The Pyramid

The Pyramid

GUAT07D-354

July 8, 2007

A quick post this morning, post-Christmas, to wish you all the very best.  Here's hoping you are secure with friends and family, and that you are off to new adventures, like seeing the main pyramid of Yaxha in Guatemala.  Enjoy!

Technical notes:

Camera: Sony DSC-55

Lens: n/a

Focal length: 6.3mm

Exposure: 1/800 f/7.1 ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The Antigua Arch

The Antigua Arch

GUAT07D-72

June 27, 2007

Today's image remains in the theme of central America, with a slice of the great arch at Antigua.  This colonial piece of architecture has stood for centuries, marking the beginning of the central plaza area, with its shops, restaurants, and government buildings.  It is a beautiful piece of construction, fitting with the rest of the town's ambiance.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens:Nikon 18-135 f/3.5-5.6

Focal length: 18mm

Exposure: 1/2000 f/8 ISO 400

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The Ballcourt

The Ballcourt

HOND07D-78

July 14, 2007

One of my guilty pleasures when watching TV is shows that revolve around conspiracy theories.  Most people have a healthy distrust of things, and a conspiracy theory appeals to everyone.  But the ones I really enjoy hearing are not about politics, who shot JFK, or crashed into 9/11, but the weird theories about ancient aliens that visited civilizations past and helped them develop.  The theoriests have all sorts of wild theories about how the humans could never have developed such sophistocated building technology, astronomic predictions, or cultures at such an early point.  It is usually hokem, but still interesting to listen to.  Last night they were talking about the Mayans and centered on Copan, Honduras, which fits perfectly into the theme of this week.
  This is a ball court from the main part of the city, where competitions were held to honor the gods, and determine superiority of skill.  It seemed a mix of soccer (where no hands were allowed), and basketball (having to get the latex ball through a hoop on one side).  Intricate and difficult, it was a typical Mayan pastime.  And even after the jungle has partially reclaimed it, it still possesses some majesty.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Sony DSC-55

Lens: n/a

Focal length: 16.3 mm

Exposure: 1/125 f/11 ISO 400

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The Mayan Jungle

The Mayan Jungle

HOND07D-93

July 14, 2007

The lush jungles of Honduras, as seen from the top of the astronomy tower in the ruins of Copan.  The jungle exists as a carpet across the landscape, an unending forest that is hard to appreciate, its vastness and greenery that are shades we don't see much in the United States.  While this is a straightforward picture, what strikes me is the manicured lawn that lays in front of the ruins.  Intended to keep the area nice for tourists, the straight lines of the mower are in sharp contrast with the wild, untamed jungle that exists in all directions beyond the ruins.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Sony DSC-55

Lens: n/a

Focal length: 6.3mm

Exposure: 1/125 f/7.1 ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Antigua Washing with Volcano Watching

Antigua Washing with Volcano Watching

GUAT07D-10

June 25, 2007

Wandering through the colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala, in the morning is a tranquil time.  This pool is used by locals for washing, and has been for the last two centuries or more.  And in the background, the ever-present threat of volcanoes.  Antigua is surrounded by three such monsters, which forced the moving of the capital from Antigua to Guatemala City after a major eruption.  Two of the three are still active, and Pacaya can be climbed until your boots start smoking.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens:Nikon 18-135 f/3.5-5.6

Focal length: 20mm

Exposure: 1/400 f/10 ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Lost Skulls of the Jungle

Lost Skulls of the Jungle

HOND07D-47

July 14, 2007

Many of the ruins from the Mayan civilization have slowly disappeared into the jungle, being overtaken by time and the ravages of nature.  And, for better or worse, many are still unexplored and un-repaired, as the jungle left them for the last several centuries.  This image is a perfect example of this, with a former head from a pyramid cast down to the jungle floor to stare at passers-by who try to enter the former cities.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Sony DSC-55

Lens: n/a

Focal length: 16.3mm

Exposure: 1/50 f/5 ISO 400

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The Semuc Champey Valley

The Semuc Champey Valley

GUAT07D-169

June 25, 2007

This valley is famous, tucked in the central portion of Guatemala.  Cutting through the limestone of the mountains, these aqua pools  sparkle and beckon to dip your feet (or body) in and relax.  And after hiking through El Mirador (the lookout surrounding the valley, the vantage point of this image), that is a welcome thought.  The pools are clear and refreshing, with small fishes that tickle as you wade in.  Downstream there are areas where you can jump off waterfalls into pools (watch out for your glasses).  I like this image, as it cuts a nice contrast between the deep green of the jungle, and the small slice of warm hues that encapsulate the aqua pools.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens:Nikon 18-135 f/3.5-5.6

Focal length:n/a

Exposure:n/a

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4