Photographer's Note
I have just returned from a short trip to the Northern Territory where I stayed at Alice and went on guided tours run by the Anangu, the traditional custodians of the national park. Below you can read more about this park, thanks to wikipedia. And if you desire to find out more, wikipedia has a very informative section on Uluru and Kata Tjuta and the Aboriginal people of the area, the Anangu.
To me, this rock that turns red at dawn and sunset, is a most suitable symbol for the heart of Australia, especially the Aboriginal heart that in the past was in danger of stopping to beat for ever, thanks to the then racist policies of the government of Australia, which up to the middle of the last century classified the original inhabitants of this land as FAUNA and which took the children away from the parents (if they had white blood), in order to raise them as domestic servants – or as it was euphemistically explained- to help them assimilate into the superior culture.
I had the privilege of talking to some of our Anangu guides and some Anangu in Alice and only wished I could have stayed longer and learnt more about this longest living culture in the world that stretches back at least 40,000 years.
WIKIPEDIA:
Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural icons. The world-renowned sandstone formation stands 348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level) with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures 9.4 km (5.8 mi) in circumference. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great cultural significance for the Aṉangu Traditional landowners, who lead walking tours to inform visitors about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal dreamtime stories of the area.
Uluru is notable for appearing to change colour as the different light strikes it at different times of the day and year, with sunset a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows red. Although rainfall is uncommon in this semiarid area, during wet periods the rock acquires a silvery-grey colour, with streaks of black algae forming on the areas that serve as channels for water flow.
Kata Tjuta, also called Mount Olga or The Olgas owing to its peculiar formation, is another rock formation about 25 km (16 mi) from Uluru. Special viewing areas with road access and parking have been constructed to give tourists the best views of both sites at dawn and dusk.
Critiques | Translate
HimalAnda
(10671) 2008-09-03 23:07
Hello Klaudio,
This is a very nice picture of Ayers Rock. I like colors and these long shadows that seem to go to the rock.
I think the sky would have been nicer if you had a polarizer.
Stephane
jusninasirun
(17529) 2008-09-03 23:17
Hello Klaudio. I have seen so many images of Ayers Rock but never of the same color and this one is really orange against the spotless blue sky. Very good sharp foreground with the burst of rays. well done and best regards. Jusni
macondo
(20449) 2008-09-04 0:05
Hi Klaudio.
Back already? I thought it would be a longer trip.
Nice crisp shot of the rock with wonderful long shadows and deep colour. Perfect weather you had on this day at least. You have missed a very frustrating period when TE hardly worked at all; it seems to be coming back, but not 100% yet, to normal.
Regards,
Andrew
robertosalguero
(292) 2008-09-04 0:25
Hi Klaudio,
Interesting how this rock formation can to sit alone on the desert. I find this a very attractive and mysterious landmark. You managed a very good framing of the rock here and the warm tones add to the excellent composition. Nice work :-)
Roberto
phwall
(6787) 2008-09-04 1:29
Hi Klaudio,
I've been lucky enough to visit Ayers Rock on a number of occasions, it is truly a magical and mystical place.
You've done well with this photograph, the time of day you've chosen to take the shot is perfect.
Hard for people to believe this is what it looks like when the afternoon light hits it.
Great shot.
Regards
Peter
pablominto
(53746) 2008-09-04 1:33
Hello Klaudio,
The shape and colours are of course outstanding, and there is no wonder why this rock gained such significance!
I think you capture all the best features here, where the particular light adds to the impact...
Greetings,
Pablo -
ellelloo
(6572) 2008-09-04 1:36
Hello Klaudio,
Thanks for sharing this wonderful and high quality photo of Uluru. The colour of the rock is amazing and the low light and shadows on the foreground are beautiful. Thanks for the very informative note.
Greetings from autumnal Finland,
Lasse
Royaldevon
(86328) 2008-09-04 2:01
Hello Klaudio,
How refreshing to hear someone with such a sensitivity the indigenous population.
I love this shot with its rich red tones, perfectly composed with the rule of three.
Kind regards,
Bev :-)
trekks
(14348) 2008-09-04 3:08
hello Klaudio
I can only recall from high school geography lessons about Alice Spring, Ayers Rock etc...but nothing beats this photo to show a glowing rock!
A photo worth more than a thousand words! But I do find your Note very informative. Amazing color saturation and contrast provided by this nature's gift. A nice title for this view.
A fine TE post. tfs
bill
oanna
(1202) 2008-09-04 5:19
I`ve seen this rock formation,a true hallmark and a symbol of the Aboriginal life in Oz.Good POV and framing,quite a view and excellent details.
regards
Kielia
(24077) 2008-09-04 10:52
Hi Klaudio,
I have already seen so many impressions of this rock but here it is the light that is really overwhelming! A stunning capture!
Warm regards
Harriet
maltese
(22909) 2008-09-04 13:01
Hello Klaudio
La lumière est incroyable sur cette montagne de légendes et donne à ta photo un très bel impact.
une belle composition avec cette rare végétation au premier plan.
très beau travail!!
Amicalement
hervé
hispic
(9658) 2008-09-04 19:54
Hi Klaudio,
Beautiful glowing colors! Great use of the low light. Imposing composition really fits Australia's Heart Uluru.
Have a nice day, Hisashi
zmey
(7335) 2008-09-05 9:05
hello klaudio
yup. heart of australia it is... love the red and the unmistakeable shape. morning rays breaking through the shadows bring a nice lead-into your composition.
regards,
kristaps
yedirenk
(11244) 2008-09-05 17:45
Hi Klaudio,
very impressive scene.like a fire mountain with great tone of red.colurs and light are superb.also very nice frame and elegant presentation.well done.TFS
Greetings
Cevdet
Atousa
(7131) 2008-09-06 4:37
Salam Klaudio,
Welcome back..nice shot of this beautiful formation..the colours are really catchy n I like the play of light n shadow in the FG a lot..thank you
Greetings, Atousa
cherryripe
(21033) 2008-09-06 13:16
Hi Klaudio
Given the shape of the rock, I guess it's the dawn view although your photo details say that it was taken close to midnight ;-)
Did you do an extended tour with Angangu as it's a bit far to go for a day tour ? It's interesting to here that you enjoyed their tours. I would like to sell them but it's not easy due to the language barrier.
Anyway, I love the light and how the light trails on the ground guide the eye to the rock and add depth.
Regards
Nikki
npecanhuk
(79329) 2008-09-09 2:45
Hello Klaudio!
One of my dream places is that Ayers Rock!
While I can't go there, I enjoy such beautiful photograph, with strong colors, enhancing the majesty of this geographical wonder in Australia!
TFS - Congratulations!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan
arkane
(97) 2008-10-01 2:17
Very beautiful colours. I like how the like spreads through the bushes. Very well saturated and sharpened. Good job,
Marin
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Klaudio Branko Dadich (daddo)
(28748)
- Genre: Luoghi
- Medium: Colore
- Date Taken: 2008-08-30
- Esposizione: f/11, 1/13 secondi
- Details: Tripod: Yes
- More Photo Info: view
- Versione Foto: Versione Originale
- Date Submitted: 2008-09-03 22:54