Orchha

Photographer's Note

For me, Orchha will always occupy a small but permanent place in my heart. Perhaps it’s because it was one of the most beautiful and also photographically rewarding places I’ve visited (same would hold true for Varanasi), and hence I come back to post a picture from this enchanting place……

The very word "Orchha" means "hidden" and, verily, this small town stands for it. It is a hidden archaeological legacy of medieval India, it is a hidden 'throb' of romance and emotional rupture, it is a hidden face of history, a hidden treasure of spiritual tranquility, a hidden poetry written on stones! Hidden .. because very few tourists traveling to India are troubled to visit such small places as Orchha. Those, having a feeling of being endowed with inner aesthetic sense, have to visit Orchha and experience its melodious lull and transcendence.

Orchha is believed to be founded in the 16th century by a Bundela Rajput chief named Rudra Pratap.

With the solemn row of pale brown weed-choked domes and spires, the riverside Chhattris or cenotaphs are Orchha's most melancholy ruins. These are temples constructed as memorials to illustrious Bundela kings. The banks of the Betwa river are dotted with 14 of these cenotaphs.

Indeed the Chhattris are best viewed from this bridge or from the boulders on the opposite bank, where one can see their remarkable silhouettes against the setting sun & their reflections on the still waters of the Betwa. An image that will surely stay in our memories for a long time.

Act III - Evening
Scene IV - As the drama of sunset unfolded, every moment was different, every minute was different, every day was different...that's the beauty of Orchha.

The scenes as they unfolded…..

Scene I
Scene II
Scene III

jhm, pierrefonds, gervaso, Longroute, josepmarin, subhendu_bagchi, emjleclercq, danos, dip, papagolf21, ciakgiak, siolaw, pajaran, Didi, bukitgolfb301, carper, Fante, yeln, adores, BluSimo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

eversmile (11636) 2010-04-06 5:10

That's a bold composition, Angshu! It is surprising, with this big dark boulder in the middle of the pool, but it works! An inventive POV; no matter how eccentric it looks: that creates a fairy tale athmosphere, like Orchha revisited by Tim Burton!... Congratulations!
Regards
Marine

Bluejeans (64251) 2010-04-06 5:22

Ola Angshuman ,
Que beleza de foto de final de dia , lindos tons dourados na agua , gostei muito dos reflexos dos edifícios na agua , linda composição muito bem trabalhada, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

jhm (211734) 2010-04-06 5:44

Hello Angshu,

Beautiful image like right out of a dream. So quiet place, so fantastic light. I love the quality of the reflections. You did an excellent job here my friend.
High quality picture with wonderful colors, superb for look at.
Very well composition, good of sharpness. TFS.

Best regards,
John.

jasmis (58653) 2010-04-06 7:17

Strange but beautiful. An impressive photo, no doubt.
Regards my dear friend.

pierrefonds (113676) 2010-04-06 7:23

Hi Angshuman,

The mirror on the water is an asset to the composition. The point of view is showing the details an colors of the reflections of the buildings. The rocks are framing well the reflections. The sunset is giving nice colors to the photo. Well done, have a nice day.

Pierre

samratrayc (438) 2010-04-06 8:22

Hi Angshuman,
I know I wont be able 2 pinpoint but there is a definitive dreamlike aura aroud this shot. The fading light, the reflection of the bilding on the still water, the shadow of the rock, the intelligent framing are all parts n parcel of the phenomenon.
The lovely formation of the architecture reminds me of the paintings of a very favourite disney cartoon of my childhood days .. aladin.
TFS
Samrat

Morac (27725) 2010-04-06 9:47

Hello Angshu,
Thank you for discovering Orchha with much beauty and so much passion from you.
Regards
Marc

gervaso (28177) 2010-04-06 18:25

Hello, Angshuman!

Very beautiful dark tones given by the end of the day, with wonderful reflections on the water! Very nice contrast! Beautiful job!

emka (157280) 2010-04-07 0:49

Hi Angshu,

Very original composition. We see here only reflected cenotaphs in the beautiful light of sunset. Maybe a bit dark on the first sight but very attractive photo.

Regards

Malgorzata

Longroute (19600) 2010-04-07 3:32

Fantastic reflections and composition!
so atmospheric and evocative. It really gives the thrills! one can feel the antiquity and mistery of this place, like in a dream... really a medieval atmosphere and a mesmerizing sight.
an excellent work, a surely unforgettable moment.
Best compliments,
Donato

josepmarin (59385) 2010-04-07 11:19

Namaste Angshuman,
What a beautiful photo!!
It is a fantastic image and that attracts our look with a lot of power.
I like the light of the late afternoon, the sheens on the rocks and on the water, and certainly, the magnificent reflections of Orchha's architecture in background.
It is a superb work.
Best regards,
Josep

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2010-04-07 11:28

Dear Angshuman Da,
really Orchha is a photographer's paradice and you have taken the full utility of it. Nice shot with the reflection. Probably it is the key of success of this shot. Very good photographic quality. Colourful evening sky is beautifully mirrored in water. Thanks for sharing this marvellous capture.
Subha Ratri.
Subhendu

Fis2 (169847) 2010-04-07 12:51

Witaj Angchu!
Good idea, very curious effect.
I like the light and colours.
Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

emjleclercq (15778) 2010-04-07 13:33

A very nice reflection of the evening lighted sky in this pool. Well seen, and well shot.

All the best,

Emmanuel

Leconte (5795) 2010-04-07 14:35

hello Angshuman,

a divine and magical place, like something out of a story, a reflection surprising, beautiful composition, original and mysterious,

best regards,
Valerie.

Graal (103040) 2010-04-07 23:31

Hi Angshuman,
another nice image from Your favorite place. Good contrast, amazing reflections. An interesting note and links to Your earlier photos from Orchha.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

danos (110407) 2010-04-08 0:36

Hi Angshu,
excellent the beauty of this place with the reflections to create a dreamily image on the surface of the calm waters of the pond.The subdued light with the magical colour tints of the sky make a memorable picture.Well done.

Regards,Danos

dip (21408) 2010-04-08 0:41

Hi Angshu,
you seen and captured very well the reflections of the buildings and the beautiful sky,on the water,
excellent composed too!
greetings,
Dimitris.

papagolf21 (152605) 2010-04-08 1:03

Bonjour, cher ami Angshu,
Je ne sais plus quoi écrire devant vos photographies, chaque fois c'est une merveille qui est proposée sur le site.
Alors, j'admire et contemple cette composition de grande qualité à tous points de vue.
Amitiés.
Philippe

ciakgiak (30) 2010-04-08 12:53

Hello dear Angshuman,
a particular, original and very suggestive composition, the reflections are great, your image is very exciting... congratulations and TFS.
Warm regards
Giorgio

pablominto (53746) 2010-04-08 22:22

Hello Angshu,

The mood is well recorded, as represented by the lovely evening sky!
And of course photographing the sky wouldn't do, you had to look for this clever reflection hehehe...
Fine details in the veil of clouds, sharp details in the silhouettes!

Greetings,
Pablo -

siolaw (38294) 2010-04-08 22:46

Hi Angshu,
Nice twilight compo with rocks in the sky and reflecting Chhattris... The atmosphere and mood is perfectly conveyed!
Regards
Laurent

pajaran (115025) 2010-04-09 1:44

Pozdrav.
Dobra ideja i realizacija, interesantan prednji plan, dobar reflex i boje, lepa fotografija.
Lepa arhitektura.
Sve najbolje, Paja.

Google.

Hello.
Good idea and realization, interesting foreground, good reflex and colors, beautiful photo.
Beautiful architecture.
All the best, Paja.

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2010-04-09 2:39

Hello Angshuman ,
Again a wonderful building in great reflection. Very nice texture. I like how you framed the picture.
have a nice day,
Achim

Didi (61589) 2010-04-09 9:52

Salam Angshu
Interesting game between lights reflexions and dark rocks.
I think this time you should make a thiner white frame.
Best regards

Waylim (25436) 2010-04-09 13:45

Hi Angshu, the evening, the reflection so still like the sky has fallen on the ground. The subdue tone and rich colors is just really wonderful. and a great POV showing just the reflected image.
My complements.
Way

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2010-04-09 16:14

Hello my dear Prof.Angshman

Tasteful and wonderful shot indeed!
Perfect and tight composition/framework, sharp/clear description in the detail as usual. Specially slight delight color and wise allocation are marlvelous too.
You did a great job again indeed!
Thanks for sharing and have a good Saturday!
Best regards,
Takero

carper (96) 2010-04-10 23:03

it's a very special one Angshu,
a fantastic atmosphere, a wel taken reflection shot in this low light, not easy, but you did do a fantastic job here I like it a lot, have a good day my friend.
regard jaap

Fante (5429) 2010-04-12 5:43

Hi Angshuman,
amazing photo. Real mastepiece. Excelent idea. Great composition with extraordinary reflection. Perfect light management. Bravo
TFS
Regards, Sasko

yeln (11516) 2010-04-15 22:16

hello Angshuman

Google Translate

really good idea. reflections are unique. photo on his head, very good
Good lighting and sharpness
good job!
Congratulations!
Regards
Vojko

adores (46979) 2010-04-16 17:39

Hi Angshuman!
Different from the others! I just love the composition - the reflections just above the rocks and a beautiful sky! You even got lots of details on the temples!
I have everything comfirmed already:)!!!!

marietom (34611) 2010-07-27 1:02

hello Angshu,

J'avais loupé ce magnifique reflet ! C'est une superbe photo, la lumière et le cadrage sont très réussis.
Bonne journée
Marie

BluSimo (9392) 2010-07-29 13:49

Hi Angshu, you have had a great intuition for this composition. I love the glare of the palaces and that one of little stones that encircle the larger stone in the center. Above all the natural effect of the colors is well obtained. compliments
have a nice evening
Simonetta