! For sure , the landscape is fabulous , but the colors and the light are so beautiful,and the effect of the clouds rolling is spectacular. The reflection FG is stunning.
Enjoy the day,
Tfs,
Maria

eldancer1 (36343) 2012-08-04 9:05

Wow! Awesome formation of tropical clouds! We had some monsoon clouds here lately but not as good as this one. Nicely captured with great lighting and wonderful colors. Very well done, tfs.

marcan44 (6315) 2012-08-04 9:18

Carissimo amico,
un grande scatto e non solo per il cielo spettacolare ripreso da questa isola vulcanica.
Infatti mi sembra che sia tutto al top : inquadratura,nitidezza,gestione della luce.
La bellezza del luogo,poi, rende l'immagine molto piacevole.
Complimenti e T F S !
Have a nice w.e.
Mario

COSTANTINO (117700) 2012-08-04 9:57

Hello
wonderful shot which was taken
overlooking Maitara volcanic
island,simply beautiful view
top quality and superb light
regards
Have a nice weekend
Costantino

adores (46979) 2012-08-04 16:54

Hi Abmdsudi!
What a fantastic sky here! Those clouds are just fabulous! I also like the composition, with that piece of land on the right and the island in background, almost hidden by clouds. Light and colours are just great!
I even like this pole in foreground!
Great shot!

Cricri (176) 2012-08-05 0:42

Hi Abmdsudi
Un spectacle magique que vous avez bien mis en image au bon moment, le ciel est merveilleux, le paysage de toute beautй, une trиs belle prйsentation et rйalisation
Beau dimanche
cricri

kato (11630) 2012-08-05 2:01

Hi Admdsudi,

You're capturing well this landscape by a good composition and excellent tone/sharness, so it's interesting and impressive to see the expression of skywith cumulonimbus cloud. The whole is harmonized well by beautiful color balance and good situation with sea, island, peninsula and sky. And, the reflection projected to the sea draws out an additional good effect in this image.
Have a nice weekend.

Kind regards,
mikio

ines8 (6128) 2012-08-05 11:34

Wow!!!!!!!!Marvelous picture,magical light, perfect clarity, superb colours.
Warm regards,
ines

ciakgiak (30) 2012-08-06 2:51

Ciao Abmdsudi,
due autentiche perle le ultime due foto, un paesaggio marino questo di rara bellezza, con un'atmosfera incantevole e colori soavi.
Molto bella la superficie dell'acqua che trasmette, esaltandola, tutta la bellezza del cielo.
Un caro saluto
Giorgio

delpeoples (60342) 2012-08-06 3:12

Hello dear Abmdsudi

Ahh I can just feel the tranquillity here. As you say, every now and again, Mother Nature pulls something like this out of her magic hat, and we are so grateful that we have been invited along for the show. I love those silver tones, the reflections are luminous on the water. And what an extraordinary cloud formation, which takes this out of the category of a normal low light shot and into the realm of masterpiece. A small thing: I probably would have cloned out the stick in the FG, but often it's nice to remember the scene exactly how it was.

Warm regards and thanks for sharing
Lisa

batalay (41261) 2012-08-06 12:50

Greetings Abmdsudi,

What a gorgeous scene. The fluffy clouds in the distance, and the veil of dark cloud just hanging above the sea, and the silhouette of the palms... I put it this beauty in the group theme, Paradise on Earth, that I started last year.

Warm regards,

Bulent

karacabeylis (1471) 2012-08-11 7:17

a professional shot on nature theme. the colors are well arranged and the green part is lovely placed indeed.

Waylim (25436) 2012-08-12 17:48

Hi Abmdsudi,

Truly a paradise. Nature is a true artist, the light, the condition is right, it can be magical, you are there at the right time to capture it with great skill. Love the contrast of the light and HD quality on the clouds and those clouds are so dramtic and imposing and the warm tone contrast really well with the grayish blue sky.

Way

kiks (12805) 2012-10-09 6:25

Fantastic this cumulusclouds. So so ig and so beautifuly illuninated by the low sun. The blues acontrast very goed with the reat of the scene.
best regards
KIKs

Robert1969 (7160) 2012-10-31 3:51

Hello Abmdsudi,

I'm always the look first thye picture before I
look at the title. And yes, I had almost the
same title what you use.
A beautiful moment taken from a great point of
view and has a light mangement and composition
on a great balance.

Friendly regards,
Robert

No_One (4) 2013-10-03 3:06

Hi Abmdsudi
What a scene :) once again nature gives the mot surreal and beautiful vision, and your timing was once again spot on to capture it and share it with the world. I imagine a scene like this does not last long, do how cool that you were there to record it forever. A beautiful composition too breaking the scene into thirds, and the windswept palms look superb in the centre right.
Thanks as always.
Noel

Photo Information

Copyright: abmdsudi abmdsudi (abmdsudi) (95869)
Genre: МЕСТА
Medium: ЦВЕТНОЙ
Date Taken: 2009-07-02
Categories: ПРИРОДА
Camera: NIKON D200, TOKINA AT-X PRO 16-50 F2.8 DX, ISO 100 RAW, Cokin P121 Gradual Grey G2 ND8
Exposure: f/16, 1/30 секунд
More Photo Info: view
Версия: Оригинальная версия
Темы: PARADISE ON EARTH [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2012-08-02 11:05