I’ve just recently returned from a glorious three-day fishing excursion at Lake Otamangakau (sort of rhymes with “go to a rock now”) with three other members of our North Shore Fly Fishers. It rained the first day, but then we had two days of weather that one dreams about, with clear skies and only very slight winds. The little lake is about 13 km northwest of the town of Turangi and one can clearly see the three volcanic mountains 
that are the central feature of the National Park. The main one, to the left of center, is Tongariro; the dramatic cone just to the right of it is Ngauruhoe, and the snow-capped beauty at the right is Ruapehu. I am seldom a fan of having the horizon in the middle of an image but, hey, sometimes it works. And what a wonderful way to ease into autumn.
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krikitarts 
I’ll confess that fly-fishing and New Zealand aren’t a combination that would have sprung naturally to mind, but what a wonderful scene, and what a wonderful getaway for you. And I must say, I like the mountains and grasses stretching across the middle of the image.
Big business down here in the South Island Linda, pre-Covid. Guided fly-fishing trips for international wealthy visitors – who may get helicoptered in to gloriously beautiful remote locations to do their fishing. Must cost a fortune!
Actually, New Zealand is widely renowned as a world-class fly-fishing destination. Consider this: One is never more than a two-hour’s drive from a trout stream anywhere in the country. And one of the true joys of trout fishing is that, wherever they flourish, the water and the environment are clean and healthy. For me, it’s really not about catching fish–though that’s certainly a significant part of the adventure–but, rather, knowing that they are there and that there’s a chance that one might decide to accept my offering. And, as you say, just look at this vista!
I love the grasses in the middle of the shot for this image. I agree with you in that it ‘works’. I think it might be the darker foreground that stops it from being grasslands floating in mid-air.
An interesting shot (apart from being very scenic with great weather). One gets the feeling of being low-down as though the viewer is there fishing with you. Thanks for sharing (and I hope you caught a fish or two).
Thanks, Vicki, this is such a magic spot. I love your thought about grasslands floating in mid-air, even though this image managed to avoid it. And, yes, I did catch one nice fish.
I looked up where that lake is. The closest we came to it was the southern tip of Lake Taupo:
https://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2018/02/17/new-zealand-lake-taupo/
That’s probably only around 20-30 km from where I was. It’s such a lovely area, and Lake Taupo is a truly exceptional wonder. I understand that it’s the result of an old caldera that would likely be a relative drop in the bucket of what will happen when the Yellowstone one decides it’s time to take center stage.
If a composition works, it works. The other day I read an article about photographic esthetics, and especially about not being a slave to rules. You’d probably enjoy the article:
https://davidduchemin.com/2020/11/are-your-photographs-poetic-part-one/
I’ve never considered myself a slave to “rules” and never will. Thanks for the link.
Sure thing.
It looks like a perfect spot. Lovely!
I was there last year, and it was gray-green and blustery and so different this time!
Gorgeous with the blue sky and stunning reflections!
Thanks, Liz. The blue sky and calm conditions were far more than I’d expected–and all I’d hoped for!
Middle of the frame works very well here. Quite often I will center a reflection when there is still water to emphasize the mirror-like quality and your lake does appear quite still. Glad you had a fine time and 2/3 fine weather to complement the good time with your fishing buddies.
Thanks, Steve. My, but you’re up late/early–hope all’s well with you there. Yep, there are no rules, and I believe that the subject should always suggest the final composition. And, yes, the weather was beyond fine.
Bentley often gets me up around 2:30-3 so early. Occasionally I go back to bed but mostly I catch up on emails and blog notifications. We are both doing well, thanks, as I hope you and all your family are as well.
Beautiful area, Gary. Are there any active volcanoes in NZ? :)
Oh, yes. Fumaroles are a regular feature on the side of Tongariro, and White Island erupted quite recently, with alarming results: https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2019/dec/09/new-zealand-volcano-fatal-eruption-on-white-island-video-report
Yes, sometimes it works – no rules are sacred, eh? I’m glad you had such a nice trip. It sounds heaveny.
I’m sure you would have loved the landscapes and the serenity. And, yes, no rules.
I join the chorus of “no rules.” Put another way, your view on “no rules” rules the day.
And, put yet another way, may we never let someone else’s idea of “rules” rule the way we see, interpret, and develop what comes our way each day.
Amen!