~ lethal beauty ~, a photo from Jawa Timur, Java

Photographer's Note

This is Kawah Ijen or Ijen Crater created by volcanic activity within the huge 20km diameter of caldera in East Java. Approx 1km wide and famed for its deep opaque and strikingly vivid turquoise green, the warm crater lake is the world抯 most acidic -the solution of sulphuric acid and hydrogen chloride- but it offers the most stunning views at day break when the angled sunlight begins to shine through.

At 2200m asl facing northwest and standing on a top edge looking down at the boiling vents and its steamed poisonous suphuric gas is truly a fusion of natural beauty and danger at the same time. The acidic nature of the pungent gases also leads to irritation and inflammation of the eyes and sudden burst of large volumes of gas may be fatal to those near the bottom of the crater.

Exposed on water area aided by my ever reliable ND filter, polarised to cut the maximum glare and light intensity. This was taken when the sun was a few degrees up and the first capture was posted on TE about two years ago.

Over saturated perhaps! BUT seeing is believing....
Enjoy

adramad, ourania, rychem, Wanda1, Romano46, PaulVDV, photographer_sg, No_One, delpeoples, tatadalou, jjcordier, papagolf21, Pietrow, COSTANTINO, danos, Didi, omid266, shreya2000, siolaw, mcmtanyel, Angshu, Cricri, fritzi007, adores, ikeharel has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

mkamionka (75009) 2014-06-03 6:43

Hi Abmdsudi,
spectacular view! Except for Ethiopia these yellow sulfur landscapes I have seen in photos from Indonesia only. Sadly so far I know them only from photos. The yellow color of sulfur is so rare and here it is combined with the amazing green water. Great colors! I love it! The steam adds another interesting touch. The shape of the crater works well as well. Great POV selected. Thanks for the info about the exposition. These are such difficult conditions I would not guess what to use and after coming back home I would regret not trying ND or polarizer. I hope I will have a chance to test it someday :)
Excellent work,
M

mohammad_H (10178) 2014-06-03 7:00

Hi
Very nice landscape with a unique background
Burning sulfur in the crater of an extinct volcano, toxic gases in volcanoes, deadly and dangerous
Good evening

pajaran (116915) 2014-06-03 7:16

Dobro vece.
Interesantan tekst o krateru vulkana i jezeru, lep pogled i trenutak ...
Dobar trenutak snimka i kontrast, lepo pokazan krater sa jezerom i trenutak.
Doba rad, lepo uhvacen trenutak, lepe boje.
Lepa priroda.
Prijatno vece i mirna noc, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good evening.
An interesting article about the volcano and lake, nice view and a moment ...
Good time recording and contrast nicely demonstrated the crater lake and the moment.
Doba work nicely captured moment, beautiful colors.
Beautiful nature.
Good evening and peaceful night, all the best.
Paja.

Nicou (193814) 2014-06-03 7:36

Hello

quelle vue et image impressionnant quelle fum閑 et ce vert qui ressort et ce jaune de la roche et ce lac rond dans la pierre merveilleux.
Bravo et amiti�
Nicou

jadir (377) 2014-06-03 8:03

linda foto,cores exelentes. felicidades

adramad (73376) 2014-06-03 8:24

Hello Abmdsudi.
Impressive and fascinating picture, which increases its value because of the difficulty and risk to grasp, tremendous beauty of this deadly crater, with the waters of a green so fascinating, great column tremendous gases rising from the same, we can appreciate the yellow on the rock, due to sulfuric acid.
A superb range of color.
Good management of the brightness and sharpness.
Splendid image. My compliments.
Have a happy day.
Best wishes.
Luis

SnapRJW (31631) 2014-06-03 8:39

A fabulous shot Abmdsudi. The light brings the colours out really well and the steam rising from the volcano is wonderfully captured. Quite magnificent!

Warm regards

Rosemary

ourania (51103) 2014-06-03 8:40

Hello Abmdsudi,
I remember another picture of yours from this magical scenery, I think it was one of the first I ever saw from your gallery. The effect of the smoke is stunning, the interaction of colours and shadows is powerful, the textures and the atmosphere of this place are captivating. You composed and framed this view in a very effective way. Beauty, danger and mystery are conveyed superbly. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great day,
Ourania

rychem (72187) 2014-06-03 8:53

Great!! Fantastic crater with unusual vivid colors, splendid photo, great POV and composition
regards Ryszard

Fis2 (171789) 2014-06-03 9:08

Witaj Abmdsudi!
Wow, very interesting place.
I like POV and composition.
Excellent colors.
Photo has climate.
Best regards
Krzysztof

Wanda1 (15142) 2014-06-03 9:17

Hi Abmdsudi,
It seems like another world, the colours are absolutely beautiful and unusual. I think it might be quite a scary place at the same time as it is beautiful. A worthwhile photo to see.
Regards
Wanda

lousat (139906) 2014-06-03 9:43

The place and the pic no needs comment,absolutely fantastic!!! What a great capture from the best point of view and with the usual special quality,the pic of the day on TE,no doubts.Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Romano46 (18472) 2014-06-03 9:45

Ciao Abmdsudi
una foto che � un vero spettacolo di forme e di colori.
Una inquadratura perfetta che aiuta a sognare e ci fa capire quanto le bellezze del creato non finiscano mai di sorprendere.
Straordinaria.
Ciao e buona serata
Romano

PaulVDV (63432) 2014-06-03 10:04

Hello Abmdsudi,
At first I thought this was an aerial view. So there is still a higher location which offers a fantastic viewpoint.
Wonderful green and yellow contrast with a thick plume of smoke in between.
Dangerous but attractive. Very beautiful and at the same time very impressive.
Best regards, Paul

photographer_sg (6059) 2014-06-03 10:39

Hi Ab
surely the title is apt for this stunningly beautiful natural formation. One could keep gazing for hours at the fantastic colours and the billowing smoke - in the safety of a photo perhaps :-). Lovely contrast of the vivid colours. Thanks for sharing this superb picture of something that is totally new to me. Congratulations and have a great day.
best regards
Satya

No_One (4) 2014-06-03 10:41

Hi Abmdsudi
IT is amazing that such danger can be found in this kind of beauty, my first reaction would be to touch this lake which looks like a jade jewel, and I would expect it to be cool to touch, but of course your note informs and warns us otherwise! The plume of steam is a lovely touch forming a reclining giant Q, and the effect of the shadow and light is superb. This must be an amazing place to see in person, as it is to view here on screen. Wonderful capture of natures beauty and danger.
Best wishes
Noel

PiotrF (55822) 2014-06-03 11:14

Hello Abmdsudi
Very interesting and unique place, superb landscape, vivid colors, fantastic picture
Regards
Piotr

carlo62 (81265) 2014-06-03 14:54

Ciao Abmdsudi
una foto incredibile, da un pov fantastico, non sarei mai potuto salire fino a quel punto.
Bella foto, molto dettagliata e di grande effetto visivo.
Saluti
Carlo

federico (6109) 2014-06-03 17:48

hello abmsudi, very good view over Jien plateau, I have been here few years ago and recently I flown over it, it is an amazing place and you show us at its best, you choose a great POV, perfect exposition and saturation
regards
Fred

delpeoples (60342) 2014-06-03 19:56

Dear Abmdsudi

Wow, this is just spectacular, not just your amazing subject matter and how close you got to it, but the skilful way in which you photographed it. The colours are stunning, no doubt assisted by the ND filter, and how cleverly you have managed the light. Impressive sharpness and depth. All round, a masterpiece, well done my friend.

Warmest wishes
Lisa

tatadalou (7459) 2014-06-03 20:35

Hi Abmdsudi,
Stunning shoy with great colours. Your framing concentrate on the essential, the smoke, the lake and the sulphur. I would have been probably too afraid to go to such an amazing place. Good job !
Regards,
Delphine

jjcordier (79299) 2014-06-03 23:31

Abmdsudi
Superbe photo de ce fabuleux endroit si photog閚ique mais si dangereux. Les couleurs sont absolument incroyables.
Amicalement
JJ

papagolf21 (152607) 2014-06-03 23:49

Bonjour, Abmdsudi,
F閘icitations pour cette superbe r閍lisation. Nous avons l'impression de sentir les fumerolles de ce volcan.
La beaut� est impressionnante.
Tr鑣 bonne journ閑.
Amiti閟.
Philippe

Pietrow (503) 2014-06-03 23:58

Hi !
For me this frame says - look how danger is our Earth.
BTW - Danger can be beautiful.

regards
Wojtek

eldancer1 (36343) 2014-06-04 7:21

Wow! I'm so jealous! But so proud of you that you were able to show us the beauty side of the inside of a volcano, I can only dream. Very appropriate title. The lighting is amazing and perfect, as if you set up artificial light source to get this effect. And the steam is so clear it's beyond description. Very well done, tfs.

COSTANTINO (117652) 2014-06-04 7:25

Hello my dear friend
fascinating and dangerous capture from this
Crater created by volcanic activity
breathtaking view with a unique background
an amazing atmosphere perfectly executed
the waters of green are really fascinating
regards
have a nice time
Costantino

danos (110407) 2014-06-04 8:42

Hi Abmdsudi,
great the panoramic view of the crater with the green colour to contrast perfect with the yellow of the sulfur,with the steamed poisonous suphuric gas to be placed perfect in the frame.I like the excellent presentation with the quality of the scene to be unique.

Regards,Danos

Silvio1953 (222747) 2014-06-04 11:37

Ciao Abmdsudi, great view of lovely lale, fantastic colors, splendid lihght and great clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Didi (61589) 2014-06-04 15:22

Salam my friend
Wonderful picture
Good decisive moment for this selective lights on the main subject who give a dark sky
Thanks for sharing because I am not able to travel so far
Kind regards

worldcitizen (16226) 2014-06-04 18:51

Hello Abmdsudi,
Wow! This is a beautiful scene of an exotic place. I like the way the sunlight is shining down, and the plume of steam that is rising up on the side. The turquoise color really is amazing, too. This capture is definitely worthy of National Geographic. :-)

omid266 (6816) 2014-06-04 20:29

Abmdsudi,

Dear my friend,

Congrats for 600 th upload on TE , :)

A marvellous and spectacular shot from the active volcano with evaporations,

the lake is very eye-catching with green colour,
excellent POV, memorable moment hunted with you,

very nice time, well done and Thanks!

Best time and wishes,

Adieu

shreya2000 (2815) 2014-06-04 23:38

Dear Ab,

Nothing to say.....

Just awesome pic.
Great colours, atmosphere. You must have to face a danger position to take this pic. Congrats.

Regards,
joginder

siolaw (38294) 2014-06-07 4:04

Hi Abmdsudi
Lethal beauty is exactly what we see here..... We can see the famous yellow sulphur and the toxic fumes, and the deceivingly beautiful turquoise waters... Perfect POV and framing.
Regards
Laurent

elenimavrandoni (0) 2014-06-07 22:17

seeing is believing!!isn't that the truth!!!
a completed note accompanies a spectacular image!!
compliments!!
Eleni

claudeD (47754) 2014-06-08 13:15

Hello ,

Great contribution to TE. Excellent composition and very fine colors. Perfect sharpness and clarity. TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

JC

mcmtanyel (69063) 2014-06-09 8:30

Hello Abmdsudi,
The colors are indeed very striking, that deep green water next to the bright yellow sulphur deposits is very eye-catching. I guess a dip in the lake is out of the question - I see what you mean by lethal beauty.
Regards,
MT

npecanhuk (79329) 2014-06-11 19:21

Hello Abmdsudi!
Magnificent natural spot!
Wonderful picture!
Special regards to the colors, exposure, chosen pov and composition!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

Angshu (56760) 2014-06-12 9:07

Salam Abmdsudi
I believe there are 3 lakes there with different colours of water...all acidic and hence toxic. Here the green contrast beautifully with the ochre of sulphur to give a fine contrast and deadly combination of colours...Fine work indeed!
Best Regards
Angshu

Cricri (176) 2014-06-12 15:17

Hi Abmdsudi
Une vue impressionnante et magnifique par ces couleurs, la formations rocheuses; la prise de la fum閑 et cette merveilleuse lumi鑢e, magnifique
Meilleurs v渦x
criori

fritzi007 (14698) 2014-06-14 13:45

Hello Abmdsudi,
where sulfur is removed, I saw that in a documentary, really a very hard work, your photo is perfect, congratulations to you!
regards
Wolfgang

Kamilutka (8107) 2014-06-24 5:01

Hello,
this is absolutely amazing place and one which can take the breath away. The color of the water contrasts very much with the yellowish rocks around and the steam floating above the surface adds very much to this beautiful and yet quite sinister view. I like how you captured it from this well chosen POV. Very good light, colors and sharpness.
Enjoyable work - well done!
Thanks for sharing
Regards
Kamila

adores (46979) 2014-07-03 16:57

Hi Abmdsudi!
It's a beautiful place for sure, but I always remember the photos I've seen of the people carrying the baskets - such hard and painful lifes. I like your pov and the colours. The smoke also adds a nice effect!

ikeharel (114435) 2014-07-06 6:40

Good evening Abmdsudi,
Forces of mother-nature creat beautiful scean, but as the title suggest the gases are poison to inhale.
Marvelous pic. from high and safe POV, contrast of green and yellow, and perfect round crater filled with water - all culminated to a wonderful compo.
Best regards,
Ike

adidas5nb (5743) 2014-07-15 22:06

woooha ... stunner.the shot is so thrilling and breathtaking.fantastic vantage point.
regards
dwaipayan

yquem46 (38752) 2014-11-21 9:00

Hi Abmdsudi
I could hardly not comment this one of course !
I was quite unfortunate not to be able to do the trip up there. Really too bad !
Great light and colors in this nice view. You were very courageous to go close to the sulfur pot of gold
Have a nice WE
patrick

kasianowak (17676) 2014-11-23 2:22

Hi Abmdsudi
As you say, the hues in this landscape are almost unbelievably vivid and it's amazing colours like this exist in nature. Time of the day well selected to make most of the location.
Best wishes
Kasia

Photo Information

Copyright: abmdsudi abmdsudi (abmdsudi) (95869)
Genre: 风景
Medium: 彩色
Date Taken: 2008-07-30
Categories: 自然
Camera: NIKON D200, TOKINA AT-X PRO 16-50 F2.8 DX, ISO 100 RAW, Tokina 77mm Circular Polarizer
Exposure: f/14.0, 1/60 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2014-06-03 6:11
Favorites: 1 [view]