Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.

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#MILKYWAY INDIAGUJARAT#MILKYWAY#INDIA#GUJARAT#KUTCH#ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

Dr.Hitesh Patel

3 years ago

Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.

Fujifilm XT4 Fujion 16mm f/1.4

f/2, 15sec. ISO-800 no flash

The Roha fort is a particular monument that is located in the Kutch region of the Indian state of Gujarat

The fort has a history of more than 550 years associated with it. It was built during the reign of Thakore Noganji during the period ranging from 1510-1585. Thakore Noganji was a powerful ruler of the Kutch. The fort is being built at the top of Roha hill. Apart from the fort, one can also find two big tanks at the top of the hill which were built by the brother of Thakore Noganji i.e. Sahebji. His brother meet an unfortunate death during the battle with Raysinhji Zala. His contribution to the construction of the fort is quite considerable and could not be ignored. It has been noted that the fort is also known as the Sumari Roha owing to the aspect that more than one hundred & twenty Rajput and prince who lost their lives in the battle with Allaudin Khilji has their Samadhi within the fort. The structure is also called the Roha Sumari Fort. A famous poet named Kalapi of Gujarat wrote numerous poems on the hill of Roha, its surrounding area, and the fort itself among others.

Architectural Importance

Architecturally, the fort is believed to have been made on the basis of the local architecture of Gujarat where most of its design has a resemblance to Indian art and culture. The fort has been built on a vast area of around 16 acres which can be regarded as one of its kind in the history of Gujarat. It is interesting to note that the fort is built at a height of around 500 meters from the ground level in Roha hill and 800 meters above sea level. Roha hill has a peaceful and calm atmosphere. One can see peacocks and other birds in and around the fort.

After the British took part in the fort during the early 18th century several changes have been made to the fort through the approach of renovation. The British made two deep wells within the fort. The structure was mainly built with the use of stone and baked bricks which is not usually seen in other forts during that period. The fort was mainly made following a temple-like structure. Over the years, most of the parts of the fort have been destroyed by the earthquake and lack of proper management.

During the photoshoot, we were extra careful due to the old and weak structure and most imp. there were leopards around so made 2-3 people as a team and were shooting the whole night for star trail photography.
 
I want to know why this photograph of mine failed to publish.

Steven T CREW

3 years ago — Senior critic

Dr. Patel,

Thank you very much for sharing this photo, and the story of the Roha fort with us here in Critique. Thanks also for including the exposure settings. It's useful to know the aperture, shutter speed and ISO for an unusual lighting situation such as this. Your stars must be very bright there. The times I've photographed the Milky Way I've used 20 or 30 seconds at f/2.8 and ISO 3200 - so about 2 stops more than your exposure.

We can't say why the photo wasn't Published. Those decisions are made by the Head Curators, and they are unable to write to each member with an explanation. Sometimes it's just that there are too many similar photos on the day yours was judged. Milky Way photos are getting to be more common, so the competition is tough.

Having said that, I'll offer my best guess. I think the photo is much too light. It is a night shot so should be much darker. You may have wanted to show the fort clearly, but that might be best done with another photograph made in daylight hours.

I hope you don't mind that I made a screen capture and edited it darker and cooler in colour. I thought it looked more mysterious and ancient that way, half hidden in the shadows. I also retouched the graffiti as it seemed disrespectful to put one's initals on a building of such historical importance. Surely it is in disrepair, but graffiti makes it worse, not better. In my opinion.

. . . . Steven, senior critic

Daniel Springgay CREW

3 years ago — Senior critic

Steven T I could have not done any better Great Critique and an Awarded Gold Cup 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆- Congratulations

Edited: 3 years ago by Daniel Springgay

Johanes Januar CREW

3 years ago — Senior critic

Dear Dr.Hitesh Patel PRO ....@ Thank you for the view of the ruins of this beautiful architectural art building....I also happen to really like all the remains of architectural works of the past, from your story I read this from India and you also mentioned that this is a relic of the past from the original architecture of the Indian nation and has also been renovated in some parts by the British. In my country, Indonesia, there are also many architectural buildings inherited from the Netherlands and England....@ I like what you record and you present in this criticism forum...I also enjoy this interesting atmosphere (the milky way is interesting as a background) behind this historical building). I will not issue an opinion in the form of criticism, I just want to share a little with you as an offer to see the image in black and white, I also try a little trying to reduce the impression of distortion in your photo work. That's all I can present and of course with the hope that it will be accepted with pleasure....Thank you for all these opportunities, and good health to you...Johanes Januar -- SC

Dr.Hitesh Patel

3 years ago

Thank you very much Steven T, Danniel Springgay, and Johanus Januar for your valuable time and inputs.

Slawomir Kowalczyk CREW

3 years ago — Senior critic

Hi Dr. Hitesh Patel,

Thank you very much for posting your photo on this forum. You described the history of this place and the way you photographed beautifully. Thank you very much for showing us a beautiful historical place.

I will offer you my look at this place and your photo. For me, this place is a storm of colors, dynamic moments, light and wild untamed nature. Therefore, using Camera Raw in PS CC 2022 I increased the colors and dynamics of the photo. In addition, I locally "illuminated" the interior of the building, a fragment of the tower and the road in front of the building. Now it seems that this structure lives with the colors and power of starlight.

Of course, this is my suggestion for your photo.

Kind regards

Slawomir Kowalczyk - SC.