Where the Dark River Rises

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 9, 20083,726 views65 comments

Angel Falls thunders 3,000 feet down to the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. A spectacular ride up the winding Rio Carrao in a motorized canoe brings you to this campsite where you can sleep in hammocks next to the river. I felt really lucky to get a two minute break in the clouds at sunrise to get this image. The conversion to sRGB has been really difficult on this one. The Adobe RGB version has a warm feel but is less yellow. I may post an updated version if I can get the color right. This is two images stitched together. If you look really closely you can see a dinosaur in the lower right corner...

Thanks for the all of the advise and commentary on my recent posts!

-Mike

Comments

65 comments

Comment posted by John Zinn on May 9, 2008 at 8:29 AM

Wow what a view. I love the perspective that make it look like the waterfall is pouring off of a butte, almost like a volcanic eruption of water.

John

Registered on November 1, 2003, 41 Posts, 1743 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on May 9, 2008 at 8:29 AM

Excellent photo. I love how the foliage and rock have a harmonious parity. Great color choice and processing. A+, right up my alley.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Gordon on May 9, 2008 at 9:08 AM

The misty mood is stunning. The waterfall just puts it over the top. Great capture..

Registered on May 31, 2007, 224 Posts, 1490 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Hudon on May 9, 2008 at 9:17 AM

How did all that water get up there?

Registered on November 1, 2003, 315 Posts, 2246 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Rasmussen on May 9, 2008 at 9:30 AM

Alright... is this even a real place you've visited!?

These images are incredible. Here, the water seems to be falling from the highest point in the image... and there's so much atmosphere to the scene! Congrats on a productive trip

Registered on July 26, 2005, 121 Posts, 1884 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Wiebe on May 9, 2008 at 9:50 AM

Just an incredible photo. The low-hanging clouds and waterfall give a really prehistoric look to it. Fantastic.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 102 Posts, 772 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on May 9, 2008 at 9:54 AM

WOW!! They just keep getting better. This is spectacular Mike. This has such a "lost world" feel to it - just incredible. One of your best IMO.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on May 9, 2008 at 9:55 AM

this has an unreal feel to it, partly because the waterfall appears to be emerging from the top of a seemingly barren rock, partly because of the colour and partly because of the mist. that's not a negative criticism but an observation! wonderful atmosphere!

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on May 9, 2008 at 10:25 AM

The clouds enveloping the mesa really do make it look like the waterfall (awesome) is coming out of nowhere, which adds a totally unique aura to the photo. Because I like the row of trees along the bottom, I wish they were just a little less dark.

I thought the yellow cast was a conscious decision, which made me okay with it. If you're able to get the colors the way you want them, I'll be interested to see the final version. Nice work.

Registered on September 4, 2006, 237 Posts, 4748 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Hansen on May 9, 2008 at 10:39 AM

Ok....where are the dinosaurs?
This has a very ethereal feel to it Mike, love the mist and the falls!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 121 Posts, 505 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on May 9, 2008 at 11:00 AM

Incredible shot. Clouds and fog make this scene magical. Congratulations.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on May 9, 2008 at 11:12 AM

Amazing image Mike, and beautifully done.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Tal on May 9, 2008 at 11:19 AM

At the risk of repeating myself: simply amazing!

Guy

Registered on November 1, 2003, 566 Posts, 15507 Comments

Comment posted by David Fernandez on May 9, 2008 at 11:20 AM

Mike, now I´m a fan of your work. I thinking that your work is the best thing I've ever seen never.

David, your admirer

Registered on May 4, 2008, 69 Posts, 668 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on May 9, 2008 at 12:41 PM

Awesome, Mike, just awesome. What a wonderful trip you took to a magical place.

Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments

Comment posted by Kartik Venkatarama on May 9, 2008 at 1:04 PM

Exquisite! I would prefer slightly brighter shadows in the trees in the foreground though...brighter greens would provide a lovely contrast with the warm fog.

Registered on July 27, 2007, 197 Posts, 830 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Schnepf on May 9, 2008 at 1:12 PM

Wow, very mystical, magical image. The atmosphere is amazing, and the waterfall flowing out of the sky really puts this one over the top. Incredible image!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2528 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Bernabe on May 9, 2008 at 3:40 PM

Wow, Michael. Another amazing image from your trip. This is downright primordial!

Registered on November 24, 2004, 180 Posts, 1545 Comments

Comment posted by Andrew Yip on May 9, 2008 at 4:03 PM

That's a wonderful image! I've never seen such a unique view of Angel Falls.

Registered on May 7, 2008, 130 Posts, 679 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on May 9, 2008 at 4:23 PM

Mike,

Another truly amazing image. What is so unique here is that the clouds are obscuring the upper mountains and the water literally looks it had to travel uphill before flowing over the top. The mist, clouds and rain forest below certainly give this a jurassic look.

Great work,

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Wegemann on May 9, 2008 at 4:32 PM

Lost World is what I thought of when I opened this. What a fascinating place. Great capture, Mike.

Registered on December 14, 2006, 58 Posts, 1888 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Bartsch on May 9, 2008 at 5:29 PM

As soon as I saw that thumbnail I said to myself... that's probably a Mike Anderson's post, and sure enough it was. Your work comes across even as a thumbnail Mike... this is an outstanding shot. The mood is just amazing. I like the composition very much and yeah probably less yellow wouldn't hurt. Mighty Mike strikes again.

Thanks for sharing,

Registered on December 1, 2003, 80 Posts, 354 Comments

Comment posted by David Cramer on May 9, 2008 at 5:55 PM

Wow. Dramatic scene and a great capture. It's a bit dark, but that adds much to the mood.

Registered on April 18, 2008, 50 Posts, 237 Comments

Comment posted by Arnab Banerjee on May 9, 2008 at 6:48 PM

You are showing me places that I have never seen in photos, but always want to..this is king-kong movie like image. Almost monochorme like quality enhances the beauty of it - what a place and scene. I am looking at it for eternity..can you post a full resolution version somewhere - I really like to see this big to admire more

Registered on January 3, 2007, 313 Posts, 2270 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Lawson on May 9, 2008 at 7:06 PM

Truly amazing. Love how the mountains go in and out of the fog and especially how the waterfall disappears in to the fog.

Registered on March 3, 2008, 29 Posts, 337 Comments

Comment posted by Kari Post on May 9, 2008 at 7:18 PM

Great pano, comp, and toning. Nice work!

Registered on January 27, 2007, 13 Posts, 195 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Dilley on May 9, 2008 at 7:31 PM

Wow, this is epic! Totally impressive, Mike. If you're not happy with this version, I can only wonder at how awesome the better one must be.

Registered on November 21, 2007, 57 Posts, 1494 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on May 9, 2008 at 9:08 PM

I'm speechless! This is just too incredible, and inspiring.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Jon Leibowitz on May 9, 2008 at 9:13 PM

This is just so darn stunning in so many ways. Perfect capture.

Registered on July 8, 2004, 15 Posts, 97 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Anderson on May 9, 2008 at 9:37 PM

Arnab,

I'm going to make a few more attempts to get the color right, and then I'll post a larger version on my website. The actual image is 14,000 pixels on the long side! Funny you mention the King Kong movie, because I was originally going to go with a title that referenced the movie. This is the kind of place where you really do expect dinosaurs to come out from around the corner.

-Mike

Registered on January 31, 2006, 228 Posts, 3072 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Greer on May 9, 2008 at 10:36 PM

Dude, you go to some really great places! To me the scene is breathtaking. So different than anything that I've seen in person. I can only imagine the feeling of complete awe just standing there and seeing this with my own two eyes. Beautiful!

BTW, that Hassy H2D takes some pretty great pix don't you think?

Registered on November 1, 2003, 404 Posts, 1977 Comments

Comment posted by John Mumaw on May 9, 2008 at 11:33 PM

This is downright primordial!

Couldn't have said it better.
Once again, this is the finest image that I've ever seen from this area. Your photography and processing is second to none.

Seems that I was in Colombia right about the time you were in Venezuela.

Registered on September 9, 2005, 62 Posts, 2289 Comments

Comment posted by Lance B Isackson on May 9, 2008 at 11:55 PM

Wow........ this is a wall hanger...beautiful treatment and zones...magical....how much for a print?

Registered on March 25, 2007, 52 Posts, 51 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on May 10, 2008 at 12:05 AM

I can't add anything to the previous comments. Looks like you found the lost continent.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Jones on May 10, 2008 at 12:10 AM

Oh My! All of the superlatives can't begin to describe this. The overused word "fantastic" fits this image better than any other photograph I have ever seen. Just knowing that a place like this actually exists is a privilege that I have to thank you for. Thanks for your vision and your skill in capturing such amazing places.

Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Good on May 10, 2008 at 2:48 AM

I want an advanced copy of the book I know you'll put together of your adventures someday. Another stunning piece of scenery with gobs of mood. Excellent work start to finish... regardless of the color space.

Registered on March 17, 2007, 116 Posts, 4764 Comments

Comment posted by Prashant Khapane on May 10, 2008 at 4:54 AM

This is fantastic....& I know the problem you are talking about sRGB conversion. I'm also facing the same problem for BW images. Let me know if you find the solution.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 492 Posts, 4580 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on May 10, 2008 at 9:12 AM

I think this is my favorite from your latest travels, Mike. The atmosphere makes it for me. Amazing, all the awe-inspiring places you have been able to visit.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Thomas Biggs on May 10, 2008 at 9:15 AM

Another breath taking image... you just keep putting them out!!

Registered on January 13, 2005, 310 Posts, 1257 Comments

Comment posted by Reno DiTullio on May 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM

I love the clouds, fog, mist, water, etc, etc, the overall yellow color works for me, makes it even more mysterious, well done

Registered on November 14, 2003, 130 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on May 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM

Great combination of mist & clouds. I like how the waterfall is dwarfed by all the other elements.

Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments

Comment posted by John Lehmkuhl on May 10, 2008 at 11:34 AM

This truly takes my breath away.... stunning shot with everything so dramatic and yet so calm.... thank you for putting this image in my mind.

Registered on May 22, 2005, 165 Posts, 2008 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on May 10, 2008 at 11:43 AM

Man, this is insane--your recent posts have all been great but this is just off the charts! No nits here, this is just as perfect as a photo can get as far as im concerned.

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on May 10, 2008 at 2:07 PM

Mike: What an incredible scene and a fine rendering. Many bravos! >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Dawson on May 10, 2008 at 10:53 PM

How spectacular is that. Beautiful work!

Registered on February 4, 2006, 364 Posts, 8872 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel McKeehan on May 10, 2008 at 11:47 PM

Just awesome, seems to have a sepia feel which I like, just nicely done

Registered on July 31, 2005, 99 Posts, 590 Comments

Comment posted by Darren White on May 11, 2008 at 1:40 AM

without the fog this image would not be anything like it is here........Mike your images invoke feeling in the viewer like never seen before......

how big can you print something like this and have you ever tried stitching your work to create HUGE images like mural size..........

Registered on May 29, 2006, 193 Posts, 855 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on May 11, 2008 at 3:37 AM

Man, you deliver every time! This is amazing! I like the sepia toning and that primordial atmosphere. Composition is outstanding too. Respect!

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Lee Daniels on May 11, 2008 at 7:45 AM

Any words of admiration sound pedestrian as I try to describe my reaction to the visceral impact of this stunning work. The pano crop is perfect here.

Registered on December 31, 2003, 115 Posts, 1657 Comments

Comment posted by Alex Mody on May 11, 2008 at 1:51 PM

This is absolutely amazing. I love the light and warmth in this image. I think that the trees in the foreground are absolutely perfect. It'd be interesting to see what this would look like in b+w as well.

Registered on December 25, 2007, 163 Posts, 1896 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on May 11, 2008 at 5:25 PM

Hi Mike,

What I have come to love about your photographs is the passion and sincerity with which you go about making them. This one is another fine example. The scene is obviously jaw-dropping awesome, but you have still managed to add your special touch to it.

Great work!

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Hackett on May 11, 2008 at 10:55 PM

I don't even know if you will see this comment since it is a little late, but this is incredible!

I can't take my eyes off of it. What mood, lighting, drama, and power! Stunning image Mike!

Registered on March 13, 2006, 65 Posts, 1119 Comments

Comment posted by Giovanni Allievi on May 12, 2008 at 3:55 AM

Gorgeous !

I'm not 100% sure I like the orange/yellow hues here. Personally I would have tried a square composition if possible.

Anyway a remarkable shot.

Giovanni

Registered on March 26, 2008, 87 Posts, 379 Comments

Comment posted by Giovanni Allievi on May 12, 2008 at 3:56 AM

Gorgeous !

I'm not 100% sure I like the orange/yellow hues here. Personally I would have tried a square composition if possible.

Anyway a remarkable shot.

Giovanni

Registered on March 26, 2008, 87 Posts, 379 Comments

Comment posted by David Cobb on May 12, 2008 at 9:42 AM

Great capture of this falls Mike, and I do see that dinosaur.

David M. Cobb

Registered on December 14, 2007, 312 Posts, 3243 Comments

Comment posted by Edward Nunez on May 12, 2008 at 3:24 PM

I can cry just looking at this image. Amazing capture, it is the best image I have seen of the angel falls. Excellent

Registered on April 19, 2007, 65 Posts, 711 Comments

Comment posted by Todd Caudle on May 12, 2008 at 11:39 PM

This is monumental! Never seen a better shot of Angel Falls. Congrats on a masterpiece!

Registered on November 9, 2003, 472 Posts, 3705 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Dawson on May 13, 2008 at 12:44 AM

Mike Congrats on another wll deserved EP, your work inspires!

Registered on February 4, 2006, 364 Posts, 8872 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Kessler on May 13, 2008 at 3:22 AM

This is absolutely gorgeous. Your new work continues to blow me away. I bet a large print of this is fantastic given that its 14,000 pixels wide. I'm sure I could stare at one for quite some time with the immense amount of detail that would be available.

Registered on September 13, 2007, 36 Posts, 1283 Comments

Comment posted by Anders Naesset on May 13, 2008 at 12:34 PM

What a great shot Michael! Must have been fantastic to witness this spectacular waterfall. And with that light! Wow. A tropical paradise captured beautifully. Much respect to you Mike.

Registered on August 21, 2007, 31 Posts, 224 Comments

Comment posted by raymond j barlow on May 17, 2008 at 9:45 PM

almost unbelievable Mike,.. masterpiece. congrats.

Registered on March 29, 2007, 218 Posts, 964 Comments

Comment posted by Derrick Lipinski on May 20, 2008 at 1:30 AM

Beautiful!

Registered on October 5, 2007, 58 Posts, 2039 Comments

Comment posted by Jacob-Carl Pauw on May 27, 2008 at 3:03 PM

Spuerb! Very nice shot.

Jacob-Carl

Registered on February 22, 2008, 0 Posts, 81 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on August 23, 2008 at 11:54 AM

Wow. Found this a little late. Another great!

Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments

Comment posted by Rafael Rojas on March 4, 2009 at 6:57 PM

Mike that is awesome. I love the panoramic composition, and the depth created by the first row of trees. The misty ambiance gives a terrible mood, and one would expect a dino is going to appear through the trees. Great image. Rafael, Switzerland
www.rafaelrojasphoto.com

Registered on March 1, 2009, 56 Posts, 623 Comments