Curlew

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Curlew on Limantour Beach

SONY ILCE-7C 500mm f6.7 1/800s ISO160

A Curlew on Limantour Beach in Point Reyes.

The photograph titled "Curlew" captures the serene elegance of a single curlew wading through the gentle embrace of shallow coastal waters. The bird, with its distinctive long, curved beak and intricately patterned plumage of browns and yellows, stands gracefully against the subdued backdrop of soft ocean waves. The horizon drifts into a blur where the blue sea meets the azure sky, creating an ethereal barrier between earth and air. In the distance, faint outlines of mountains loom, veiled by a gentle mist, adding depth and a sense of tranquility to the scene. The light reflects subtly off the water, casting shimmering highlights around the bird, encapsulating it in a halo of nature's gentle luminescence.

The composition of the photograph is a masterclass in simplicity and balance. The curlew is positioned using the rule of thirds, enhancing the visual interest without overwhelming the scene. This effective use of space draws the viewer’s eyes naturally towards the bird while allowing them to explore the tranquil setting around it. The depth of field is shallow, with a sharp focus on the curlew, allowing the background to fade softly, which further emphasizes the subject. The harmonious color palette of blues and earth tones creates a soothing visual experience. However, I find the background slightly too soft, potentially underplaying the visual contrast that could have further enriched the layering of the scene. Nevertheless, the overall mood and style exude a gentle elegance, perfectly capturing a fleeting moment of nature's quiet beauty.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Curlew #photo #curlew #limantour #pointreyes Photo of a Curlew on Limantour Beach in Point Reyes, California. )

Sutro Island

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Sutro Tower from Bolinas Beach

SONY ILCE-7C 500mm f6.7 1/800s ISO100

Sutro Tower looks like it lives on a mysterious island in the fog. Shot from Bolinas Beach.

The photograph titled "Sutro Island" presents a stark and enigmatic landscape, shrouded in a gentle mist that lends an air of mystery and ethereal beauty. Centered upon a solitary landmass, the enigmatic tower extends upward, punctuating the overcast sky with its vertical linearity. The island itself seems to float on a bed of fog, its edges softened and indistinct, melding seamlessly into the surrounding haze. Below, the calm expanse of water forms a contrasting layer, grounding the view with its subtle texture and vast horizon. The monochromatic palette underscores the somber mood, rendering the scene timeless and evocative.

In terms of composition, the photograph masterfully employs a minimalist style, focusing attention on the interplay between natural and man-made elements. The rule of thirds subtly guides the composition, with the island and tower placed in the upper central third, directing the eye upwards through the mist. The balance between the open sky and the denser textures of the island and water establishes a harmonious equilibrium, drawing the viewer into this tranquil yet mysterious world. The monochrome choice enhances the mood, emphasizing form and contrast over color. While the simplicity of the scene is striking, the fog's softness might obscure finer details some viewers may desire. However, this ambiguity is also its strength, inviting contemplation and lingering intrigue.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Sutro Island #photo #sutrotower #sanfrancisco #bolinas Photo of Sutro Tower appearing to be on a mysterious island, from Bolinas Beach in Marin County, California. )

MUC SFO

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

MUC SFO

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/440s ISO21

LH458

Updated 2024-10-13 13:56:

MUC SFO

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/250s ISO21

LH458

Updated 2024-10-18 01:45:

Here's a time lapse from the October 13 flight:

The photograph titled "MUC SFO" captures a serene moment at an airport, showcasing a large passenger airplane docked at a gate, awaiting its next journey. The scene is imbued with a sense of anticipation and calmness, with a second airplane visible in the background, adorned with distinctive branding and positioned slightly off-center, suggesting a bustling yet organized environment. The sky overhead is a soft blue, dotted with fluffy clouds, providing a contrasting backdrop to the industrial elements of the airport. The composition includes various airport structures and vehicles, adding a sense of depth and scale to the image, while the tarmac stretches out towards a distant horizon.

The composition of the photograph adheres to a central alignment, with the primary airplane acting as an anchor point in the middle. This orientation draws the viewer's eye immediately to the sleekness and grandeur of the aircraft. The converging lines created by the airplane's wings and the tarmac guide the gaze across the image, adding dynamism to what might otherwise be a static scene. The color palette is muted and natural, emphasizing the practical nature of air travel. What stands out is the balance achieved between the mechanical and the serene, though the image could benefit from a slightly warmer tone to evoke a more inviting atmosphere. Overall, the clarity and purposeful composition make this a compelling portrayal of airport life, albeit one that could enhance emotional resonance with a touch more vibrancy.

Updated 2025-03-29 14:31:

MUC SFO

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/105s ISO21

LH458

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(Published to the Fediverse as: MUC SFO #photo #plane #muc #sfo #video MUC SFO )

KRK MUC

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

KRK MUC

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/1,250s ISO21

LH1621

The photograph titled "KRK MUC" captures a bustling airport scene, where a large passenger airplane is prominently centered, docked at a jet bridge. The sunlight casts gentle shadows across the expansive tarmac, highlighting the pristine white exterior of the aircraft. Around the plane, several airport ground vehicles and personnel in high-visibility clothing are in motion, suggesting preparation or maintenance activities. The background reveals an expansive runway stretching towards a distant horizon, where a line of trees meets a partly cloudy sky. The bright blue above adds depth and tranquility to the otherwise industrious ground activity, marrying movement with stillness in a harmonious atmospheric blend.

The style of this photograph can be described as documentary, capturing the realism and structured chaos of airport operations. Compositionally, the photograph utilizes the rule of thirds effectively, with the airplane centrally placed while the sky and tarmac occupy the top and bottom thirds, respectively. There is a pleasing balance between the static and dynamic elements, created by the stationary aircraft juxtaposed with the active ground crew. I appreciate how the image conveys a sense of connectivity and motion, emblematic of air travel, while retaining visual clarity. However, the inclusion of more detail from the surrounding environment could add layers of context, though this may have disrupted the clean and focused narrative of the scene.

Updated 2025-03-29 12:27:

KRK MUC

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/800s ISO21

LH1623

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(Published to the Fediverse as: KRK MUC #photo #plane #krk #muc KRK MUC )

Budapest

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Budapest

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/4s ISO88

The photograph titled "Budapest" captures the enchanting glow of the city as dusk settles over the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The scene is bathed in a rich tapestry of blues, with the evening sky draped in deep cobalt hues, casting a serene atmosphere over the waters of the Danube River. This historic bridge on the left guides the viewer's eye toward the exquisite illumination of Budapest's architectural jewels on the right. The distant glow of the domed structures and spires punctuates the cityscape, forming a mesmerizing contrast against the night’s silhouette. Laden with intricate lights, the reflection on the river glistens softly, while a smattering of figures on the riverside adds life and scale to this urban panorama.

The photographer employs a balanced composition, utilizing the bridge's diagonal line to lead the viewer into the heart of the cityscape. This diagonal converges towards the right, where the bright, inviting lights of Budapest come into sharp focus. The image is a beautiful play of light and symmetry, with the bridge and its accompanying street lamps guiding viewers through the scene. The moody blue lighting complements the warm tones of the city lights, creating a dynamic yet harmonious color palette. One might critique the photograph for obscuring some architectural details in shadows, but this is a minor flaw in what is otherwise a masterful depiction of Budapest’s nighttime splendor. Overall, the photo evokes a sense of wanderlust and amazement, capturing the timeless allure of the city in the twilight hours.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Budapest #photo #budapest Budapest )

DXB BUD

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

DXB BUD

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/20s ISO21

EK111

This photograph, titled "DXB BUD," captures a large airplane in the throes of routine operations at an airport terminal. Taken from behind a patterned glass window, the image gives an intricate overlay to the scene with geometric motifs, likely inspired by local architectural designs. The muted tones of the space beyond the glass reveal the airport atmosphere, with the aircraft parked beside a jet bridge emblazoned with an HSBC logo. Raindrops blur parts of the window, adding a layer of texture and hinting at a rainy day. In the distance, other planes rest, their tails peeking over the tarmac, while the ground crew and equipment are faintly visible, contributing to the busy yet subdued narrative of air travel preparation.

The photograph employs a dynamic composition, balancing the patterned glass in the foreground with the activity in the background. Its framing cleverly captures both the intricate design of the window and the bustling scene outside, suggesting a moment of stillness amidst movement. The use of the glass pattern adds a decorative, almost film-like quality, but might be seen as slightly overwhelming, obscuring details of the scene beyond, which some might find detracts from the immediacy of the moment. The photograph seems to embrace a documentary style, inviting viewers into a transient world of aviation with a contemplative, artistic twist. The subdued color palette adds to the calm, reflective mood, though perhaps it could benefit from greater contrast to enhance key elements.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: DXB BUD #photo #plane #dxb #bud DXB BUD )

BLR DXB

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

BLR DXB

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/15s ISO165

EK569

The photograph titled "BLR DXB" captures the grandeur of an Airbus A380 stationed at the airport gate under the cloak of night. The aircraft stands like a mechanical giant, its sleek body and towering presence accentuated by the surrounding lights. The runway shines subtly in the background, with a faint glow from the cityscape beyond, suggesting a location teeming with life. The image is filled with details—the reflective surface of the tarmac, the orange cones strategically placed for safety, and the ground crew engaged in their orchestrated dance, ensuring everything is ready for takeoff. The atmosphere is calm yet bustling, capturing a moment of preparation and anticipation.

The photograph employs a straightforward yet powerful composition, with the airplane centrally positioned, drawing the viewer's eye directly to its impressive form. The symmetry of the aircraft adds to the balance and stability of the image. The use of lighting is commendable, as the artificial lights highlight the aerodynamic shape and details of the plane, while the background fades into a soft blur, ensuring the plane remains the focal point. However, the image might benefit from a slight reduction in exposure to enhance the depth of color and contrast, providing more texture to the night sky and the surrounding environment. Despite this, the photograph successfully conveys the majesty and scale of aviation, evoking a sense of wonder and wanderlust.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: BLR DXB #photo #plane #blr #dxb BLR DXB )

FRA BLR

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

FRA BLR

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/100s ISO21

LH754

The photograph titled "FRA BLR" presents a bustling scene at an airport, where a majestic Lufthansa airplane rests on the tarmac. The vast expanse of the aircraft dominates the composition, its sleek white fuselage gleaming under a soft, overcast sky. Ground service vehicles gather around the plane like ants attending to a queen, each engrossed in purposeful activity. The tarmac is marked with lines and signs, adding a sense of order to the chaos. To the right, a partial view of the terminal building hints at the organized connectivity of air travel. The aircraft stands poised against the horizon, its tail fin punctuating the grays of the sky and concrete with the airline's logo, a testament to global journeys and the wonders of modern engineering.

The photograph employs a straightforward, documentary style, focusing on the functional aspects of airport operations. The composition is characterized by a well-balanced horizontal layout, with the aircraft centrally positioned, coaxing the viewer’s eye along its significant length. The muted color palette of grays, whites, and blues imparts a serene yet industrious atmosphere. One of the strengths of this image is its ability to capture the scale and sophistication of air travel. However, the photo might benefit from a slightly more dynamic angle or inclusion of human elements to add warmth and narrative depth. The directness and clarity of the photograph successfully convey the ponderous elegance of the machine amid its operational context.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: FRA BLR #photo #plane #fra #blr FRA BLR )

SFO FRA

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

SFO FRA

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/3,800s ISO21

LH455

Updated 2024-03-01 04:28:

SFO FRA

Northern Lights

In this photograph titled "SFO FRA," we are presented with a grand view of a Lufthansa aircraft, likely a Boeing 747, standing majestically at the gate of an airport. The scene is set under the muted light of what seems like an overcast day, with the sky's brooding clouds casting a soft gray ambience over the tarmac. The bustling environment of the airport is subtly captured, with ground service vehicles scattered around, their sleek white and orange echoing the colors on the aircraft. The clean lines of the jet bridges connect directly to the airplane, hinting at the imminent anticipation of departure. In the background, faint silhouettes of distant buildings and other grounded planes suggest the expansive nature of this scene, inviting the viewer into the world of air travel's endless comings and goings.

The photograph employs a straightforward and documentary style, focusing on the sheer presence and scale of the aircraft in the context of its environment. Compositionally, the picture uses leading lines effectively, with the aircraft's elongated fuselage drawing the eye from one side to the other, guiding the viewer through the image. The vertical element of the window frame in the foreground adds an interesting visual break, although it slightly disrupts the full vista of the airplane. While the candid nature and moodiness of the lighting enhance the authenticity of the moment, it might detract some vibrancy that could enrich the scene. Overall, this photograph balances technical detail and atmosphere, offering a slice of daily airport life that resonates with travelers and aviation enthusiasts.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: SFO FRA #photo #plane #sfo #fra SFO FRA )

Tide Line from Lands End

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Tide Line from Lands End

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/1,000s ISO21

View of a very distinct tide line from Lands End in San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Tide Line from Lands End" captures a serene coastal scene under an expansive sky. A narrow stretch of green land gently curves into the frame from the lower left, meeting the vast ocean that stretches out towards the horizon. The focal point appears to be an intriguing rock formation in the distance, which sits calmly against the rhythmic waves of the sea. The sky above is a soft tapestry of muted blues and greys, with subtle hints of warmth as the horizon catches the soft light. This creates a tranquil and contemplative mood, inviting the viewer into a moment of quiet reflection by the seaside.

The style of the photograph leans toward a minimalist landscape, where the emphasis is placed on the open space and subtle textures in both the sky and the water. The composition effectively uses the rule of thirds, with the horizon placed in the upper third, creating a sense of balance and harmony. The gentle curvature of the land adds a graceful line that guides the eye toward the distant rock and the meeting of sea and sky. The subdued color palette enhances the peaceful atmosphere, though some might find it bordering on flat without a stronger contrast or color pop. However, this choice amplifies the simplicity and calmness of the scene, making it a lovely capture of natural beauty.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Tide Line from Lands End #photo #tideline #sanfrancisco #landsend Photo from Lands End in San Francisco showing a distinct tide line. )