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Celestial
1st PlaceCelestial
LalliSig


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Sky (Expert Editing)
Camera: Canon EOS-5D
Lens: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
Location: Þingvellir, Iceland
Date: Dec 14, 2006
Aperture: 2.8
ISO: 1600
Shutter: 10 sec
Galleries: Sky, Landscape
Date Uploaded: Dec 14, 2006

Didnīt take advantage of the new ruleset, would have done that though had I the chance of doing something with it, like combining two shots for more dynamic range or take a photo of the moon, enlarge it and glue it in there somewhere but I didnīt have the opportunity this time as I only got out this evening to take this photo and the moon was behind clouds and this is a low dynamic range scene if anything. Hope there is another challenge soon with the new rules though as I would love to work more on my photoshop skills and maybe use a photo as a backround behind a model and see how it comes out?

Anyway, fully expect more than a handful of aurora shotīs in this challenge so I donīt think this will do too well but at least I like it, I love that boat in the lower left corner, kindof grounds the picture for me and it doesnīt really "pop" in web resolution, it needs to be big to work.

All editing legal within the advanced rules, mostly just raw conversion, curves and shadow/highlights along with a very very small amount of dodge burn and sharpened after resizing.

Wohoo, canīt say I expected this score :)

Oh and DUUUUHHH, why on earth didnīt I read the rules more carefully, I canīt believe I didnīt send this in at 720 pixles, stupid stupid stupid...

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 123
Avg (all users): 8.0440
Avg (commenters): 9.2500
Avg (participants): 7.7286
Avg (non-participants): 8.1527
Views since voting: 33042
Views during voting: 844
Votes: 273
Comments: 129
Favorites: 196 (view)


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AuthorThread
04/18/2010 03:34:39 PM
WOW!! Amazing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/26/2009 08:56:40 AM
just amazing! thanks for sharing!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2008 12:43:06 PM
i just realized that i used this for a cd project in photoj last year. never knew it was a dpc photo. it was an awesome cd cover, it had a woodie standing on the shore looking into the water:) hope you dont mind... beautiful photo too brw
  Photographer found comment helpful.
11/10/2007 11:48:53 PM
meh... it's okay. ;P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/08/2007 11:10:16 PM
this is awesome, just one question:
why the high iso and f2.8?.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/31/2006 04:09:54 PM
congrats on the ribbon...well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/28/2006 08:11:41 PM
Nice shot !
Alveg hreint frábært !
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/28/2006 01:30:31 PM
WOW! Congratulations in winning the blue ribbon. This photo is incredible!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/27/2006 04:53:06 PM
This is one of best photos I've seen on DPC! I would have given it 11, but cos you didn't use the full size available, I only gave you 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/27/2006 04:34:04 PM
spectacular doesn't even begin to describe this shot! and oh, how i love the northern lights on this tiny rock in the ocean ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/27/2006 04:53:53 AM
Moðerbitsj þetta er flott mynd!

You're the man!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/27/2006 02:52:23 AM
Woof, I have forgotten to comment on these!

Killer aurora shot, Larus! Congrats on the blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/26/2006 12:19:23 PM
I noticed the boat right off... it is in the second shoreline slash just before it takes off into the horizon... just under the hills on the left... anyway, EXCELLENT photograph! I am hoping that you put a "how to" up on this one!! :D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/25/2006 09:54:42 PM
Top shot, tho' perhaps I'm being a bit thick-as I still can't see a boat.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/25/2006 06:24:40 AM
Vá!!! Glæsileg mynd! Til hamingju!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/24/2006 10:39:53 PM
whoa, just... whoa
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/23/2006 09:35:48 PM
wicked color, outstanding image, congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/23/2006 01:52:17 PM
Originally posted by metatate:

I think you're right - tho boat is especially important in this connection and it also allows for an obvious sense of size/scale.


Wow there's a boat? Very hard to notice that when presented with God's painting floating in the sky. :P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/23/2006 09:44:24 AM
Þú ætlar ekkert að hætta að raða inn bláu borðunum!

Stórglæsileg mynd í alla staði, til hamingju!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/23/2006 08:07:46 AM
I'm so glad this won. Congratulations! Can we have the 720 pixel version then? :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/23/2006 03:23:54 AM
This is really fentastic work keep it up!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 08:57:22 PM
As usual, you take the blue Ribbon! ;)
Keep up the good work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 05:15:39 PM
Another stunning photograph! Well done! (Well deserved!)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:49:16 PM
Very fine aurora shot, Larus; utterly otherworldly. Congrats on this dreamy blue ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:20:42 PM
absolutely breathtaking!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:00:38 PM
That's not fair... you have too much to work with... ;-)

Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:45:25 PM
Not just a great shot - but two blue ribbons simultaneously. How impressive is that !! Congratulations a well deserved win.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 11:14:03 AM
too easy! because you're a pro and yuo live in iceland!!! when can i got a sky like this in milan??? :D

just kiddin' :)..already set as favourites!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 10:26:15 AM
Congratulations--on your ribbon and on a beautiful shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 10:23:09 AM
It took me a while to appreciate this. The familiarity of the subject is the reason.

Now, I look at those stars and I see how magical is feels - the image makes a connection between 'man' and the heavens - or 'space' if you prefer.

I think you're right - tho boat is especially important in this connection and it also allows for an obvious sense of size/scale. The green and black vignetting in and out along with the stars gleaming and sharp are especially impressive. I'm glad the manipulation here is that of a higher source than mere humanity- so congrats - you certainly have your finger on the pulse of beauty.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 10:21:11 AM
Awesome shot. Would you mind sharing how you managed to get the sky to be black rather than blue? (see third place image). All my aurora shots end up having a blue-ish sky and a very different green to what you were able to achieve.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 10:16:17 AM
as soon as i came across this one, i knew it would win blue, and i knew it was yours.

that was easy!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 10:01:41 AM
Oh, ég öfunda þig svooo mikið. Þér gengur svo rosalega vel hérna. Til hamingju.

Ætlaru ekki að reyna að fá fimm áttur á næsta ári?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:44:58 AM
Wow. The DPC Home page is becoming your very own blue ribbon portfolio. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:24:11 AM
Amazing, amazing, stunning, wow! I have seen a lot of shots of the nothern lights but I have to say this is outstanding. Now I would like to see this with a white border which I feel would make this even better.

Mike
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:14:33 AM
Congrats! See I knew it - I was looking at a winner!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:11:43 AM
An amazing shot Larus. I could just sit and look at this for hours, totally takes your breath away. Congrats on two in a row.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:10:32 AM
Very nice, congratulations on winning the blue ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:02:14 AM
Lovely...

I get so jealous of these shots. I really hope that I get the opportunity to shoot the Aurora one day.

Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 08:56:53 AM
Magnificent Shot! Congratulations on the Blue and 8+ score
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 08:49:26 AM
Wow. I've been watching your recent wins and I must say you are incredibly talented. Another blue. Keep it up!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 07:28:23 AM
Larus my friend, you have outdone yourself yet again. You truely are one of the best photographers on DPC. From stunning model shoots to the most beautiful landscapes ever, you have all the skills. Now when am I ever going to get my 5D title back hey!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 07:13:44 AM
Frábær mynd Lárus til hamingju.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 07:12:36 AM
Another 8 and yet another blue. Wow. You are amazing, Lárus, and so is the magnificant image from Þingvellir. Congrats.. og gleðileg jól!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 07:04:05 AM
Congratulations on your BLUE!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 06:51:19 AM
Originally posted by tryggunnz:

Þetta er frábær mynd. Til lukku með sigurinn.

I wonder if this comes close to translating as "Stinkin Larus with another ribbon and 8+ score. Go and leave us mere mortals a chance." Probably not huh. Once again - stunning image. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 05:06:21 AM
Grunaði þetta.
Til hamingju!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 04:35:59 AM
Þetta er frábær mynd. Til lukku með sigurinn.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 04:11:46 AM
Lárus, this image is so beautiful. I added it to my favorites last night when I was looking at all the great images in this challenge. Great work as always :o)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 03:30:26 AM
WOW! You and nature made a great team on this one.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:56:35 AM
I want to go there! Stunning picture, perfect execution. Keep going ;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:46:23 AM
Absolutely fantastic image! I wish I had gotten time to vote on this challenge (or enter it) and see this sooner. I've always wanted to see the Aurora and this solidifies that desire even more. Congrats on the Blue too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:15:21 AM
Hvað er málið Larus.

Get ekki beðið eftir að þú uppfærir um vél. Best að kaupa þessa líka.

hehe

magnað hjá þér.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:02:01 AM
"Anyway, fully expect more than a handful of aurora shot´s in this challenge so I don´t think this will do too well but at least I like it,"

We've already had rhe famous last words challenge mate!!!!

I would complain about your ribbon hoarding but who'd listen... Top geazer YET AGAIN total brilliance dude ROCK ON!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:54:24 AM
Fantastic! Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:41:09 AM
People who´s names begin with L should be banned in 2007! Now one more blue and you´ve completed a dozen ;) Congratulations on yet another fantastic photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:40:26 AM
Just squeezed it in above your red ribbon postcard. Congrats on an 8!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:07:02 AM
You were right Larus, I love it! Congrats on another 8+ score, it's always a pleasure to see you on the front page ;) So when is that Iceland GTG??? I'm in!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:03:00 AM
Way to go Larus! Two in a row. Now, go for the third one but be careful, this might become an addiction. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:02:44 AM
you seriously need to stop winning. :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:58:02 AM
So rad! Well deserving of the ribbon. Going into my faves.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:57:54 AM
Excellent! congrats...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:49:24 AM
Congrats on yet another ribbon and your 2nd 8-score. This has been such a fantastic year for you and I wish you all the best in 2007 - photowise and otherwise!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:37:33 AM
Larusific. Keep them coming.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:34:45 AM
I wonder why I knew this would win ;-)) Because it's the BEST, that's why. Again, excellent work Larus and congrats on your blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:34:22 AM
I'm gasping. Gorgeous. We're lucky to see the stars here. ;-) Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:31:00 AM
So awesomely beautiful it takes my breath away.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:27:34 AM
Do you have a spare bed I comming over there to live, so much photographic scope, congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:27:28 AM
I believe you are a super hero or something.....
Outstanding once again, and just amazing skills and a very very keen talanted eye.....

CONGRATULATIONS MATE, SO RICHLY DESERVED.....

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 00:28:01.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:25:16 AM
freaking unstoppable.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:16:54 AM
Way to go, man. You rock once again. Extreme image. WOW and congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:16:40 AM
Okay, we all know you know how to shoot models and auroras (I had a feeling this was yours, and did vote it a 10). I double-dog dare you to shoot something else. You know, challenge yourself? :P

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 00:25:49.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:14:28 AM
This photo is a gorgeous image, but is this even a true photograph anymore? It looks sooo worked. This getting a blue makes me question the "p" part of dpchallenge. I'm sure it's just me though. Hell, I would have loved a blue! Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:10:08 AM
With 15 minutes left before voting deadline, I realised I hadn't finished voting. This one came up and I knew it was a winner, even before it was completely loaded.
Congratulations yet again.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:08:55 AM
Super work again! Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:05:39 AM
Another 8? Geez Larus. Maybe you should change your name to a greek god or something.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:04:33 AM
WOW!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:03:26 AM
Awesome! Congrats!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
12/21/2006 10:43:29 PM
More northern lights. Ho hum. There's just no way to compete with this kind of thing. 10. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 09:58:28 PM
it's just not fair! not another blue. definitely a fav
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 08:31:37 PM
Yowza, this is awsome ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 05:09:48 PM
Wow, on Fire!
The reflection makes it extra good.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 03:18:25 PM
Very nice shot. Can't tell how much is real or made up, but it's well done either way.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 05:44:16 AM
Icelandic, eh? A 9 from me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 04:45:59 PM
seems almost alien, i like it a lot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 10:40:17 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! Another ribbon here Larus? (If this isn't Larus' entry, please take it as a compliment.) My favorite in the challenge, really nice work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 06:36:29 PM
Amazing!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 09:47:04 AM
Very eery, dramatic and breathtaking. Well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 11:42:31 PM
SOOO BEAUTIFUL. I absolutely love the Aurora Borealis. I happened to see this one at my house on Dec. 14th. You have a stunning image. Congratulations. This is very haunting and surreal. 10 from me!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 08:28:03 PM
Love this dancing sky... Nice colors and good work...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 02:50:05 PM
This is fabulous! I'm so envious of people who get to photograph these spectacular skies! Congratulations on a magazine photo!! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 01:11:10 PM
This is like magic. If i could wote in this challenge it would be a 10 :) Adding to my faves atleast :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 02:44:18 AM
now Earth is officially THE planet ! 10 for sure..this would make Captain Picard proud to call earth his home planet ! lol
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 08:04:53 PM
Wow beautiful work here, love the colors and shot. Just incredible work. Nice job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 03:13:05 AM
Awesome...9...no hang on TEN
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 07:13:28 PM
Absolutly beautiful
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 05:25:22 PM
Speechless. One of the most dramatic pictures in this challenge best of luck.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 05:00:17 PM
Another in the "Oh Wow!" category :) Beautiful shot. I'm a huge Northern Lights fan. There isn't much that's more awe-inspiring than the display they create. You've managed to captured an incredible show here. I have to ask if you've ever caught the red ones? My camera, at the time, was not capable of the task but I've seen them twice. Never have seen pics of them. Love the colors and detail. Keep up the wonderful photography. Added to the Ten pile :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 03:22:35 PM
look at all those lights....awesome 10 adding to faves!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 10:38:44 AM
Jaw dropping cool! Love the colors, movement, focus, light.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 11:58:09 PM
Hmm... a challenge custom-made for Larus, but just in case there's ANY doubt, let's schedule it at the same time as an X3-class solar flare so there will be photographic nirvana sitting right outside his window. I think with a wider angle, you'd find that the streams of light spell out your name. Oh, and just for kicks, let's have heavy fog over at Shannon's house at the same time while he's setting up the telescope. Curse you, foul ribbon hog of the far north!

At least you had the dignity to keep the size below 720 pixels so the shot we vote on after this doesn't get an automatic 1 by comparison. Yeah, it's another 10, but this is the last one you get dammit! I'm burning my mouse after I click the button, I swear. ;-P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 11:07:12 PM
not using the full 720 pixel pallet may have cost you the blue - 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 11:07:06 PM
See, that's what suck about 'Expert Editing' - you're left questioning whether someone has expertly captured a moment or expertly crafted one. This would be easy to score in 'Advanced"...

I was born & raised in the far north of rural Michigan & I've seen nights like this before. If this was photoshop you deserve a 9 & if this was a capture then you deserve an 11 so I'll just give you the average of those two..

<< 10 >>
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 08:13:58 PM
Stunning. 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 06:03:32 PM
ooh, la, la...one of the better images of it's type I have ever seen...stunning...has to be a 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 05:32:50 PM
wow, there's really an element of grandeur in this photo. I reall appreciate that in challenges. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 04:38:53 PM
Wow ...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:45:11 PM
I am not fond of too much of one color, but the emerald hue of this photo is beautiful. Good job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 12:47:35 PM
I'm envious! Beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 11:48:48 AM
ribbon?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 11:42:54 AM
OH MY GOSH!!!! It is absolutely insane how cool this image is! Great work
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 11:38:40 AM
Holy crap! That's wicked!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 10:06:32 AM
Wonderful colors! Nicely done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 09:38:08 AM
So cool

I think I looking at one of the winners!

Only 'nit' the stars do look 'placed' especialy on the water
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 09:37:13 AM
Wow, absolutely beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 08:44:35 AM
gorgeous
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 03:21:04 AM
Excellent inventive photo. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 03:02:45 AM
Vá, sjá, bá... argurbargur.

Ég kem ekki upp orði! 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 02:52:56 AM
Oh wow!...I'm speechless! 10 + fav!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 02:39:14 AM
Hard not to like this. Could be an album cover for Yes.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 02:36:32 AM
Breathtaking! Northern light shots should not be allowed, it is NOT fair :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 02:16:48 AM
Best Image of the lot, I would guess Larus since this is probably Iceland and the image is a bit soft in the corners hence the 24mm on the 5D :)

I really love the red boat in the foreground! a 10 from me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:53:55 AM
Iceland? In any case - one of the better shots in the challenge. Good luck!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:36:17 AM
i think i know whos this is if im correct youve won 2 medals already with taking pictures in this area.. am i right?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:01:29 AM
Nice display.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:01:05 AM
very surreal
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 12:29:50 AM
Holy sh*t! I thought I'd seen all of the aurora borealis I could stand and now THIS! That's stunning. The green tones are like the sky was painted with emeralds!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 12:28:09 AM
Awesome just awesome..... Way to go and I love this one.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 12:27:44 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! I could only dream to live in a place where I would have the opportunity to photograph something like this!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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