About Me
- Patrick H.
- Patrick Hofbauer is a student at the Overseas School of Colombo. He likes photography and sports. He is from Austria and is a proud member of the Class of 2015.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
About the Blog
The purpose of this blog is to share and educate people on how beautiful & well maintained environments can inspire, motivate and educate people to preserve natural environments & habitats. As the creator of this blog, I aim to achieve this goal through photography and sharing. I like to give
my photos a certain feeling or concept a viewer can pick up on, so that they look at these as not only an art, but also something thought and action provoking. What I also personally believe is important concerns the spectators themselves; he or she mustn't get consumed by thoughts of analysis but must also be able to comprehend what is self-understood and visible. The work done for this blog is also part of a 'Personal Project' which seeks to find out how & why photography can be used to help save the environments we live in. Comments and responses to this blog are welcomed and indeed are also helpful for me as an author. Finally, I encourage anyone who views this blog to explore and think as much as possible, so that they may come to reflect and act on how they can do their part to achieve their own beautiful, natural and well maintained local environments; may this be by recycling, sustainable solutions or any other way. Thank you for taking the time to view my work.
Alpine Nostalgia
Location: Patscherkofel Berg, Tirol, Austria
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This photo depicts a wooden spring with fresh mountain water cascading from its spout. The image is very nostalgic of the beauty of the alps and this feeling is especially noticeable in the hues present throughout. I was lucky to get the perfect angle and weather for this photograph which gave it both a magnificent background and a natural vignette from sunlight at the edges. This makes the photo look like it was taken with a filter, but the colors seen are all natural. In fact, I find the purity of the scene, including the natural wood spring, to be very complementary to my work. The white hue of the horizon to the deep blue of the sky and the greenish-yellow of the grass is mesmerizing and truly shows how beautiful nature can be when it is undisturbed.
Via Flickr:
Patscherkofel Berg, Tirol, Austria
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This photo depicts a wooden spring with fresh mountain water cascading from its spout. The image is very nostalgic of the beauty of the alps and this feeling is especially noticeable in the hues present throughout. I was lucky to get the perfect angle and weather for this photograph which gave it both a magnificent background and a natural vignette from sunlight at the edges. This makes the photo look like it was taken with a filter, but the colors seen are all natural. In fact, I find the purity of the scene, including the natural wood spring, to be very complementary to my work. The white hue of the horizon to the deep blue of the sky and the greenish-yellow of the grass is mesmerizing and truly shows how beautiful nature can be when it is undisturbed.
Via Flickr:
Patscherkofel Berg, Tirol, Austria
Natural Enlightenment
Location: Obernberger See, Tirol, Austria
Date: 5th, August, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This photo is of a bridge crossing the 'Obernberger' Sea and a church seen in the midst of a forest. When present in the scene depicted, one feels enlightenment through the natural beauty of the mountains and their reflections in a clear blue sea. The concept is almost a juxtaposition to the enlightenment offered by the church. I was lucky to have perfect weather and timing to shoot this photography which has the right amount of lighting and composition. I especially like the fact that this scene is so easy to get to for humans, as shown by the travelers on the bridge. It truly reflects that any place on Earth can be stunning and also still accessible to humans.
Date: 5th, August, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This photo is of a bridge crossing the 'Obernberger' Sea and a church seen in the midst of a forest. When present in the scene depicted, one feels enlightenment through the natural beauty of the mountains and their reflections in a clear blue sea. The concept is almost a juxtaposition to the enlightenment offered by the church. I was lucky to have perfect weather and timing to shoot this photography which has the right amount of lighting and composition. I especially like the fact that this scene is so easy to get to for humans, as shown by the travelers on the bridge. It truly reflects that any place on Earth can be stunning and also still accessible to humans.
The Dolomites
Location: Dolomites, Belluno, South Tirol, Italy
Date: 10th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This photo was taken in the North-Eastern Italian part of the Dolomite Mountain Range on a extremely beautiful day. What I focused on was retaining the bold image of the mountains whilst maintaining the tranquil and azure sky as a contrasting part of the landscape. I like the way these two elements work well with one another in the composition, and the subject matter is very relevant to my work. In fact, in 2009 the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this means they are specially protected for their culture and physical significance. This is a great way to start saving some of the Earth's most precious landscapes, and I find photography to be a great way to share these places without destroying them.
Date: 10th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This photo was taken in the North-Eastern Italian part of the Dolomite Mountain Range on a extremely beautiful day. What I focused on was retaining the bold image of the mountains whilst maintaining the tranquil and azure sky as a contrasting part of the landscape. I like the way these two elements work well with one another in the composition, and the subject matter is very relevant to my work. In fact, in 2009 the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this means they are specially protected for their culture and physical significance. This is a great way to start saving some of the Earth's most precious landscapes, and I find photography to be a great way to share these places without destroying them.
Avalanche Fence Fading Into the Fog
Location: Schlick, Tirol, Austria
Date: 7th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This photo was taken on an unusually foggy summer day. Seeing this as a great opportunity to take some intriguing landscape photographs high up in the alps, I decided to head up the Schlick 2000 and found this scene to be perfect for my work. The lighting was dim, but still had an appealing glow to it, and the avalanche fence, meant to protect the tree line, nature and people from avalanches in the winter, was an ideal and eye-catching, winding-line that grew fainter in the distance. I took the photograph with a wider angle to capture not only the fence, but also the lush green and yellowish slope, which were appealing colors that complemented the brownish-gray of the fog.
Date: 7th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This photo was taken on an unusually foggy summer day. Seeing this as a great opportunity to take some intriguing landscape photographs high up in the alps, I decided to head up the Schlick 2000 and found this scene to be perfect for my work. The lighting was dim, but still had an appealing glow to it, and the avalanche fence, meant to protect the tree line, nature and people from avalanches in the winter, was an ideal and eye-catching, winding-line that grew fainter in the distance. I took the photograph with a wider angle to capture not only the fence, but also the lush green and yellowish slope, which were appealing colors that complemented the brownish-gray of the fog.
Edelweiss
Location: Dolomites, Belluno, South Tirol, Italy
Date: 10th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This image is probably recognizable for anyone who has seen the "Sound of Music" musical. It is of three Edelweiss, the flowers mentioned in a song from the musical. These flowers are very rare and can only be found in high altitudes. So, I was very lucky to find three of them like this next to some other flowers which provide appeal to the image. The Edelweiss flower is the symbol of purity and rugged beauty commonly associated with the Alps and Alpinism. It is also a national symbol of Austria, making it a perfect motif for my work. The flower is under protection as it is only short-lived and usually found in remote mountain areas. What I find fascinating about the flower is that when you feel it, its dense hair for protection from its harsh environment is as soft as a pillow.
Date: 10th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This image is probably recognizable for anyone who has seen the "Sound of Music" musical. It is of three Edelweiss, the flowers mentioned in a song from the musical. These flowers are very rare and can only be found in high altitudes. So, I was very lucky to find three of them like this next to some other flowers which provide appeal to the image. The Edelweiss flower is the symbol of purity and rugged beauty commonly associated with the Alps and Alpinism. It is also a national symbol of Austria, making it a perfect motif for my work. The flower is under protection as it is only short-lived and usually found in remote mountain areas. What I find fascinating about the flower is that when you feel it, its dense hair for protection from its harsh environment is as soft as a pillow.
Der Zirbenweg (The Way of the Swiss Pine)
Location: Patscherkofel Berg, Tirol, Austria
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: I find this image to be very iconic of the typical Austrian alpine hike. I took this photo atop the Patscherkofel mountain which is about 2,200 meters high and is also part of the Austrian Central Alps. The image shows what it is like to be hiking around a well-preserved mountain; taking in scenic views of opposing alpine ranges and pine trees scattered around the winding path. Red-white-red marker paint atop a rock adjacent to the path symbolizes both the way to go and the Austrian flag. The good weather along with the tranquil feeling one gets when observing this scene is a touching part of any hike in the alps. In fact, what I personally intended this photograph to do is give someone a first person account of what hiking in the alps is all about.
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: I find this image to be very iconic of the typical Austrian alpine hike. I took this photo atop the Patscherkofel mountain which is about 2,200 meters high and is also part of the Austrian Central Alps. The image shows what it is like to be hiking around a well-preserved mountain; taking in scenic views of opposing alpine ranges and pine trees scattered around the winding path. Red-white-red marker paint atop a rock adjacent to the path symbolizes both the way to go and the Austrian flag. The good weather along with the tranquil feeling one gets when observing this scene is a touching part of any hike in the alps. In fact, what I personally intended this photograph to do is give someone a first person account of what hiking in the alps is all about.
Wooden Boats Awaiting a Mountain Sea
Location: Obernberger See, Tirol, Austria
Date: 5th, August, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This image depicts the large alpine sea called 'Obernberger' (roughly translates to: "above the mountain"). What I did artistically with this photo is provide interesting foreground that is the texture and detail of the resting wooden boats to bring the viewer into the depths of the image. Once the eye is in the image, it can explore the greenish-blue sea, forest and mountains in the distance. Even though it is clear that humans interact with nature here, the environment is still kept in its beauty and no litter is present. This demonstrates a good model of how nature should be treated, especially with human presence.
Date: 5th, August, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This image depicts the large alpine sea called 'Obernberger' (roughly translates to: "above the mountain"). What I did artistically with this photo is provide interesting foreground that is the texture and detail of the resting wooden boats to bring the viewer into the depths of the image. Once the eye is in the image, it can explore the greenish-blue sea, forest and mountains in the distance. Even though it is clear that humans interact with nature here, the environment is still kept in its beauty and no litter is present. This demonstrates a good model of how nature should be treated, especially with human presence.
Trio von Kühe (Trio of Cows)
Location: Schlick, Tirol, Austria
Date: 7th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This image was taken in the Schlick, a famous part of Tirol for skiing. What I did with this photo is that I gave it a bit of a different perspective, to show what positive consequences there can be to a well-preserved environment. For one, cows can graze in multitudes along the green slopes of a mountain, which is their natural habitat, not a closed factory space. To give this concept a feeling in the photo, I took a direct angle with the cows, so that they are making eye contact with the viewer. The photo also has a warm and welcome feel to it and I made sure to get the cows in position so I could get a "Three Musketeers" idea which shows how friendly a well-kept natural environment can be to its inhabitants and the human eye.
Date: 7th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This image was taken in the Schlick, a famous part of Tirol for skiing. What I did with this photo is that I gave it a bit of a different perspective, to show what positive consequences there can be to a well-preserved environment. For one, cows can graze in multitudes along the green slopes of a mountain, which is their natural habitat, not a closed factory space. To give this concept a feeling in the photo, I took a direct angle with the cows, so that they are making eye contact with the viewer. The photo also has a warm and welcome feel to it and I made sure to get the cows in position so I could get a "Three Musketeers" idea which shows how friendly a well-kept natural environment can be to its inhabitants and the human eye.
Panoramic View of the Alpine Range
Location: Patscherkofel Berg, Tirol, Austria
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This photo is similar to my 'Alpine Nostalgia' picture. However, I feel it shows something entirely different. The hues and colors are transcending in that they bring the feel of the scene to someone who hasn't been to that place. This feel is of astonishment, as one can truly grasp how enormous the alpine range is. In fact, even with a wide-angle lens I wasn't able to document the entire range, which stretches as far as the eye can see. The city of Innsbruck (Tirol's capital) is dwarfed by the mountains towering above it and I took the photograph so that the fence invites the viewer into the scene. The significance of the image is to show that nature is all around us and is so impressive that it requires us to respect and to take care of it.
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/SIGMA 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC / HSM
Description: This photo is similar to my 'Alpine Nostalgia' picture. However, I feel it shows something entirely different. The hues and colors are transcending in that they bring the feel of the scene to someone who hasn't been to that place. This feel is of astonishment, as one can truly grasp how enormous the alpine range is. In fact, even with a wide-angle lens I wasn't able to document the entire range, which stretches as far as the eye can see. The city of Innsbruck (Tirol's capital) is dwarfed by the mountains towering above it and I took the photograph so that the fence invites the viewer into the scene. The significance of the image is to show that nature is all around us and is so impressive that it requires us to respect and to take care of it.
Animals of the Alps
Animals of the Alps, a set on Flickr.
Location: Alpenzoo, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
Date: 20th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This image collection is of six distinct animals who reside in the Alps. The animals from left to right and top to bottom are: the brown bear, the gray wolf, the otter, the Alpine ibex (wild goat), the lynx and the European vulture. All of these are captured in a very personal way so as to provide the viewer of the concept of what animals live in the landscapes my other photographs depict. I find this collection also to be a strong reason of why we should preserve our environments, as if we don't then some of these unique animals could die out. It often took some waiting time to capture the images when they were just right and I find that the eyes of the animals often capture the viewer, and their thoughts.
Location: Alpenzoo, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
Date: 20th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This image collection is of six distinct animals who reside in the Alps. The animals from left to right and top to bottom are: the brown bear, the gray wolf, the otter, the Alpine ibex (wild goat), the lynx and the European vulture. All of these are captured in a very personal way so as to provide the viewer of the concept of what animals live in the landscapes my other photographs depict. I find this collection also to be a strong reason of why we should preserve our environments, as if we don't then some of these unique animals could die out. It often took some waiting time to capture the images when they were just right and I find that the eyes of the animals often capture the viewer, and their thoughts.
Lights, Shadows and Mushrooms
Lights, Shadows and Mushrooms, a set on Flickr.
Location: Wiss, Tirol, AustriaDate: 24th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: These six images are a part of a set I did focusing on different types of Mushrooms in the alps. Since mushrooms often grow in damp and darker areas in the forest, there is also often lights and shadows playing in the background of their habitat, and this was an artistic theme I used in the collection. The mushrooms from left to right and top to bottom are: the Fly Agaric, the Meadow Waxcap, the Parasol, the Chanterelle, the Clouded Agaric and the Porcino mushroom. These mushrooms reflect their well-maintained environment because almost all fungal organisms require very specific growing conditions in order to thrive, so if their natural habitat is altered and invaded then they will not spore. If we do not take care of our surroundings, then beautiful organisms like these Fungi could disappear, and this should be motivation for people to be more aware of their environments.
Die Hütte Ganz Oben (The Lodge At the Very Top)
Location: Patscherkofel Berg, Tirol, Austria
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: It is not often that one gets to appreciate the world from very high up. This image is a reflection of this idea with the lodge and the travelers symbolizing humanity. When I saw this photo I immediately knew I had to take it. This lodge and the hikers are at about a 2,000 meter height which is near the top of the Patscherkofel mountain. As one can see, the hikers are appreciating the view and whoever built the lodge obviously does too. The fact is that humans appreciate appealing visual images, such as the view from the top of a mountain. Why? Maybe science can tell us someday, but for now we can use this to motivate societies to preserve their environments. After all, this feeling of awe through visual interpretation is a unique human experience.
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: It is not often that one gets to appreciate the world from very high up. This image is a reflection of this idea with the lodge and the travelers symbolizing humanity. When I saw this photo I immediately knew I had to take it. This lodge and the hikers are at about a 2,000 meter height which is near the top of the Patscherkofel mountain. As one can see, the hikers are appreciating the view and whoever built the lodge obviously does too. The fact is that humans appreciate appealing visual images, such as the view from the top of a mountain. Why? Maybe science can tell us someday, but for now we can use this to motivate societies to preserve their environments. After all, this feeling of awe through visual interpretation is a unique human experience.
A Hazed Silhouette
Location: Schlick, Tirol, Austria
Date: 7th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This image is very artistic and abstract because when taking it I focused on the theme of shapes, exposure and shades/hues. This is why there is a shift of highlights and shadows in the image along with deep purplish and gray hues engulfing the intriguing shape of a mountain peak. The fog and clouds provide a nice backdrop composition, especially with the center focus on the mountain. The aspect of work I was looking at here is the intrigue and mysteriousness of nature, which we should safeguard in finding sustainable and "Green" solutions to 'Eco' issues. The feeling portrayed is also of suspense and darkness, which is reflected in the menacing threat of global warming.
Date: 7th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This image is very artistic and abstract because when taking it I focused on the theme of shapes, exposure and shades/hues. This is why there is a shift of highlights and shadows in the image along with deep purplish and gray hues engulfing the intriguing shape of a mountain peak. The fog and clouds provide a nice backdrop composition, especially with the center focus on the mountain. The aspect of work I was looking at here is the intrigue and mysteriousness of nature, which we should safeguard in finding sustainable and "Green" solutions to 'Eco' issues. The feeling portrayed is also of suspense and darkness, which is reflected in the menacing threat of global warming.
Paths to Eden
Location: Walchsee, Tirol, Austria
Date: 9th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This scene was photographed near the lively Walchsee sea in Tirol. It is of a mountainous and hilly area with the focus on the greenery and flourishing of trees. The two roads symbolize the paths around this area. The idea I had with this photo is to present conservation in the context of nature. What I mean with this is to show that the fence and minimal road areas have been built whilst still respecting the environment surrounding the area. I also was intrigued with the shades of green and yellow I saw in this image, which accompany the gray of the mountains and sky perfectly.
Date: 9th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This scene was photographed near the lively Walchsee sea in Tirol. It is of a mountainous and hilly area with the focus on the greenery and flourishing of trees. The two roads symbolize the paths around this area. The idea I had with this photo is to present conservation in the context of nature. What I mean with this is to show that the fence and minimal road areas have been built whilst still respecting the environment surrounding the area. I also was intrigued with the shades of green and yellow I saw in this image, which accompany the gray of the mountains and sky perfectly.
Come Sail Away
Location: Achensee, Tirol, Austria
Date: 22nd, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This image is of the Achensee sea, the biggest sea in the Austrian state of Tirol. The sea splits the Western Karwendel mountain range from the Eastern Brandenberg Alps. This sea is known for its clarity and pureness, with water quality near to that of drinking water. This is why I took my camera along for a boat trip across the sea, and I found a great opportunity to snap this photo of a small sailing boat and the surrounding mountains. The photo has the foreground of the wavy sea and the backdrop is impressive too. When one thinks about the environment, one usually thinks of the plants and land associated with nature. However, water is as big of a part of nature as anything else, and so keeping our seas, oceans and rivers clean is vital to sustaining natural life. With this photo, I hoped to highlight this concept.
Date: 22nd, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This image is of the Achensee sea, the biggest sea in the Austrian state of Tirol. The sea splits the Western Karwendel mountain range from the Eastern Brandenberg Alps. This sea is known for its clarity and pureness, with water quality near to that of drinking water. This is why I took my camera along for a boat trip across the sea, and I found a great opportunity to snap this photo of a small sailing boat and the surrounding mountains. The photo has the foreground of the wavy sea and the backdrop is impressive too. When one thinks about the environment, one usually thinks of the plants and land associated with nature. However, water is as big of a part of nature as anything else, and so keeping our seas, oceans and rivers clean is vital to sustaining natural life. With this photo, I hoped to highlight this concept.
Mountain Shades
Location: Patscherkofel Berg, Tirol, Austria
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This photo was taken on the Patscherkofel mountain, and I had just the right timing to get this shot. The lights and shadows vary the exposure of the composition and really give it a fascinating look. Two avalanche fences are seen in the image and the shapes and textures of the rocks on the slope give the composition depth. The image relates to my project work through the aesthetic appeal it gives the purity of nature. The feel of the photo is mixed from the sober sense you get from the dark patches to the more contented emotions when seeing sunlight show on the grass. This could easily be a metaphor for the ambivalence of most societies on how they should treat the environment.
Date: 27th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Description: This photo was taken on the Patscherkofel mountain, and I had just the right timing to get this shot. The lights and shadows vary the exposure of the composition and really give it a fascinating look. Two avalanche fences are seen in the image and the shapes and textures of the rocks on the slope give the composition depth. The image relates to my project work through the aesthetic appeal it gives the purity of nature. The feel of the photo is mixed from the sober sense you get from the dark patches to the more contented emotions when seeing sunlight show on the grass. This could easily be a metaphor for the ambivalence of most societies on how they should treat the environment.
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