Tragic Sunset
Taken on Saturday evening, February 7th, near Geelong after a day of record-breaking temperatures (47.6 C or 118 F) and, tragically, the worst bushfires in our state’s history with towns virtually wiped out, hundreds of homes lost and, as I write, a death toll of 28 which is expected to rise when rescuers enter areas which were unreachable during the firestorm. I felt voyeuristic and very sad capturing this brilliant sunset caused by so much disaster just a hundred or so kilometres away. I only hope that those who are missing are found alive and that those who have suffered tragedy will somehow find the strength to rebuild their lives.
A testament to my elderly parents who lost their home and everything they owned in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires and a tribute to their resilience in starting again.
Tragic Sunset belongs to the following groups:
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lightsmith
This is magnificent. A brilliant capture in every sense.
Marjorie Wallace
Heather, your story brings tears to my eyes. I will pray for rain and relief from this extreme weather and for all those lost. This photo is awesome and a beautiful tribute to you your talent.
Corey Bigler
BRILLIANT work, Heather!!!!!!!!
Hans Kawitzki
One of the best Dog Rock images I’ve seen it reflects the sign of hope.
Sharon Hammond
It’s very sad. Great image
Kathryn Potempski
Lovely image on such a hot day those sheep must be sweltering
I have just received news Heather we have now lost 49 dear souls ,a reminder to us all to capture and cherish what we have as we may loose everything in a moment.
Heather Hartkamp replied
49!!! Oh how awful! I’m just lost for words.
Larry Davis
5:18pm Sunday Feb.8
Make that 50 Kathryn.
Would you believe 550 homes lost just in Kinglake alone.
I am beside myself.
Really good Heather.
brian pendrey
stunning work
Bev Woodman
Heather this is magnificent and portrays the little bit of hope that we are all clinging to with the horror in that area this weekend. To me it is sending a prayer to the heavens for help that is so desperately needed.
khadhy
love the rays. and the color of the sky. marvellous capture.
Kathryn Potempski
I have terrible new Heather it has just jumped to 63 lives this is just terrible I am so worried about our dear Rivergirl (Robin) has anyone heard from her I sent an email but have not heard anything.
Anna D'Accione
Beautiful capture, just been watching the news so many lives lost, our prayers are with the folks in these ravaged areas.
Rosie Appleton
Amazing photo Heather… and yes the news is just devastating, 68 now confirmed dead, whole townships now gone… almost too much to think about but the survivors are now the ones that need our help!
Peter Marin
Amen.
Bless you Heather.
Rosalie Dale IPA
Just amazing image Heather – so poignant. Just watched the latest fire updates and they are unbelievable. This photo is a wonderful tribute to your parents, and to those who are battling through the current devestation.
Alistair Wilson
amazing shot heather, congratulations
Rosalie Dale IPA
BTW for those who are worried about Robyn (Rivergirl) I’ve just had an email from her … some dramas but she is safe …
Glenn Stephenson
Well done Heather.
John Conway
sensational Heather, words fail me at the moment
Kim Roper
Toll is now over 65 and climbing, such a tragic day. A very poignant image Heather,
PS. Glad to hear the Robyn (Rivergirl) is safe and sound.
vonderzenn
well done. Such a different look for the dog rocks!
Alf Caruana
Heather this is stunning work
josiem
stunning!!!!
oddoutlet
wow what a powerful image
helmutk
Brilliant image !
lucin
Art carrying the message out. We in the states worry after all involved.
Jim Robertson
Brilliant Heather
Heather Hartkamp
Thanks for all the comments. I have just woken up – Monday morning – to hear the toll has risen to 108 – just too much to comprehend.
funkyfacestudio
So beautiful !
Tracey Mac
A beautiful image in the midst of devastation and horror…..
Truly stunning work….
jackitec
Nice photo but terrible things going on just watched the UK news here in Spain my heart goes out to everyone we have these temperatures in Spain in August and the fires and it is not nice.
Jack.
Wendi Donaldson
Your title suits the message you are trying to convey….. such a sad and tragic time for so many souls in OZ…our hearts go out to them.
This sunset is exquisitely captured….and with the silhouettes of the animals…just pure magic! Well done.
Reg Lyons
Stunning work Heather.
melant1017
Fantastic image Heather, I love it :)
~A
Patricia L. Ba...
Beautiful image, Heather. The fires are constantly on the news here in the US.
trekka
176 people now lost. It is a tragedy in every sense. My house and my parents are on the front of the bunyip fire and ready to evacuate. This is such a brilliant photo that it represents a new beginning for everybody affected. I hope the fires stop soon.
MrFordy
Beautiful image, sad story.
I was happy to see us Aussies able to raise so much support and donations. It was rising at around 1 million dollars and hour this evening.
Keegan Wong
Wow. Just wow.
Trishy
Outstanding, eerie, quite heavenly image – It reminds us to treasure each moment.
Neil Boucher
I don’t know how I missed this Heather! This is just beautiful!
kaycheree
This capture is brilliant heather. Your words are heartfelt!
kevinmawson
Awesome capture!! YES! Your word’s are heartfelt!
Revive The Lig...
This is probably one of the most epic sunsets I have seen. Outstanding lighting, silhouettes, and color! Fantastic job!
Heather Hartkamp replied
Thanks for viewing ‘ReviveTheLight’. This tragedy is still unfolding (March 10, 2009). The death toll has reached 210 and still the search for victims continues. As for counting the cost of families shattered, homes lost, livelihoods destroyed and beautiful bushland and wildlife decimated – who knows how long that will take.
The InnerNorth...
epic
simonesphotos
Sensational image even under such tragic circumstances, definitely a sign of hope.
DJ LeMay
Positively ethereal image… I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to take this shot. I’m very sorry for your area’s tragic losses. Such a heartfelt tribute.
lizalady
Such a beautiful photo for such a tragedy. I can’t even imagine and hope many will never had to.
Sheldon Pettit
this photo is awesome!!!
arvyart
Fantastic capture! Too nice to be truth! :)
Jean M. Laffitau
Excellent, stunning capture!