Stan Bormann, FPSA, MPSA
September 2026 - Abu Simbel Nefertari
About the Image(s)
Shot with an iPhone 13 Pro Max at ISO 32, 1.57mm, f/1.8, 1/4000 sec. This temple built by Ramsses II starting in 1264 BCE ending in 1244 BCE
The colossal statues and temples of Abu Simbel were cut into massive blocks and relocated 65 meters higher between 1964 and 1968 to save them from being submerged behind the Aswan High Dam.
2 comments posted
Stan - I remember this - but I must visit again as it was over 20 years ago. A simple yet very clear shot of such an impressive frontage and you were there at a good time as shadows will mask the deep-set carvings of the main pillars. The sole person at the entrance is perfect - incredible scale of the place!
Posted: 09/11/2026 01:50:16
Posted: 09/11/2026 01:50:16
The history of the place is amazing. As Adrian said, the light is very good for creating shadows, which gives the statues a strong three-dimensional effect. Having a person at the entrance also provides a sense of scale and emphasizes the enormous height of the statues.
But I wonder about the colour of the sky. Even the perspective of the entire stone structure seems to be slightly tilted backward. I'm wondering whether that is actually how it is, or if it's an effect caused by the angle of a mobile phone camera. Posted: 09/11/2026 09:54:47
But I wonder about the colour of the sky. Even the perspective of the entire stone structure seems to be slightly tilted backward. I'm wondering whether that is actually how it is, or if it's an effect caused by the angle of a mobile phone camera. Posted: 09/11/2026 09:54:47