Guardhouse - Machu Picchu by inshaala
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Description
Thanks for the comments on my last upload, i suppose this really is a case of me overdosing on shots of Machu Picchu when i was over there. I think one needs to stand back and just see it for what it is - and that is one of the 7 "modern" wonders of the world.
Anyway, this is the "Guardhouse" which is the spot from where you get the fantastic "classic" view of the site. So i turned my camera around 180 degrees and up the slope to the guardhouse. I did some people editing out - but that was easy because as i knew i was never going to get this shot without people in it, i just waited until the people were in the easiest place to clone out - there was a guy stood right on the edge of the wall top right with an L-series lens on his 5D, he just wouldnt move - (he was waiting for the clouds to reveal Waynu Picchu - the mountain in the background). So i decided to work the timing of the shot around the fact that he wasnt going to move for the foreseable future.
It isnt really known what purpose the "Guardhouse" had - the names assigned by Bingham back in the 1910's to the various structures are educated guesses at the functionality. It is a lonely structure on the terraces and is built in the waynona style - one of the long sides open... As it is outside and "guarding" the entrance to the main area (the door i posted earlier on) and that there is a kallanka (meeting hall) only one tier up, it probably could have served a few purposes. Llama trains inevitably came to stop here before the goods were taken inside the complex, those not allowed into the grounds could rest here, it could provide protection from the elements, and it provided a commanding view of the site and commanded the entrance to it, but as it is very similar to buildings on the other side of the complex which border a sacred "image stone" plaza it is thought to serve a ritualistic purpose. Image stones are basically boulders which have been worked to represent the outline of the mountain behind it if you stand in a certain place (another veneration of the mountains as deities). It is thought the stones in the plaza near the Guardhouse are the same.
Whatever it is, it serves as a focal point for the masses of tourists which congregate here for the tour guide to give an extended lecture with the site nicely visible. If any of you ever have the fortune to go to Machu Picchu, i would seriously recommend getting the first bus up to the site, dont bother with a tour guide - go and buy the Wright and Valencia "Self guided tour" book, read it before you go cover to cover... and then take it with you. Nothing beats beating the crowds with the knowledge in your book/head - and that book was recommended to me by our resident archaeologist on the project as the best and most comprehensive interpretation of the site.
Well - thanks for stopping by and reading my mind splurge :)
Enjoy!
Rich
Comments (24)
louly
It's a dream of mine since I was 14 to visit Machu Picchu and I still haven't done it, I don't know why. I just looked at your last three pictures and they're wonderful! Your wide angles (I guess) are making it look so majestic and your colours and light are just superb. All beautiful! I have a slight preference for Machu Picchu II :)
bentchick
Wow, Rich!!! You did an excellent job of cloning out anyone, I would never have thought this picture was manulipulated at all!!! It's such a wonderful shot! I especially like the "peek" of hills in the background!!! Thanks for taking the time to give us so much info on it too!!!!
krakosky
amazing PoV and great focus on the rocks, great work.
Valerie-Ducom
Excellent picture and fantastic contrast between the stone wall and the blue sky ! Good day :)
MrsLubner
The construction of these ancient places is simply amazing and the people took great care and even greater planning in all they did. This is a wonderful pov and your postwork is excellent.
rocserum
impressive shot, strong in composition and contrast! RS
Valentin
Wonderful composition, masterful POV, superb structures...
abstractix
This is absolutely wonderful, Rich. Both the shot and your description say quite a bit. My brother and dad have been to Machu Picchu and loved it. From what I've seen of it (both from their trip and now from you), it is truly beautiful. I consider it to be one of the greatest and one of the least known wonders of the world. I'll be there some day. Tim
rockstrider
Superb POV Rich! I love how you've timed the shot so that the roof of the building is against the blue sky. Excellent work!!
Coppens
Excellent shot!
Mondwin
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I was there tooooo..........bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
athesdan
splendid capture !
mark.spooner
Lovely work, excellent composition, texture and light.
babuci
Another perfect capture of this amazing place. Fantastic stone texture and fascinating info.
BorisB
Impressive POV, very well done!!
Cosme..D..Churruca
genial total!
volante8
loving the angle....
alphalioness
Cool shot... great POV :D
short_ribs
Mean shot buddy! The details you're getting in these shots is incredible! Wonderful colors and nicely composed shot! #;0)
PeeWee05
Very clever of you Rich. I must remember that technic!
CavalierLady
Awesome!!!! And so nice of you to take the time to write up the history for us.... it's fascinating and your series is great!!
Maska
Nice colours and superb perspective.
jocko500
make one wonder about these people that build this and the man that finded the place did not care too. He was looking for a diff city whichj he find already but did not know it lol. But he did take some photos of it and recorded it in his books so he got the cradit of finding this wonderful place
timtripp
as good as it gets! all your work is wonderful