Wonder of the World, a photo from Cusco, South

Photographer's Note

My first repost on TrekEarth, of a picture posted two years ago. I've tried to recover a little of the overexposed sky of the original version. Please take a look!

Original note:

In the 15th century, the Incan Emperor Pachacútec built a city in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu ("old mountain"). This extraordinary settlement lies halfway up the Andes Plateau, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River. It was probably abandoned by the Incas because of a smallpox outbreak and, after the Spanish defeated the Incan Empire, the city remained 'lost' for over three centuries. It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Source: New 7 Wonders of the World

All Rights Reserved: Alexandre Baptista Copyright. Use in any form is forbidden without the written permission of the photographer.

Direitos Autorais Reservados: A presente fotografia é obra intelectual protegida pela Lei 9.610/1998, sendo proibida a reprodução por qualquer meio sem a prévia autorização por escrito do autor. Favor contatar Alexandre Baptista.

serp2000, belido, subhendu_bagchi, mdetay, paura, Amaz, adores, lucasgalodoido, leonorkuhn, fritzi007, Vasa, Budapestman, feather, dip, jlbrthnn, Gerrit, pablominto, Cricri, nivaldo, plimrn, kiks, fabianoleite, ikeharel, PiotrF, Didi, COSTANTINO, danos, maloutim heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

yquem46 (38752) 2009-09-05 4:07

Hello Alexandre
hard to place on the same picture more attibutes of Peru, a lama and the Machu Pichu. Maybe missing a condor que pasa !
well the light is not gorgeous, so what ? You did with what you had and i like very much this symbolic animal looking at the site from above
regards
Patrick

Tweety (4546) 2009-09-05 4:30

Bonjour Alexandre,
Une très chouette image mélangeant portrait et paysage. Tu as bien fait de poster à nouveau cette photo, les améliorations apportées sont sensibles.
Christophe

alin-m (3716) 2009-09-05 4:43

Verry nice picture,great composition.Congratulation.Alin.

Keitht (1342) 2009-09-05 4:44

The view is extremely well known, so it's great to see some individuality in the interpretation of it. The lighting is great as the shadow really does help pick out the detail.
I'm assuming it is a single image. The only reason I'm wondering is that it's an enormous DOF for f5.6
I appreciate that it's not possible to get a llama to pose exactly where you want it, but a slightly lower viewpoint, to avoid the chin obscuring the hill top would transform a great image into a superb one.
I'm envious!!

CLODO (45116) 2009-09-05 4:49

Hi Alexandre
Unusual shot of Machu Picchu, maily due to the lama portrait. Nice idea!
We follow his look to discover the old inca town.
Well thought and done
CLODO

serp2000 (47063) 2009-09-05 5:26

Privet, Alexandre,
My compliments on your fine job!
Superb composition, fine exposure, excellent colours and sharpness! Thanks!
Serghei

belido (19934) 2009-09-05 6:23

Olá Alexandre,

magnífica composição! A aproximação do bichano está excelente e não atrapalhou em nada em relação ao belo cenário que compõe o fundo. Interessante e bem apresentado. Parabéns!
Abraço,
Carlos

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2009-09-05 8:16

Namaste Alexandre,
nice shot is your previous one and beautiful PP here. Your point of view is great here. The 'wonder' looks really wonderful here. Inclusion of the animal in the foreground made it great. Tfs. Have a nice weekend.
Subhendu

mdetay (4929) 2009-09-05 9:17

Hi Alexandre,
Great shot and composition.
Good colors. Well done.
Congratulation.
Cheers from Hong Kong.
Michel

celmaleite (5010) 2009-09-05 10:40

"Vivendo e aprendendo". A evolução está bem visível se comparada uma foto à outra. Acho que aprendemos muito com o tempo, principalmente quando comentamos e recebemos críticas dos nossos amigos do TE. Por isso é muito importante que, através do site, as pessoas se comuniquem de forma franca e sociável. Parabéns pelo "progresso fotográfico". Abraço

maximage (15537) 2009-09-05 14:51

Bonjour Alexandre,
Très jolie compo, originale, insolite et très bien vue!
Excellent!
Amitiés.
max

paura (25802) 2009-09-05 15:43

Alexandre,
Acho que eu bebí muito pois estou vendo o Lucas de uma forma muito estranha, rere. Linda fotografia, com ajustes de exposição e pp muito bons para mpostrar a bela composição.

Abraço

Paulo

fabianoleite (13575) 2009-09-05 20:49

Bela perspectiva dessa lhama cuspindo na antiga cidadela. Parece até irreal de tão bonito.

[workshop] [compare]

AiresSantos (56155) 2009-09-05 23:34

Ola Alexandre
Dois anos depois, a mesma foto, melhor qualidade !
Excelente vista de Machu Picchu com este animal em primeiro plano
Cores e detalhes muito bons
Um abraco e bom Domingo
Aires

siamesa (28231) 2009-09-06 1:48

Olá Alexandre

Que beleza o lhama apreciando a linda vista. Uma composição de primeira. Parabéns pela idéia e captura.
Abraços
maria

Amaz (11475) 2009-09-06 2:49

Excelente tomada, Alexandre!!
Preciosa composição e belíssimas cores!!

Ótimo registro, amigo!!

Meus parabéns!!!

jmdias (114278) 2009-09-06 3:32

alexandre

muito bom o seu trabalho de restauro da parte sobre-exposta do céu, a imagem assim ganhou muito mais força e beleza. muito bonita combinação entre a llama e as ruínas, dois símbolos fortes do imaginário da região reunidos num só tiro. belo trabalho

abraços

jorge

ymrk (15099) 2009-09-06 7:59

you had caught the greatly to its looks! :p
You have a perfect idea there,especially background is very amazing!
Abraço my friend

Yağmur

adores (46979) 2009-09-06 11:57

Olá Alexandre!
Gostei das alterações! O seu está bem melhor e as cores também. A composição continua bastante boa. O lama não podia estar melhor colocado, com as ruinas lá bem ao fundo.

sunamoon (10) 2009-09-06 12:03

Hola Alexandre!

Jaja la foto sobre todo es muy graciosa,
la llama observando el Machu Picchu, recuerdo otra que ya publicaste del lugar con otra llama también, me gusta muy buena imagen!

Saludos,
Elena

lucasgalodoido (27698) 2009-09-06 16:43

Olá Alexandre,
ficou bem melhor essa versão mesmo, pra mim uma de suas melhores fotos. O Bicho parece deslumbrado com a beleza do lugar, tem que tomar cuidado mesmo só com a cusparada, ainda mais nesse época de gripe suína... será que colocaram máscaras neles?
Parabéns e Abraço

Docarmo (9767) 2009-09-06 20:24

Olá Alexandre,
Ficou uma belelza esta re-apresentação. Valeu a pena!
O animal típico do lugar, no primeiro plano, olhando para a cidade abandonada, como se a estivesse contemplando, dá um impacto visual impressionante.
Parabéns!
Docarmo

josepmarin (59385) 2009-09-07 0:52

Olá Alexandre,
ya valoré la foto original en su momento, y el trabajo de corrección de la sobreexposición le ha dado otro aspecto, aunque la foto sigue siendo muy buena y simpática, sobre todo por esta alpaca posando para tí delante de la maravilla del Machu Picchu.
Buena reposición.
Un abrazo,
Josep

leonorkuhn (16237) 2009-09-07 7:36

Olá Alexandre,

Esta linda imagem merecia ser reeditada. Esta vista do alto, com a lhama muito bem colocada de lado, cria uma atmosfera de grandiosidade, como aquela que sentimos nos grandes templos, evoca a magnificência do antigo império. As cores e nitidez estão excelentes.

Abraços
Leonor

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2009-09-07 8:27

Hello Alexandre
What an amazing landscape. You have got a great depth with that lama. A great site to look at this wonderful place. Nice picture.
Best wishes,
Achim

clio (27961) 2009-09-07 10:57

Bonjour Alexandre,
I am happy to know your gallery.
There are many photos which I like. I choose this one because it is really an original view of Machu Pichu. I find so formidable to provide to repost photos because we progressed in the retouching. The result is now fantastic.
Parabéns
Diane

wolf38 (30) 2009-09-07 10:58

Hello Alexandre. A wonderful motive and picture. The famous Maccu Picchu and the Lama fit in the best way. I admire also the beautiful colors and the high technical quality of the photo. Altogether protruding, - likewise the exemplary text. Best regards, Wolfgang.

john1 (4028) 2009-09-07 11:02

Hello Alexandre,

Beautifull capture, amazing colors and details.
Excellent presentation of the Inca world.
Wonderfull portrait and landscape.
have a good week.
john

gunbud (34066) 2009-09-07 12:39

Hi Alexandre,
The handsome llama makes the ideal lead-in to this famous yet always breathtaking site.
Love the rich details seen in this challenging light.
Regards, Tom

giorgimer (35017) 2009-09-07 13:45

Hi Alexandre,

surely an original and clever way to shoot thid very famous place, excellent idea!

Well done

G

fritzi007 (14698) 2009-09-07 13:52

Olá Alexander!
Um lugar que eu gostaria também de visitar novamente muito, fotografia maravilhosa, parabéns!
Atenciosamente
Wolfgang

Vasa (515) 2009-09-07 14:06

J've seen many pictures from that wonderful place. Yours is one of the best, Alexandre. Your realization is the result of your sensibility for the photographic subject. Many of your pictures are on the high level and with you one knows better South America.

So glad to meet you in Machu Picchu and proud of your visit, amigo.

Branko

PS. I am sorry for points. I observed that too late. See you soon. TE is not right. The points for you complete my 20 reactions for today. But invisible Big Brother says different.

bosskokoss (2272) 2009-09-07 14:40

Hello Alexandre.Wow! Superb photo! Fantastic view, nice colours and good sharpness. Ideal capture. Regards Piotr.

danyy (0) 2009-09-08 2:10

Bonjour Alexandre,
une photo où se dressent deux choses face-à-face, cet animla symbôle du pays et ce mon très vertical, l'effet optique est excellent. On voit bien le post processing aux lumières entre ciel et montagnes, mais le résultat global est positif.
Une photo sympathique et cocasse.
Regards.
Daniel.

Budapestman (82620) 2009-09-08 6:58

Hi Alexandre,
fantastic shot with splendid composition, the depth of the photo is impressive, the lama portrait in the foreground is superb. I like the idea and the realization. Congratulations. Have a nice day!
George

feather (51130) 2009-09-08 8:12

I was also lucky to get llamas posing in front of my shot of Machu Picchu too, but all I had at the time was a point & shoot film camera and the scan is not good. This is excellent, and the detail is incredible. You did a good job painting in the over-exposed sky.
Kath

quillo (11858) 2009-09-08 9:51

-

Hola Alexandre --------->

Ya te felicité por este encuadre y ahora te doy
la enhorabuena por el trabajo de PP,
me parece excelente y la verdad es que
el resultado es muy bueno, me alegra mucho
que hayas recuperado la foto porque pienso
que es uno de tus mejores trabajos.

Un saludo amigo.

-

testmaniac (13508) 2009-09-08 12:56

Hi Alexandre,good and funny photo of this great place!

TFS

Phil

dip (21408) 2009-09-08 22:51

Hi Alexandre,
wonderful image!excellent POV,I also like the inclusion of the lama in the foreground,
of course this one is more better than the original shot,
very well done!
Dimitris.

PixelTerror (0) 2009-09-09 2:18

HI ALexandre
That's a good improvement on the sky, and the compo remains as nice although very clicheesque ;-)
Have a nice day JY

guitianmiranda (22) 2009-09-10 5:11

Good photo, it is the first time I see the the Machu Picchu from a Llama POV.

Best regards Alexandre.

jlbrthnn (76043) 2009-09-10 7:04

Bom-dia Alexandre,
Com efeito, Machu Picchu é uma lugar mítico, fantástica e famosa no Mundo inteiro. Mas creio que o lantejoula são também outras maravilhas da natureza e o Mundo. O ponto de vista é genial, como é a inclusão lama. A realização é boa, gosto e aprecio os detalhes da tosão do animal. Bravo.
Passa um bom dia.
Cordialmente.
Joël

Gerrit (62042) 2009-09-10 15:33

Hi Alexandre,
strong composition with the lama covering the half of the image and that well known but unbelievable site on the other.
You've managed the light very well
regards. Gerrit

sacimar (38173) 2009-09-10 17:29

Hola Alexandre!

wow! wow! gran fotografia, muy original y de gran impacto visual, me gusta mucho la composicion, el postprocesado ha mejorado la version original, enhorabuena!

Un saludo

Sergio

pablominto (53746) 2009-09-10 22:42

Hello Alexandre,

This is an amazing composition!
Two, maybe three icons of Peru if I count the characteristic mountains too...
The llama seems pretty proud to show you Machu Picchu hehehe..!

Greetings,
Pablo -

anesugur (18789) 2009-09-11 13:43

Ola Alexandre,
Great POV and very nice light.
It looks very beautiful and you did a wonderful work.
Best regards. Uğur

bracasha75 (24591) 2009-09-11 23:39

Hello Alexandre
Amaizing view on Machu Picchu!!!!!
What to say more????
Amaizing
TFS
Cheers,Bratislav

manatee (4668) 2009-09-12 1:23

Wow
Esa es una de tus mejores fotos y la llama por supuesto que le da el toque exclusivo de este lugar, la vista es fabulosa, se puede ver todo y estoy muy alegre de que lo hayas arreglado y subido nuevamente, es una exelente foto

Saludos Alexandre

Cricri (176) 2009-09-12 8:09

Hi Alexandre
J'aime le cadrage avec le lama qui invite a regarder ce magnifique paysage, un bon travail du ciel, une image qui mérite tout les sourires
Good week end
cricri

mauro61 (53411) 2009-09-13 0:27

ciao Alexandre,
inquadratura unica con il lama a guardare le rovine della città.
Una foto bellissima che mi piace molto anche per come hai gestito la forte luce.
bravo
buona domenica
maurizio

magalik (6103) 2009-09-13 2:04

Hello Alexandre,
Great shot of this mythical place which makes dream so many people like me. I am particularly impressed by foreground sharpness but also by backgroung sharpness. Quality is really perfect. It's a pleasure to look at this photo.
I like very much the composition also. This lama is beautiful and his look indicates us where to look.
Well done. Congratulations.
Magali

marietom (34611) 2009-09-13 13:08

salut Alexandre,

Magnifique point de vue, qui rend ce paysage très original.
Bonne soirée
Marie

sacavem (18620) 2009-09-14 8:12

Olá Alexandre,

Gosto muito desta composição.O Lama em posição estratégica a olhar a cidade inca.A recuperação do original foi muito bem conseguido,parabéns.O pov está excelente.
Um abraço,
Filipe

Angshu (56760) 2009-09-14 20:50

Ola Alexandre
It is always highly appreciable when a picture from a often photographed spot is shown differently. Here's a fine example how to be done. The choice of aperture is perfect to have both the alpaca & the famous ruins both in sharp focus. Fine work indeed!
Regards
Angshu

rodgerg (55767) 2009-09-15 2:00

Olà Alexandre,

Congratulations for this master's peice in your gallery. An excellent FG give a great depht to the image and a good propsect to the superb mountain's landscate and the ruins.
Excellent PP too.
Amizades,
Roger

gut31 (144) 2009-09-15 6:25

Very nice picture with the lama.... the machu pichu is so nice.....

The sky is a little bit overexposed but the composition is beautiful..

nivaldo (15417) 2009-09-16 20:00

Olha aí onde lhe encontrei!
Fotografia MAGNÍFICA, Alexandre !
Não há mais o que elogiar, já disseram tudo!
Vou incluir nas favoritas!
Grande abraço,parabéns!
Nivaldo

plimrn (21344) 2009-09-21 9:33

Ola Alexandre,
what a classic photo, the detail of both the llama and this ancient site is just amazing. How did you get allama to pose for you? Were you trekking with her?

The note is excellent as well, I didn't realize it was abandoned due to small pox.
desejando lhe a saúde, & do amor; alegria (SAA), Pat

Juntas (7960) 2009-09-21 9:37

Olá Alexandre. Não conhecia a 1ª versão e parece-me que fizeste um bom trabalho. A foto em si está muito boa com excelente sharp no lama e uma composição muito boa. Parabéns. Um abraço. Paulo

bona (15057) 2009-09-24 10:11

Que lindo isso! Numa única imagen conseguiu colocar de forma excelente duas caracterísicas conhecidas do Peru, as Lhamas e Machu. Excelente!
Andre

ilDottore (5252) 2009-09-26 8:41

Hi Alex,
Absolutely perfect composition.
One of most interesting pictures from this place at all! :)
Greetings from Dublin!
Chris

korina (282) 2009-10-16 15:14

Hello Alexandre,
Great idea to iinclude the llama in this photo! Its different from all the Machu Picchu photos we used to see. Good sharpness and nice point of view. Well done!
Warm regards,
Korina

Paul57 (2223) 2009-10-21 9:38

Hi Alexandre,
I never get tired looking at the Machu Picchu. This is a great POV and the presence of the llama in the foreground is certainly what makes this an even better picture. Thanks for bringing back great memories of this magnificent Inca ruin.
Regards

photoray (13981) 2009-10-23 20:02

Hello Alexandre,

Very appealing creation, Machu Picchu seen through the eyes of a Llama with good details within the depth of field.

good job,
Ray

Bluejeans (64251) 2009-10-26 6:31

Ola Alexandre,
Ficou lindo este Lama em primeiro plano a olha a cidade seus detalhes do pelo ficaram fantásticos, espero um dia conhecer este lugar , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

delpeoples (60342) 2009-10-29 8:08

Hola Alexandre, noticed this in your Featured Photos and just had to comment. What a unique POV, both a decisive moment and very artistic. And despit the proximity of the llama, your DOF and sharpness are magnificent. CONgratulations and TFS, Lisa

macjake (98262) 2009-10-29 10:59

Hello Alexandre

We've all seen this photo before, its very famous.
But yours.....has a unique touch to it.
I have never seen this before!
I agree with another critique, in that its too bad the Lama's chin is in the way of our view.
But i'm not holding that against you, as lamas are not easily convinced to pose!
Great creativity
Thanks for posting
craig

raszid62 (18457) 2009-10-30 8:38

Hello
It this llama this also the tourist - she looked with nostalgia with for past summers of glory so on last the capital of great nation the Inka. Perfect picture, nice gentle fog in air and perfect sharpness.
Best regards
Joseph

frubio (326) 2009-10-30 8:42

Pintoresca imagen, ambas cosas representativas.
si tienes flickr me agregas
www.flickr.com/danywalker
:)

windosil (1158) 2009-10-31 5:05

Hallo, Alexandre.
A superb photo - and a great illustration of the use of photo-editing. I like the way the llama's ears echo the shapes of the montains. And I think the chin is in exactly the right place to give the 3-dimensional effect.
Best wishes, and thanks for your comment on my posting.
Winifred

kiks (12805) 2009-11-01 14:16

This is i think the best composition i ever seen from MAchu Pichu The lama in is natural habitat. JUst great how you include it in the image. You did a good job correcting the light. This one is indeed much beter.
Best regards
KIKs

elitsa (509) 2009-11-05 6:33

:))) great shot! very good and unusual point of view! compliments Alexandre! Elitsa

adramad (72562) 2009-11-05 10:26

Olá Alexandre.
Una fotografia sumamente original, fantastico el primer plano de la llama que parece comtemplar la milenaria ciudadela. Excelente composicion.
Un abrazo.
Luis.

janusz2054 (2) 2010-01-16 12:08

Hi Alexandre
Great and funny composition. Amaizing view on Machu Picchu.Well done - congratulation.
Best regards
Janusz

ikeharel (112439) 2010-07-19 10:02

Hello Alexandre,
Two of Peru's national attractions: The Lama and Machu-Pichu.
Great idea and very well managed .
Fabulous sight, and scenery.
Ike

PiotrF (54246) 2013-09-06 11:24

Hello Alexandre
Original picture. Beautifull presentation of the Inca world. Excellent capture, amazing colors and details.
Wonderful information
Regards
Piotr

batalay (41261) 2013-09-09 10:09

Hello Alexander,

This the most eye catching of all photos I've seen of Machu Pichu, the iconic site which is almost always presented in landscape shots. Here it is the indigenous llama that provides the Greek chorus overseeing the site, as it must have done for a millennium. I am glad that the photo has been earning the accolades it so rightly deserves. Warm regards,

Bulent

elenimavrandoni (0) 2013-09-11 22:26

Alexandre, hats off for you on this shot...extraordinary and amazing!!
the llama must liked you a lot for posing so indifferent and not to move at all..sacred place, fabulous view and the great presence of a typical llama...my compliments!!
eleni

Waylim (25436) 2013-09-20 11:39

Hello Alexandre,

Just simply postcard perfect shot. I have been here many year ago and the weather was not so good. Here you have a great day with wonderful light and clarity. The Photo quality is perfect with the inclusion of the lamas adds so much depth and enhanced the composition perfectly.

My complement, I wish to return here.

Way

Haymotion (2761) 2014-12-17 4:56

Hello Alexander,
Very nice composition! A famous place with a a famous Peru animal. A funny shot
TFS
VInce

Didi (61589) 2015-01-12 17:07

Hi Alexandre
Very good point of view and interesting perspective between the lama and the background
Good sharp composition mutch better than the original version
Best regards

COSTANTINO (115539) 2016-06-21 13:57

Hello dear Alexander and have a nice time
and a happy new day
lovely capture so impressive and attractive
according to your useful n otes this view
us extremely known I liked the idea
you did the best greetings
your notes are really useful
regards
Costantino

danos (110407) 2018-01-05 9:52

Ola Alexandre,
great the view as the timing of the shot with the head of llama,to looks to the part of the Inca Emperor city on the plateau.Excellent presentation.

Regards,Danos

maloutim (13617) 2019-11-07 21:48

¡Encontré esto en tus fotos al azar y, por supuesto, no pude dejar de parar! Qué oportunidad tan maravillosa capturaste en este sitio maravilloso de Machu Pichu a través del marco creado por el lama, otro símbolo del país.
Felicidades.
Marie-Louise