Zakopane, a popular tourist destination in Poland, a hidden gem, is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery and unique highlander culture. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Zakopane is to take a trip up Gubałówka hill, which offers a panoramic view of the town and the Tatra Mountains.
As we made our way up Gubałówka hill in total darkness, the lanterns in Zakopane still shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the town. When we reached the plateau, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the town below. Although the sun had not yet risen above the horizon, the first light of dawn had started to illuminate the sky, creating a stunning contrast with the illuminated streets and buildings of Zakopane.
It was an unforgettable sight, one that perfectly encapsulated the unique beauty of Zakopane. From the highlander architecture to the stunning mountain scenery, Zakopane is a truly unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, there’s plenty to see and do in Zakopane.
In addition to Gubałówka hill, visitors can explore the nearby Tatra National Park, which is home to some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in Europe. The town also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional highlander music, dance, and cuisine that are sure to delight visitors.
Technical Details
Camera: Canon EOS 500D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm @ 22mm
ISO: 100
Exposures: 3 (-2, 0, +2)
Aperture: 5.6
Exposure time (middle): 15s
Tripod: Manfrotto 190CXPRO4
Size: 15 MPx
Date: Taken in November 2013
Software: Lightroom 5.2, Photoshop CS6, Photomatix Pro
Workflow: I guess I don’t have to repeat to say that it is important to get up early for such a photo. What else was really important was the planning. Where will the sun rise, from where do you have a good view and how do you get there? So we did the research on the day before, climbed up there and scouted the position from which we waited for the sun the next morning.
During the post-processing I didn’t like the result that Photomatix delivered and instead I added a lot of manual work. The lights in Zakopane looked very unnatural straight out of Photomatix. Therefore I practiced my manual blending skills a bit.
