photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eight: Light and shadow shape meaning > After the storm, Amboseli National Park, Kenya, 2002
previous | next
24-NOV-2002

After the storm, Amboseli National Park, Kenya, 2002

Backlighting not only abstracts the subject, such as these trees, but it creates a translucent glow as it passes through these cumulus clouds -- all that remains of a powerful thunderstorm that had swept through this vast game park only minutes earlier. I exposed for the sky, and allowed the trees, road and safari vans to become darker as a result. The subjects of this picture are the illuminated clouds. The tiny vehicles provide a scale contrast, indicating the size of these huge clouds.

Canon PowerShot G2
1/640s f/4.5 at 21.0mm full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
previous | next
share
Phil Douglis07-Sep-2006 02:04
Thank you, Guest, for seeing the mother sitting with a child on her knee up in those clouds. And yes, I see it now as well. However, since this is an African scene, I envision the mother as one of the Amboseli's resident baboons with her baby at her side. Anyway we look at clouds such as these is bound to produce different interpretations.
Phil Douglis22-Oct-2005 04:37
You are right. Now that you mention it, I can't look at this picture without thinking about the great photographer in the sky. He or she is holding one of those reflex cameras, probably a Graflex, on the lap. See it? What a wonderful way to welcome a bunch of photo-safarians home for dinner!
Guest 22-Oct-2005 04:02
Phil, I find this one very interesting. As mentioned by the previous guest, there seems to be a character sitting in the middle of the sky, observing the cars down below. Let's imagine what his/her intentions might be: either quiet observation or law enforcement in replacement or police planes or helicopters to check the traffic. Christine
Guest 11-Oct-2005 15:51
Phil - I see a figure in the clouds in the middle. He/she seems to be seated, looking down at the safari vans.
Phil Douglis30-May-2005 18:23
Thanks, Dirk. I remember sitting in our safari van, listening to the rain beating on the roof. Somebody said "There goes your photographs, Phil." I responded, "Here comes my photographs!" I knew that after the storm had passed, the clouds and light would create an exquisite context for anything I might happen to choose to shoot.
Guest 30-May-2005 14:33
Hi Phil,

I absolutely love storms, they give us such a wonderful and enjoyable light, the most beautiful light that I know. A thunderstorm is like a paint box, it turns landscapes or whatever we see in that light into paintings. Very powerful image Phil, congrats.

With respect,

Dirk
Guest 20-Jun-2004 22:04
The light and color in the sky, along with the silhouetted trees - I find this to be incredible. This photo has the feel of a painting, one we might find in the Musee d'Orsay!
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment