Walvis Bay, Namibia
There are lagoons full of flamingos in Walvis Bay, year-round.
The mist was just receding when we first arrived at dawn, and the ethereal morning light revealed these flamingos
all comments and suggestions welcome
Sony A1
200-600 @ 600
Software: DxO PureRAW 4 + PS 2025
Exposure Time: 1/800 sec
F Number: f/8
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 1800
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Spot
Exposure Bias: Zebras
A beautiful image Sandy, the merging of the water and the horizon, and the framing work so well.
Have you added a vignette/radial gradient? There is a drop-off in exposure towards the right of the frame. I like it.
Ethereal is just the right word for this.
This brings back happy memories - My wife and I visited this area on our honeymoon some 35 years ago and still incrementing. Unfortunately I was not much into photography then. The odd number of flamingoes somehow always (my opinion) seems better than an even number. The other alluring point is that it is easy to see their legs bend forwards instead of backwards as per humans. My only negative comment is regarding the jpg itself. Perhaps the compression is too high as I can see colour gradient lines, most noticeable in the blue 1/4 in from the rhs. The vignette on the rhs tends to draw me into the flamingoes, so I do not find this a problem.
This feels like a dream, perhaps because I am so homesick! Of course, the minimalism is its strength, with the stillness of the water mirroring the delicate figures. The soft gradient of the sky merging with the reflective water and darkening to the right evokes a sense of calm, almost as if time is holding its breath. Your photo invites contemplation, offering beauty in simplicity. Captivating.
Hi, Ryan – the “drop-off” is actually the receding mist… it does look like an irregular vignette, though.
Thanks for the kind comment!
Beautifully peaceful and quiet, Sandy, where the fade into the mist adds a touch of spotlight to the scene.
So often flamingo photos have large numbers of the birds to show off all the vibrant color. Thus, I was drawn to your image because of the more quiet feel. The white and hint of pink sets them off nicely to the blue mist. And I like the interaction between the two, just a nice extra kick to the frame.
Sandy: What wonderful conditions and a wonderful result. I also like the disparate postures and interactions of the birds themselves. Terrific capture of a marvelous moment. >=))>
