Devotion Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

The “Ganga Aarti” (river worship) ceremony is held at sunset every day at the Har-Ki-Pairi (footstep of God) in Haridwar where the deity Vishnu has left an imprint in the bed of the Ganges. A highlight of the ceremony is the torch-lit offerings set afloat to form a small armada of floating lights on the holy river. This picture shows one devotee praying before making his offering to the river.

On a technical note this picture was shot hand-held at the low-light limits (no flash): f/1.4. ISO1600. 1/100 second with “NeatImage” used to reduce noise.

gp_pl, pridel, cyrrhus, peter1892, leo61, AlexandraR, danielswalsh, zeca, Baileys, josepmarin, jdurbas has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

danielswalsh (13297) 2006-08-19 7:54

AWESOME Shot John,

This one is going into my fav's for sure. I had a lot of experience a couple nights ago shooting a concert with no flash (ISO 3200), so I really appreciate this one.
Technically superb shot in every way John... well done!
- Dan

P.S.- you can see my low light shots here.

jinju (14265) 2006-08-19 7:55

This is fantastic, truly a great photo. The illumination is great. The moment of devotion is fantastic. Yo have to admire how quiet this shot is at 1600 ISO, isnt digital great? Not only is the 350D quiet but neat image maks it look like ISO200. Superb stuff John.

russte (0) 2006-08-19 7:56

Hi John, this is a beautiful image which perfectly supports your Note. Absolutely the right choice not to use the hated flash, and in doing so you have kept the magical lighting of the flame on the man's face. The exposure is spot-on and you have used just the right degree of noise reduction in Neat Image, avoiding 'over smoothing'. VERY nice. Stephen

leo61 (42774) 2006-08-19 8:21

Hi John!
A wonderful image and a verry nice atmosphere.Good composition ,verry good light and I like his pose with his eyes closed.
Regards,Leo

ecofabz57 (87) 2006-08-19 8:23

great illumination combine with the great concept....well done...

AlexandraR (771) 2006-08-19 8:26

Wonderful photo. The expression on his face is amazing. I like the golden tones of the candle, quite apropriate to his expression and occasion. According to your note, that's an excellent work you've done with the choice of settings, as well as with NeatImage.

arjun_das (1850) 2006-08-19 8:53

what a shot it is! every thing is perfect, be it colour or be it exposure level. excellent capture of the mood of the environment.

best wishes,
arjun

everlasting (10894) 2006-08-19 9:17

First I must say that it seems that the 350D does better than the D70 at ISO 1600 with regard noise or NeatImage is wonderful I have to get it:)
Wonderful atmospheric composition. His expression is full concentration and devotion. Nicely framed.

peter1892 (3201) 2006-08-19 9:47

Good shot - very clear with low noise. The light is very good, especially the illumination of his face.

cyrrhus (2878) 2006-08-19 10:16

Hi John,
This is a perfect rendering of a ceremonial.
Your picture inspires silence and meditation.
Very nice shot
Eric /.

pridel (233) 2006-08-19 10:20

Hi john
Very beautiful scene. The light of the flame gives a special aura. I also like the face of profile of the man, the closed eyes.
Great shot
Pascal

gp_pl (1394) 2006-08-19 10:34

Hi John, wondreful portrait in my opinion, full of emotions, superb work. Good captured and treatment. I like it a lot.
regards
Grzesiek

sabyasachi1212 (19528) 2006-08-19 10:37

Hi John,
The more I see this, the more I like it. For a handheld shot in such low light, the sharpness is awe inspiring. At 1600 and I cant pick out any grain. The light on the boys face and his look of utter devotion is amazing. The picture is both aesthitically and technically brilliant!
With Greetings from India
Sabyasachi

wolf38 (12489) 2006-08-19 12:02

Formally and aesthetically very responding and well arranged photo with close screen window. The gold-yellow light of the fire at night. The illuminated man with a religious action. A very impressive and well taken photo. Many greetings, Wolfgang.

ndb1958 (9228) 2006-08-19 12:44

Hi John,
an amazing, a beautiful portrait with a great lightning. Colours are great. I like the perspective. The atmosphere is peaceful. Because of his eyes closed there is a very nice intimicy.
Wonderful work,
Nino

christina (2040) 2006-08-19 22:49

Beautifully taken and superior technical handling of this image. GREAT work!!!!!!

Christina

zeca (20024) 2006-08-21 12:42

Hello John!
Excelent work! The lights are wonderful, the POV as well! The timing is also nice and the exposition is perfect. Great!
Regards,
Zeca

hay_kes (28554) 2006-08-27 12:56

Hi John,
Very creative picture.Wonderful colours and lights.Regards.

hAyAti

euryan (8345) 2006-08-27 13:53

This is very impressive John. This angle is so interesting. With the very shallow DOF of f/1.4 you have managed to get his face, his hands, and the smoke in focus by shooting from this angle. Very masterfully done. I love the warm glow of the fire on his face. The composition is perfect. Great work.
Regards,
Ryan

rbcy1974 (20742) 2006-09-01 2:06

Hello John
Ths scene is impressive as well as the light, the golden glow adds to the mystical feeling of the scene.
Very well achieved.
Regards
Daniel

josepmarin (33573) 2006-09-14 10:40

Hi John,
Perfect capture of a little while very special for this man, saying with this offering in the hands. Its feeling in the atmosphere of the photo can be noticed.
Done well.
Regards,
Josep

entrelec (8342) 2006-12-23 2:49

Hi John

Reminds me the G de le Tour works, if you know him, a Xii century french painter who used pnly candle lights for his painting.
Very nice.

Joel

n46130 (52) 2007-02-10 21:18 [Comment]

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Wandering_Dan (3171) 2007-11-08 18:58

Excellent shot! We were at Haridwar earlier this year and were inveighled into making our own floating boat devotions. I got some pictures, but nothing quite like this. Great positioning and use of light!