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Mordor
Mordor
orvaratli


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Hidden Gem -- 1,000th Challenge! (Advanced Editing VII*)
Camera: Canon EOS-30D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Location: Þingvellir, Iceland
Date: Jan 18, 2009
Aperture: f4.5
ISO: 400
Shutter: 30 sec
Galleries: Sky, Landscape
Date Uploaded: Mar 10, 2009

Went for a drive early this year. The plan was to shot some locations near Borgafjörður during the day. I shot a few decent shots there. The plan was also to shoot some Aurora during the night. They never appeared.
Instead I found myself shooting the light pollution from Reykjavík city. Here its seen from Lake Þingvellir. On an otherwise cloudless night, there was a big cloud hanging over Reykjavík. The lights from the city reflected of it and produce this dramatic looking sky.

The shot pretty much looked like this from the camera. There was only minimal editing done in PS. During my 30 sec exposure I walked down the wooden path with my torch light. The color of the sky was like this viewed with bare eyes.

Post Challenge: Many of you commented on the post processing. It was really not that much post processing, here is the re-sized original raw converted photo:

Statistics
Place: 24 out of 1129
Avg (all users): 6.8279
Avg (commenters): 7.7500
Avg (participants): 6.8149
Avg (non-participants): 6.9000
Views since voting: 2566
Views during voting: 808
Votes: 523
Comments: 100
Favorites: 16 (view)


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AuthorThread
04/11/2009 11:53:21 PM
Truly a golden moment. Spectacular.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/11/2009 09:52:50 PM
This is a fantastic shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
03/17/2009 11:37:19 PM
Came back to comment, need to bump also. I love how it's dark and moody, yet on first pass I missed the composition and how the pier leads me right out of (start at sunset) and then back into photo. Good job with the shadow detail.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 09:45:58 PM
I like the composition. Little Too much NI(Or equivalent Noise Reduction) on cloud, IMO. But I like the colors and over all natural drama here.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 09:02:39 PM
nice mood.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 08:54:56 PM
Not so much water in Mordor, I don't think, but the tones are certainly dark and fiery and doom-laden.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 05:49:45 PM
Yum!! This has a great deal of energy to it - the brilliant orange/red/yellow sky and reflection screams excitement.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 03:21:43 PM
Looks like a scene right out of a fantasy movie...fantastic tones and great composition!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 02:55:54 PM
love the combination of dark with the orange glow, and the dreaminess of the long exposure. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 02:05:26 PM
just glows...such beautiful colors/tones..I assume that you did some dodge and burn...excellent
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 01:23:33 PM
Lovely PP.

Not voting yet.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2009 12:18:00 AM
Beautiful shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 09:32:05 PM
Stunning.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 08:26:05 PM
Wow, accurate title, this is intense. Great colors and love the composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 06:13:40 PM
Great shot. Perfect lighting. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 03:27:47 PM
I really like this. That sky is spectacular. And the title stokes the nerd in me. :P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 02:34:08 PM
Nice shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 01:14:12 PM
Great lighting. The tones and coloring are wonderful. Good composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 01:10:39 PM
WOW, simply, WOW! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 12:57:39 PM
great I love the tone
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 11:00:15 AM
This is so moody and intense! Love the ominous, rich tones and the stark lines of composition. Great work! Bumping up to 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 04:26:11 AM
Awesome capture and presentation. Gorgeous. Second pass. Bumping 3 points.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/16/2009 03:25:55 AM
Gorgeous contrasts
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 11:41:06 PM
I'm hoping to leave comments on as many photo's in this challenge as possible... this was one of the few images I scored a 10. One of my criteria for scoring a 10 is "Would I have this photo on my wall?" and for this one, I surely would.

There are quite a few sea/sunset pictures in this challege, but this one is simply awesome. The colours are incredible, as is the clarity of the foreground. Nicely framed too. Good luck for a strong finish in this challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 10:30:01 PM
Great composition ... love the sky
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 10:21:50 PM
I like the color tones.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 09:28:13 PM
Great image. The light on the left is warm but the light on the foreground is cooler. This difference keeps my eye interested.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 07:37:21 PM
Wow!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 04:17:01 PM
I like the post processing on this, makes me imagine there's a battle in the distance lighting up the sky.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 03:43:05 PM
Beautiful scene, nicely photographed and edited. 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 03:35:44 PM
the walkway looks oddly brighter than the rest of the shot so it looks a bit out of place, i think. otherwise, it is an awesome shot and i really like the sky and the reflection of the sky in the water.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 03:31:01 PM
very nice!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 03:30:00 PM
This is beautiful, like a scene from a story book.

Edit:
Tied for my top pick. Bumping to 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 02:00:40 PM
Good title choice! Cool shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 11:58:49 AM
Excellent long exposure. The detail of the pier really draws you to the sunset
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 11:01:45 AM
I like this very much really 8


brano
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 10:16:48 AM
Very nice image. It's good to see a few "great" images. This is a perfect reflection of your abilities as a photographer.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 09:50:31 AM
This image is really in good compnay in this challenge as there are some amazing landscapes. This one stands out for me with those very tobacco rich colours which I think are awesome. Well done and good luck for the rest of the challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 02:04:44 AM
surreal shot, excellent perspective and tones, 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 01:36:34 AM
Before I even read the title, the coloring gave me an instant feeling of fire.. the calmness of the water, intensity of the sky, add the wonderful title and you have an image to be proud of.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 01:17:51 AM
Great dramatic sunset. Like the leading lines.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/15/2009 12:34:37 AM
amazing PP here! awesome job! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 10:53:11 PM
Very dramatic, a bit too dark and oveprocessed for my tastes but I bet you are scoring well with this.
03/14/2009 10:21:47 PM
fantastic color.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 08:40:33 PM
Mordor, not quite. Perhaps Isla del muerto. Good capture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 08:07:25 PM
I like this color. Good depth.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 07:34:28 PM
Is the red glow from Mt Doom?
Really beautiful image
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 06:08:20 PM
Mysterious lighting on the pier. Great sky glow!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 05:29:36 PM
Excellent - love the lighting on the walkway
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 05:13:13 PM
Ahhh...eye see.... :) 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 08:04:50 AM
Glowing beauty, very nice.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/14/2009 05:59:33 AM
Fantastic tones in this
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 10:54:32 PM
I usually hate really processed photos, but this one really strikes me. Maybe it's the contrast b/w the orange and the darkness of the rocks and water. Great photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 10:42:08 PM
wow stunning
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 10:27:25 PM
That is a neat effect with the light
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 07:12:32 PM
Really cool colours and procesing, leaves a dark, brooding mood.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 03:17:55 PM
Beautiful tones and clarity. Excellent PP. 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 03:05:38 PM
Great processing. Really makes me wonder what the original looks like.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 02:22:06 PM
Very eerie with the editing and colors - beautiful work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 01:45:23 PM
Very dramatic colors! I like the leading line(s) of the dock too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 09:06:20 AM
Beautiful light and great leading lines all add up to a terrific image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 08:10:07 AM
Although I'm missing the volcano, it's a beautiful view with lovely colors.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/13/2009 02:56:22 AM
I'm not sure the title prompts the right imagery for the shot as this is a great sunset and to me seems serene rather than the home of evil wizards
03/13/2009 02:29:31 AM
Wow, 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 11:16:52 PM
Well processed. The highlight of the path looks great.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 09:15:50 PM
This shot is great but i'm sorry, i really think that this is too PP'd, mainly because of the bridge. I'm sorry if i was rude, i really like your shot and its colors. But i would like to see it more like the original.
03/12/2009 08:57:08 PM
Nice colors and night shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 08:09:21 PM
Coming back to comment...

In the darkest depths of Mordor, I met a girl so fair. It's funny, in my line up the next picture is Lord of the Rings. LOL! This is beautiful and one of my 10's.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 05:25:00 PM
Love the deep, rich coloring.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 03:58:53 PM
Mordor?! Great title..this does remind me of Mordor.How did you create such beautiful contrast? I want to see the orginal.. please?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 03:46:59 PM
Most excellent capture, processing and mood... Shot looks familiar, will look for it after challenge. GL
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 03:46:03 PM
great shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 03:32:29 PM
Beautiful colors
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 03:05:38 PM
oh my..........gorgeous...10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 02:34:18 PM
Too much water for Mordor. Great sky!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 01:21:42 PM
Amazing capture, teh colors and mood are awsome.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 10:00:08 AM
I like the leading lines. tones are great too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 05:46:36 AM
mystic atmosphere. well done. the fragile border doesn't match, though
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 05:06:54 AM
No, I swear I already saw Mordor in this challenge. The coppers are warm and the light on the foreground structure inviting. In other words, this isn't threatening to me - it's kinda peaceful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 03:12:59 AM
Wonderfull scene. How many flashes did it take?
The path really draws you in.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/12/2009 02:55:25 AM
Talk about drama!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 11:53:20 PM
dramatic tones and POV; image nicely balanced in composition and lights and darks
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 09:49:31 PM
Beautiful red sky & water, with interesting texture on dock decking.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 07:52:13 PM
Beautiful in every way. A perfect sense of composition and wonderful, dark colors.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 06:52:17 PM
Now this is some very cool light! Curious about the source of light on the pier/ road. An HDR it looks like?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 06:10:16 PM
Excellent colors and composition. I'm a little thrown by the lighting on the jetty - it feels wrong somehow...Very slick image in feel for me - a little too smooth, if that makes sense. I like it and I don't like it, and I'm pretty sure the reason I like it is the colors used.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 04:53:06 PM
love the lighting great shot...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 02:31:33 PM
The darkness works really well here since the rest of the image has lots of contrast. Awesome.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 12:29:17 PM
Ah, beautful, the water is so still and soft, great colors in both the sky and water. Nicely done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 11:02:16 AM
Indeed. The long exposure does wonders here!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 10:16:58 AM
Stunning shot, love the rich color.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 09:41:53 AM
sweet light
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 08:35:09 AM
I could have sworn that Mordor was a mountain fortress.

Anyhow, the pic looks great.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 08:18:20 AM
Eerie look
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 08:08:05 AM
Nice but almost to smooth. I love the colors tho.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 07:53:26 AM
I like the use of color and light in this ine
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 06:49:57 AM
Beautiful
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 02:27:36 AM
love the warmth
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 01:57:13 AM
nice smooth effect here
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2009 12:28:02 AM
Wow. Moments like this are hard to find.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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