There is a very special place in the world, where nurturing imagination, playfulness, and culture interweave within nature. The Illustration Concours is a part of the upcoming Nambook Festival and is sponsored by the Nami Island corporation. Naminara Republic is culturally independent from Korea, and just celebrated its 7th independence day. We arrived on the island by ferry late at night, and as we wandered through the nearly pitch-black trails to get to our hotel, we were told of the island's focus on recycling. The beautiful lights that hung overhead were donated when the Gangnam District decided to discard them. This bridge is lit with only two lights, but the reflections on the recycled glass make it appear to be many lights. If you look closely, you can see that the colors on the glass panels are actually flattened green soju (rice wine) bottles! These green bottles are ubiquitous throughout the island in all manners -- they slice the bottles and tie the rings together to make chandeliers, they curve the ends up to make napkin holders, the flattened ones are used as shaped serving dishes, etc. The island is so completely into recycling and repurposing that it's inspiring. I especially liked how things are not "perfectly cookie cutter" as many souvenirs and entertainment places appear -- instead, everything has a handmade look to it. I took so many photos that it was hard to choose one, but I decided on this one because I especially like how the lights and bridge railing create the plaid pattern going across the bridge.
Junko, I Fav'd this before even looking properly or reading the narrative. It is such a wonderful picture with lines, symmetry, clarity and excellent lighting. You are producing stunning shots still.
Hi Junko! Nice to see your output again.
I agree with @steampowered Paul's comment. Beautiful shot, very well balanced (composition, lines, colours, light and grace).
Stunning image! Lovely lighting, shadows, lines and architectural details. Loved your background information, too. So appreciate that you take the time to share this with us. Very special shot!
@steampowered@mara19500@tishpics@margiec@carolb@vankrey@pflaume@taffy -- THANK YOU for your wonderfully supportive comments and the FAVs! I'm very behind in posting, as you can tell, but I take photos every day. I especially appreciate your encouraging comments at a time like this . . . and will work diligently to get up to date soon. As for the narrative, now that I look at it posted, rather than the rambling I do when writing it, I see how long it is. I can't believe you all read it! It's gratifying to know it means something to you. This photo represent so much more than the one image, as the entire experience was so encompassing. (I call this island the antithesis of all that is plastic and expensive and artificial about most amusement parks!)
Of course, as I look at it now, I am critiquing -- why didn't I stand more in the center? Oh, right, someone else was standing there and my blind eye always makes me a bit unbalanced anyway.
I did the same as Paul @steampowered and just hit Fav as quick as I could! The plaid on the bridge is awesome! And then reading to find out that it is lit with only two lights makes it even better!
FAV for the symmetry, light and composition. My oldest granddaughter recently returned from Korea where she spent 2 years teaching English. She loved it there.
I agree with @steampowered Paul's comment. Beautiful shot, very well balanced (composition, lines, colours, light and grace).
Of course, as I look at it now, I am critiquing -- why didn't I stand more in the center? Oh, right, someone else was standing there and my blind eye always makes me a bit unbalanced anyway.
Humbled,
Junko