Brunch with Battutah
Hunters' seat, Vtacnik Mountains, Slovakia
Posted by Michael Skorulski (Cigel, Slovakia) on 10 January 2008 in Landscape & Rural and Portfolio.
Hunters sit up in these and take shots at small animals. But I think they have a much better use as a subject for a photo. They're actually fun to climb into. But on this day, the ladder looked too slippery. So I didn't risk it.
Jhani from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
wow... Nice shot and beautiful background
10 Jan 2008 6:08am
@Jhani: Thanks so much. Quite a bit different from Abu Dhabi I would think. I used to teach at the university there.
Rags from Plano, United States
thank God you didn't risk. It looks like a nice outpost. The snow or frost on the plants and the seat makes for a lovely image.
10 Jan 2008 6:21am
@Rags: Many thanks, Rags. In good weather it's a fun climb.
Ina from Krugersdorp, South Africa
Besides the fact that they are a good subject for photography, I think you can get interesting shots, from a different angle and perspective once you are up there! Well captured Michael, I like the contrast in colors!
10 Jan 2008 6:28am
@Ina: How right you are about shooting from up there, Ina. Thanks for your kind comment.
Mindy from United States
Lovely photo of an otherwise creepy structure. Guess I can't disassociate it from a prison or camp lookout tower. Nonetheless, the lighting, textures, framing...they're all excellent. The flora appears so beautifully delicate.
10 Jan 2008 6:29am
@Mindy: I understand the creepy associations, Mindy. Yes, the trees look fantastic with a coating of frost. Many thanks for your kind comment.
@Eleftheria, 9 years old,: Thank you for visiting, Eleftheria.
Steven from Montreal, Canada
You really captured the isolation of the place. Very well done!
10 Jan 2008 7:19am
@Steven: I appreciate your remark, Steven. Many thanks.
tyan from Singapore, Singapore
yeah it sure looks slippery man!But i think this angle is just perfect...and whats that at the back?is it fog?because the background look so 'clean' and surreal its as if this hunters' seat was taken in a studio.Love the colours..was it v cold to take a pic out there in this weather?
10 Jan 2008 7:31am
@tyan: Thanks, Tyan. The seat is quite high up so there's a view of a town in the background. It was below freezing but a manageable temperature. It was so beautiful because a frost had coated all the trees in ice crystals. it was like being in a giant icy art gallery.
Catalin from Bucharest, Romania
the angle, the light, the tones, the feeling... all together makes an excellent photo. bravo, very good job
10 Jan 2008 7:39am
@Catalin: Thanks for your kind comment, Catalin.
DaveB from Exeter, United Kingdom
Wicked shot, i would've risked the climb! Did you attempt any macro work on it, I'd say the interaction between the frost and the wood grain could be quite cool!
10 Jan 2008 8:08am
@DaveB: Thanks, Dave. I didn't do the macro but it's a great idea.
@mosleh: Thanks, Mosleh.
Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan
I think it's not a safe structure even without the frost! And...the frost is embellishingeverything, the trees, the grasses and the wooden structure....so you got yourself a nice shot, Michael!With atmosphere!
Gabriela
10 Jan 2008 9:06am
@Japanalia: Thanks, Gabriela. You're right. I've never felt completely safe climbing up into one of these things.
@eddy: Thanks, Eddy. That's a compliment indeed.
@shahab: Thank you for your kind comment, Shahab.
dee from Innsbruck, Austria
Cool shot. Reminds me of my Christmas holiday. It was as frosty as in your shot. - Thanks for all your comments on my photoblog! Much appreciated!
10 Jan 2008 11:14am
@dee: Thanks, Dee. Frosty weather is always memorable.
GJC from Kyoto, Japan
This is delightful. The contrast with the rather creepy and eerie tower with the lovely, soft light and snow-covered landscape makes for a mesmerizing combination. Well done.
10 Jan 2008 11:37am
@GJC: That's a wonderful comment, GJC. Many thanks.
Viewfinder from Bradenton, United States
What a great photo! And yes, this is definitely better as a photo subject than as a platform for shooting small animals.
10 Jan 2008 12:13pm
@Viewfinder: Thanks so much, VF.
@Paulski: Thank you, Paulski. Yes, the air felt very much like being in a walk-in freezer. A strange mist too.
MadScientist from Düsseldorf, Germany
A really 'cool' shot :-)
Where's my hot tea mug...?
10 Jan 2008 12:54pm
@MadScientist: I appreciate the "cool." Thanks, MS. Hunters usually carry a bottle of home-made alcohol to keep themselves warm.
@Camiller: Many thanks, Camiller. I appreciate your comment.
Teresa Durães from Montijo, Portugal
Lovely contrast black, white, gray.
Lovely picture
10 Jan 2008 2:44pm
@Teresa Durães: Many thanks for your kind comment, Teresa.
leslie from Bruce Penninsula, Canada
I really like everything about this shot. the cabin itself almost looks like it is floating on a sea of white. nice
10 Jan 2008 2:55pm
@leslie: Thanks so much, Leslie.
@Bahare: Very kind of you. Many thanks, Bahare.
@Ko7: Yes, they are a good choice of words. Many thanks.
@dan: Merci, Dan.
Tristan Cocrelle from Quimper, France
Very pleasant to take a brunch with Battutah. Your world is worth visiting.
10 Jan 2008 4:01pm
@Tristan Cocrelle: Thanks so much, Tristan.
@yiannis krikis: You're right about the cold. Thanks, Yiannis.
bm from Budapest, Hungary
quiet and melancholy - terrific image, I love how the snow freezes over every square inch of the ladder.
10 Jan 2008 4:21pm
@bm: Thanks. Quiet and melancholy are a good description.
Michael Rawluk from Prince George, Canada
That is my new favourite of your shots. Gorgeous.
10 Jan 2008 4:21pm
@Michael Rawluk: Thanks, Michael. That's quite a compliment.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
It's amazing really that something this striking held people who hurt animals, I think it serves a beautiful purpose as model for a photographer...entire compo IS exquisite...YOU Rock!
10 Jan 2008 4:26pm
@Lorraine: WOW, what a wonderful comment. I'm flattered. Thanks, Lorraine.
@Nico & Remi: "Deliciously freaky" sounds good. Thanks so much, Nico & Remi.
@Calusarus: I appreciate your comment. Thank You.
alla from Toronto, Canada
yeah, stay away from those! And the mushrooms! hahah
It's beautiful tho! Very crispy :)
10 Jan 2008 4:56pm
@alla: Thanks, Alla. Crispy is the word.
Inés from Namur, Belgium
Magnifique, j'aime beaucoup les paysages tout givrés comme ça !
10 Jan 2008 4:58pm
@Inés: Merci, Inés.
Jen from Alpharetta, United States
Wonderful shot...the textures of the snow and wood are really great!
10 Jan 2008 5:01pm
@Jen: You are very kind, Jen. Thank you.
alex centrella from fresno, United States
wow..strong image..and a great portfolio of work...
10 Jan 2008 6:28pm
@alex centrella: Thanks, Alex. Just starting out so the portfolio will have to grow gradually.
cromlechi from Swansea, United Kingdom
Great photo. My brother told me about shooting out of one of these in Slovakia, now I know what they look like.
10 Jan 2008 7:09pm
@cromlechi: Wow. A local connection. Many thanks for your comment.
Brian from West Lafayette, United States
Wow--so cold-looking, it's surreal! Nice image, indeed.
10 Jan 2008 7:26pm
@Brian: Thanks, Brian. I really like your comment.
Pedro from Santander, Spain
It looks so gloomy with the freeze, good mood for this Michael
10 Jan 2008 7:58pm
@Pedro: You're right, Pedro. There is an air of gloom about it. Many thanks for the observation.
Frankie from Boxmeer, Netherlands
You can almost feel the cold. Nice subject and composition.
10 Jan 2008 8:33pm
@Frankie: Thank you, Frankie.
Illuci from Hurdegaryp, Netherlands
An enjoyment to watch, not in the cabin (too cold) but the cabin!! Great!
10 Jan 2008 8:35pm
@Illuci: Many thanks, Illuci.
Rhys from Darlington, United Kingdom
this is brilliant! there is an odd face on the front of that hut! A fantastic shot.
10 Jan 2008 8:36pm
@Rhys: Wow, Rhys. You really had to look closely to find that face. Well-done.
Dean Francis from United States
Michael - I like the misted effect in the background and the crispness of the foreground. A cold shot for a great reward, hopefully. Congrats on all the comments, see if you can give AMINUS3 an attaboy in your next submission. - Dean P.S.: with all these comments, you should get the top spot of the day!
10 Jan 2008 8:51pm
@Dean Francis: Thanks, Dean. I never expected so many comments. I believe it has nothing at all to do with my rather mediocre talent as a photographer. I have the time to comment on the work of others and they are kind enough to return the favor. Cheers.
standley from brou-sur-chantereine, France
Nice composition. You've made a beautyful image of such a desolated place. Well done
10 Jan 2008 9:27pm
@standley: Thanks, Standley. Your words are much appreciated.
@Porcsin: You're so kind, Porcsin. Many thanks.
Wolfgang Prigge from Canada
Looks like you had a damp and cold day on that mountain. I really like that shot, but I can understand that the hunters need a "shot" of antifreeze too....
10 Jan 2008 10:14pm
@Wolfgang Prigge: Thanks, Wolfgang. Actually the frost clinging to everything made it so beautiful it was a pleasure to be there.
@Laurent: Many thanks, Laurent. The atmosphere was like being inside a walk-in freezer.
@Ondro: Such a kind compliment, Ondro. Many thanks.
Richard_Irwin from Belper, United Kingdom
Like you, I think I would have given climbing up a miss in conditions like that. Great subject matter, and that fozen landscape is spectacular.
10 Jan 2008 10:44pm
@Richard_Irwin: Thanks, Richard. These platforms really do feel unstable even at the best of times.
@Sik13: Thank you for your kind comment.
@badala: Very kind comment, Badala. Many thanks.
@Nick: Great description. Thanks, Nick.
@Carson: That's a great comment. Thank you.
Sandrine from Cincinnati, United States
great contrast! Looks like it would be freeing in there! not much of a shelter!
11 Jan 2008 3:06pm
@Sandrine: I guess you're right. Hot coffee would be in order. Many thanks, Sandrine.
MGB from Lisboa, Portugal
I agree with you, Michael. They really do great subject for a photo and you did very, very well. Its beautiful!
11 Jan 2008 6:41pm
@MGB: I appreciate your words. Thank You.
Nante Santamaria from Quezon City, Philippines
the patches of brown across the white-covered surface are relieving :)
12 Jan 2008 1:17am
@Nante Santamaria: A good way of putting it. Thanks, Nante.
lucie from san francisco, United States
wow what a compelling shot. the colors are great. I have seen these in Austria but never climbed up in one.
12 Jan 2008 3:17am
@lucie: They're fun to climb into. Thanks for your comment, Lucie.
maziyar from tehran, Iran
its very wonderful subject.cold and privacy very good sense.thanks
12 Jan 2008 1:29pm
@maziyar: Thank you for your nice comment, Maziyar.
@Pouhou: Thanks so much for your comment, Pouhou.
@Paco Penas: Thank you, Paco.
@Josh: Thanks, Josh. i appreciate the comment.
@Jenya: Many thanks, Jenya.
Diane - Daily Walks from SF Bay Area, United States
This is one of those images that immediately draws you in; it weaves stories in your mind even before you realize it. I did not know that there were hunters' huts like this so, before reading what this was, the tale concocted in my head was one of quietness and escape rather than a place to kill animals from. Now knowing what this is, the image becomes even more powerful... the symbology of death and isolation that often reaches each of us in the winter of our lives.
14 Aug 2008 4:02pm
@Diane - Daily Walks: A wonderful comment. Many thanks, Diane.
