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Magazine
Jaguar and Harpy Eagle in Brazil

by Editor HJ Yang 
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 6th of September 2024

 

For a long time, I want to go to Pantanal, Brazil to see Jaguars. So right after Covid 19 restrictions lifted, I went to Pantanal, Brazil in August and September, 2022. We booked with SouthWild company for arranging all travel.

'Morning drinking'


We met SouthWild guide at Cuiabá Airport on August 28.. Lunch in local restaurant. The drive from Cuiabá starts with driving 100 km southwest to the town of Poconé, which with 25,000 inhabitants, is the county seat for 5 million acres of the north Pantanal. As you leave the south end of Poconé on your way into the Pantanal proper, you see the dry forests and fields drop slightly into the large flat floodplain of the Pantanal proper, and the 122 bridges begin.

The Pantanal (Portuguese pronunciation: [pɐ̃taˈnaw]) is a natural region encompassing the world's largest tropical wetland area, and the world's largest flooded grasslands. It is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. It sprawls over an area estimated at between 140,000 and 195,000 km2 (54,000 and 75,000 sq mi). Various sub-regional ecosystems exist, each with distinct hydrological, geological, and ecological characteristics; up to 12 of them have been defined.

Roughly 80% of the Pantanal floodplains are submerged during the rainy seasons, nurturing a biologically diverse collection of aquatic plants and helping to support a dense array of animal species.

We stayed at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge(SWP) from August 28-30th.The lodge is famous for its excellent mammal viewing, photo-opportunities from the two wildlife-viewing towers, water birds on the Pixaim River, and birding. We spent a few on the boat and hiking. On two nights we saw ocelot, coming out from wild and climbing tree branches.



THE OCELOT (Leopardus pardalis)
is a medium-sized spotted
wild cat that reaches 40–50 cm (15.7–19.7 in) at the shoulders and weighs between 7 and 15.5 kg (15.4 and 34.2 lb) on average. It is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Margarita. Carl Linnaeus scientifically described it in 1758. Two subspecies are recognized.

“Ocelot on the tree branch”

 


The ocelot is efficient at climbing, leaping and swimming. It prefers areas close to water sources with dense vegetation cover and high prey availability. It preys on small terrestrial mammals, such as armadillos, opossums, and lagomorphs. It is typically active during twilight and at night and tends to be solitary and territorial. Both sexes become sexually mature at around two years of age and can breed throughout the year; peak mating season varies geographically. After a gestation period of two to three months, the female gives birth to a litter of one to three kittens. They stay with their mother for up to two years, after which they leave to establish their own home ranges.

Then we stayed at SouthWild Jaguar Flotel from August 31st to Sept 7th-Two 4-h boat outings per day search for Jaguars & Giant Otters on some of these river channels: Three Brothers, Black Channel, Cuiabá and Piquiri.



THE JAGUAR (Panthera onca)
is a large
cat species and the only living member of the genus Panthera native to the Americas. With a body length of up to 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) and a weight of up to 158 kg (348 lb), it is the biggest cat species in the Americas and the third largest in the world. Its distinctively marked coat features pale yellow to tan colored fur covered by spots that transition to rosettes on the sides, although a melanistic black coat appears in some individuals. The jaguar's powerful bite allows it to pierce the carapaces of turtles and tortoises, and to employ an unusual killing method: it bites directly through the skull of mammalia  prey between the ears to deliver a fatal blow to the brain.

'Jaguar resting on a tree'


The modern jaguar's ancestors probably entered the Americas from
Eurasia during the Early Pleistocene via the land bridge that once spanned the Bering Strait. Today, the jaguar's range extends from the Southwestern United States across Mexico and much of Central America, the Amazon rainforest and south to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It inhabits a variety of forested and open terrains, but its preferred habitat is tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest, wetlands and wooded regions. It is adept at swimming and is largely a solitary, opportunistic, stalk-and-ambush apex predator. As a keystone species, it plays an important role in stabilizing ecosystems and in regulating prey populations.

The jaguar is threatened by habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, poaching for trade with its body parts and killings in human–wildlife conflict situations, particularly with ranchers in Central and South America. It has been listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List since 2002. The wild population is thought to have declined since the late 1990s. Priority areas for jaguar conservation comprise 51 Jaguar Conservation Units (JCUs), defined as large areas inhabited by at least 50 breeding jaguars. The JCUs are located in 36 geographic regions ranging from Mexico to Argentina.

The jaguar has featured prominently in the mythology of indigenous peoples of the Americas, including those of the Aztec and Maya civilizations.

We then drove to northwest, to our Harpy eagle land,  near Salto do Ceu to look for harpy eagle on September 14th.



THE HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja)
is a large
neotropical species of eagle. It is also called the American harpy eagle to distinguish it from the Papuan eagle, which is sometimes known as the New Guinea harpy eagle or Papuan harpy eagle. It is the largest and most powerful bird of prey found throughout its range, and among the largest extant species of eagles in the world. It usually inhabits tropical lowland rainforests in the upper (emergent) canopy layer. The harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) is found throughout Brazil, especially in the Amazon rain forest. They are also found in other parts of Latin America, but are nearly extinct in Central America due to logging. In Brazil, the harpy eagle is considered by many Brazilian indigenous tribes as the personification of tribal chiefs, a symbol of eagerness and prowess. Its eye-sight is eight times more powerful than that of human beings, and this bird is one of the most feared hunters in Brazilian forests. They also refer to it as the gavio rael or royal hawk because of its distinctive crown of long feathers.

 

“After feeding-Dad and baby harpy eagles”

 

 

“Harpy Eagle”

 


With legs as robust as a man’s wrist and talons rivaling a Grizzly Bear’s, the Harpy Eagle surpasses the Bald Eagle of the USA in grandeur. It is, in fact, the world’s most massive aerial predator. Thriving in tall, mature tropical rain forests, this apex predator preys on medium-to-large monkeys, sloths, and even armadillos.

We stayed in a tent on a farmhouse backyard, named Estancia Mattos for two nights. Utilizing a unique network, including Brazil nut collectors who operate in extensive Amazonian territories, SouthWild has identified 35 Harpy Eagle nests. With no harm to the environment, in these special locations, we are permitted to approach nests where the majestic birds are familiar with human presence  SouthWild purposely built high observation towers next to the active harpy eagle nest.. These towers are relocated based on the “nests of the season,” ensuring optimal viewing conditions. Limited space ensures an intimate tour, accommodating up to 6 people comfortably at the top of our biggest tower.

Luckily for us, when we got there, we saw the baby eagle in the nest on the first day and dad eagle came to feed the baby with food on the second day.


I really enjoyed the trip and could like to go back again in future. Before I went there I did not realize how many kinds of birds, the Brazil has. Next time, I may concentrate on the bird photography there.

 

'Jaguar climbing tree'

 

 

'Family Swimming-Mom with two jaguar cubs'

 

'Jaguar resting on the river bank'

 

 

'Two jaguars play in the river'

 

 

 

'Jaguar hunting'

 

 

'Jaguar caught a caiman on the river bank'

 

“Odd couple”

 

'Bring lunch'

 

 

“Catch two”

 


About Editor Huijun (HJ) Yang, Ph.D.

Dr. HJ Yang, Scientist, Businessman and Nature Photographer, writes about his photo trips around the world and his personal view on art, science, philosophy and life experience.

Some of his writings are below:

HJ Yang - Giving a voice to nature through photography
HJ Yang's Journey to Baffin Island
HJ Yang - Photography strongly connected to nature
HJ Yang's Journey: Patagonia Special Expedition
HJ Yang's Journey: Tracking polar bear cubs
HJ Yang's Journey: Emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island

HJ Yang’s Journey: O’ Alaska! (Coming soon)

 

Book:
Huijun Yang:
Wave Packets and Their Bifurcations in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematical Sciences, 85, Springer, New York, NY, 1991.

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WONDERFUL !!!
Very interesting write up completed with wonderful photos.
Fascinating journey, brilliant pictures and such an amazing story.Congratulations, dear HJ, and thank you for sharing.Thank you dear Yvette, the magazine is always a treat.
Thursday Spotlight #8

By Editor Peter Davidson
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 5th of September

 


We are introducing a new feature specifically for those shots that have been overlooked by our many mysterious and secretive curators for an Award
.

Each Thursday, one shot from the current gallery of Published (but not Awarded) images will be displayed here in the Magazine. We hope you enjoy the images chosen and the authors gain some much improved visibility of their work. And who knows, whisper it softly, maybe one of these shadowy curators might have a softening of their cold dark hearts and even Award the image...

 

                                                                                                        Air Sunset by Carlos Gonzalez
 

This weeks overlooked image (until now) is by a photographer who must have the biggest tripod in the world. And an equally long ladder in order to climb up to his camera. Very daring! Just as daring as finding impossibly beautiful vistas like this one. But worth it, in order to capture an image of such a daunting and wild land of ice and mountains that would be a perfect backdrop for a good book or film about, say, rings and Hobbits? Then again, Hobbits walk around in bare feet, so maybe not. But I digress. A quite spectacular image this.
Well done Carlos
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Wow! Beautiful subtlety in this image!
Preciosa. Sin duda se merece el Award.
Great lighting and composition,Congratulations !
Congratulations for the wonderful image Carlos
cool... with a lots of mood in the picture.
Wonderful landscape photo, nice perspective, excellent light management, splendid photo work Carlos
Beautiful pano capture! Bravo Carlos...
Me with My Loneliness
Tutorial by Johannes Oei
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 4th of September 2024
I have loved painting since I was in high school, and this is why I started studying fine art photography. Painting allows me to express myself to my viewers, so it was a natural step for me to use photography to express my ideas and feelings in a similar way.
It's unfortunate that I have such limited time off work. There aren’t many occasions when I can make time to take photos. So this photo is one from my photo archives; I have been collecting images ever since I dove into the art of photography.

Canon 5D Mark III  .  Canon 16-35 mm f/2.8  .  f/13

This photo was taken during a workshop with photographer Kenvin Pinardy, so the day and location were already set. As I was shooting, I could tell that the model was getting into the mood or maybe even entering some other sort of dreamworld as she posed underwater. So I tried to convey that emotion in the image, and if possible, make it a bit dramatic.


"Ten feet is a perfect depth since it isn’t too deep, but it still provides a good amount of space for a model to freely move around and express her emotions through her poses."

“Me with My Loneliness” was shot in a swimming pool. By the way, all of my underwater images are made in a swimming pool. It's always best if the water depth exceeds the height of model. This one was taken in an area that was about 10 feet (3 meters) deep. Ten feet is a perfect depth since it isn’t too deep, but it still provides a good amount of space for a model to freely move around and express her emotions through her poses.

The amount of experience a model has dictates how naturally he or she will pose underwater. Some models hesitate at the thought of being underwater, which always results in unnatural poses and, consequently, unusable photos. On this photo shoot there were many photographers in the pool waiting for the model to jump in. As soon as she was in the water, she appeared very content in the different environment, as if she felt so free and peaceful. Despite all the flashes firing and the many cameras aimed at her, she still seemed to be enjoying herself and her imagination.

"Therefore, when you're photographing a model underwater, I suggest that you plan on taking many images; at least some of them will most likely match your vision."

The challenge in a situation like this is in getting the image that you envisioned before the session started. There are so many different poses and expressions, and most of them will not coincide with your plan. Therefore, when you're photographing a model underwater, I suggest that you plan on taking many images; at least some of them will most likely match your vision.

Another aspect of underwater photography to consider is visibility. It was unfortunate that the visibility on this day was not so good; it was only about 6.5 feet (2 meters). So in order to get a great photo, I had to reduce the distance between the model and myself as much as possible. To do this, I decided to use a wide-angle lens to try to reduce the distorted filter effect that water causes, allowing me to get closer to the model.

"The artificial lights helped in that regard, but they also introduced another issue: a high level of noise and backscatter, which is caused by the lights reflecting off particles floating in the water, creating numerous white specks in the frame."

This photo was taken in southern Jakarta, Indonesia, where the sun is shining almost every day of the year. It was shot around noon, when there is more than enough sunlight, even 10 feet below the water's surface. However, as I previously mentioned, the water quality was not ideal for good visibility, and even though I was using a wide-angle lens to get closer to the model, I still needed underwater lighting to obtain sharp images. The artificial lights helped in that regard, but they also introduced another issue: a high level of noise and backscatter, which is caused by the lights reflecting off particles floating in the water, creating numerous white specks in the frame. So the direction of the lights is important to avoid capturing all of those white dots. I used two strobes, and they were directed in such a way to keep the backscatter to a minimum. I should also add that those white flecks of light in the water could add drama to the photo, and this did happen in some of my other images. So just be aware that they could easily appear if you need flash to illuminate the scene, and that way you can plan accordingly.

Of all the images I shot, this frame stood out because it best conveys the model's expression. While I was processing the image, I could feel the freedom, the feeling of her being on her own, content and peaceful, but at the same time feeling lonely. It is true that this is my interpretation of her emotion; what she felt at the time may be even deeper than that. She is a good model, and I realized while I was photographing her that it was better to follow her emotions and poses than to instruct her how to pose in order to get the image I had envisioned. Most often this is the best way to obtain real expressions and believable emotions.

Post Processing

Because I had narrow visibility during the photo session, it was important to shoot in RAW format.


This a photomontage of a few photos, all of which were processed in Adobe Camera Raw, Photoshop and Nik Software's Color Efex Pro plugin.
1) In Camera Raw, Clarity was increased to the maximum setting to accentuate the details in the photo. Although, by enhancing the details, I also increased the digital noise.
2) In the Detail tab, I adjusted the Noise Reduction Luminance and Color settings to decrease the high level of noise that the Clarity slider accentuated in Step 1.
3) The image was exported to Photoshop. First I used the Crop tool to crop the image tighter and make it more dramatic. This created the impression that she was nude. The rest of the post-processing in Photoshop was putting the compilation together by arranging other images on top of this one.
4) I most often process my photos using Nik Software's plugins. For this image I chose to use Nik Color Efex Pro plugin. I applied the Glamour Glow filter, which is very helpful in increasing drama. I also applied a Blur filter.
5) The next step is to decide what needs to remain blurred and what needs to be sharpened in the image. Back in Photoshop, I selectively applied the High Pass filter only to specific areas that I wanted to be sharp, using a layer mask and painting on the places that required sharpening.

This photo is a composite using Normal layer blending modes. For this reason, it is important to use layer masks with care. That's the part I like to refer to as “putting feeling” into the frame. It's like putting the precise amount of salt on a meal — taste and emotion play equally important roles.
 
 
Tips
1) The model has to be very relaxed and deep into her imagination.
2) Details are so important, so shooting in RAW format is crucial to accentuate the details in post-processing.
3) I used the High Pass filter to boost the details that needed more emphasis.
 
Biography
I am a scuba diver. I became serious about photography when I realized that I wanted to show the world what can be found in the ocean. I started learning by just asking around. Only when I met photographer Peter H. van Bragt did I really start to understand how to manually adjust my camera. I then continued with basic photography classes in Jakarta, Indonesia, where I live. It was there I met Mr. Alex Hamzah, who shared lots of theories and case studies with me.
My first camera was Canon IXUS, a compact digital camera, which I used for underwater photography. A year later I switched to a Canon G12 with Ikelite underwater housing and two strobes. A couple of years after that I got my first DSLR — a Canon 5D Mark III with Nauticam housing.
I have loved painting since high school, but unfortunately I never had any opportunities to study this art. One day I was told that photography is a process of painting with light. Since then I started to search for paintings and photographs that I have dreamed about. It was Kenvin Pinardy's classical glamour photographs that I found and felt in love with, especially now that I know the basics of how to use simple tools in Photoshop.
My other dream is to be a professional photographer and incorporate artwork into it.
Write
Wonderful dreamy image, the pastel colours are beautiful.Congratulations, dear Johannes, and thank you for sharing.I never did underwater photography, seems so provocative :D Thank you too, dear Yvette.
Even I am not an underwater photographer it was interesting to read this article, thanks Johannes
Featured Exhibition: Imagination and Reality

by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 2nd of September 2024

 

This months' featured exhibition is titled 'Imagination and Reality'  by Holger Goehler 

 

Holger's work is bursting with creativity.
He quotes : 
Let us embark on a journey into a world beyond reality, interwinning experiences and observations from different places and times. Using light and shadows an the technique of multiple exposures and montages, surreal visual stories has been created.

 

I invite you to explore Holger's captivating world.
This exhibition which will be exposed on our opening page  / 
Gallery during the whole month of September 2024. 
Click here to see the entire exhibition: 
[14] Holger Goehler (1x.com)  


To trigger your curiousity, here is a small compilation of images out of this fine exhibition.

 

'The Avalanche'
 
 
'The old tunnel'
 
 
'sea level'

 

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Vanishing Point significance in photography

By Editor Miro Susta 
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 30st of August 2024

 

'Orange tube' by fotomarion


Vanishing Point Perspective is a simple but very effective method of creating a three-dimensional image impression on a two-dimensional surface, in another words Vanishing Point is a location where two parallel lines appear to intersect as they move apart, it’s a point on the horizon line where parallel lines appear to meet, producing the optical illusion of depth.

 

'At the front' by Andreas Agazzi


Vanishing Point Perspective may also be referred to as the "Direction Point Perspective", as lines having the same directional vector.

 

'Open air tunnel' by Taufik Ammouneh Martínez


Perspective is an essential element in the creation of impressive photos with a depth effect; it is a creative method in the artistic and technical field for depicting three-dimensional structures on the picture plane.

 

n/t by Wolfgang Mothes

 


For the viewer, perspective results in a certain distance relationship between the objects.
An important form of perspective on the picture plane is the Vanishing Point Perspective, which should be part of every photographer's basic knowledge.

 

'Path to infinity' by Miro Susta

 

 

'Inner peace' by Rana Jabeen

 

 

'Bellustar Tokyo' by Yutaka Kurahashi

 


In the Vanishing Point perspective, all vanishing lines of the image, which run parallel in the real situation, converge in one or more Vanishing Points, which can also lie outside the image.

 

'Commerzbank' by Hans Günther


In the most basic version of perspective, there is a single Vanishing Point on the horizon. Typically, it represents any linear element, such as roads, railway tracks, water canals, corridors, airport runways and similar.

 

'Flanders' canals are charged with magic' by Yvette Depaepe

 

'Driving west coast' by Leif Løndal

 

'The long road' by Rostovskiy Anton

 

'Countryside' by Piotr Krol (Bax)


If there is only one Vanishing Point in a single image, this is also referred to as central perspective. The viewer is positioned exactly in the centre of the image and all the lines defining the image converge at one point at the viewer's eye level.

 

'Arches' by Rana Jabeen

 


Photographs taken from the centre projection show the greatest symmetry, but in the photographic world it is often relatively difficult to capture an exactly symmetrical photo.

'no waiting for check-in' by Urs Zimmerman

 

'Reflections of motion' by Constantin Ticu


The perspective with two Vanishing Points is also referred to as a two-point perspective that is created when the photographer stands at an almost acute angle to the subject.

 

'Tranquility' by George Digalakis


When photographing a building from the outside, it is recommendable to use a perspective view with two Vanishing Points.

 

'Budapest' by Wael Onsy


Two-point perspective, if used well, gives photographs a unique and monumental look.

 

'Colorful shop banners' by Greetje van Son


For example, if a photographer stands in front of photographed object, in following picture the small old house, but looks at it a little bit from the side at its corners, he can see both horizontal edges of the house as a view, which meet at two imaginative Vanishing Points on the horizon line.

 

'Matching to the mountain' by Þorsteinn H. Ingibergsson

 


Three and multi-point perspective is most commonly used in photography because, as the name suggests, it comprises three or more Vanishing Points.
This perspective can be created by pointing the camera or the view not only horizontally, but also upwards or downwards, resulting in shots from a frog or bird's eye view.

 

'Red Tip' by Carmine Chiriacò


In this perspective vertical lines merge into one Vanishing Point, while the horizontal lines have two or more Vanishing Points.
The three-point perspective makes it possible to photograph objects with extreme angles or vertical orientations, such as tall buildings or deep gorges.
The use of this advanced technique gives the picture a dramatic element that conveys a sense of height or even great depth.

 

'City Hall' by Wolgang Mothes


In reality, there are many objects whose edges run parallel to each other. Some examples of this are aerial views of cities, looking down on a skyline bristling with skyscrapers.
For many photographers, the three- or more point perspective is just as useful in aerial photography where the view objects can be just as steep as it is in landscape photography with views of towering buildings, cliffs or deep ravines and canyons.

 

'Free Fall' by Rana Jabeen


When an image is showing several objects, these do not necessarily need to have the same Vanishing Points. The Vanishing Points in the image will only be identical if the edges of all of the objects are parallel to each other.

 

'JBR Dubai' by Carmine Chiriacó


If the viewer wants to see the scene from a bird's-eye view, the horizon line is placed in the upper third of the picture and on the other side, if the perspective of the frog is to be shown, the horizon line is placed in the lower third of the picture.

 

'Fate' by Jorge Pimenta



Finally, it may be said that the Vanishing Point perspective, as it corresponds to our sensorial perception, in most cases appears entirely natural.

·         Calm, clear and symmetrical images are created primarily with the central perspective with only one Vanishing Point.

'Wartenau' by Steph Di-T

·         To create tension with central perspective with just one Vanishing Point, the photographer can change position and place him/herself below or above the subject, but with the camera in a horizontal position.

 

'Infinity' by Rana Jabeen

·         The two-point perspective creates a greater sense of space than the central perspective and is particularly popular in architecture to capture the depth of buildings and rooms.

 

'Louvre1' by Adamo Prieto

·         Excitement, drama, and variety are created in photography primarily through  three-point perspective, when things are viewed from a different, unusual perspective, e.g. from a bird's or frog's eye view, to visualise and illustrate them vividly.

 

Untitled by Semir Catovic

·         There is also four Vanishing Point perspective, which can create stunning visual effects. This technique can stretch or distort objects, creating a surreal and captivating element to the photo that pushes it beyond the boundaries of reality.

 

'building' by lihailin

·         When adding Vanishing Points, we remove aspects of perspective that we can consider to be natural. In central perspective, the relationships between the Vanishing Point and the horizon line to the line of sight are taken as given.
With three-point perspective, both the positions of the Vanishing Points and the relationship between the line of sight and the horizon line must be fixed.

 

'Stacked Houses' by Rana Jabeen

This is my second article on this subject, if you are interested to see the previous one, click HERE.

mrsphoto.net

[email protected]

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Thank you !
You are most welcome Jorge.
Thank you so much for the very inspiring article with great photos!
Many thanks for your appreciation dear Eiji.
The content and images are all helpful. Thank you for publishing this information.
Glad to see that you like it, thanks very much for nice comment.
Excellent choice and examples of vanishing point photography. Congratulations to all involved.
Thank you very much for your nice words of appreciation dear Roswitha
Wonderful article and amazing selection of pictures, dear Miro and dear Yvette!Thank you for your effort and congratulations!<3
Many thanks for your nice words dear Gabriela, we are glad to see that you like it.
Very pleased to be together with all these beautiful photographs. I truly feel honored and would like to express my appreciation to Miro and the team that made this possible!
Many thanks for your nice words of appreciation dear Andreas
Wonderful read. Learned a lot…!
Thank you Fernando
Excellent.Thank you Yvette and Miro 2 hours agoReply
Thank you very much Eduardo
Excellent article explaining vanishing points Miro..thank you so much for selecting my photos, it's an honour. Thank you Yvette and Miro
Many thanks dear Rana
With much plesue I read your artickle about vanisching points Miro. It's very interesting and you use strong examples. Thank you for adding one of my pics for this interview. Thanks for charing and thanks to Yvette for publisching.
we appreciate your wonderful comment very much dear Greetje, thank you.
Very interesting article Miro, all wonderful photos. Thank you for choosing my photos, it is always a great honour for me. Thank you dear Yvette and Miro.
Thank you very much for your nice appreciation dear Carmine.