Images from a beautiful, fascinating island nestling in the Indian Ocean. This collection encompasses the idyll of Mauritian beaches, the pure escape of holiday and the bustle of its capital city, Port Louis.
An excuse to bring a splash of colour to mikeosbornphoto. And as they say, blue is the colour, especially the brilliant tones of a swimming pool complete with the myriad of reflections and layers created by the slender bridge crossing this waterhole in Mauritius.
This is not a shot that can be converted to monochrome – the loss of blue would rip the joy and relaxation from gazing at the water. It’s brighter than the blue of the River Thames, peppered with bright blue sails, while the blue of the Pacific Ocean at Byron Bay in Australia is more natural and invigorating.
Does blue do it for you?…
It’s evening in a Mauritius hotel, and this beautiful structure leads you into the main part of the building, where dinner is served. We crossed the bridge several times, but this night capture is one of inviting light and enticing shadows. I hadn’t noticed until editing this shot that a couple are cosied up just inside the entrance.
In September, the sun still shines brightly on this Indian Ocean island – even though it’s the tail end of winter. The light casts intriguing shadows on the smart buildings of the resort, and provide warming food for thought as London is enveloped in the chill of autumn.
Water is compelling to photograph. When it’s moving or situated by lights, the attraction grows. And if this is at night, then I cannot keep away. This combination can produce some interesting results – often art without the need to pick up a paintbrush.
This was captured at the Dubai Mall, just before a display of the Dubai Fountain. Water and the coloured lights of consumerism work well together for the lens.
In Mauritius, and an after dinner rain shower captures the night glow of Le Touessrok by the pool.
An illuminated waterfall plays close to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The long exposure gives the water a foggy sheen, while its colours shine through.
This is not a night shot, but taken in the relatively low light conditions of a shopping centre. It is a close-up of the Dubai Mall waterfall, showing water cascading. It’s flipped to the side for effect and in sepia to bring out the textures. This is the most abstract of this foursome. Which one has the most impact on you?
See also: Gushing, spurting, babbling
235 Frangipani, Le Touessrok, Mauritius. Our address for a number of days recently. Not just a hotel room but a self-contained suite, comfortable and relaxing with the crashing of the waves to lull you to sleep.
One of the best features of our place in the sun was stepping out of the French doors onto the balcony. The Indian Ocean lapped just beneath it, and a blue expanse of sea stretched to the horizon. The private, paradise island of Ilot Mangenie could be seen across the water, and the white surf against the coral reef further beyond.
This was the end of winter in Mauritius, and refreshing winds occasionally made the balcony a bracing place to be. There was also some rain to complement the azure skies and sunshine that was also on offer.
As the autumn chill begins to bite in London and the time to buy winter coats beckons, these photographs are a warm memory of our home in the tropics.
