A death of Joaquim

A story behind: I don´t know if it is only happening to me, but almost every time a take photos in some remote village, a small group of elderly people gathers around. They talk and ask questions. Maybe it happens because a stranger photographing the landscape may be for them the most interesting event of the day.
"Please be careful" one man said - "last autumn our neighbor Joaquim disappeared here. He probably has drowned. The sea and the waves can be dangerous". Centuries of sea-fishing tradition are reflected in these people and in the local quay sides, fraternities and also in many colors of the fishing boats.

The calm and placid shoreline continues here for miles and miles. The coastline is dotted with small and rather poor fishing villages with colorful houses along narrow alleyways. There is a sensation of peace and serenity that comes from contemplating the ocean and the sunset. Murtosa ( this is the name of the nearby village ) is a destination for those yearning to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Even during summer time the area around Murtosa is never invaded by tourists or marry-go-rounds. There are no outdoor cafés and restaurants. This is a bit of forgotten land.

Please feel free to cease that moments and contemplate the passing time at this special place where Joaquim has died and the place where that night the sunset light flooded us with that singular luminosity and colors that I so clumsily tried to capture on my photo.

Location: near Murtosa, 60 kilometers south from Porto, Portugal.

Gear: Nikon D80, Sigma 10-20 mm

Aperture: f/22

Exposure bias: -0.3 EV

Focal Length: 10 mm

ISO: 100

Date Taken: Thursday, March 24th, 2011, 18:34

Maciek.