January 2008
The story behind it
01/01/2008
These were some days of good weather, during Carnival of 2003, in Serra da Estrela. The snow was hard enough for good outdoor activity, with the ice axe and crampons. This is on the way up along the bottom of Cântaro Magro, from Covão d'Ametade (behind the silhouette of the climber) to Covão Cimeiro. I had been left the one before last, since I had helped a climber on his way up - he had no crampons or ice axe. For this, I had been preparing some stairs for him on the ice or hard snow, for his safety...Well, the lack of caution and stubbornness of some may very well spoil the relaxed spirit of others!Comment
Technical issues
01/01/2008
This photograph was taken with non-professional Kodak Elite slide film. It was shot with a 24mm wide-angle lens, no tripod. Notice the large depth of field, with no camera shake, since the global lighting is strong enough for a sufficiently closed diaphragm. The polarising filter was used to the extreme white-blue contrast, in the background. This resulted in blue snow, on the forefront shadow area. Also, due to the wide angle lens, the sky also resulted with non-uniform lighting. This is another thing to be careful about when using the polariser.Critial review
01/01/2008
This photograph has the right composition - it follows the classic rule of thirds, in horizontal and vertical. In between those lines, the photograph acquires extraordinary depth, with three important areas at different distances. Due to the profile of the climber, it gives the idea of a great and steep climb. The bush on the left also helps in providing depth. Due to the problem of the "blue snow" and a general blue cast, it looks much better in B&W or with a change in the white balance.Where you should place it
01/01/2008
This photograph is adequate for a place related to mountain sport or tourism, during Winter. In a hotel, camping site, restaurant in Serra da Estrela, for example. It is also a good picture for a magazine. Not being a collection photograph, more for action, it does not require a too a smart framing.Probably more important, it should be in a place that deals with the correct use of the mountain, in its best, with the respect and the caution for all that Nature offers us.
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