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UFO?
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UFO?

by Roel Wijtmans

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 17, 2012204 views6 comments
This is not a UFO of course, but the reflection makes it look like this rock is flying through the air. One of many pictures I took during this fantastic autumn trip!

Helvetesbrännan nature reserve, Sweden, september 2012. 120 mm, 5 sec, f/18, iso 200.

Roel

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by John Clulow on November 17, 2012 at 7:42 AM
Interesting how the mind can switch back and forth between the perception of a rock in a quiescent pond and something flying through the sky. It could be like a miniature world flying through the sky, actually, with a forest growing on it and a mountain, and perhaps small people living there.

I like that you have it centered, and in this particular case, I think the use of a wide, black frame adds to the dramatic effect. Ordinarily I think these wide black frames detract, but I think it adds a rectilinear contrast to the amorphous, fractal form of the rock, and that contrast is important in our assimilation of it.

What makes your illusion and allusion possible, of course, is the imperceptibility of the line between sky and water.

Here is another level to think about, at least one that occurred to me: It comes from a Joni Mitchell lyric, "we are stardust, we are golden; and we have to get back to the garden." What that references is that we ourselves are the products of stars; that is where the heavy elements were made; like carbon, oxygen, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and so on.

And, at the same time, while that was our past, we are currently not unlike that "UFO" image you have made. Our planet is very much like that, I think. Or maybe it just seems that way since we can't see the Higgs field.

But anyway, Roel, I'm glad you enjoyed your Autumn trip, and even gladder that you shared this image.
Registered on November 1, 2012, 155 Posts, 1079 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Palmieri on November 17, 2012 at 8:08 AM
You certainly saw something interesting here. Great reflection. I think it looks a tad underexposed. TFS
Registered on September 1, 2011, 35 Posts, 748 Comments
Comment posted by Russell Colletta on November 17, 2012 at 9:45 AM
Beautiful imagination in this image captured in wonderful light. I like the way the rock is "suspended" in empty space, as you have suggested.
Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments
Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on November 17, 2012 at 12:48 PM
What fun! I love your flying rock
Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments
Comment posted by Nathan Apodaca on November 17, 2012 at 4:12 PM
This is really cool! :biggrin:
Registered on November 16, 2011, 67 Posts, 1127 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Overacker on November 18, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Roel,

I think this is fascinating! UFO didn't come to mind for me, more like "Isle in the sky" or something like that. The rock with the moss around the top could easily be thought of as a mountain with a forest. The perfect reflection and lack of a horizon make the optical mystery here. this is just wonderful! No nits or suggestions.

I don't think I've properly welcomed you to NPN. So Welcome! We look forward to your images and participation in the galleries and forums.

Lon
Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments