Numinous sky

[altivo]

Numinous sky
Originally uploaded by Altivo

I couldn't resist running out at dusk to see if I could get any nice photos. It was gloomy earlier but started to clear up just before sunset. Here's the best one I got, I think. Looking west over the vegetable garden, about 8:20 pm on 15 May 2008. This one was tilted up to maximize the sky, and therefore received a shorter exposure that reduced the vegetation to silhouette. I played with the gamma a bit to reduce the sky's glare, which also emphasizes the colors. With a little help, even a cheap camera makes a nice photo.

Comments

[songdogmi.livejournal.com]

I like the range of colors from the pink to the deep blue. Nice framing with the trees on the outside around the center tree, too. Very nice.

[soanos.livejournal.com]

That is a really nice photo. I wish I would have been there to witness it in person.

Sneaky camera tricks

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Actually I'd have preferred to have the center tree missing. ;p

Something like Venus or the ISS in the picture would have been a real win. It was pretty. Also damp and chilly. Other shots adjacent to this one in Flickr show how much the camera was tricked by tilting it toward the sky. I was resting it with both hands on top of a wooden fence post rather than using a tripod.

I cheated

[altivo.livejournal.com]

If you click on the photo to get to Flickr and then look at the two shots next to it, you'll see more of what things looked like to my eyes at the time. It's a trick shot. The camera was tilted up so that it underestimated the exposure. The sky wasn't really quite that colorful, though the horizon was very rosy for more than 180 degrees around.

As far as being here, well, I'm afraid I can't recommend the US as a place to be any more, even though it would be nice to meet you in person. ;p

Re: I cheated

[soanos.livejournal.com]

I know, but it still looks pretty.

We sometimes have red sunsets here in Finland, they are beautiful.

And if you ever want to relocate, you will be more than welcome to Finland. And I would insist you come and visit. :P

Re: I cheated

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Mmmm. I'd like to visit Finland. But I'd be reluctant to move somewhere that I can't speak the language. French and German I have the foundation for, but Finnish is in a category almost by itself. ;D

I must say, I've met a large number of Finns online and all of them write excellent English, though. You are included in that. I assume quite a few do speak English there, but even so, I'm afraid I might not be as fast at learning languages as I once was.

Re: Sneaky camera tricks

[songdogmi.livejournal.com]

I see what you mean; it works that the center tree isn't in full leaf so it's not blocking a lot of the sky. But yes, a planet or satellite would've been cool. Or maybe a bunch of planes in formation -- I have a twilight shot from the airshow at Thunder over Louisville from a few years ago that looks really nice. A formation might've looked a little ominous over your farm, though.

My experience with photographing sunsets is that taking a lot of different shots is what gets you something good. They won't all work, but there'll be some pleasant surprises.

Re: Sneaky camera tricks

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I'd prefer that tree missing for other reasons too. It's a hickory planted by squirrels. It was almost suffocated by wild grapevines when we bought the place, and Gary rescued it. Now it's growing fast and shades the garden in the morning. I should go out and execute it some time when he's away...

[soanos.livejournal.com]

It is not easy, no. My partner is having some problems, too. But I am hopeful :)

Of course, if it looks like hecannot learn the language, I will relocate with him to the UK.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Don't tell him that. Love is a great incentive. ;D

I like learning languages, actually. But it's easier to learn one that's related to something you already know. Finnish is pretty far afield unless you already know Hungarian.

Of course, I say that, yet obviously lots of Finns learn English and learn it well.

Most people think Chinese must be the most difficult language to learn, yet more people speak Chinese than any other language. So there's no logic to this stuff.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Ooooo a beautiful skyline to be sure, Red at night sailors delight.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Chinese is a very tonal language so that's what makes it difficult, a word with a different intonation means something else.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

True. But every language has its foibles. Did you know that the difference in tongue position between "Call me" and "Kill me" is only 1/128th of an inch? ;p

[altivo.livejournal.com]

It was pretty all right, though I've never particularly noticed that that old saying about red sunsets and sunrises is true.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Well no, nor have I but I learnt it somewhere when I was a kitten and always think it when I see the sky red.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

I never thought of it like that, hmmm could it be freudian? Does this mean people who want to communicate with you over the phone are homicidal?

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Or maybe people who seem to have a death wish are really just lonely? ;p

[saythename.livejournal.com]

Well done! Keep that camera handy!

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I'm trying. I want more fox photos. See today's post if you are interested in flowers, though.