New Artwork: Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an 

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* Note:  This image will print large, 33.75 x 60 inches

1/80s @ f/11, ISO 100, 24mm, AV-Priority, Natural Light, Handheld

Photographer’s note:  Captured in CameraRAW with my Canon EOS 5D Mk2 camera and Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens.  RAW conversion and basic edits completed in PSE11, advanced edits in Photomatix Essentials.  Looking down the peninsula you can see the Caribbean Ocean on the left, and the beginnings of the biosphere on the right.  The storm clouds building on the horizon finally dumped their payload on me about halfway through the day, but by that time I had already been in the water and was wet anyway.  The biosphere receives approximately 44 to 48 inches of rain per year, and access into the wilderness area is typically by boat or kayak.  Having floated some distance through one of the inlets (outside of the boat) and drifting with the strong current, I was somewhat chagrined to spot three large crocodiles (approximately 2 to 3 meters in length) later in the day.  My guide, Jorge, assured me that we were never really in danger—but he said it with a sly smile on his face.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.  This wildlife reserve, of over 1.3 million acres, is located near Tulum in Quintana Roo, MX.  The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to 103 mammal species and 336 documented bird species, including the endangered Manatee.  This magnificent wildlife sanctuary is often overlooked by the thousands of tourists visiting the ancient Maya Ruinas de Tulum.  I spent the day exploring this vast wilderness area with expert guide and photographer Jorge Machado Castro.  Jorge, an indigenous indian originally from Chiapas, has been leading small groups of people into this wonderland for the past seven years.  His reverence for the land, and all the creatures in it, is expressed with passion and determination relative to its preservation.

Jorge Machado Castro