Photographer's Note
There are four true atolls in the Western Hemisphere and one of them is the Lighthouse Reef, approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) from Belize City. The Blue Hole is just there, with more than 100 yards in diameter and 400 feet (123 meters) deep. Nobody less than Captain Jacques Cousteau called the Great Blue Hole "one of the four 'must-dive' locations on this blue planet".
"The hole is the opening to what was a dry cave system during the Ice Age. When the ice melted and the sea level rose, the caves were flooded, creating what is now a magnet for intrepid divers. Today the Blue Hole is famed for its sponges, barracuda, corals, angelfish—and a school of sharks often seen patrolling the hole’s edge." (National Geographic)
I've been diving this beauty, where I saw its stalactites at 130-140 feet deep. In this photo you can see a boat exactly where we had ours anchored and if you pay a little bit more attention you will see another little one at noon position inside the hole, exactly where we dive to see the stalactites. Its something really nice.
When we are living the atoll, I took this photo flying over it, now scanned to post to TE. Its a very special place and I hope you'll like to see it.
Best regards,
Zeca
Witam, Floydian, worldcitizen, Nana-S, bakes888, lucasgalodoido, emjleclercq, maltese, Wanda1, ellelloo, belido, cunejo200, dareco, Colombiana, Gerrit, Emile, wgreis, shevchenko, stego, jhm, Buin, Philippe, pablominto, gracious, Cricri, jaywalker, riclopes, mvdisco, JCG, zmey, AiresSantos, patdeph, derek3755, Docarmo, bostankorkulugu, Angshu, lasscor, avene, mad_mike, MLINES, pascalrouget, emilbo, Flavia, alainh, CLODO, axiotea, ruisc_pt heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd
Critiques | Translate
jimkilgallon
(0) 2008-10-11 15:59
Very impressive, something from a different world with a great range of blue hues going on here. Excellent work Zeca.
Regards
Jim
batalay
(41261) 2008-10-11 16:07
Olá Jose,
What a pleasure to be among the first to see this remarkable image. The colors and abstract beauty of the blue hole is memorable, and I see shot eleven years ago.
Have a good Sunday, um abraço!
Bulent
Floydian
(30970) 2008-10-11 16:08
Hi Jose,
Never seen such a picture before. It's an oldie, but one with great impact. The note is essentiel to such a shot, thanks for that.
So you dived here...lucky you, because this looks very special, must be a great feeling lying in such a wonderful deep blue hole.
But were where you, in a ultra lightplane, or a helicopter?
Regards, Henk
worldcitizen
(16048) 2008-10-11 16:19
Hello Jose,
When I saw the thumbnail the word "wow" popped into my mind!! This is an incredible place, and the high POV really shows the geography and color in a fantastic way. Seeing how tiny the two boats are gives a true feeling of the size of this space. Not being a diver - or even really a swimmer! - I had never heard of this spot before. Thanks for showing it to us!
chirasak
(2) 2008-10-11 16:57
Hi Zeca
look like a megic picture for this one, beautiful color and nice composition, is that boat? a litttle white things, TFS
Regards
Chirasak
pboehringer
(770) 2008-10-11 17:17
Zeca,
scanneando estas fotos antigas realmente esta valendo a pena. Tem umas pecas raras ai que eu vou te contar. Fica dificil em saber qual ta melhor. Essa daqui ou a com a tartaruga.
Fiquei olhando Belize hoje no mapa e agora com as suas fotos os meus planos de viagem estao aumentando exponencialmente.
Fantastico!!!!
Peter
ribeiroantonio
(22730) 2008-10-11 18:15
Os tons de azul são maravilhosos e são também a indicação perfeita da profundidade da água. O mais curioso é ver-se como esse buraco forma quase um círculo perfeito.
Quanto à foto, esta vê-se bem que é um scan e quanto a qualidade de imagem já tem semelhanças com esta aqui que é ainda 12 anos mais antiga do que a tua.
Gosto muito. É trabalho muito bom que inclui uma nota excellente.
António
bakes888
(18499) 2008-10-11 18:19
Hi Zeca. Wow! Spectacular sight and expertly captured. Vivid colours and unusual POV give this a surreal and graphic look. Well captured and thanks for sharing.
Have a good Sunday, Paul.
Leelee (49) 2008-10-11 18:39
This photo and this place are spectacular !!!! I would like to thank you to have done the possibility to other people to see it also !!! It's a place i will never seen in my life without this picture .... so thanks a lot !!! I think it's more fantastic in real !!! Just a word splendid !!! thanks.
lucasgalodoido
(27698) 2008-10-11 20:17
Olá Zeca,
ja li uma reportagem sobre esse local mesmo, de uma beleza impressionante né. Gostei do seu registro, a qualidade e cores ficaram excelentes.
Parabéns e Abraço
emjleclercq
(15778) 2008-10-11 22:30
A beautifull and unusaul: not everybody has the luck to see corel reefs, and even fewezr to take picture of them from the sky. Very interesting with the contract of blues between the shallow water and the deeper hole. And good quality for a scanned picture.
All the best,
Emmanuel
leo61
(0) 2008-10-11 22:38
Hi Jose!
Never heard about this interesting place but I had simillar views while flying over the great Barrier Reef/Australia.Great POV and good quality for taken from a plane.The blue tones are fantastic and contrast very well with the brown ones.Must have been fun to dive there.
Have a nice sunday,
regards,Leo
maltese
(22909) 2008-10-11 23:36
Hello Jose
La nature nous réserve parfois quelques merveilles. Tu as su ici en trouver une!!
Ce cercle parfait avec ces superbes couleurs donne uvraiment une grande photo. De plus le bateau donne bien l'échelle de l'endroit.
Très beau travail!!
Amicalement
hervé
carper
(96) 2008-10-11 23:39
it's a special shot Jose,
marvelous place and you made a fine shot out that plan, good quality and fine note, thank you my friend, have a good sunday.
regard jaap
Wanda1
(15142) 2008-10-11 23:58
Hi Jose,
This is so beautiful, it looks like an eye or an abstract painting. I love the shades of blue interspersed by that chocolaty brown, and the tiny white boat is the icing on the cake showing us the scale of this pristine place. I can only begin to imagine the beauty of the blue world underneath the water here.
Regards
Wanda
bracasha75
(24591) 2008-10-12 0:24
Helo Jose
What shoul men say here except:EXCELLENT
Bravo Jose
Very great picture with all needed elements,sharpnes ,light and colors
Bravo
TFS
Cheers,Braca
Prisley
(1485) 2008-10-12 0:32
Hi Jose,
Fantastic shot!!! The composition is perfect with the circle in the center, the coral lines leading the eye through the pic and the boat nicely positionned in shallow water.
The blue tones are wonderful. it's been awhile since I saw such a beautiful view on TE! TFS!!! I hope diving there some day really!!
ALl the best,
Pris.
chawax
(20764) 2008-10-12 0:44
Hi Jose,
Incredible landscapce ! The colours are outstanding. It's a shame that you cut the atoll on the left. I think too that a horizontal framing would fit better. But maybe there was good reason why you chose this format ?
Regards,
Olivier
siamesa
(28231) 2008-10-12 0:50
Olá Zeca
Uma maravilha em azul com os vários tons e formas circulares. Uma beleza para a geografia do planeta e uma contribuição importantíssima para nosso aprendizado aqui no TE.
Abraços
Maria
ellelloo
(6572) 2008-10-12 2:40
Hello José,
What an impressive place and gem of nature! Your high POV image shows it wonderfully with all the amazing colours. A very good scan. Great work!
Greetings and have a nice Sunday,
Lasse
mark_mk
(266) 2008-10-12 3:32
Hi Jose,
this high POV is really outstanding, the deep blue color tone is something I just love and your framing here is great! A great bird eye view of this place, seems like you already had that good eye back in `97, a well done shot, many thanks for sharing!
Take care
Mark
belido
(19934) 2008-10-12 5:08
Olá Zeca,
linda obra da natureza, magnífica. Sua composição está nota 10, pode vender prá qualquer revista de turismo. Ótimo trabalho de scan. Parabéns pelo conjunto!
Abraço,
Carlos
cunejo200
(7281) 2008-10-12 7:10
It is indeed a special place Jose. This is even better than the magazine pictures I have seen. A superb posting you should be truly proud of. My compliments...Danilo
PixelTerror
(0) 2008-10-12 7:22
Ola Jose,
I had heard of black holes already, but so far never from a blue hole, it's superb and even highly inviting to take a dive, good scan quality.
Have a nice sunday JY
npecanhuk
(79329) 2008-10-12 9:09
Olá Zeca!
Os desenhos criados e o colorido que existe em cada uma das formas são o ponto alto dessa sua foto, que mais uma vez dá um show em termos técnicos! Mas é mais, é o talento dos olhos do bom fotógrafo... em suma, está um espetáculo essa sua fotografia!
Parabéns, abraços e até outra hora!
Neyvan
dareco
(17136) 2008-10-12 9:40
A very interesting post and informative note. Perfect pov and excellent colors and detail. TFS and have a great day!
jvsb
(1382) 2008-10-12 10:33
É muito gratificante ao fotógrafo viajante conseguir imprimir os momentos inesquecíveis que viveu não apenas em uma série de fotos descritivas, mas também em um fotograma único, a síntese da sua experiência. Nem sempre é possível por falta de oportunidade, condições de iluminação impróprias, etc.
Os lugares exóticos já despertam um interesse especial na fotografia de paisagem, mas vc conseguiu capturar um cantinho que também tem uma história, sobretudo para vc e sua família, no que a inclusão do barco foi fundamental. O equilíbrio de tons está muito bom, embora um Velvia 50 talvez reproduzisse mais dynamic range e contraste (ô cara chato...). Quanto ao enquadramento, acredito que, em termos ideais, uma grande-angular fosse mais apropriada de modo a incluir mais da formação principal de coral (também podia dar uma gorjeta para o piloto passar de novo sobre o local, hehe... é a vida com lentes prime). Acho que o corte muito na borda não ficou tão harmonioso quanto poderia. Isso, assim, em termos de cartão-postal... O lugar é de tirar o fôlego!!
Abraço,
Victor
edal
(6804) 2008-10-12 14:53
Ola Zeca,
Your diving photos are outstanding, indeed. The difference about is that it's a diving photo from the air! Kind of you to have it scanned for us.
Friendly,
Anton
Gerrit
(62042) 2008-10-12 15:14
Hi Jose,
impressive place and it is just what it is called.
The composition and colors are fantastic.
Regards, gerrit
maximage
(15537) 2008-10-12 15:33
Bonjour José,
Une image complètement FANTASTIC!!
Tout a été dit, c'est super beau Félicitations pour cet excellent travail photographique.
Amitiés.
max
Emile
(20352) 2008-10-12 15:41
Hola Zeca.
An amazing shot of this impressive hole in the sea, interesting point is that the surroundings looks like it's very shallow and suddenly the blue hole. Your scanned photo came very good, like taken today with a digital camera. Very good colors and sharpness.
Well done.
Best wishes and a nice week ahead.
wgreis
(8267) 2008-10-12 17:30
Um espetáculo Zeca,
vêm aprendendo bem com o pessoal da NatGeo. Parabéns, aqui o show de cores, composição e beleza estão o máximo.
Parabéns e abraços,
Wagner.
shevchenko
(20560) 2008-10-12 19:45
Hello Jose,
Interesting composition of a geographic photo, good pov to show the dark blue hole in the middle, detail to see wave of water, nice color, thanks for sharing an old photo.
Ally
stego
(24132) 2008-10-13 10:49
Olá Zeca,
Realmente impressionante! Chego a pensar se não deu instruções ao piloto para conseguir o melhor ângulo!
Talvez a coincidência das cores azul e castanho avermelhado ajude um bocadinho dado que são as cores para onde é frequente os scans "deslizarem", mas o facto é que as cores estão realmente deslumbrantes.
Um abraço, José.
Buin
(42580) 2008-10-13 12:39
Hallo Zeca!
The others have said all - but this one deserves another two points. Here they are! ;-))
A breathtaking sight - and in addition an excellent note!
Greetings from autumnal warm and sunny Germany!
Frank
Philippe
(11836) 2008-10-13 14:42
Hi, Jose. What a beautiful place. A perfect circle with splendid shades of blue. The contrast with the brown reddish tones around the atoll makes the blue even more beautiful. Really amazing.
Have a nice day,
Philippe
jhm
(211736) 2008-10-14 0:33
Hello José,
Today I have something learned, this is the first time that I see this wonderful image about this atoll.
Also is this picture more than ten year old, exactly a picture of yesterday.
Composition and presentation are pleasant for look it.
Very well done, TFS.
Best regards,
John.
pablominto
(53746) 2008-10-14 2:09
Hello Zeca,
This is an interesting image with high documentary value!
Educational quality and post processing including scanning is well done...
The subject is well framed with intriguing colours!
Greetings,
Pablo -
eversmile
(11636) 2008-10-14 7:39
Excellent picture Jose!
I am thrilled. Not only because it's one of my wouldbe destination, but also because you achieved a great shot. The POV from high is not something we've seen a lot from this location, and I love the general view on it. The colors are intense and the shapes surrealistic. The way you frame is very good. I am not sure it is so easy from the plane, specially not if we are excited...
Congratulations,
Regards
Marine
You are lucky to have been able to dive there. I won't have this pleasure because I can't dive but I had informations that snorkelling can be good too. What did you see apart of stalactites? is there a lot of corals? What species of fishes?
gracious
(20025) 2008-10-14 10:21
Ola Jose,
Many thanks for sharing this awesome view of the great atolls from a high pov! truly beautiful with it's colour and contrast! you can feel the deepness of the seawater in the hole with the different colouration from the outside!
well done and thanks for your effort once again
cheers
tony
Cricri
(176) 2008-10-14 10:38
Hola Jose
On doit ressentir un grand sentiment de joie et de bonheur en voyant un tel paysage, fantastique et spectaculaire dans les couleurs, compliment
Friendship
cricri
jaywalker
(16105) 2008-10-14 10:39
Hi Jose, The boat helps the scale perfectly & seems to be on the edge ready to fall in, a great high POV & the colours are excellent with the deep blue prominent, super photo, kind regards Wilson.
riclopes
(35577) 2008-10-14 10:47
Wow, espectacular, Zeca. E está com uma qualidade fantástica para uma foto de 97. Dá para ver o barquito lá em cima que referiste, de facto. O local é bem conhecido e até vi imagens deste buraco recentemente num email que recebi, mas não deixa de ser fascinante vê-lo retratado aqui. Gosto bastante da textura do azulão do buraco. Parabéns.
Um abraço,
ricardo
mvdisco
(17798) 2008-10-14 12:04
Hi Jose,
Très jolie présentation de ce cliché, Excellent POV. et détails, composition, couleurs comme d'habitude excellent..
compliments
Michel
Colombiana
(2957) 2008-10-14 16:21
Hola José,
Una foto simplemente increíble, y que
afortunado haber tenido la oportunidad
de tomarla.
La calidad esta excelente considerando que
fue tomada hace mas de diez años.
La gama de tonos azules es fantástica...
Un lugar extremadamente bello.
Gracias por compartirla !
Saludos desde Miami...
Maryori :)
barrufeto_77
(28888) 2008-10-14 23:41
Hi Jose.
Wowwwwwwwwwwwww...the view is lovely. Strange so...lovely. Excellent colours and the contrasts are amazing too!
Rgs, Oscar
aadilj
(18102) 2008-10-15 0:36
This one is lovely and so well captured with such fascinating hues and lovely pov. I like the way this has been framed
JCG
(35153) 2008-10-15 4:32
Hi José,
Remarkable phenomenon of nature on this photograph and I understand the enthusiasm of our friends to the sight of this image !!! For a scan qualities of the photograph are superb and especially in all these nuances of blue. The round is perfect and the boat which, I think, awaits the return of some plungers gives a good scale to the image. Superb and interesting photograph, thank you José.
With all my friendships and with soon,
Jean-Charles
jonathan_hart
(21276) 2008-10-15 9:03
earth seen from the sky has so many graphic potential, almost abstract, very nice
regards
jc
zmey
(7335) 2008-10-15 9:19
ola Zeca
that's some nature's marvel... doesn't look real, but i know it is. diving must be extraordinary in this place. hope to experience it myself one day.
thanks for sharing, friend!
regards,
kristaps
AiresSantos
(56155) 2008-10-16 0:51
Ola Zeca
Uma excelente foto en tons de azul. Atraves da intensidade do azul podemos ver a profundidade da agua. Gosto muito do efeito grafico e do enquadramento
Um abraço Amigo
Aires
patdeph
(35750) 2008-10-16 3:33
hello José
it's a splendid high view,but I guess it was still more wonderful to be in this blue and clear water,and to discover the underwater world!The quality is excellent,we can see very well each little wave and the very small white points made by the boat you describe in your note!This is an incredible and beautiful place!
Best regards
Pascale
derek3755
(2341) 2008-10-16 4:49
Hi Zeca
Makes for a great abstract, and has loads of impact! Beautiful blue tones.
Regards
Derek
Docarmo
(9767) 2008-10-17 23:04
Eu de novo, Zeca,
A foto ao lado da outra me chamou a atenção pelo azul exuberante e pelo seu caráter extravagante. Beleza de apresentação, isto é o auge do TE, mostrando estes lugares do mundo tão especiais. Seu trabalho com o scanner está de tirar o chapéu.
Parabéns!
MCV
Jardim
(3243) 2008-10-18 12:54
Olá José,
è sem duvida uma paisagem magnifica e uma foto muito bonita que sorte tiveste em conhecer um sitio assim tão paradisiaco. Imagino as maravilhas que teras visto no mergulho que fizeste.
JJ
bostankorkulugu
(42866) 2008-10-18 23:17
hey not to miss that one, this is sooo cool jose... never seen a shot of this hole and you present a real good catch from a high pov in a very charming colour palette...
happy birthday man! >:DDD...
Angshu
(56760) 2008-10-19 21:12
Ola Jose
This is a special place & what a beauty! The colour contrast with the blue is amazing...is it because of difference in depth? Fine scan quality to show us this amazing place...Fine work!
Regards
Angshu
mikeo
(12129) 2008-10-20 5:59
Hello Jose,
This is absolutely amazing!!! Biiiiiiig hole, small islands all around and this tiny boat...What a view! I am sure it must be wonderful feeling to see such view alive.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Best greetings,
Mikeo
lasscor
(7640) 2008-10-20 9:18
Hi Jose,
Wonderful blue composition.
Great pov, colours and graphism.
TFS,
Corinne
avene
(12675) 2008-10-22 11:24
I am completely speachless, Zeca, the deep blue is almost hypnotic. your point of view is essential for the power of this image, as are the two boats which let the viewer appreciate the scale. love the slight texture to the water, the place feels so alive. impressive quality too for the scan, you can be proud of this photo :)
best,
Kristine
clic
(76) 2008-10-22 11:55
Ola Jose
I first thought of an UFO landing site!! But now, after reading your note, I understand better the overall blue cast.
You've been lucky to get such vivid colors through the airplane window!
I see a blue sapphire set in a lighter-blue velvet case!
Abraços.
Robert
jmcl
(14535) 2008-10-26 12:46
Hi Jose,
Striking .. surreal .. almost alien .. collection of color and texture .. if I were to be really picky I would wish for more the red circle surrounding the hole .. but wow .. striking place .. striking image .. thank you for sharing it. take care, John
mad_mike
(446) 2008-10-27 3:42
WOW. JUST AMAZING!!!!! the colors is very very beautiful. Amazing POV.
Good job
TFS
Bluejeans
(64251) 2008-10-31 12:08
Oi amigo ,
Que magnifica foto desta zona de corais a cor da agua é fantástica o lugar deve ser lindo para fazer mergulho , ficou muito interessante o buraco azul , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo
MLINES
(12516) 2008-10-31 20:17
Hi Jose, My goodness what a fantastic work of nature. Well captured from above and very clear. The blues are good to see. Interesting notes. TFS. Murray.
benkrut
(2407) 2008-11-01 16:15
Amazing from the air and a dream for divers. Had heard about this spot long before my first dive - hope one day i'll have a chance to get there.
niiice one
hs
pascalrouget
(393) 2008-11-01 22:46
Magnifique! Ah, la beauté de la nature. Elle est parfaitement rendue ici par le photographe! Bravo pour cette composition. Si ça donne pas envie d'y aller!
emilbo
(22616) 2008-11-04 18:03
Olà Jose!
Très impressionnante cette photo d'un coin de terre que je ne connaissais pas, bien présenté avec une excellente note. Le bateau donne une bonne idée de la grandeur du trou bleu. Les différents tons de bleu sont superbes.
Boa trabalho, amigo,
Emilius
Flavia
(10352) 2008-11-13 17:52
Oi Zeca,
Impressionante este atol. E que vista privilegiada! Uma foto de primeira, com qualidade impecavel apesar de ser escaneada e tirada em condicoes muito dificeis.
Abracos,
Flavia
fayeulle
(27827) 2008-12-10 6:53
Hello Jose
The quality is stunning in spite it's an old scan. The colours are really magnificent. I don't' really understand how this atoll - hole was created.
A very good shot.
Cheers
JP
alainh
(33209) 2008-12-20 0:14
Hello Jose
what can i say !!!!
Fantastic, Magic, ... thanks a lot Jose to share with such incredibles and famous places. another planet !
all the best, for you, your family, your frinds for this new year
friendly
alain
axiotea
(21651) 2009-01-18 7:10
Olà Zeca
The blue hole with the reef together are really true eye-catcher and created a wonderful graphical impact! Great colors and contrast too!
Best wishes
Marilyn
jmdias
(115100) 2009-01-23 6:15
zeca
beleza de foto áerea, mostra bem como a natureza consegue criar arte abstrata da melhor qualidade, impressionam as cores da compo e os contrastes entre elas. bela a luz e o enquadramento. perfeita
abraços
jorge
marietom
(34611) 2009-01-29 1:01
hello Jose,
j'avais loupé celle ci, magnifiquement composée ! Bravo, c'est un régal pour les yeux.
Bonne journée
Marie
Waylim
(25436) 2009-02-10 23:39
Wow,
It looks kind of scary for me actually, like a deep black hole and if I fall into it, like a night mare I have sometimes that make me nearly jump out of bed. Excellent details and so real for me it not a beautiful image for me but I like the fact that it make me feel something, good or bad, sad or happy, as long as it make me feel something, you have succeeded.
Way
coco
(30439) 2009-06-06 2:32
Hola Jose.
This view is really impressive and this blue eye is one of the most amazing places I've seen in TE.
You were lucky and also us, because you could did this picture but we can enjoy it too.
Regards.
picardo
(2459) 2009-08-07 17:26
Hi Jose
Incredible picture with beautiful colors. The boat gives the human touch and makes the composition a little minimalistic. Excelent work
TFS
Picardo
ruisc_pt
(11594) 2010-11-15 12:24
Fantástica!
Impressionante... deve ser mesmo uma mravilha megulhar aqui.
Um ab
R
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Jose A Hauer (zeca)
(19762)
- Genre: Plaatsen
- Medium: Kleur
- Date Taken: 1997-05-24
- Categories: Natuur
- Camera: Canon AE-1 Program, Canon 50mm f/1.4
- Fotoversie: Originele versie
- Thema's: Ocean Colours, Sea and Vessel, Ocean Blue, Blue, Aerial Point of View, A tribute to the blue color., Islands - Ilhas, The Sea is under the Sky, Waterworld, Places, Two Pages with the most criticized photos, BLUE COLOUR 2, Amazing blue!, Pre-digital III (stego), TE's Member's Favorites II, Scanned photos, Processed from film or prints, CLODO's SELECTION VII, view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2008-10-11 15:56
- Favorieten: 4 [Zicht]
Discussions
- To Floydian: airplane (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-11 10:09 - To chirasak: boat (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-11 10:15 - To pboehringer: Belize (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-11 10:31 - To Leelee: special place (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-11 10:36 - To chawax: cut (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-12 08:11 - To jvsb: outros tempos (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-12 08:18 - To stego: piloto (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-13 06:19 - To eversmile: snorkeling and marine life (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-14 09:01 - To Angshu: different blues (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-20 11:51 - To bostankorkulugu: 45 (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-10-20 11:59 - To alainh: all the best (1)
by zeca, last updated 2008-12-22 07:27