The Hills are Alive
Free ranging llama atop Machu Picchu, Peru
Free ranging llama atop Machu Picchu, Peru
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Jul, 2014Views
1573
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Awards
Winner in Views of South America Photo Challenge
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Genius
All Star
Great Find
Exceptional Contrast
Jaw Dropping
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Outstanding Creativity
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joshuagraff
September 02, 2014
This was taken in Machu Picchu, Peru. Definitely one of the "bucket list" locations!
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Ultimate
Ultimate
lhartney
December 10, 2016
Congratulations on winning the Views of South America photo challenge! Stunning capture!
PRO+
FeatherstonePhotography
December 10, 2016
Congratulations on your win - I am honored to be alongside you as the People's Choice!
PRO+
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this picture while on holiday at Machu Picchu in Peru. There are llamas roaming free (tagged for tracking) through the ruins, and when one of them obliged by stopping in a good spot for perspective, I had to grab the shot.Time
This was taken in the early afternoon, as I recall. There was heavy overcast and periodic rain, but less than optimal weather could not detract from this bucket list experience.Lighting
There really isn't anything special about the lighting, it was all natural, though muted, light.Equipment
Although I lugged a tripod around with me, a flash, and a couple extra lenses; this shot and most others that day, were done with my favorite Sony 18-250mm lens on the Sony a77 body. Actually, it looked fairly comical with all the various straps for gear that also included a Camelbak.Inspiration
Machu Picchu with a llama in the foreground? How could I not take this shot? I've had the opportunity to bounce around the world a bit, and a baseline inspiration is trying to capture the essence of a place and help inspire people to go experience it for themselves. I love seeing and doing new things and try to bring some of that to people who see the pictures.Editing
There wasn't much post processing on this one, just some shadow and clarity adjustment with a bit of exposure compensation all done in Lightroom.In my camera bag
On travels like this, I almost always have the 18-250mm lens on the a77 or the 24-240mm with my a7r2; for either, I'll keep a Minolta 50mm close at hand, spare batteries and memory cards, a rain cover, and some lens wipes. Depending on the situation, I may bring a tripod even though 99% of my work is handheld.Feedback
Keep your eyes open and always be ready. In this case, I was getting shots of my wife and sister-in-law, but I kept an eye on the lone llama that was slowly grazing its way into the perspective I wanted. A little patience worked out and gave me one of the favorite shots of the trip.
