Saturday, November 01, 2008

True Blue

The Day When Sky And Water Almost Merged

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON



Before you dive into a pool, what's the first thing you should do? Always check to see if you need to take a photograph first. These shots were taken while we were in Langkawi, Malaysia, in July this year.

The two wisps of cloud seemed to have been made-to-order in the first frame, because they literally emphasised the brilliant blue of the sky and the reflection in the water of the pool. There was no one in the pool at the time, but the ripples were caused by the caress of the tropical breeze.

The time elapsed between the first and second frames was only three minutes, but it's interesting to see that the clouds haven't even changed shape. There was only a minute between the second the third shots, but all three shots were framed differently, using the surrounding trees as counterpoints to the sky.

There's an interesting perspective at work in all three of these frames. The blue of the ocean is one segment and the blue of the Sheraton Langkawi pool is the lower segment and I can't help but wonder if you realised that when you first looked at these shots.

The furled white flag is actually planted on the hotel's private beach, directly below the pool. The point at which you can see the angled reflection of the flag itself is the point at which the pool perimeter ends and the ocean begins.


Visit TNChick, creator of Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Blue".

35 comments:

Sandi McBride said...

At first look I thought I was looking at a water sprite or water devil as we called them in Tampa Florida. Tampa Bay used to get them quite often and I've not seen one in years...hopes dashed...but lovely shot in any case...I surrender!
Sandi

GreenJello said...

Beautiful! Makes me want to go there Right Now.

Lee said...

When I saw the white flag I thought it was the leading edge of a sail. After you explained what it was I realized there was no crossbeam or shape beneath it to support that idea.

Of the 3 I like the first image best. To me it looks the most tropical and solitude like. Looking at it, it is just you and the vista. Lovely shot!

Cheers!

Deb said...

At first glance I thought it was a rocket taking off in the distance. Certainly made me sit and wonder. Beautiful blues.

Kaye Waller said...

I had to read your commentary to figure out what the flag was. It's a surreal, beautiful set of photos.

Jyl @ MommyGossip said...

That is sooooo cool! Love it. Really made me look and squint and look again and again :).

Happy Halloween!

Expat mum said...

I'm SO glad you explained all that. I was beginning to really doubt my own intelligence. Lovely tho'.

Kelley with Amy's Angels said...

Those are really great photos!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I have some really good friends who live in Australia. One lives in Perth, another in Sydney. : )

Unknown said...

It looks like a picture postcard. I can almost feel the tropical breeze............I wish. Really pretty shot.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Beautiful blues! At first I thought that the umbrella was a jet of water; had to look again after reading your explanation.

Maggie May said...

They are all lovely photos. Looks a great place, so inviting.

virtualjourney said...

Intriguing shot - !

Anonymous said...

Interesting. I look at clouds to watch the UFOs dart out and back. Almost like they are taking pictures and then hiding.

Tiffany Norris said...

Incredible!

Corey~living and loving said...

WOW David! these are fantastic! Wish I had been there!

Hope all is well with you! Have a great weekend!

YTSL said...

Very nice, David, you do more than justice to a part of my home land! Thanks! :)

Gretchen said...

Just beautiful!

Hope everyone is having a Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain!

RJ Flamingo said...

Very neat, David! I love the nearly matching hues in the water and sky... just great!

I've gone "Blue" on several different levels - please stop by if you get the chance!

http://flamingofotos.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

LOL! I thought that pool looked familiar! Went there several years ago, it's a stunning spot, isn't it. Love the framing on the photos - and perfect composition.

Jackie said...

Oh my these shots are mesmerizing. And your description is so correct. It is the day the water and the sky met...the reflections are grand also. Wow what great shots!!

Mine is here:
http://shinade.blogspot.com/2008/10/photohunt-blue.html

Happy Saturday:-)))

Leslie said...

Stunning pics for this week David. :)

Anonymous said...

Yes at first glance I couldn't see where the water 'stops' and the sky begins. Beautiful. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh it is gorgeous shots David doing good job. HAppy weekend.

Celebration of Life said...

Very beautiful pictures! You amaze me!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: What a beautiful place to have been.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what amazing photos. Blue at its very best. Thanks for the explanation too!

Patsy said...

Now those are awesome pictures. Yes the sky and water definitely merge.

Saz said...

sun sky pool oHHH!!! lovely pics David

Anonymous said...

I was very curious of the white flag, where it actually where until you told us.

It's a simply gorgeous scenery and shot, I'd love to be there right now.....

Anonymous said...

Gorgeousness! I can see why you would enjoy that particular spot! Well done with this week's theme!

Here's mine: http://dragynm.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/photo-hunt-blue/

dixymiss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
dixymiss said...

Gorgeous, luXurious setting! So glad you eXplained the furled flag ~ I wouldn't have figured it out otherwise.

Cath said...

Beautiful shots David. I love shots I have to study to understand, and these fit the bill perfectly, whilst at the same time being very easy on the eye!

Woman in a Window said...

Gorgeous, worth the waiting.

becky aka theRAV said...

These are beautiful. The clouds look like ghost conversing to each other to me.