Machu Picchu Panorama
Machu Picchu, 2011
Machu Picchu visit is my dream since childhood.
I have read a lot of stories, seen thousands of pictures, and watched countless docus about it.
And there I was about to make my dream come true.
Machu Picchu was the highlight of my Latin America trip. I was with my best friend.
The plan
In my research, the best spot to photograph Machu Picchu was the vantage point of Wayna Picchu. I could see it on so many postcards. Only 400 people can enter a day. No preregistration was possible.
Our plan was simple. Wake up early; show up at the entrance gate before others; enter. Guess what? Others had a similar plan too.
Machu Picchu Path, 2011
We woke up at 3:30 am or so. We had a slow start. The path was steep, very steep. Most of it was climbing stairs. Every hundred meters, the Machu Picchu trail intersected a dirt road.
Many people were faster. My friend was totally out of shape. Then two chubby girls wearing sandals overtook us. And I exploded. I was swearing in Hindi, Bulgarian, Korean, German, Russian, and a few other languages. I think gypsies will be put to shame if they could hear me speaking at that moment.
The Arrival at Machu Picchu
We arrived at the gate. Finally!
The line in-front of Machu Picchu Gate, 2011
The line in-front of Machu Picchu Gate, 2011
All I could see was a sea of people.
I have noticed the staff of Machu Picchu. They were counting the people and writing their names in a notebook. Just in front of us, I heard 396, 397, 398, my friend - 399, me - 400. What a relief?!
We entered the complex with massive smiles on our faces.
But there was nothing much to see.
Machu Picchu, 2011
Was it just that?
Then I sensed the slight breeze. The clouds open for a second or two. And I could take a glimpse at Machu Picchu. The entire complex presented in front of me in its mighty glory. WOW! I was breathless.
My initial idea for Maccu Picchu picture
Instantly I envisioned THE picture.
Machu Picchu coming out from the clouds. It will convey the message about mysticism and all the stories about this magnificent place.
My camera had a 50mm lens mounted. Shit! Not the best setup. I decide to risk it. My idea was to shoot three pictures in a horizontal panorama, handheld, manual focus, with a small aperture. Then in the post-process, I will stitch them. No time to change the lens as the moment might be gone.
The breeze came! This time I was ready.
A man doesn’t take a picture. The picture presents itself to the man!
Click! Click! Click!
Machu Picchu Panorama, 2011
Machu Picchu, 2011 (click to enlarge)
At that moment, I knew it. I had the picture!
Oh, about the vantage point from Wayna Picchu...that was a cliche. Moreover, till we got there, the light changed seriously. And the result was meh.
Machu Picchu View, 2011