The Reward at 6009m, a photo from Arequipa, South

Photographer's Note

The climb to the top of the peak, Chachani (6009m), was an enourmous physical and mental challenge, and the feeling when I reached the top was one of the most memorable moments of my life. It was a great achievement for me.

But what I thought about after a while sitting marvelling the view and the sun's warmth, was that this was no great achievement for the natural world around me. I was no more than a dot in its long history.

A greater story appeared around me - the depth of the mountains behind me; the scorching rays of the sun; the strength of the wind swirling the sand collected over billions of years.

The reward at 6009m was not about myself, but rather this great gift of nature.

(Photo taken by our guide with instructions given by my mate to the left. Post-processing by myself).

set, supereira, sparkle, ceky has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

GrafArt (121) 2005-05-11 7:57

I love mountines, and i love mountain phothos.. this one is very intresting, becouse of mystic look.. Nice shot

rdalfovo (961) 2005-05-11 8:19 [Comment]

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supereira (9576) 2005-05-11 10:04

Hi John!
Welcome to TE!
Good shot.I like the contrast between the sky and the blsck silhouettes.Good colors,light,sharpness and contrasts.Good job!

sparkle (108) 2005-05-11 12:07

The black silhouettes have great impact on the light and amazing scenery and colours behind. Really impressive photo and achievement!

Saar (571) 2005-05-11 12:41

What a great thing to have done, John. Tell your guide he did a pretty good job! I like the way the focus is both on you, and on the other side it's not - while you're all dark and shady.
Love the background, especially the colours, the different blues.
Sure can believe this was one of the highlights in yr life. What a place on earth!

cheers sarah

Zbyszek (251) 2005-05-11 14:42

People and mountains.... this is incredible... No comments - excellent :)

Joaquin (422) 2005-05-11 14:55

Hi John, very nice shot to start in TE, beutiful work on it. Cogratulations. Greetings from Costa Rica. Joaquin

ceky (2592) 2005-05-12 15:35

Hi John Paul
I suppose we are early in the morning with the Misti to the right and Pichu Pichu in the background...
No I wasn't there, but this picture adds to my regrets not having tried to climb this summit at the end of my stay in Peru last year...

avista (0) 2005-12-26 5:06

Verry beautiful place.
Regards

Balrog (102) 2008-05-01 9:17

amazing

i would love to be there
best regards,
Ricardo