Thank you, Mr Wong

By: kardz by kris

Sep 05 2011

Tags: , , , , ,

Category: bloom, bokeh, dusk, postaweek2011, pulchritudinous, river, summer, sunset

91 Comments

Aperture:f/4.1
Focal Length:62.3mm
ISO:250
Shutter:1/0 sec
Camera:DMC-FZ40

Dear Mr Wong:

Yesterday after dinner, I enjoyed a leisurely walk with friends along the south arm of the Fraser River, a favourite spot regardless of the season or what time of day it is. When we arrived, the sun was beginning to set, and the sky grew brilliantly bright and colourful.

There were quite a few people out and about, enjoying the fresh air and the view, including you and a few others with you. When you noticed my camera, I showed you and those walking with you a few of the images of the sunset I had already captured, and you nodded your approval. Then you pointed out some dandelion puffs growing beside the path, and you gestured to the brightly coloured sky to the west of us, and suggested it might be a good photo opportunity.

The interesting thing is that I speak no Mandarin, and you are visiting from China, and only speak a little bit of English. Yet I understood exactly what you meant. However I had already captured so many images of the sunset that I hesitated. Yet you again encouraged me to give it a try, considering how beautiful the sky appeared. And so I decided to follow your advice, and threw myself into action, literally. Lying down on the ground, this is what I saw through my viewfinder.

Mr Wong, you were right. You have a good eye. Thank you for the wonderful suggestion! It is not every day that a stranger risks becoming the teacher. Thank you also for lending a hand as I scrambled to get up off the ground again. I will probably post some more images of this unique view in the future. However, this postcard from the Fraser River is for you.

Thank you again. I hope you are able to get a translation of this note. May you enjoy the rest of your visit to Canada, and have a safe trip back home!

for more sunsets shared by other bloggers, click here to face west.

91 comments on “Thank you, Mr Wong”

  1. 5 Sep 2011 at 06:36 ceceliafutch

    Beautiful shot! Great perspective. Thank you Mr. Wong! 😉

    Like

  2. 5 Sep 2011 at 09:22 Diana

    you know, I wasn’t so sure that this should be the one — ’cause I liked some of the “multiple” shots better (I think). However, the colours in the framing turned this from a beautiful shot to a spectacular shot. Perfect! Are there two of them there? The stem seems to be actually stems. Interesting.

    Like

    • 5 Sep 2011 at 09:30 pix & kardz

      hey Diana, thanks for stopping by, and for sharing your thoughts regarding the image selection.
      it was actually a bit of a debate. yet, sometimes less is more, and that determined the posted choice in the end.
      and despite that – and to answer your question – yes, there are two.
       
      it turns out that Mr Wong is not the only one with a good eye.

      🙂

      Like

  3. 6 Sep 2011 at 02:01 jakesprinter

    Great combination of color Nice photo 🙂

    Like

  4. 6 Sep 2011 at 02:38 10uta02

    Amazing shot and such a wonderful story – I hope Mr. Wong reads it! 😉

    Like

    • 6 Sep 2011 at 07:03 pix & kardz

      hi Uta, thank you! i hope so, too, and at the same time i also think he will, if he has not already.
      i mentioned my blog and wrote down my website info. the people who were with him were able to provide the interpretation of what i was saying, and i got the impression that they were going to check it out.
       
      so if you are reading this, Mr Wong, thanks again. Much appreciated!

      Like

  5. 6 Sep 2011 at 13:08 grannydog

    What a beautiful shot! And how nice of Mr. Wong to lend his advice!

    Like

    • 6 Sep 2011 at 15:38 pix & kardz

      thank you. And yes, wasn’t that something? The kindness of a stranger taking the time to point out something proved to be a wonderful thing indeed. Am grateful.
       
      Glad you enjoyed this one & thanks also for visiting my blog.

      Like

  6. 6 Sep 2011 at 18:39 Cap'n Stephel

    What a lovely shot! 🙂
    So cool that he took a moment to point it out and you gave his idea a chance. The world would be so much better if more people did that

    Like

    • 6 Sep 2011 at 22:28 pix & kardz

      thanks!
      and i fully agree – both played an important part: his pointing it out and my being willing to give it a shot (literally!).
      and also, there was the timing. ten minutes later the colours would have faded into darkness.
       
      definitely learned something invaluable – and ended up with this very happy result as a bonus.

      Like

  7. 7 Sep 2011 at 14:54 Watching Seasons

    Fantastic image! 🙂

    Like

  8. 11 Sep 2011 at 07:36 Nandini

    Just wow. 🙂

    Like

  9. 12 Sep 2011 at 13:12 Joan Webb

    Love the picture. Thanks
    Joan

    Like

  10. 29 Sep 2011 at 08:53 Meanderer

    Wonderful image. Such a beautiful silhouette!

    You have a wonderful blog here – I’ve looked at a few of your excellent images and will be back to look at and comment on more! Many thanks.

    Like

    • 29 Sep 2011 at 19:51 pix & kardz

      glad you like this one. i learned much on this evening, and ended up with an image that has become yet another one of my favourites.
      thank you for stopping by & leaving such kind words behind. much appreciated.

      Like

  11. 30 Sep 2011 at 13:50 Brenda Spiller

    aaww Great story and a beautiful shot. I hope Mr Wong gets to see it too 🙂

    Like

    • 30 Sep 2011 at 20:46 pix & kardz

      hi Brenda, glad you enjoyed.
      it is my understanding that Mr Wong has had a chance to see this, as I wrote down my blog link for him.

      Like

  12. 30 Sep 2011 at 14:38 Fergiemoto

    It was a great suggestion from Mr. Wong – it turned out to be a beautiful shot.

    Like

  13. 30 Sep 2011 at 18:01 Jo Bryant

    thank heaven for Mr Wong

    Like

    • 30 Sep 2011 at 20:48 pix & kardz

      you know, Jo, it makes me realize what a blessing it is to have Mr Wong’s come into our lives if only but for a moment to cross paths and make a difference. i guess we sometimes experience that when we look at someone else’s blog, and there are times when we have the privilege of doing that for others with our own posts as well.
      thanks for visiting 🙂

      Like

  14. 30 Sep 2011 at 22:48 hugmamma

    charming rendition of…sunsets. and thanks for visiting my blog and your lovely comment re my sunset slide. 🙂

    Like

  15. 1 Oct 2011 at 09:45 thetravelingbookclub by Nora Vasconcelos

    🙂 I like your photo and the letter to Mr. Wrong as well 🙂

    Like

  16. 1 Oct 2011 at 14:23 Maggie L R

    This photo is perfect for framing, the colours just softly right and unusual enough to make it uniquely perfect.

    Like

  17. 1 Oct 2011 at 14:53 scottrandall

    Sounds like a wonderful experience!

    Like

  18. 1 Oct 2011 at 17:34 aRVee

    hi pix, as always, you have one of the most beautiful photoblogs here… 🙂

    Like

  19. 1 Oct 2011 at 17:39 spilledinkguy

    A striking capture, indeed!
    I loved the back-story, too… they compliment each-other perfectly… wonderfully done!
    🙂

    Like

    • 1 Oct 2011 at 23:31 pix & kardz

      hey SIG, thank you for stopping by and for your encouraging words.
      glad you enjoyed this one, an image that almost did not get captured 🙂

      Like

  20. 1 Oct 2011 at 20:00 Just Ramblin'

    Stunning photo. Love the perspective! Your words are very cool too. : )

    Like

  21. 1 Oct 2011 at 20:31 Inside the Mind of Isadora

    This is a frameable pix. The colors are the perfect colors of a sun setting.
    Fabulous,
    Isadora

    Like

  22. 1 Oct 2011 at 21:24 Britta

    Perfect team work and a wonderful, beutiful photo…!

    Like

  23. 2 Oct 2011 at 01:07 Josette

    What a fantastic story! This experience truly captured the beauty that can occur when we simply listen without words. Language often gets in the way. Through his joy of life, and his willingness to trust you, you both came together to create this amazing photo. Thank you so much!

    Like

    • 2 Oct 2011 at 18:29 pix & kardz

      thank you Josette.
      i also think that not only language but our preconceived ideas, our own perspectives and being too easily satisified with the status quo can get in the way of our listening. this letter is very real – i am grateful that Mr Wong persevered in his encouragement despite my being quite content with my earlier – rather ordinary – images of a spectacular sunset.
       
      it wasn’t until i trusted someone else’s suggestion that i was able to come up with what has now become one of my favourite sunset images ever captured. so thank you indeed, Mr Wong!

      Like

  24. 2 Oct 2011 at 04:12 Pseu

    Nice story for the beautiful photo/

    Like

  25. 2 Oct 2011 at 07:01 john tugano

    That was a great thank you photo..Anyone who would receive such a thank you note like this plus the photo would surely be glad..thanks for the share..

    Like

  26. 2 Oct 2011 at 09:11 yi-ching lin

    gorgeous shot!! what happenstance!

    Like

    • 2 Oct 2011 at 18:39 pix & kardz

      thank you, glad you like this one.
      the interesting thing is – if i had been stubborn and refused the great suggestion, i would have missed out on this moment of opportunity. it makes me realize that my choices in life are of greater significance and more powerful than the apparent coincidences i encounter. 🙂

      Like

  27. 2 Oct 2011 at 14:12 IsobelandCat

    With pictures like this, I might get converted to liking sunsets…

    Like

    • 2 Oct 2011 at 18:42 pix & kardz

      thanks for the compliment Isobel!
      not all sunsets have been created equally, even though it is always about the same old sun.
       
      i am beginning to see that much of it has to do with changing one’s perspective 🙂

      Like

  28. 3 Oct 2011 at 03:14 the island traveler

    One of the best shot’s I’ve ever seen . The flower’s character is highlighted by the beautiful shades of colors at the background. This coupled with a wonderful story makes up a one memorable post. Thank you for sharing and for the recent comment. Have a blessed day and best wishes to you and your family.

    Like

  29. 3 Oct 2011 at 03:27 the island traveler

    Mesmerizing Sunset. If I got to see it, it would be my favorite too.

    Like

  30. 3 Oct 2011 at 04:21 joshi daniel

    gorgeous and the colors are so cool!

    Like

  31. 3 Oct 2011 at 08:42 2e0mca

    Fantastic shot using the colours to highlight the beautiful structure of the seed head – excellent work 🙂

    Like

  32. 3 Oct 2011 at 16:09 Zoya

    beautiful shot coupled with a beautiful writing. lovely!

    Like

  33. 3 Oct 2011 at 17:05 pix & kardz

    my heartfelt thanks for all these encouraging comments!
    much appreciated 🙂

    Like

  34. 3 Oct 2011 at 21:04 thirdhandart

    It’s so refreshing to hear that the kindness of strangers still exists. Mr Wong has a good eye, but so do you. You took a magnificent photo!

    Like

  35. 4 Oct 2011 at 04:33 dadirri7

    what a wonderful photo, so delicate, and whimsical!

    Like

  36. 5 Oct 2011 at 10:08 3rdcultchild

    beautiful, beautiful! 😮

    Like

  37. 6 Oct 2011 at 11:58 Mama Rani

    *brb, open googletranslate* —> wanna read story about mr.wong
    😀

    hey, that’s amazing shoot 🙂

    Like

  38. 6 Oct 2011 at 21:30 Titiw

    i’m very touched.. the story behind the picture is so amazing.. sometimes, a stranger could be a great teacher of life.. 🙂

    Like

    • 6 Oct 2011 at 21:59 pix & kardz

      thank you Titiw. glad you like this one.
        and i agree completely. i learned a lesson with this image: there is much advice in this world. it is wise to ignore bad or useless advice. however it is always wise to recognize when you have received good advice – even if it is good advice from a stranger.

      Like

  40. 19 Oct 2011 at 05:44 Sempre Hunokeli

    what a great story!

    Like

  41. 21 Nov 2011 at 17:51 Caryn

    Exquisite shot and wonderful story!

    Like

    • 8 Jan 2012 at 21:50 pix & kardz

      thanks! even after having blogged an additional four months since this one, it remains one of my favourite posts. glad you like it, too 🙂

      Like

  43. 9 Jan 2012 at 22:32 LadyDiDi

    It’s brilliant! I love to take pictures of dandelion too!

    Like

  44. 9 Dec 2013 at 04:04 Colline

    Such a beautiful capture.

    Like

  45. 7 Aug 2015 at 06:29 Curiously Sara

    I love this photo! And such a great story too! 🙂

    Like

    • 12 Aug 2015 at 22:58 pix & kardz

      thank you for your kind words Sara. you stopped by while i was on a blogging hiatus, but your comment has happily been rescued now. thanks for stopping by.

      Like

  46. 1 Jan 2017 at 01:26 Lucid Gypsy

    A simply gorgeous photo!

    Liked by 1 person

    • 1 Jan 2017 at 22:49 pix & kardz

      thank you Gilly – it is probably my favourite nature click, and i really do owe it to Mr Wong, bless him. that encounter was such a gift. glad you enjoyed it too.

      Like


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