Lonely mangrove, a photo from Tarawa, Gilbert Islands

Photographer's Note

Last year I posted a few photographs from Kiribati, and last month I eventually got around to editing them all and posting them to my Pbase gallery. When I did that I realised that I hadn’t posted this shot to TrekEarth – my favourite from what I brought back from Kiribati.

This was shot in the Temaiku Bight and shows a lone mangrove hugging the edge of a sand bank at low tide. It was taken close to midday and the equatorial sun was scorching hot, creating a real challenge to get the exposure right and not blow out the whites of the sand. I under-exposed several stops to do that, and then adjusted the exposure using curves.

If anyone is interested in seeing some daily life photographs from Kiribati (most of which are not good enough to post to TE) you can find them in my PBase gallery here

Merry Christmas to all my TE friends. To those of you who live in cold climates in the northern hemisphere, I hope this picture makes you feel a bit warmer. To those of you in Australia who will be spending Christmas Day on the beach, throw one on the barbie for me.

riclopes, ktanska, delkoo, feather, Didi, patdeph, devimeuxbe, plimrn, stego, AiresSantos, vinicio, jafadabret, kiks, Philippe, Charo, jmcl, siolaw, chrisnet, alainh, Dyerco, savina, parbo, maloutim heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

trekks (14348) 2007-12-23 6:08

Good composition and pov, David, and color contrast here is strong. Deep blue sky and white sand, with a green streak of water sandwiched. Sharpness seems a little evasive here. TFS

rminkow (1556) 2007-12-23 6:50

Hi David.. This is a nice shot. Your composition is very pleasing and the horizontal bands of colors work well with the dark image of the tree.

Roger

Matthew-Watt (5934) 2007-12-23 14:42

Hello David,

I checked out that link to your other gallery, PBase. I think that there are several photos there that are worthy of a post, particularly the one looking across the reef and island and also some with the children playing, and the purplish sunset (you may have posted some of these, so I will have to check). I really enjoy this photo; the layering of alternating blue is very special. I agree with your explanation of the shimmering heat possibly distorting sections of the photo. The mangrove may be a little dark for my taste, but I understand that under the equatorial lighting that it would be very difficult to change this, and it does hold a certain beauty. I will be one of those throwing one on the barbie for you tomorrow. Enjoy Christmas.

Matt

vincz (19113) 2007-12-24 1:47

Extraoridnay one, looks so exotic, so far away, so fantastic. I like this picture a lot with the succsessive layers white, blue and blue. Happy holidays!

riclopes (35577) 2007-12-24 1:56

Here you are again David, and thanks again for the link to your PBase gallery. This one reminds me this place in Kenya. It's hot and very attractive. Lonely trees (or mangroves in this case) can allways give great shots and this minimalist composition is a wonderful one. The contrast of the bright sand with the blues is amazing. Once again, a unique place on TE ;-)
Wish you a Merry Christmas,
ricardo

orme (7219) 2007-12-24 2:23

The contrasting colours are fantastic, David.
I especially like the perfect blue sky. Very well framed.
Have a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

batalay (41261) 2007-12-25 17:31

Hello David,

This is a very effective image, sort of an oasis at the beach. I viewed your images of PBase gallery, and I believe there are a number of images that are more than good enough to post on Trekearth. In any event, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from New England, where we are visiting and enjoying a White Christmas.

Warm regards,

Bulent

kevinos (7517) 2007-12-26 1:42

Oh this is a very graphic and very dramatic shot, David.It is very bold and brilliant in it's simplicity. The colour is super. I wonder if more exposure n the white rocks would make it even better.It's hard to say because it would add interest but might distract from the dramatic contrast between the blue and white.Regards kevin

macondo (20449) 2007-12-27 0:41

Hello David.
A 'classical' composition, proportion wise, and shining with colour and interest despite the large expanse of white-ish sand which is very well exposed. Simple, really, yet quite adventurous. I like the fact one can still make out the green of that single mangrove tree, despite your deliberate under-exposure. Very enticing, that light blue in the water. Delightful shot from this little known country.
Regards,
Andrew

ktanska (44744) 2007-12-27 5:38

Hi David,
Simple clear composition with white and blue. A bit more abstraction and this could be a flag! Lonely tree is a good focal point. I've always liked these wide open sea/desert/field scenes.
Kari

colinbrenchley (6431) 2007-12-29 2:08

David - This sort certainly doesn't add a bit of warmth to an English December day. A bit far to travel for a holiday so TE provide the next best thing!
Regards
Colin

Atamanka (767) 2007-12-29 4:50

very nice landscape

pboehringer (770) 2007-12-29 18:23

Gilbert Islands? Where on earth is that, David? How did you end up there? What was your intention to go there? If it was to get some amazing shots you certainly achieved your goal! Wonderful layers in different colors and the placement of the tree is needless to say that it is perfect respecting the 1/3 rule.
Happy New Year!
Peter

capthaddock (28790) 2007-12-31 10:16

Hi David - a minimalistic entry from a minimalistic country, great note as usual. That tree looks out of place, making it more interesting. A belated merry Christmas wish, and a happy 2008. I guess in Kiribati it's already 2008.

feather (51130) 2008-01-03 15:25

This is a beautiful minimalist image which exudes serenity. I like the way you have placed the tree on the top right third. Taken in such extreme conditions you did an excellent job with exposure and have captured very good texture in the sand and a lovely array of tones of blue.
I'm too late to wish you Merry Christmas, but maybe I can squeeze in Happy New Year.
Kath

delkoo (68) 2008-01-04 0:25

hi david
i didn't know this place, it's quite amazing to see that lonely tree on the white sand of the beach.
may i whish you all the best for 2008.

didier

Didi (61589) 2008-01-05 11:46

Hi David
That's great this composition !
The foregrouind looks salted, your frame is excellent very good lights management for the exposure.
Best wishes for 2008.

PixelTerror (0) 2008-01-06 0:30

Hi David,
Despite your extensive coverage not a location featured very often, so this post definitely has value, it looks nice as far as sea color is concerned and a very well placed lonely tree that is a great eye catcher in this composition.
Happy New Year !
JY

patdeph (35750) 2008-01-07 9:36

hello David
this compo is wonderful!I like very much these successive lines of different clours,with only one tree to give a ense to the photo!The contrast between the blues and the white is superb,and the landscape is perfectly framed!Really superb!
Have a nice evening.
Pascale

devimeuxbe (58557) 2008-01-08 5:15

Hi david
long time i didn't see you on TE.
I wish you all the best for 2008.
This is a nice picture. On the smallest mangrove of the world. maybe soon under the sea !
Nice light also
Bertrand

plimrn (21344) 2008-01-13 13:23

Hi David,
I do like the way you've framed the lines of color with the mangrove to one side but there are many more in your Pbase gallery. #2 is beautiful and conveys and important message. #23 gives a very strong message about the wastefulness of war with saying a word, #35 gives me a massive case of envy, I'd love to cruise the islands on that boat; # 38 is a great portrait plus I've never seen pandanus fruit, the note is good as well; #43 shows the paradise at the end of the rainbow.

Wishing you health, love & joy in the coming year, Pat

ElAprendiz (30) 2008-01-15 13:31

Hello David

A very graphical and pleasant composition. The interposition of horizontal lines in the landscape, gives a unique and interesting sub-realism him.
Good resistance and definition of tonos.Excelente work

John

stego (24132) 2008-01-15 16:09

Hi David,
A lovely and inviting view, very cleverly composed. It's much effective in its minimalism, but at the same time, it has so much details to appreciate - the levels made by the sand, water and sky, the little spots and, of course, the picturesque lonely tree, gloriously positioned in the image.
I took a look at your Pbase gallery and I am... awed(?)...
TFS, Regards, José.

AiresSantos (56155) 2008-01-19 1:56

Hi David,

Amazing contrast of the bright sand with the blues. Excellent photojob with the lonely mangrove.
Very well framed and done

Have a nice weekend
Aires

leo61 (0) 2008-01-25 22:26

Hi David!
A good composition with the tree at the perfect position.The blue tones are fantastic and contrast well with the beach.
Regards,Leo

jemaflor (147076) 2008-01-26 3:03

Hi David,
Nice composition with this lonely tree, strong light but it's well captured, pleasant to see.

ag1993 (634) 2008-01-27 12:53

Hello,
Great photo indeed with very nice colours.
Regards
Andrea Gatt

danyy (0) 2008-01-27 15:04

Subtilement divisée en bandes horizontales, le photo procure un graphisme régulier que seul cet arbre vient troubler. Mais pour notre plaisir visuel.
Suberbes couleurs et une exposition bien réglée compte tenu de cette zone très claire.
Best regards.
Daniel.

vinicio (23423) 2008-01-28 23:27

Right image for my dreams of travels and holidays, David, excellent colors and composition with the tree well placed into the image, but over all wonderful place, thanks and compliments.
Ciao
Vinicio

pablominto (53746) 2008-01-29 23:56

Hello David,
The simplicity is eye-catching!
This must be a minor natural phenomenon, one doesn't expect to fine s tree in a location like this...
But it gave a great photo opportunity, resulting in this pleasant layered composition!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Tibo (1906) 2008-01-30 3:42

Hi David.This is hard for me to believe in such beauty when I look out my window cause I am working in a dusty industrial city of China right now. But the paradise you share brings some light and the games of colours Blue/white is just awsome. The mangrove really seems to have grown out of nowhere. Thanks. Tibo

jafadabret (56501) 2008-01-30 8:26

David bonjour.

C'est le genre de photos que j'aime, une photo qui se rapproche au plus près de la peinture. J'aime la simplicité de la composition qui en fait beaucoup pour sa beauté. Les couleurs sont superbes. Que de bonnes choses à dire. Je la place dans mes favorites.

Jacques

kiks (12805) 2008-01-30 9:17

Lovely!! I wish i was there. I'm so tired of the grey days here at Holland. Thank ou for bringing the sun into my day.
Technacly i also love your photo: the balance of the composition and the way you manage the difficult light is great.
TFS
KIKs

guillaumejm (0) 2008-01-31 12:23

Hello david
Simply beautiful!.
Best regards
JMarc

Philippe (11836) 2008-01-31 13:26

Hi, David. Astonishing contrasts here, David. As you say in your comment, I guess the light was quite difficult to manage here and you did it rather well. I think the contrasts would not be enough if there wasn't that tree that looks a little surrealistic in such a place.

Charo (51290) 2008-02-01 2:10

Hola David,
Maravillosa toma de este paradisíaco lugar en el que la arena tan blanca parece nieve. Me gusta la soledad del árbol en medio de la inmensidad del paisaje. Excelentes colores y contrastes.
Cordialmente
Charo

Burberry1 (6041) 2008-02-08 1:35

WOW! Fantastic, mysterious atmosphere, great POV and effect.
One can feel like on the uninhabited island...

Agnieszka

hatti52 (12786) 2008-02-08 10:42

Hi David,
fantastic shot
excellent colours,sharpness and lighting
all layers looks like perfect
great one
congrats

jmcl (14535) 2008-02-10 6:50

HI David,

My kind of thing .. vast, meditative, empty ... well except for that well placed tree and your beautiful layers of blue and white ... Tough light range to deal with but I like the darkness on the tree ... I love the blues deep in the back and how they play into the way the sea meets the sky .. very nice.

take care,

John

siolaw (38294) 2008-02-12 22:48

Hi David,
A minimalistic but very efficient compo. Just enough sky, the lone tree well placed on the side and the white sand in FG all contribute to a great picture!
Best regards from Bangkok
Laurent

porto62 (2313) 2008-02-14 19:27

Hi David,a great landscape, the mangrove is at the right place real great compo, TKS for the comments.Alain

chrisnet (23062) 2008-02-21 11:38

Hello David,
This composition is very effective, I like the good position of the lonely tree and the nice contrast, a good work.
Regards

corsicastorm (3236) 2008-02-22 13:57

Une vue épurée et des contrastes puissants !!! bravo !!

Greg1949 (9011) 2008-03-31 9:26

David, this is an awesome display of minimalism, it is really a fine clear shot. It is really amazing that the tree exists there at all.

Greg

Angshu (56760) 2008-04-01 1:00

Hello David
Beautiful picture. I've rarely seen sand so white...so inititally I had a mistaken impression that this was salt. The placement of the lone tree, & the shades of blue beyond forming distinct layers in the sea as well as the sky makes this very attractive. An absolutely eye catching picture!
Regards
Angshu

alainh (33209) 2008-04-01 22:01

hello David

a crazy tree wanted to live !! incredible place and the happyness for the photographer. Nice composition at the other side of the planet.
have a nice day David
alain

smarcell (19965) 2008-04-16 7:57

The place is really amazing ! A blasting white sand, and a sea which would fit on a travel agency catalogue.
The the presence of the tree is such a plce is fantastic.
Regards Stefano

Dyerco (10185) 2008-04-17 22:32

Hi David
This a gorgeous shot. The tree is well placed and the colours are nicely saturated. I especially like the way you included the water at the bottom of the image to create the various layers of texture and colour.

fkokol (1636) 2008-06-20 4:13

amazing place to visit. great composition with beautiful colour layers. greetings,

figen

teej (58) 2008-08-11 20:30

Beautiful photo David. Your collection is wonderful with interesting notes as well. Thanks for sharing your photos.

bigboroboy (1098) 2008-10-05 3:02

Really strong, graphic image. I would liked to have seen another version where you might have focused on the tree rather than the foreground to compare the two as I'm not sure which would have had more impact. Anyway, this is great so keep up the good work.

Kind regards, PHIL.

parbo (11092) 2009-01-22 17:08

Hello David,

I'm impressed after reading your intro and your modesty words describing you.

The light is extraordinary here and your note is very informative. I know effect of tropical sun in day time. Tone differences in sea under clear sky is just speechless with perfect layout of mangrove tree. I visit also your wonderful Kiribati gallery at PBase too. Congratulations.

Maybe late but never late, I wish you and your family a healthy, prosperous and happy new year.

Best Regards,

Ertugrul

dkeus31 (27739) 2009-04-09 3:18

Hi David
perfectly placed tree here, simple and strong picture
regards
didier

cargus (13954) 2013-01-05 21:39

Beautiful composition, beautiful colors, well framed and rendered image well.!
cordially
Adrian

peterpap (2863) 2015-08-28 12:23

What an excellent composition! Interesting and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.