View allAll Photos Tagged its_dramatic
"Heliconia rostrata 'Parrot's Beak,' also known as Hanging Lobster Claw, is one of the most recognizable and striking tropical plants, renowned for its dramatic, pendulous bracts. The vibrant red and yellow bracts are complemented by green accents, giving it a vivid, parrot-like appearance. This bold and exotic plant is often a focal point in tropical gardens and makes a stunning addition to both landscapes and large containers."
www.gardencentresunshinecoast.com.au/products/heliconia-r...
“The Second Greatest Show on Earth!”
That’s what showman P.T. Barnum proclaimed in 1869 as he stepped down off the train and marveled at the view from Mount Washington’s rocky summit. High praise indeed from the man whose grand circus occupied the primary spot.
Today, more than 150 years later, the Mount Washington Cog Railway continues to thrill passengers from all over the world with its dramatic ascent to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast.
The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world. With an average grade of 25% (some sections approach nearly 38%), it’s also the second steepest! Motive power is primarily provided by a fleet of seven powerful biodiesel locomotives, each custom designed, built and maintained on site. And with a nod to its steam heritage, the railway also continues to operate a pair of coal-fired steam engines in the warmer months, both well over a century old.
Última Esperanza Sound (the ‘Last Hope Sound’ or the 'Inlet of Last Hope') is an inlet stretching from the mouth of Eberhard Fjord to the outskirts of Mount Balmaceda, within the Magallanes Basin.
Juan Ladrillero, the 16th-century Spanish navigator and explorer, named it so in 1557, because he felt it was this direction was his last chance to reach the Strait of Magellan. The inlet ends at a glacier, and not at the strait.
Within just a few decades of exploration of the area by the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, Juan Ladrillero, who from 1557 to 1559 explored the coast of Chile from Valdivia to the Barbara Channel between Clarence Island and Santa Ines Island. He was the first to navigate the Strait of Magellan from its western entrance to its eastern and back again.
navigator
This area is known for its dramatic landscapes, fjords, and proximity to Torres del Paine National Park.
The water is a fjord, which is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier.
In the background are the Andes Mountains, a vast mountain range extending along the western coast of South America.
Taken in Patagonia. Chile.
This is one of my own favorite; I think I am so lucky to find such a view and surroundings specially the twin tree standing so bluntly striking a shadow on the river. I had two shots of this scene, the one which I accidentally deleted in my camera was perfectly framed and it had more detailed shadows and texture. 2nd one is this one, which I had to heavily edit in photoshop to put everything in right order. In this process the boat got longer and few ghosting effect of the foliage can be seen if you make it large.
I have experimented with light and shadow here. Below or over this point the picture loses its dramatic appeal.
This picture depicts a mood of the constant struggle of life through it’s various paths in darkness, light and obstacles.
Feel free to tell me your feelings.
Lens: EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Location: Marishya, Khagrachori, Chittagong, Bangladesh
All contents herein are copyrighted © by Shabbir Ferdous Photography
Except where otherwise noted. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
The Oriental Garden in the Park & Tilford Gardens is best known for its dramatic Moon Gate, distinctive arched bridge, and brilliant blue terracotta tiles.
Of all the rainbow colors the Wheeling’s east end has to offer, these white ex-CITX units are certainly my least favorites. They blow out your photos in daylight, and dull your colors in winter shots much like here. If I could put any engine up for immediate repaint it would be the two sporting this lousy scheme.
Despite that, I feel like this is a good enough shot that it’s post worthy. 218 making its dramatic exit from State Line Tunnel as they head east with a max tonnage train.
Not long after I took this photo, the 6992 would be involved in a low speed head-on collision while working the SWP interchange at Everson. The 6992 sustained enough front frame damage that it received a nose rebuild at Brewster shops, in the process the striped nose now turned blank primer, making this unit truly an eye sore.
Smailholm Tower is a peel tower at Smailholm, around five miles west of Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Its dramatic situation, atop a crag of Lady Hill, commands wide views over the surrounding countryside.
This photo was taken in Banff National Park near the Plain of Six Glaciers, close to the Lake Louise area.
The image shows a rocky stream running through a subalpine forest of Engelmann spruce and fir, with sunlight highlighting the jagged peaks of the Victoria Glacier.
Key features include Mount Victoria, known for its glacier that gives Lake Louise its turquoise colour; Mount Lefroy, notable for its steep shape and historical significance; Abbot Pass, a saddle between Victoria and Lefroy, home to the Abbot Pass Refuge Cabin; and Mount Aberdeen, contributing to the area's hanging glaciers.
The region is famous for its dramatic landscape and mountaineering history.
Sailing towards Trollfjorden 20250617
Raftsundet is a narrow sea channel in northern Norway, located between the islands of Austvågsøya in the Lofoten archipelago and Hinnøya in the Vesterålen islands. It stretches for about 25 kilometers and connects the Vestfjorden in the south to the Hadselfjorden in the north.
The channel is renowned for its dramatic scenery: steep mountains rise directly from the water, creating a striking backdrop for passing boats. Along its course, several small side fjords branch off - the most famous of which is Trollfjorden, a tiny yet spectacular fjord with sheer cliffs and a width so narrow that ships seem barely able to enter.
Raftsundet is also known for its rich wildlife, including sea eagles and seabirds, and is a popular route for cruise ships, Hurtigruten coastal express vessels, and kayaking adventures.
The Enys Dodnan Arch is a natural rock formation located in Cornwall, England, specifically on the coastline near the popular tourist destination of Land's End. It's one of the many stunning geological features that adorn the rugged coastline of Cornwall, known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque landscapes.
Behind Enys is the Armed Knight that gets its name from its distinctive shape, which resembles a knight in armour holding a sword. This natural rock formation has been sculpted over millions of years by the erosive forces of wind and sea, creating a unique and striking landmark along the coastline.
In the distance you can see the Longships Lighthouse. Built in 1875, it stands as a sentinel against treacherous waters, guiding ships safely through the Western Approaches. Its distinctive white tower rises from a rocky islet, offering a beacon of hope amidst turbulent seas.
Passionate about wildlife photography? Find out more about our small-group photography tours at wildlightphotographytours.com
This was the bird that started it all. I heard the yellow-crowned gonolek call and I was immedeatly fascinated with this bird, wondering what bird that was I eventually discovered after chasing it around the neighbourhood then decided it looked so beautiful I needed the equipment to take a decent photo. That was how I got into wildlife photography!
The yellow-crowned gonolek (Laniarius barbarus) is a striking West African bushshrike known for its bold, contrasting colors and secretive behavior. Easily recognized by its vivid yellow crown, black upperparts, and bright red underparts, this species often remains hidden within dense vegetation despite its brilliant plumage. Rather than long flights, it moves quietly through thickets and forest edges, searching for insects and small prey. More often heard than seen, the yellow-crowned gonolek is famous for its rich, duetting calls between pairs, adding a musical presence to the African woodland soundscape. Its dramatic coloration and elusive nature make it a rewarding subject for wildlife photographers.
Calls:
Built in the 1930s as part of a beautification project, it was designed by António Enes Baganha. The structure features a balustrade and provides a picturesque setting overlooking Praia do Molhe. It has become a beloved landmark, frequently featured in photos and postcards, attracting both tourists and locals year-round. During summer, it’s a popular stop for seaside walks, while in winter, its dramatic backdrop of Atlantic storms adds to its charm.
DESCRIPTION OF HISTORIC PLACE
Union Point United Church, a small wooden country church built in 1940, is set on open space between the north- and southbound lanes of Highway 75, about six kilometres south of Ste. Agathe. The municipal designation applies to the church, an adjacent cemetery and the grounds they occupy.
HERITAGE VALUE
Union Point United Church and its cemetery are significant as the last built features that remain on the original site of the former Union Point settlement. The cemetery's earliest burial, from 1879, recalls the agricultural community's pioneer origins. The landmark building, an enduringly simple Gothic Revival-style structure that succeeded an 1887 Presbyterian facility, likewise serves as a prominent and poignant memorial to Union Point because of its dramatic location between the lanes of one of the busiest divided highways in southern Manitoba.
"Miami Tower is a 47-story office skyscraper, renowned for its dramatic exterior glass tiers and elaborate color-changing light installations that make it one of the most photographed buildings in the Miami skyline.
The prestigious office tower is in the heart of downtown Miami and home to many of Miami's established and most influential firms. Miami Tower was designed by I.M. Pei, who is often called a Master of Modern Architecture, and is known for cutting edge designs such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris."
Throwback Thursday
Pastel View
North Window
Arches National Park
Moab, Utah
Arches National Park is a stunningly beautiful and unique natural wonder located in eastern Utah. It is home to over 2,000 naturally formed sandstone arches, as well as a variety of other geological formations such as spires, fins, and balanced rocks. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes and stunning views, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the red rock formations are bathed in warm, golden light. With its otherworldly landscapes and unique geological features, Arches National Park is truly a must-see destination!
I love taking pictures of Bleeding Heart with its dramatic arcs of heart-shaped pink (or white) flowers.
The Wuyi Mountains or Wuyishan[1] (Chinese: 武夷山; pinyin: Wǔyí Shān; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Bú-î-soaⁿ; formerly known as Bohea Hills in early Western documents) are a mountain range located in the prefecture of Nanping, in northern Fujian province near the border with Jiangxi province, China. The highest peak in the area is Mount Huanggang at 2,158 metres (7,080 ft) on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi, making it the highest point of both provinces; the lowest altitudes are around 200 metres (660 ft). Many oolong and black teas are produced in the Wuyi Mountains, including Da Hong Pao ('big red robe') and lapsang souchong, and are sold as Wuyi tea. The mountain range is known worldwide for its status as a refugium for several rare and endemic plant species, its dramatic river valleys, and the abundance of important temples and archeological sites in the region, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2] —- WikiPedia
Not a sunny day in the Eastern Sierras today!
Mono Lake is a shallow salt water lake located in the high desert on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in California in the United States. The lake has no outlet to the ocean causing high levels of salts to accumulate in the waters. As a consequence of its high salinity, no fish live in Mono Lake, but there are plenty of brine shrimp that thrive in its waters. Over two million annual migratory birds use Mono Lake as a stop over and resting place as they fly to South America or the tropical oceans. They feed on the shrimps, lay eggs and hatch their young ones here.
The most unusual feature of Mono Lake are its dramatic tufa towers emerging from the surface. These rock towers form when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with the waters of the lake, which are rich in carbonates. The resulting reaction forms limestone. Over time the buildup of limestone formed towers, and when the water level of the lake dropped the towers became exposed.
The view through this sea arch leads to an isolated beach, nestled below the cliffs towering above. I took well over a hundred photos while sailing up the Nā Pali Coast. It’s the perfect landscape photographer’s playground with its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches.
Peaking at 463 meters (1519 feet), Kirkjufell or 'Church Mountain' is a striking landmark on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and is often called ‘the most photographed mountain in Iceland’ due to its dramatic formation and perfect coastal location.
It was late afternoon on a cloudy day by the time we reached this spot and the light was fading quickly so it was a race against time to catch a few decent photos. That said, I'm pretty happy with what I got :-)
2-door or 4? Take your pick.
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is one of the most recognizable and highly prized classic cars in American automotive history. As the pinnacle of the mid-century "Tri-Five" generation, it is celebrated for its dramatic tailfins, chrome accents, and jet-age styling
Offered with multiple V-8 options, most notably the legendary 283 cu in (4.6L) V-8. High-performance models featured dual four-barrel carburetors or cutting-edge mechanical Rochester Fuel Injection.
The design features bullet sights on the hood, gold anodized grille inserts, and aluminum side trim specific to the Bel Air trim level. Available in multiple configurations including 2-door and 4-door hardtops, convertibles, and the highly coveted 2-door Nomad station wagon.
The base Price: Ranged from roughly \(\$2,400\) to \(\$2,700\) when new, depending on the body style.
Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of the U.S. state of California, between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery. Big Sur has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States", a sublime "national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development", and "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation". The views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreational opportunities have made Big Sur a popular destination for visitors from across the world. With 4.5 to 7 million visitors annually, it is among the top tourist destinations in the United States, comparable to Yosemite National Park, but with considerably fewer services, and less parking, roads, and related infrastructure.
Big Sur Village is a collection of small roadside businesses and homes. The larger region known as Big Sur does not have specific boundaries but is generally considered to include the 71-mile (114 km) segment of California State Route 1 between Malpaso Creek near Carmel Highlands in the north and San Carpóforo Creek near San Simeon in the south, as well as the entire Santa Lucia range between these creeks. The interior region is mostly uninhabited, while the coast remains relatively isolated and sparsely populated, with between 1,800 and 2,000 year-round residents and relatively few visitor accommodations scattered among four small settlements. The region remained one of the most inaccessible areas of California and the entire United States until, after 18 years of construction, the Carmel–San Simeon Highway (now signed as part of State Route 1) was completed in 1937. Along with the ocean views, this winding, narrow road, often cut into the face of towering seaside cliffs, dominates the visitor's experience of Big Sur. The highway has been closed more than 55 times by landslides, and in May 2017, a 2,000,000-cubic-foot slide blocked the highway at Mud Creek, north of Salmon Creek near the San Luis Obispo County line, to just south of Gorda. The road was reopened on July 18, 2018.
The region is protected by the Big Sur Local Coastal Plan, which preserves it as "open space, a small residential community, and agricultural ranching." Approved in 1986, the plan is one of the most restrictive local-use programs in the state, and is widely regarded as one of the most restrictive documents of its kind anywhere. The program protects viewsheds from the highway and many vantage points, and severely restricts the density of development. About 60% of the coastal region is owned by governmental or private agencies which do not allow any development. The majority of the interior region is part of the Los Padres National Forest, Ventana Wilderness, Silver Peak Wilderness or Fort Hunter Liggett.
Nose's Point is a coastal headland located on the Durham Heritage Coast in North East England.
It is known for its dramatic magnesian limestone cliffs and distinctive landscape.
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This striking photograph showcases the Double Delight Rose, renowned for its unique bi-colored petals that blend creamy white with vibrant crimson edges. The rose's lush petals unfurl in a delicate dance of color and texture, exuding a natural elegance against the vivid green backdrop. Each petal appears to be carefully painted with a watercolor brush, a testament to nature's artistry. The Double Delight Rose is not just a feast for the eyes; it is also famous for its intoxicating fragrance, a sweet and spicy aroma that enchants the senses. As a hybrid tea rose, it stands proudly on its stem, commanding attention and admiration. This image captures the essence of what makes the Double Delight a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike – its dramatic contrast, exceptional beauty, and the promise of a sensory experience that goes beyond the visual.
Commemorazione dei Defunti
Tomba Ribaudo – Onorato Toso (1852–ca.1920)
Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno, Genova.
La Tomba Ribaudo, nel Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno a Genova, è una delle opere più emozionanti dell’arte funeraria italiana.
Realizzata dallo scultore genovese Onorato Toso verso il 1885, raffigura un angelo femminile abbandonato sul sepolcro, con le ali spiegate, il volto nascosto tra le mani e un gesto di profonda disperazione.
L’intensità drammatica e la perfezione anatomica ne fanno un capolavoro del realismo simbolico ottocentesco.
L’opera è spesso confusa con l’“Angelo del Dolore” di Giulio Monteverde (Roma, 1894), ma è anteriore e ne costituì un evidente modello ispiratore.
Onorato Toso (1852 – ca. 1920) – scultore genovese attivo tra la fine dell’Ottocento e i primi del Novecento.
Allievo di Giovanni Scanzi, partecipò a varie esposizioni nazionali e realizzò numerosi monumenti per il Cimitero di Staglieno.
Le sue opere si distinguono per il forte pathos emotivo, la raffinata resa dei dettagli e la capacità di fondere dramma e poesia in forme plastiche di grande eleganza.
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The Ribaudo Tomb, in the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno (Genoa, Italy), is one of the most powerful masterpieces of Italian funerary art.
Created by Genoese sculptor Onorato Toso around 1885, it depicts a female angel collapsed over the tomb, wings spread, face hidden in her hands in a gesture of deep grief.
Its dramatic realism and emotional power make it a quintessential example of symbolic realism in 19th-century sculpture.
Often mistaken for Giulio Monteverde’s later Angel of Grief (Rome, 1894), Toso’s angel actually predates and inspired Monteverde’s composition.
Onorato Toso (1852–c.1920) was a Genoese sculptor, pupil of Giovanni Scanzi, active between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
His works at Staglieno combine emotional realism and delicate craftsmanship, achieving a rare balance of drama and grace.
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8618 2009 rev 2025
A site looking over the valley of Kilmartin Glen in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland and opposite another site of rock art above Cairnbaan (aside the Crinan Canal - a shortcut at the top of Kintyre built from around 1794). Petroglyphs are everywhere around the Glen which is also known for its linear cemetry of large cairns and its dramatic compositions of stone rows - some decorated with cups. Cairns, crannogs and standing stones watch over.
The Archnabreac site was discovered in 2008 and is thought to be from around 5,000 ybp. This is just a portion, and the photo is from an angle that maybe best shows how the surface rock undulated down to the Glen. For the photograph, modern houses and fences were removed to simplify the reading (there were very few, and the whole valley area seems to be well managed). The image itself is a montage, with a layer set to expose structure and a second remembering colour - so, in effect a black and white tint. There is almost a sense of rain water ripples in the monolithic surface. Natural cracks are integrated into some of the designs.
For its sheer scale, this is probably one of the most important sites of cups and rings in the whole of the British Isles. With the variety of forms in adjacent sites, it is another factor that gives Kilmartin Glen a place of special importance to persons with an interest in prehistory, archaic land art, spiritual places and stone.
The site is managed by Forestry Commission Scotland so is under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
AJ
The rugged coastline of Cala Encendida (Roche) comes alive as the sun makes its dramatic descent. Golden light bathes the ancient rock formations, while the Atlantic waves crash with captivating energy, painting the wet sand with a shimmering glow. This long-exposure captures the dynamic interplay of water, earth, and sky in a truly unforgettable Andalusian evening.
The Great Torii on Itsukushima (Miyajima) Island near Hiroshima. Part of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Wikipedia: Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
Through life's every twist and turn
Along its path, we travel and learn
Under its trees filled with fate
Across the depths of its dramatic
lake
Up its mountains towards the sky
Where smiles and love, they do fly
Across its fields covered in dreams
Basking in the hope that streams
Down upon every twist and turn
Along life's path, where wild passions they burn
Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is most famous for its dramatic cliff-top ruins overlooking the North Sea and its strong-held belief that it inspired Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece Dracula
Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast has a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm summers and mild winters. It is located on the relatively steep southern shore of the Sorrentine Peninsula, leaving little room for rural and agricultural development. The only land route to the Amalfi Coast is the 40 kilometres (25 mi) long Amalfi Drive (Strada Statale 163) which runs along the coastline from the town of Vieira sul Mare in the east to Positano in the west. Thirteen municipalities are located on the Amalfi Coast, many of them centred on tourism. The coast dazzles with its dramatic grottos, craggy cliffs, and shimmering bays.
Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch along the coast of southern Italy from Sorrento to Salerno. It's considered one of the most scenic coastlines in Italy and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. My first visit to Italy was inspired by photographs of the Amalfi Coast.
© Knud Hald
The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign.
The east end of the 13th-century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments.
More photos of Lanercost Priory here: www.flickr.com/photos/davidambridge/albums/72157624989399623
To design the Shrine of Memory, Architects Samuel J. Collins of Staunton and his nephew, Richard E. Collins, combined mid-century modernity with the timeless style of a Greek temple. The open pavilion fully embraces its dramatic site on more than four acres overlooking the James River and downtown Richmond – a view that’s seen through huge sheets of glass engraved with the names of the fallen.
With their names forever set against the backdrop of their capital city, they’re watched over by sculptor Leo F. Friedlander’s “Memory,” a 22-foot-tall statue of a woman in grief. An eternal flame flickers at her feet.
I photographed "The Count," Double-Crested Cormorant at La Jolla Cove, California, USA. Black velvet wings was its dramatic cape, bright orange gular with hooked bill and those striking teal eyes cast a spell on me!
Nannopterum auritum
All photographs are taken by me.
ALL my Fine Art Photographs are COPYRIGHTED.
This striking photograph features the famous Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse standing on a massive sand dune. Located in Northern Jutland, Denmark, the lighthouse is an iconic landmark known for its dramatic history of being nearly swallowed by shifting sands and coastal erosion.
The Wuyi Mountains or Wuyishan[1] (Chinese: 武夷山; pinyin: Wǔyí Shān; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Bú-î-soaⁿ; formerly known as Bohea Hills in early Western documents) are a mountain range located in the prefecture of Nanping, in northern Fujian province near the border with Jiangxi province, China. The highest peak in the area is Mount Huanggang at 2,158 metres (7,080 ft) on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi, making it the highest point of both provinces; the lowest altitudes are around 200 metres (660 ft). Many oolong and black teas are produced in the Wuyi Mountains, including Da Hong Pao ('big red robe') and lapsang souchong, and are sold as Wuyi tea. The mountain range is known worldwide for its status as a refugium for several rare and endemic plant species, its dramatic river valleys, and the abundance of important temples and archeological sites in the region, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2] —- WikiPedia
Tourists wading in Hiroshima Bay to get close to Miyajima's Great Torii.
The Great Torii on Itsukushima (Miyajima) Island near Hiroshima. Part of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Wikipedia: Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign.
The east end of the 13th-century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments.
More photos of Lanercost Priory here: www.flickr.com/photos/davidambridge/albums/72157624989399623
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We had a beautiful sunset in my hometown Schuders, a small village with just 30 people. The village is located higher up in the mountains of Graubünden, a canton in eastern Switzerland. From Wikipedia: Graubünden is known for its dramatic Alpine scenery and winter sports. St. Moritz, an upscale resort town and Winter Olympics host in 1928 and 1948, offers ski runs, an outdoor ice rink and ski jumping. Davos, home to the annual World Economic Forum, is also popular for skiing and hiking. The Engadin Valley has traditional whitewashed houses decorated with sgraffito plasterwork.
I processed a balanced and two paintery HDR photos from three RAW exposures, merged them selectively, and carefully adjusted the curves.
-- © Peter Thoeny, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, HDR, 3 RAW exposures, NEX-6, _DSC0729_0_1_hdr3bal1pai1pai5e
Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of the U.S. state of California, between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery. Big Sur has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States", a sublime "national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development", and "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation". The views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreational opportunities have made Big Sur a popular destination for visitors from across the world. With 4.5 to 7 million visitors annually, it is among the top tourist destinations in the United States, comparable to Yosemite National Park, but with considerably fewer services, and less parking, roads, and related infrastructure.
Big Sur Village is a collection of small roadside businesses and homes. The larger region known as Big Sur does not have specific boundaries but is generally considered to include the 71-mile (114 km) segment of California State Route 1 between Malpaso Creek near Carmel Highlands in the north and San Carpóforo Creek near San Simeon in the south, as well as the entire Santa Lucia range between these creeks. The interior region is mostly uninhabited, while the coast remains relatively isolated and sparsely populated, with between 1,800 and 2,000 year-round residents and relatively few visitor accommodations scattered among four small settlements. The region remained one of the most inaccessible areas of California and the entire United States until, after 18 years of construction, the Carmel–San Simeon Highway (now signed as part of State Route 1) was completed in 1937. Along with the ocean views, this winding, narrow road, often cut into the face of towering seaside cliffs, dominates the visitor's experience of Big Sur. The highway has been closed more than 55 times by landslides, and in May 2017, a 2,000,000-cubic-foot slide blocked the highway at Mud Creek, north of Salmon Creek near the San Luis Obispo County line, to just south of Gorda. The road was reopened on July 18, 2018.
The region is protected by the Big Sur Local Coastal Plan, which preserves it as "open space, a small residential community, and agricultural ranching." Approved in 1986, the plan is one of the most restrictive local-use programs in the state, and is widely regarded as one of the most restrictive documents of its kind anywhere. The program protects viewsheds from the highway and many vantage points, and severely restricts the density of development. About 60% of the coastal region is owned by governmental or private agencies which do not allow any development. The majority of the interior region is part of the Los Padres National Forest, Ventana Wilderness, Silver Peak Wilderness or Fort Hunter Liggett.
The layers of sedimentary deposits are very evident in this image. Water flows have eroded the banks of a small stream over millions of yeas.
Badlands National Park is in South Dakota. Its dramatic landscapes span layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs inhabit its sprawling grasslands.
Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of the U.S. state of California, between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery. Big Sur has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States", a sublime "national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development", and "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation". The views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreational opportunities have made Big Sur a popular destination for visitors from across the world. With 4.5 to 7 million visitors annually, it is among the top tourist destinations in the United States, comparable to Yosemite National Park, but with considerably fewer services, and less parking, roads, and related infrastructure.
Big Sur Village is a collection of small roadside businesses and homes. The larger region known as Big Sur does not have specific boundaries but is generally considered to include the 71-mile segment of California State Route 1 between Malpaso Creek near Carmel Highlands in the north and San Carpóforo Creek near San Simeon in the south, as well as the entire Santa Lucia range between these creeks. The interior region is mostly uninhabited, while the coast remains relatively isolated and sparsely populated, with between 1,800 and 2,000 year-round residents and relatively few visitor accommodations scattered among four small settlements. The region remained one of the most inaccessible areas of California and the entire United States until, after 18 years of construction, the Carmel–San Simeon Highway (now signed as part of State Route 1) was completed in 1937. Along with the ocean views, this winding, narrow road, often cut into the face of towering seaside cliffs, dominates the visitor's experience of Big Sur. The highway has been closed more than 55 times by landslides, and in May 2017, a 2,000,000-cubic-foot slide blocked the highway at Mud Creek, north of Salmon Creek near the San Luis Obispo County line, to just south of Gorda. The road was reopened on July 18, 2018.
The region is protected by the Big Sur Local Coastal Plan, which preserves it as "open space, a small residential community, and agricultural ranching." Approved in 1986, the plan is one of the most restrictive local-use programs in the state, and is widely regarded as one of the most restrictive documents of its kind anywhere. The program protects viewsheds from the highway and many vantage points, and severely restricts the density of development. About 60% of the coastal region is owned by governmental or private agencies which do not allow any development. The majority of the interior region is part of the Los Padres National Forest, Ventana Wilderness, Silver Peak Wilderness or Fort Hunter Liggett.
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima_Shrine:
Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
Great Blue Heron in mating plumage
A full display of its dramatic, ornamental plumage with the goal of attracting a mate.
Excerpt from the Information Board:
Upright Motive No. 5 is part of a series of vertical bronze sculptures Moore created between 1955 and 1956. Taller than the average human, this work is meant to be viewed in the round. The back is relatively flat, with four stubs protruding from its lower section, while a rounded shape similar to a bowling pin is modelled in slight relief near the top. The front looks and feels very different, however, with its dramatic swells and recesses. For Moore, a sculpture is a three-dimensional object whose forms should engage the viewer physically as well as visually. Moore called this overall bodily experience "scale".
Castle Hill in the Canterbury region is renowned for its dramatic limestone boulders, which resemble the ruins of an ancient stone castle. It's a popular destination for rock climbing, bouldering, and sightseeing. The area also holds cultural significance for the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.