Looking back over my shoulder

Posted by dobbino (Cape Town, South Africa) on 2 October 2008 in Miscellaneous.

Same beach as yesterday, about or thereabout the same time of day. Standing where I was taking the photo with Table Mountain in the background, I turned around and took this photo of the beach with the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in the background.
This area of the beach was characterized by the washed up kelp or seaweed or whatever it's called, with just a sprinkling of the mussels. I loved the patterns and regimentation of how they had lined themselves up. Nature surprises yet again!
Title from the great song by Mike and the Mechanics

All comments, and especially constructive criticism is truly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time.

vfxy Photoblogs

Comments (18)

Michael Rawluk from Williams Lake, BC, Canada

Another very riveting shot. The lines of kelp do lead us into the shot.
It is very misty around the plant.

2 Oct 2008 5:18am

@Michael Rawluk: Thanks Michael - strange thing is that it is very seldom when there is no mist around the plant. I have to wait many days before the odd clear day comes around. The mist can also be seen on one of my previous posts - here.

Mike from Lichfield, United Kingdom

Fantastic photo. I like the way the the sea on the left and the sand on the right lead the eye down the beach to the power station.

2 Oct 2008 5:39am

@Mike: Thanks Mike - nice comment, and appreciated.

jamesy from christchurch, New Zealand

Great shot the lines of kelp are amazing. I feel faintly sad that in one direction you get the beauty of nature in table mountain and in the other you get what could be one of man most deadly buildings ( remember I am from nuclear free NZ)

2 Oct 2008 5:49am

@jamesy: Thanks Jamesy - I understand your feelings completely, though I personally do not have an issue with the power station.

Kylie Greenan from Richmond, Australia

a lovely view from behind... except where are your footprints :o) and ironic and somewhat sad image, but a great capture of the contrast.

2 Oct 2008 6:15am

@Kylie Greenan: Thanks Kylie - the footprints are actually off to the side! Walked down to the beach, turned left for the Table Mountain view, and then 180 degrees for this one. It was quite a weird sight - almost as if someone had come and dumped the mussel shells, drawn a line, and then dumped the kelp. (BTW, had to check my spelling above - I was always taught at school - "i" before "e", except after "c" - so how weird is this word?)

grouser from Ludlow, United Kingdom

I get the feeling the Nuke Plant is hovering, which is a tad disturbing. Nice composition.

2 Oct 2008 9:23am

@grouser: Thanks Grouser - actually the plant is fine. At least I hope so!

Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia

It is a fabulous beach with a mist of spray, beautifully captured, Rob.

2 Oct 2008 10:23am

@Michael Skorulski: Thank you very much Michael - much appreciated.

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

Photo gives me shivers...:)

2 Oct 2008 11:50am

@Lorraine: Hope they don't last too long! Thanks for the visit.

willow from Chelsea, United States

Taken from this perspective the beach seems so expansive - like it goes on forever. The kelp and mussel debris add a feeling of isolation. Makes me stop and wonder what happened here, where did everyone go?

2 Oct 2008 12:26pm

@willow: Hi Willow - thanks for the comment. This particular beach is normally quite isolated from the masses. Apart from anything else, the water is freezing! Also, for security reasons, there is a limit as to how close one can get to the power station. But that's just the way we like it - it's very peaceful.

Sandrine from Cincinnati, United States

Great composition...

2 Oct 2008 2:13pm

leslie from norwich, United Kingdom

Lovely composition, if you had not said what the building would never had ???

2 Oct 2008 3:56pm

dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, CA, United States

just gorgeously done! love this expansive view! the seaweed is quite captivating!!

2 Oct 2008 4:49pm

Graham Russon from Cape Town, South Africa

Great show, like the perspective and how koeberg power plant raises up through the mist.

2 Oct 2008 8:37pm

Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom

Creatures crawling out of the sea, it looks otherworldly with the powerhouse in the background.

2 Oct 2008 10:23pm

Martie from Versailles, United States

Great composition! The beach looks so nice and inviting, and the water and mist so mysterious!

3 Oct 2008 12:45am

Andrew Gould from Sydney, Australia

Yes, it is a really good composition. That looks rather ominous now in the background, after reading what it is!

5 Oct 2008 5:42am

baobab from Cambridge, United States

lovely shot - I like the semi-random stretches of seaweed, and am sure the seabirds had a great time with the mussels.

7 Oct 2008 2:35am

Laurent from Lyon, France

so well composed!!

7 Oct 2008 11:31am

bluechameleon from Vancouver, Canada

The marks in the sand are really intriguing, as is the misty shape in the background. Almost alien feeling, but not in a threatening way...just an overactive imagination at work ;)

9 Oct 2008 12:52pm

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Canon EOS 40D
1/200 second
F/22.0
ISO 200
47 mm