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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 70: Framing >> Challenge 70: Exhibition > Floating into the frame
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12-APR-2004 Moti

Floating into the frame

This is the Pool of St. Helena in the city of Ramla in Israel, also known as the Pool of Arches.
This place was originally built during the 8th century to serve as an underground water reservoir,
acquiring its water from external sources, such as winter run-off rains.
Today the reservoir is a tourist site where visitors are invited to learn about the ancient water collection system
as they row little boats between the arches.


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jude13-Dec-2004 22:39
There's a religious feel to this.. the way the rays come down and brilliantly hit the water.. well done
ctfchallenge11-Dec-2004 02:26
The colors are outstanding!!! "Brilliant" shot!
ctfchallenge10-Dec-2004 17:42
Moti, I think this is better. I just love those rays coming through the ceiling. You're correct to describe it as "magical," and I imagine that it's the kind of place where you talk only in hushed tones.

Mary Anne
ctfchallenge10-Dec-2004 08:12
Thank you Mary Anne and Shu. These lighted areas are caused by natural light rays coming from holes in the ceiling. The real effect was magical. Whenever a boat crossed one of these lighted areas, it looked as if they row in a pool of light. This is what I tried to get here but considering the conditions and the camera I had there, this is as good as it gets.
I agree that the light was a bit overblown. I reduceded it a bit and got now some more details out. I think it look better.
ctfchallenge09-Dec-2004 19:33
Yes, it's very nice. The whole image looks mystical--like a page in a story book. In this case, the blown highlights add to the image. I like it the way it is, if that's the look you want, Moti. Shu
ctfchallenge09-Dec-2004 17:25
Nice composition and use of light and shadow, Moti, but I find the large white area of blown highlights in the foreground very distracting. Can you dim it a little or maybe crop some of it out?

Mary Anne