30 March 2010

Macrocarpas, southern Wairarapa coast [II]

Old light, old lives

Macrocarpas (the common New Zealand name for Monterey cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa) aren't native to Aotearoa. But they're a distinctive part of the human-modified landscape here; I love them and don't share the view of those who consider them "untidy". I guess tidiness isn't one of my predilections.
All content © 2010 Pete McGregor

8 comments:

  1. I love macrocarpas - they do seem as much part of the New Zealand landscape as cabbage trees. This is a beautiful photo. It almost looks like it was taken in very bright moonlight.

    Tidiness isn't one of your predilections? Really? You think so? [Ha ha.]

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  2. Ha ha indeed :^) Thought you might have something to say about that.

    I'm pleased you like the photo, and that's an interesting observation — I hadn't noticed, but it does look like bright moonlight. Without wishing to get too technical, I think it's probably because the light was so warm: i.e. everything had a strong orange cast, and when converted to B&W that translated in a similar way to the overall cold tone of moonlight. Strange — or ironic — that two utterly different colour temperatures (warm/cold) should deliver the same effect. But I love bright moonlight, even when it makes it difficult to sleep. ***howls at the full moon***

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  3. Kia ora Pete,
    They make pretty good firewood as well. I just supervised my boys stacking a large load in the garage ready for the approaching winter.
    Cheers,
    Robb

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  4. It seems to me these beauties are having a rather animated conversation ... like the one on the right with its 'back' to us is telling the others what's what, or something. Okay, I admit, it's early and I haven't had my coffee yet so my brain is .... yeah. Re the 'tidiness' - it's for shoes and stuff, not nature!

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  5. To me it looks like an old "day for night" shot.

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  6. Robb, I like the sound as it sparks (although I seldom get to hear it now). That characteristic made it dodgy in the days of open fires, when a red-hot ember could shoot out across the room. Not a problem in a closed, efficient double-burning stove, though.

    Barbara, well seen — like a lesson in progress. But my predilection for untidiness extends beyond nature ;^)

    Zhoen, true. I've never been keen on those kinds of photos, though — presenting something as if it were something it's not doesn't seem right. Probably opening a huge can of worms there.

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  7. beautiful light and lines. tidy schmidy.

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  8. Cheers Michael. My thoughts exactly (about tidiness).

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Constructive criticism is welcomed (I particularly appreciate thoughts on what you like and don't like), but please keep it courteous.