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Kukulkán

10 Jul 2006 - 13:53
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Kukulkán by PatrickSmith

Since Mexico's archaeological site, Chichen Itza does not allow tripods or photos taken near sunrise or sunset, once again all I will say about how I got this photo was that is was hand held at mid day, LOL!

Backlighting provided by a very large cumulonimbus cloud behind and to the left of the camera! I waited behind a building (out of sight of the guards) for quite a while until the light was right.

The Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza was a terraced monument as opposed to being a true pyramid form such as we see in Egypt. There were reasons for this departure from Egyptian architectural practice because in the West, pyramids convey specific numbers which can enable us to see why they were built where they were upon the earth. This is how you decode the longitude of this structure. (Based on the Great Pyramid at Giza, Egypt being at longitude zero.) 9 terraces x 365 steps x 4 sides x 4 stairways = 52,560 The structure's longitude (based on Giza, not Greenwich) is 119 degrees west, 42 minutes and 10.51620648 seconds. Those numbers multiply out to 52559.99998704 A coincidence? Or did they somehow know exactly where this structure was located in relation to Giza? One of the world's most puzzling mysteries I suppose!

My take: They probably didn't calculate in degrees back then, so it probably is a coincidence. That and maybe a little numerological 'dry labbing!'

This structure was built by the Toltecs around 1200ad. The Mayans were driven out after building structures here for about 600 years. Today, the Mayans are the main group of people living in this area.

1.6 second exposure @F16 with ND grad 0.6 

Date Added: 10 Jul 2006 - 13:53
Camera: Canon 5D
Lens: Canon 17-40L @35
Film: RAW ISO 100
Categories: Architecture
General
Landscape / Travel
Tags: kukulkan el castillo chichen itza
Readers' Votes: 143
Readers' Choice Award No Highly Commended Award No Editor's Choice Award No Photo of the Week Award

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Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 13:54
Wow Love this image!
Great capture
click
chelseak
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Posted: 8:02am, 8th Nov, 2009
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 13:59
Beautiful image, and i dont believe in coincidence


steveb
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:00
Lots of atmosphere in this. A really beautiful shot.
Tracy
Jou©o
Jouko Makkonen
"Many people say that digital photography is a manipulation of reality, but in my opinion it is an open door to personal creativity. Like paintings which are not necessarily reality. From this point of view the results are more them photography in a classical style." by...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:01
Jou©o (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Finland 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Another winner, Patrick!
Stunning details in this!
Spot on exposure!

Jouko
geegee
George White
Walker, Climber and Cyclist with a life long interest in Photography, at a very low standard! However, I've been away from epz for a long time, due to a winter of successive illnesses, which enforced three stays in hospital. This was followed by the diagnosis of os...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:02
geegee (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Beautiful light and colours, superb composition. Great capture.
Many thanks for the really interesting info too!

Best wishes,
George.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:03
One of the best shots I've seen of these Pyramids (come to think of it the other one was by you also I think lol).

Very moody, powerful and with a timeless feel. AND no other tourists in the shot...result!

Mike
penzance
brian tempest
I am 57 years old.I started taking photo,s about 20 years ago, my first camrea was a canon A E 1 program. I was a member & president of a camera club in birmingham for about 5 years. When i left i moved down cornwall. I dropped out of photography for a few years (as you...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:04
penzance (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Nice shot Patrick, up to your normal high standard.


Brian.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:10
Beautiful shot, well done, not an easy one. We stayed at the hotel in the grounds of Chichen Itza a few years ago and I really hoped to get a picture like this, didn't even come close!
Lovely

Carri
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:10
Beautiful shot, well done, not an easy one. We stayed at the hotel in the grounds of Chichen Itza a few years ago and I really hoped to get a picture like this, didn't even come close!
Lovely

Carri
jaktis
Peter Jaktlund
A Swedish photographer and member of the nordic organisation Bio-Foto and also a member of Falu photoclub.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:11
jaktis (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Sweden 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
We have a tendency to create mysteries out off coincidenses, great handheld picture

Peter
owp
outwest-photography
"www.outwest-photography.co.uk" Constructive critique and or discussion on my images and technique is always welcome. I thought I'd be a little radical and share some favourites . . and why not, some great images from very accomplished photographers
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:12
owp (e2 Member) View Mini Bio 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
. . . interesting Maths? . . . I imagine with Mexico being so close the the Antartic and 15 hours of darkness all that . . you had no problems getting the dark, moody skies around midday? . .


. . intersting location and a great job Patrick! . .

Mike.W
Briwooly
Brian Woolhouse
I live at Garthorpe in North Lincolnshire;Married to Paula One son and one grandson. I'm a Process engineer working for Corus, at Scunthorpe. I've always had a interested in photography but have not taken anything but snaps for many a year but l had my interest rekindl...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:18
Briwooly (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Superb image well worked and a great discripion to top it of
Brian......
Hanners
Tony Hanrahan
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:18
Hanners (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Ireland 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Stunning "Mid-day" ligh and sooo sharp for a "hand-held" shot, surely deserving of an award....


CLIX
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:18
Thanks for your comments!

Steve, you could be right. With so many myths and legends going around, (like the DaVinci code), you never know.


LOL Mike (Bonsall), yes there were no other tourists for some curious reason. Maybe they all had lunch at the same time!

Carri, isn't that the greatest Hotel or what?

You are right Peter.....

Yes Mike.W, that is exactly what happened. LOL - At such a southerly latitude, the sun finally rose at noon!

Thanks Tony. I wish I could get an award for hand holding this for 1.6 seconds - LOL!

Patrick
Maddie
Madeleine
Hi i live in Verwood Dorset, I decided to take up photography as a hobby when i joined the site in May 2005. I appreciate your advice and comments. I cant thank everyone enough for the help, advice and patience i have been given since i have been here. you ca...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:19
Maddie (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Beautiful sky, lovely detail and clarity patrick
paulcr
Paul Croke
Hi fellow addicts. Thanks to all who take the time to comment on my photos. We all need and appreciate constructive criticism. I shoot just about anything. Portraits, panos, stills, close ups etc. I've become addicted to this site since joining and I love looking at oth...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:22
paulcr (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Ireland 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Quote:
My take: They probably didn't calculate in degrees back then, so it probably is a coincidence....

Having said that, even if they didn't use degrees, whatever method they did use would have to equate to our methods given that neither structure would have moved since then.
Do you know what I mean?
So why do they not allow tripods or photos at that time?
Paul
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:27
Thanks Maddie.

Paul, they do not allow tripods because (paraphraising their words) they do not want professional photographers making commercial quality photographs and selling them for a profit!

I know what you mean about the methods. And longitude is a very difficult thing to figure out and was only done recently by western civilization. Even if they knew how to do it, how did they 'remember' the position of Giza?

Patrick
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:32
Good thing you had that sunset filter with you!

The planning that went into some of these structures is pretty amazing.
paulcr
Paul Croke
Hi fellow addicts. Thanks to all who take the time to comment on my photos. We all need and appreciate constructive criticism. I shoot just about anything. Portraits, panos, stills, close ups etc. I've become addicted to this site since joining and I love looking at oth...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:33
paulcr (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Ireland 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Therein lies the mystery, as Steve says, I don't really believe in coincidence, particularly where these civilisations (Egyptians/Mayans/Incas etc) are concerned. I was surprised to hear some time ago that the Egyptians invented the battery. A crude one was found in one of the pyramids..A highly intelligent race. PAul
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:39
Probably coincidence..

Another stunning image! Banning the tripods doesn't seem to work. Amazing buildning, amazing shot. Love your work! Great description btw.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:44
LOL Marc... yes that's it... it was a sunset filter!

Paul, I think that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. People's IQ's are basically the same as they were thousands of years ago. So people could have figured out many complex ideas and systems. The thing about this is that they took thousands of years to migrate from anywhere near the pyramids, over Alaska, and down to Mexico. All while remembering the exact position of Giza? I'm not sure if that is possible considering that they had to struggle to survive each and every day. Or maybe there was an 'across the Atlantic' connection. The tradewinds do blow directly here from Africa.

Benjamin (zebhylon), banning them does work somewhat. It did stop me from getting most of the shots I wanted. I won't go into too much detail about that!

Patrick
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 14:53
Wow..what a lovely place to go to! I look forward to all your photos from there.

Lizzie
martinw
Martin Williams
I live on the Isle of Wight and have been attempting to improve my photography for about two years or, as someone once said, "...trying to turn luck into experience". Being a member of EPZ with access to the work of so many talented photographers has helped me to un...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:00
martinw (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Another good shot Patrick, great mood to it. And I don't believe in coincidence either.
Martin
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:02
Great shot and desription - it's such an interesting subject, you could keep on wondering til the cows come home but you'll never know (or until some brainy scientist figures it out). Lyns x
thorn
Ann Magee
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Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:04
thorn (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Scotland 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Hi Patrick,another stunner,love pyramids,as i love history and egyptology and inca,mayan that type of history really interest me and they all have pyramids.Magical landscape and it's going to take a lot more than banning tripods to stop you getting a good picture,love the lighting,colour/tones,glow,detail,textures,lead in,exposure,dof,atmosphere and dramatic look to this toltec sunset.Magical,classy shot,wouldn't be out of place in a book or on a wall of a museum about them.Top class.Take care.Ann
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:09
Wonderful sky, great tones and composition.
AlistairJ
Alistair Jenkin
I live in the market town of Market Drayton in the beautiful county of shropshire. I am still learning how to use my D70. Not being able to get out and about as much as I would like and not having an interesting garden like "Bunbeam" and the like, I tend to take more F...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:25
AlistairJ (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Another great shot Patrick. That sky is well worth the wait. I too don't believe in coincidences but neither do I think that we are the superior beings that we say we are.
Alistair.-)
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:29
Great capture, Patrick. Has an air of forboding and mistery about it due the the lighting.
SB
glazzaro
Greg Lazzaro
My two greatest passions in life are family and photography. Through family I get the courage to try new and exciting things, while through photography I get to experience nature at a much more personal level. Photography allows me to capture my experiences with natur...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:37
glazzaro (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United States 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
This is excellent Patrick, not sure if you tried for mood, but that is sure what you got! Brilliant work as always and expected, hats off to you! Spot on! Click!!!

Greg
AlanBW
Alan Woodland
I was born and raised in Devon, then lived in Somerset for a few years before moving to Wiltshire. My wife Tricia and I live in a small market town in the north of the county. We are just five miles south of the River Thames and after that we're into Gloucestershire a...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 15:46
AlanBW (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Fabulous shot Patrick - this is a place I would love to visit
taggart
Jennifer Taggart
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 16:00
taggart (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United States 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Yes, and you used thatlight well-- Wonderful image-- makes me want to go there!

Jennnnnnnnnnnnn
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 16:01
Thanks for your comments!

True Lyns, we may never know the truth about this. Most evidence was destroyed by Spanish Catholics trying to preserve the faith.

Me too Ann. Can't get enough....

Yes Alistair, that is why I believe that the truth lies in the middle most fo the time.

LOL Greg, keep your hat on in case it floods again!

Alan, it is a great place to visit for sure.

Go Jennnnnnnnnnn, you won't regret it! There weren't even very many Mosquitoes.

Patrick
keithh
Keith Henson
Commercial Photographer for twenty years and run Northscape. I run a commercial studio producing press, glossy and billboard, contemporary food and landscape including CGI backdrops for the advertising industry. My work appears in national media on a daliy basis. W...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 16:07
keithh (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Wallis and Futuna 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Never did swallow Rand Flem-Ath's global measuring theory.


For me the image is interesting in a way, but a touch flat...some light on the building would have been a nice touch.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 16:22
Me neither.... We used to call this sort of hindsight 'dry labbing' in college chemistry class.

Sorry Keith, the guards were on the other side. So this is where I had to be, if you know what I mean. Still, the cloud helped with some decent backlighting.

This is truly an exciting place for photography, if they will just let you do it!

Patrick
mikesmith
Mike Smith
Having joined EPZ back in 2004 my skills have improved no end thanks for which are due to all of you who take time to view and comment on my work. I have now established myself as an acomplished photographer marketing my work as "photographic art for the home" with o...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 16:54
mikesmith (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Yet another "work of art"
Mike
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 17:07
Nice hand held shot Patrick! lol
Honestly though, another fab one. Went to Tulum a while ago but that really was at mid day, so nothing like this...as if I had a hope of creating something like this, lol - but you know what I mean!
Hope you had a great hol

Sweetpea
DaveU
Dave Urwin
Well I like my camera, I like my computer, I like fiddling about with HDR and I love playing around in Photoshop. I would'nt describe myself as a photographer in the true and noble sense of the word, and neither would I describe myself as a digital artist. I'm somew...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 17:37
DaveU (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Excellent history lesson Patrick. Succinct yet interesting.

Oh .... pyramid shot not bad either !!

Dave.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 17:37
Superb Mr Smtih

Brilliant colours/composition


lloyd
gajewski
Walter Gajewski
I'm on staff at the California State University, Long Beach where I run media workshops for faculty members. You are welcome to use my step-by-step instructions on how to create links on an ePz page. You can email me at walter.gajewski@gmail.com My nephew Ben ...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 17:50
gajewski (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United States 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Patrick -- a FANTASTIC shot. Be careful. Don't mess with breaking too many rules down in Mexico. We were stopped by the Mexican Federales on the toll road, driving from Cancun to Chichen Itza. They never took their fingers off the very large machine guns they carried the whole time they were talking to us and searching our car.
Although, I must say, they were very professional and once they realized we weren't transporting drugs, they were quite nice and sent us on our way with friendly smiles. -=Walter
ChristineL
Christine Lewis
I'm 59 years old and my photography is purely a hobby and for my own pleasure. Of course if you enjoy it too I'll be delighted, Chris.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 17:56
ChristineL (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Another beautiful image, I love the midday sky,
Chris.
old timer
Jim MacBrayne
I'm 66 years of age and a semi-retired doctor. I've been seriously involved in photography for about 35 years, although if you go back to the absolute beginning, my interest started at the age of 12 when an enthusiast came to my scout troop to give a couple of lectures ...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:03
old timer (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Scotland 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
An excellent shot altogether, Patrick.
Jim

You can always "prove" anything by applying what appear to be rules. One of the best examples is the so-called 'hidden messages' in the bible.
Nigel_95
Nigel Betteridge
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Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:18
Nigel_95 (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Great shot taken under difficult conditions.

Nigel
bricurtis
Brian Curtis
I am an enthusiastic photographer. I also enjoy bird watching and am an RSPB member. I like a good novel - listening to music - and enjoy a good film. Pretty boring really. Favourites. Author- James Lee Burke. Music artist- Neil Young. Film star- Jack Nicholson....
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:19
bricurtis (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Blimey Patrick a real touch of Dan Brown on the write up.LOL.
An excellent shot under the circumstances.
The pyramid is nicely placed in relation to the FG wall. Great image.

Brian
MalcolmS
Malcolm Shucksmith
The photo was taken at Lodore Falls near Derwentwater in the Lake District I've always taken photographs since my parents bought me a Kodak Brownie 127 Kit in 19**. To date I have gone to places and taken some shots whilst I have been there, now I want to go place...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:34
MalcolmS (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
If you look long enough you can find mathematical links to all sorts of things Patrick, I'm with you.

Nice light and detail, a good opportunist? shot.

I'm off to Peru in September so hope to get some similar shots of dawn at Machu Pichu

Malcolm
lord nikon
Mark Scrivener
Driving too fast, walking too slow, cold beer, warm tequilla, open hearts, enquiring minds, Thai curries, English breakfasts, Friday afternoons, Sunday mornings, infectious smiles, tickling fingers...these are just a few of the things that make me happy. And these ar...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:41
lord nikon (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Facinating..and thats just the narrative! Top job.

(\/)
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:43
Congratulation, Patrick.
An excellent photo of this gorgeous monument.
Thanks a lot for the description, really fantastic.
Cheers, Jan
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:44
Thanks for looking! I'll reply to all of the PM's later when I get off work.

I don't know what you mean Sweetpea! You could do this any time... if you are a fast runner!

Hi Walter. I saw your message, but I can't get it to run. I'll try later and PM. I didn't see any official cars on the road for the whole time I was there. Just HUGE speed bumps (topes)!

Yes Chris, they have superb midday skies there!

True Jim, you can prove anything if you fudge the numbers enough! LOL - In fact, in this photo, if you remove certain specific pixels, you will see the face of the devil!

True Brian, it did not start out that way, but it does have that sort of feel to it.

True Malcolm. And fortunately they will let you take shots any time at Machu Pichu. A photographer friend is also going I think in September.


Dan... um I mean Patrick
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:47
Its all been said Patrick. I'll just CLICK.

Geoff
kinfatric
Brian
Hi, I reside on the Moray Firth, I share a common interest in photography with you and I'm a keen enthusiast, my efforts are posted here for all to enjoy. Thanks for viewing and commenting on my Portfolio.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 18:58
kinfatric (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Scotland 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Lovely detail and colours Patrick and a very informative description
chase
Janet Walters
Hailing from Lincoln,I'm 54 years young & work as a Radiographer at the local County Hospital. My first 'real' camera was a Nikon D70 which I bought in January '05.I have since added a Nikon D2X & a D300 to my kit,which I love. My first photographic passion has to b...
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 19:09
chase (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Very 'Chariot of the Gods' Patrick.I like the composition but I LOVE the sky.
Janet
MarkT
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Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 19:20
MarkT (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
It must have been frustrating Patrick not getting the shots you had planned to get - such a shame with the restictions. It looks like a magical place and you have captured the atmosphere in this superb image.

Mark.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 19:47
Some light on the building would be good (as Mr H says) plus it's also showing signs of grads on the top of the temple (it's darker). You really needed a Lee blending filter or a cokin 121F.
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 20:09
Thanks for looking!

Yes Mark, it is a little frustrating. There are SO many great angles and perspectives that you could get here. But you can't climb on the buildings or basically do anything at any decent time of day....legally!

Ian, normally you'd be right, but the upper left side is actually darker because of how they have cleaned the building of grass and moss. See this image taken obviously without a ND grad from the same angle in the middle of the day. Also this was taken a few years ago when people could walk up there. It is even more dark on the upper side now. Also, I angled the 0.6 at a 45 degree angle just on the upper right side to darken the sky only. But I may get some blending filters as they look quite useful.

Patrick
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 20:32
It was worth the deceit lol...cracking shot. Great composure and the colours and sky are brill. The larger pic really does this proud
Chris
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 20:47
Deceit Chris? Whatever do you mean? LOL!

Patrick
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 22:07
Ah, in which case I stand corrected - even the right side of the top part of the temple is darker because of the moss.

Still needs some light on it.
;p
Posted: 10 Jul 2006 - 22:07
Under the circumstances Patrick (risking facing the local firing squad) you have what can only be called an excellent shot.
John
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 00:00
Patrick beautiful capture with great depth and detail!

stay well
tonymarq
Atlas
Rob G Atlas
See my website for more about me. █robgatlas.co.uk█ You can E-mail me robatlas@msn.com Star sign: Sagittarius Here's a list of other famous Sagittarians :-) •Brad Pitt ☼ •Bruce Lee ☼ •Samuel L Jackson ☼ •Kiefer Sutherla...
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 00:13
Atlas (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 6 Years on the site 6 Years on the site 6 Years on the site 6 Years on the site 6 Years on the site 6 Years on the site
Interesting and very well taken shot ☼☼☼☼☼

Rob
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 03:34
A good tourist brouchure type picture.

Allan
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 03:50
Thanks for looking!

Yes Ian,the whole top gets covered in just a few years and then they have to clear it off. Yes, maybe someday I'll apply to the Mexican government to take some 'legal' shots of this place. For now, I'll settle for reflected light, rather than the light on the inside of a Mexican jail interrogation room!

Actually John, I came way closer than you may realize. I won't go into details, as I may want to return!

Patrick
wyatturp
Douglas Wyatt
I live in Colchester, Essex which is very close to Constable Country and full of wonderful opportunities. I will always be in search of that "wow" shot and never get tired of looking! I enjoy being on the site and looking at all of the pictures. I like to leave co...
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 07:11
wyatturp (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Hello Pat hope you are well, thanks for your comments on my pictures, this looks a super picture sky looks just right-click.

Doug
MikeA
Michael
Comments always welcome. Thanks for looking. MikeA
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 14:59
MikeA (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Interesting text as always Patrick and the image is inspiring too.

MikeA.
BlueRoom
Eric Mitchell
Lost in the wilds of North Devon, trying to fight my way out through Artistic Endeavor. No success as yet.
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 16:51
BlueRoom (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Just gorgeous. What else is there to say?

Eric.
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 17:01
LOL Pat! Athleticism is sadly not one of my qualities! I will leave the dodging bullets to you
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 17:09
IanFlindt (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
A wonderful and fsacinating image, Patrick, and a similarly fascinating description (up to the point where the maths made my head hurt).
ghibby
Ben Ghibaldan
My interest in photography was awakened by an assignment at university while studying for industrial design in 1998. I started off in film doing lots of product photography more out of necessity for my degree than passion. I began to love taking pictures gradually and ...
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 19:17
ghibby (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Another beautiful composition Patrick. I love the amount of info you supply with you images too! The colours are stunning and you must have a very steady hand

I had a similar problem with tripods not being allowed recently. Was a one off commission to shoot a shopping centre in Birmingham. I wanted to blur the crowds and use about 0.5-1.6 sec exposure. I bought a bean bag (the pod made in Canada) and problem solved. Best little gadget i have bought in ages.

Looking forward to your next posting.

Ben
BURNBLUE
simon morris
I am a 39 year old psychiatric nurse and live near the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Line in South Wales. My photography is influenced by music, reading, art and films and other peoples work though I strive to be original in my approach.
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 19:42
BURNBLUE (e2 Member) View Mini Bio 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
Impressive and imposing relic of the past, (perhaps not that easy to photograph)is very well captured by yourself! The subdued light makes this picture for me.
dodo_returns
Bruce
Thought it was about time to update my profile info . . . then wondered what on earth I could say . . . should have left the original details up :-) Like many - started photography young, left it behind when I moved away from home (and the availability of my father's pe...
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 20:20
dodo_returns (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Wales 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
This must qualify as a 'candid' landscape/travel shot then - shot from the hip and all that. Well done for sticking to your guns and outwitting the authorities - lovely shot. Bruce
Chant57
Chant
February 2008 Thanks for taking the time to check out my portfolio. I took up photography as a hobby 2 years ago, joined epz almost immediately, and hope that Ive improved in that time, through reading anything and everything and more importantly seeing the work of...
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 20:38
Chant57 (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
A wonderful shot of mexicos archaelogical heritage Patrick and an excellent narrative.
C
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 20:39
Its a really nice image Patrick, and a good job sneaking in with the tripod. I was going to try the same thing at the Valley of the Gods in Egypt until I saw the teenage policemen with the sub machine guns LoL

I know that it may have led to confiscation of equipment ( and possibly worse...) but I sure would like to have seen a little light on the pyramid. Still its a really nice image as is so I hope you dont think thats too harsh.
russ
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 21:12
Thanks for looking!

C'mon Sweetpea, get out there and jump through some hoops for us or something!

Sorry about the headache Ian - LOL!

Ben? In a shopping centre? Beanbag... great idea!

Bruce? Outwitting whom? Not me! It's just another hand held shot at mid day.

Good idea to back off Russ! Yes, I'd like to have gone to the other side, or been in this spot at sunrise, but NO WAY! And there is an awesome shot just behind this if you are allowed to go up the stairs of the structure. Actually, the last bit is sunlight was hitting the upper right section, but maybe when I adjusted the curves, it became darker. I'll probably adjust it.

Patrick
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 21:18
I know that its possible to gain access at dawn/dusk, on another site I am on they had a trip there a few years back and one of the Mexican mods 'knows' someone high up somewhere and they got 3 days shooting the Mayan stuff. Dont know what he had to do though, but I had heard he was walking uncomfortably for the whole trip :-0

If you can drag that bit of light out it'll really tip the scale, good luck with it.
Russ
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 21:31
Excellent colours Patrick and spot on exposure.

Chris
BarbaraB
Barbara
Have completed an intermediate digital imaging course and more recently a BTEC photography course. Enjoy all kinds of photography. If it's there I will take a picture of it!!! Have learnt a great deal from this site already. Thanks to everyone who views, clicks and c...
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 22:04
BarbaraB (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Interesting and beautiful shot.
Glad to be your 90th click!
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 22:55
Great shot Patrick.I am glad you did not risk to much to get this shot.Would hate to see you somewhere you do not want to be.Take care.
tripodted
Edward McKee
I live in Co Down Northern Ireland and have become enthusiastic again about photography since going digital a couple years ago. I would mostly take landscape shots but I have an interest in all types of photography. I would like to thank everyone who has commented on ...
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 - 23:41
tripodted (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Northern Ireland 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Great shot, Patrick! The sun doesn't rise very high in the sky in Mexico!
;o)
Ted
ChazB
Charlotte Brett
I have just graduated from the University of St Andrews after spending five years in the quaint coastal town studing for an undergraduate Masters degree in Chemistry. However, I have decided not to give up being a student just yet and will be studying law in Manchester ...
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 00:58
ChazB (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Hi Patrick, excellent shot with lovely light and composition, excellent colours in the sky, oh and great info whether it's coincidence or not!
Charlotte
Thanks for the comments on the bug shots, for some reason the A75 is a good little camera!
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 04:42
Thanks for your comments!

Russ, I had another look and I got the light back into it. The print looks much better! Yes, You can apply to the Mexican overnment for a special pass. I'm not sure what it woudl take and based on what you said, maybe I'll pass!

John (yjjeep), me too!

Yes Ted, the Mexican sun barely seems to rise much above the horizon at this time of your for some reason - LOL!

Yes it is Charlotte. But don't forget your big one though.

Patrick
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 10:30
Nice composition and some great atmosphere.

Simon
ghibby
Ben Ghibaldan
My interest in photography was awakened by an assignment at university while studying for industrial design in 1998. I started off in film doing lots of product photography more out of necessity for my degree than passion. I began to love taking pictures gradually and ...
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 14:20
ghibby (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Yep a shopping centre!! Bit of a depature from my usual photograpic activites but I was working for an architectural company and offered to do some shooting for them and got a commission! Bean bag has been used a lot since though!

Ben
Kris_Dutson
Kris Dutson
Scratching a living from 'togging
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 14:55
Kris_Dutson (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site
Sunset filter? A man of your talent has no need to stoop so low....except in this situation. And as you executed it's use so well, I'll give it a click.

Kris.
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 15:34
Thanks for looking!

Thanks Ben, I can see where they would come in handy. Congrats on the commission too.

LOL - Kris. If I did indeed shoot this at mid day as I am officially claiming, I would certainly need one. So um...yes, it was a sunset filter that produced that sky!

Patrick
georg
Georg Martens
I was born 56 years ago in the small town of Outjo in South West Africa, now Namibia. My wife Lola was born a day later in Windhoek the capitol of Namibia. After living for nearly 20 years in South Africa, we decided that we needed a change. We now live in Doha, Qatar w...
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 17:04
georg (e2 Member) View Mini Bio South Africa 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Very interesting description. It is fascinating to think what they knew in those days.
Lovely picture.
Georg
andytvcams
Andy D
BBC Television Cameraman and Landscape Photographer. Take nothing but photographs Kill nothing but time Leave nothing but footprints.
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 23:20
andytvcams (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site 7 Years on the site
100

Andy...
Posted: 12 Jul 2006 - 23:50
Fascinating history and scenery. Plenty of detail and superb colour. Great shot!
Atu
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 04:39
Great shot, Patrick. I see that EPZ forces you to take vacations.

No, haven't done the 1200 yet. First I'll have to pump up at the gym
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 05:25
An impressive structure Patrick with the beauty in the sky complimenting its impressive outline and your write up adds to the interest of the scene.
Doug.
KBan
Keith Bannister
Hi everyone, i really got into photography when i bought a digital camera last year. I found this site through a magazine, i think it is a great site! I'm still learning and hope this site will help me. My passion is wildlife and the countryside, i am always in the lo...
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 06:25
KBan (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Hi Patrick, what a superb shot of a world famous site, hope to get there one day!!
Keith
jeanie
Jeanie
Hello... Hmm what would you like to know? I love photography.. well we all do thats why we are here.. I love it when you get that adrenalin flow... that rush when it all comes together and you get the shot you want... I love this community and I love the friends I...
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 11:11
jeanie (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Hello Patrick... been away and just catching up - what wonderful work in this image of yours... The colours of the sky are great. Makes the whole thing look so mystical.

Jeanie
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 11:16
Another stunning shot patrick
arnie
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 13:28
Nice shot Patrick - I have to admit that it's not one of your best (maybe I'm a sucker for the water), but the description is, as always, very informative and the sky is a great capture too.

You know, it's funny - I was just curious to find out when was the last time one of your pictures scored less than 100 . I started looking back and then notice that one the very first page (most recent) you had a picture (The slot v 0.000) which was at 99, so I had to help it along , but besides that one I had to go back 3 pages before I found one. Congrats on spectacular photography!!

BTW, I just remembered that you were selling some prints in a cafe or something - how's that going? Are you quitting the database gig yet??

Cheers
Mike
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 15:02
Quality 'hand held' image Patrick
sten
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 15:10
Thanks for looking! I reprocessed this and it looks better now. It's in my website under keyword 'new-uploads.'

Yes Georg, what did they know back then? I'm not sure, and most of the informatinon was destroyed when the Catholics from Spain tried to corner the market on religion in the Yucatan. But hindsight is always better than perfect when looking for correlations in old data.

LOL Verne, it's time for big glass for you!

LOL - No...not v1.000000.... Bad Mike... very bad! But thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I had some framed prints up in a local photo store. None sold, but few ever sell there. None in many months. But later this year I'm going to have a booth at a local art and wine festival and we'll see how it goes. I have been selling them just by word of mouth. Will I ever go pro? Well, I would love to get out of the intensity of programming but the cause (birth defects) is a good one. Maybe someday. For now, it is just for fun and I'm accumulating a lot of decent shots now. Many I don't have on EPZ or on my website yet.

Sten, thanks for appreciating how steady my hands are - LOL!

Patrick
Posted: 13 Jul 2006 - 15:52
Beautiful light playing with the clouds, put in a fine composition, with outstanding shapness and clarity.
Well done Patrick...
Cesie
Posted: 14 Jul 2006 - 02:47
Gorgeous lighting! lovely colors! lovely pyramid..it's all great. Well done indeed!
obstinatesod
Adrian Reynolds
About me: age 50 Married, with 3 children, loosing hair and getting shorter and poorer by the day! I have been a keen sportsman all my life, mainly rugby and running, but had to give up due to illness, but still love to watch. A number of years ago I took the pl...
Posted: 14 Jul 2006 - 22:28
obstinatesod (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Scotland 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Stunning scene with amazing colour and detail,very good angle, excellent photography, Adrian
Posted: 15 Jul 2006 - 11:47
Marvelous description Patrick, and the image itself oozes a sense of history. Must have been a great feeling to have such a place all to yourself - especially at "mid day"!!!

Bill
Posted: 15 Jul 2006 - 14:36
Stunning capture.
Christine
Posted: 15 Jul 2006 - 17:55
Thanks for looking!

LOL - Um... yes Bill. Considering it was mid day, I was quite lucky to have the place all to myself. Maybe everybody was having lunch!

Patrick
Posted: 15 Jul 2006 - 18:35
Portknockie (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Scotland 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
Great shot love the colours and light..

Don

Ps 24-28c
Posted: 16 Jul 2006 - 12:48
Nice one Patrick,how did you mange this one and your Chichen Itza shots without people in the way .I was at chichen itza on june 5 and tulum june 7 this year and there was far to many people to take any thing like this, and that sky ,we had nothing like that.I thought Tulum was far more immpresive right on the coast.
Ian.
Posted: 16 Jul 2006 - 16:59
Your growing portofolio is always a delight to look at. Fortunately for me, a lot of people already appreciates your professional work, so I don't have to leave an admiring comment on each picture. Lol
Keep'em coming.
Denis
Pegon
Peter Gonczarow
After a break of around 25yrs, my interest in photography as a hobby was renewed when I bought a 2mp camera I then started going out taking photos (snapping)with my friend Keith who is on epz,(KBan)he has also encouraged me to join.I have spent many hours on this site v...
Posted: 16 Jul 2006 - 21:04
Pegon (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
An excellent capture Patrick and a very interesting bit of info.
Pete.
Posted: 17 Jul 2006 - 18:20
Wow this one is amazing especially since its hand held. Alway dreamed of going to see the mayan ruins in Yukatan, must have been breath taking
Joe
Posted: 24 Jul 2006 - 15:00
Patrick, that's one of the best pictures of KukulKan i've ever seen. Have they finished the restore of Chicken Piza (as the guides call it) yet?

Cracking shot
Chicken Tree Sunset man

john
Posted: 24 Jul 2006 - 15:15
Thanks for your comments!

Ian, It is just the time of day. There were no people there then. Can't say why though or they won't let me back in again! Toulm is quite impressive up on that bluff. And I could ony get in during the day so I could nto get any empty shots or good light there.

John, they have a lot of work to do still!

Patrick
Posted: 25 Jul 2006 - 06:06
vismaya (e2 Member) View Mini Bio Ireland 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Stunning!!!
Posted: 26 Jul 2006 - 17:41
Excellent!
lifesnapper
John Green
Most of my pictures are taken for fun and I love to take those rare, never to be repeated candid shots. In my view, photography isn't always about creating a work of art, but recording a moment in time that will always be there to remind me, which otherwise may have be...
Posted: 28 Jul 2006 - 16:13
lifesnapper (e2 Member) View Mini Bio England 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site 3 Years on the site
WOW! Love all that stuff. Great pic',
John (-:
Posted: 3 Sep 2006 - 23:35
You hav been fortunate to visit some outstanding places

this is a stunning shot great composition and the colour is awsome

click
Posted: 22 Sep 2006 - 08:02
Patrick brilliant shot, could see this on a postcard, when was it taken? I was there in 97, they were re-building several of the structures further down near the Observatory, where they found the massive lens.

john
Posted: 4 Oct 2006 - 11:32
Amazing structure,pyramids around the world, quite a fascinating subject and this is a beautifully photographed example Patrick.
Posted: 5 Oct 2006 - 04:22
Thanks for looking.

John, it was taken back in June. Now you can't climb on any of the structures and you can't be ther near sunrise or sunset.

Thanks Elizabeth (starliz)!

Patrick
Posted: 28 Oct 2006 - 21:41
Beautiful! Click*
Karen
Posted: 13 Nov 2006 - 18:22
Melanie_M (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United Kingdom 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site 4 Years on the site
Love the tale behind the picture. Even more the fact you are still alive. Saw this place about 5 years ago, my partner on the trip had no wish to get there early and no way would have been up for adventure. Call me next time you plan a visit.
BTW, GREAT SHOT
megamuff8
Suzan
I appreciate you taking the time to look at my images and feel free to leave comments, advice, etc....I am always learning! I live just outside Atlanta, GA....currently working in communications with a degree in travel and aviation....:) With my Luv for Travel and...
Posted: 18 Jan 2007 - 06:42
megamuff8 (e2 Member) View Mini Bio United States 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site 5 Years on the site
I've missed a few, this is one of them...

This monument looks majestic against that Beautiful sky, P!

I'm only about 6 months late in commenting....

Smiley Faces,
Me
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