Thermal Wonderland
Wai - O - Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua, NZ
Wai - O - Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua, NZ
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Aug, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was on my WORK & HOLIDAY Year in New Zealand. The north island is known for its rugged Volcano landscapes.While working near Roturua I took a day trip to the "WAI-O-TAPU THERMAL W'ONDERLAND". A wonderful park where you can explore all kinds of geothermal activities from boiling mud, to the Lady Knoxs Geyser which explodes every day at 10am (!) to various sulfur pools. Be aware of the smell.... (good thing photos don't come with smell yet :)Time
:I arrived at the park around 8:30 as I wanted to make sure I have time enough to have a look arround and get orientated in the park to not miss the geyser explosion at 10 am. After I secured my spot amongst plenty of other tourists and watched Lady Knox go wild, I spend all morning and most afternoon pondering through the variation of landscapes. There are different loop tracks to suit every person / family.Lighting
It is all natural lighting, taken some time in the afternoon. This is one of my last pictures I have take in the park before I left.Equipment
This was shot with my first ever camera! My Canon 550D and the standard kit lens 18-55 mm . No filters / tripod or anything has been used.Inspiration
I was very fascinated by the color of the water.... the bright orange going into a gold and red on the right and into a beautiful dark green-blue. The water is really hot, and you can see the steam coming of. Plus you are actually allowed to wander on the stone path in the middle of the picture. I have never seen anything like it.Editing
I only shot in JPG as I have not done a lot of photography before. My processing is very little and all done in Lightroom.... only some basic shadow/higlights/contrast adjustments.In my camera bag
At the time my equipment was very basic as I was still in my beginner steps. I had my Canon 550D and the standard lense kit with the 18-55mm and the 55-250mm in a snug shoulder bag and a no name flash which I never used.Feedback
Keep your eyes open for shapes and patterns and make them work in your favor. Also, plan ahead if you go to a Tourist location. Get to know when specific events are happening (like the geyser) + where they are. Be early to secure you have a good spot. Find out what the main features of the park are and try to think at time they look their best. If possible, return to a place that you have seen in the morning if you think the light is better in the afternoon.
