Timeless Japan [My 900th photo] Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is my 900th photo on TE - I was trying to find a scene from Japan that mostly lacks modern-day aspects and depicts a "timeless" feel - two girls in kimonos walking around the premises of a temple in Kyoto.

I can only express again how much I value your ongoing feedback and interest on my photographic journey. If someone had told me in 2003 that within 1.029 days of membership I would post 900 photos and write 16.500 critiques, I would probably have pronounced them crazy. Yet it happened, which is a testament to the still predominantly friendly spirit of this great site that is so well crafted and moderated by Adam.

On my way to the 1.000th photo, I hope to finally add France to my list of countries, and I look forward to returning to Japan in November, including a few days in Seoul to meet with some of the South-Korea-based TE members.

-----
About the photo location: Nanzen-ji is a Zen temple at the foot of Kyoto's eastern hills. As head temple of the Rinzai sect's Nanzenji school of Zen Buddhism, it is one of Japan's most important Zen temples. Nanzenji was first built as an imperial villa in 1264, and became a temple in 1291. Its main building, the Seiryo-den, is famous for a beautiful rock garden and sliding doors (fusuma), which are decorated by paintings of the Kano School. The temple's large entrance gate, completed in 1628, is called Sanmon. Several subtemples and a water aqueduct, which is part of the Lake Biwa Canal dating from 1890, can be found in the vicinity of Nanzenji's main buildings.

Nikon D200
2006/04/07 13:50:39.4
JPEG (8-bit) Normal
Color
Lens: 18-70mm F/3.5-4.5 G
Focal Length: 55mm
Exposure Mode: Programmed Auto
Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
1/200 sec - F/7.1
Exposure Comp.: -0.3 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Optimize Image: Custom
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-S
Flash Sync Mode: Not Attached
Color Mode: Mode I (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: Auto
Hue Adjustment: 0°
Saturation: Enhanced
Sharpening: Medium high
Image Comment: (c)2006 Norbert Woehnl
Long Exposure NR: Off
High ISO NR: Off

PixelTerror, luisafonso, tcht, lestans, andante, danyy, dkeus31, sleon, ChrisJ, lasscor, berek, s10001in, Guenther, Angelillo, Lynette, ndb1958, tinamunk3, leo61, Floydian, Vicky, MiguelP, wilkinsonsg, Jeppe, bertolucci, Muse, Janice, siolaw, thaprem, jrj, Didi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

PixelTerror (81500) 2006-08-21 5:59

Hi Norbert,
That would be high time to add France on your map !
congratulations for this 900th post and here they are again the two beauties, they served you well so far, the angle and overall brightness of the photo are pleasant as is the small sakura touch, and the compression of this detail loadded scene was not too destructive, I just expected to see their faces for this 900th...
Okay, now you may open this sake bottle, you have earned it ;-))
Kampai !!!
Jean-Yves

pasternak (12671) 2006-08-21 6:07

Congratulation, Norbert! I will wait you now to hit the 1000! Although I've seen these girls already, it doesn't distract me from admiring this perfectly composed scene, I just love all the details i see here. Very gentle picture.

Cheers
Alexander

luisafonso (852) 2006-08-21 6:13

Very beautiful Norbert. I love your composition with those Japanese 'kimonos' seen from the back. I find that highly poetic. Your aperture choice is very good. We can explore the whole environment and I like that. Good colors and amazing sharpness. The definition of the image is top quality as always. Congratulations on that 900th photo. Very good indeed!

tcht (7280) 2006-08-21 6:15

Hi Norbert
WoW...thats a very big number! An impressive milestone!
And you've chosen the perfect picture to celebrate this, it's so calm and beautiful. Looking at the picture, it seems that you've climbed all those 'steps' and now nearly entering the 'gateway' of post no.1000. Congratz :)
Best wishes,
CheukHin

lestans (14542) 2006-08-21 6:16

Ciao Norbert!
greetings for you 900!
I think that you are great both in describing far countries as Japan, and close countries as the countryside near your place, and I think that this is quite right TE spirit.

I will wait for you autumn Japan pics to decide... in which seano start for Japan!! (or I will go there for the first time)

THIS SHOT IS REALLY TIMELESS, AND HAS EVERYTHING ONE IMAGINE ABOUT JAPAN!

Livia

dkeus31 (24548) 2006-08-21 6:17

Hallo Norbert,
900 Fotos, wahnsinn :o)
A nice picture like one of you previous posting with your normal quality, which obviously is very high :o)
Sharpness, colors, framing, etc.
(ah yes also D200 LOL)
Beste Grüsse
Didier

naxius (16679) 2006-08-21 6:31

Hi Norbert,
Impressive figures! 900 photographs posted and so many comments written! Wow!!!
Congrat for your regular participation.
What could I wish to you now? May be, try now to do other kind of photographs, less landscapes centric? It depends how you feel it but it would give you another eye, for sure.
Keep going on.
Alex

danyy (62985) 2006-08-21 6:43

Hello Norbert,
Congratulation for your 900th post. I must confess that I've learned many things about technic of photography and also about art of photography only in analysing your pictures.

Here is once again a good one, showing traditionnal Japanese life in wonderful landscapes.
Nice lights and a good framing, softs colors.

(Excuses for my poor english).
With my best regards.
Daniel.

goodwill (4029) 2006-08-21 6:46

Meditating near the temple with the lens is the best thing to post the 900th shot. Love the aesthetics, the colurs and contrst, the devotees walking around the premises and the flowers on the left top of the frame.
Congrats for the 9th Century Norbert.
Regards,
Rajeev

carper (60991) 2006-08-21 7:00

congratiolation Norbert.
900 photo's is not nothing. Your a good photographer and I can say that I have learn from your photo's and your critiques and thats mean as a big compliment to you. Norbert, thank you.
gr. jaap

AthaPan (0) 2006-08-21 7:08

Hallo Norbert

heute schreibe ich dir auf Deutsch.
Also, zunächst einmal herzlichen Glückwunsch, 900 ist schon eine stolze Zahl.

900 mal durften wir Fotos bewundern, die sowohl technisch als auch vom Motiv her einfach perfekt selektiert und realisiert worden sind.

Ich kann dir nur sagen, dass durch die Art und Weise wie du Fotos darstellst bestimmt eine ganze Menge an Leuten hier von dir gelernt haben. Ich zähle mich dazu.

Ich weiss noch früher, wo ich die D70 hatte und mir der Himmel missglückte und ich dann deine Fotos anschaute und sagte, Mensch, der hat doch die selbe Kamera, irgendwas mache ich da falsch... und sukzessiv bin ich dann auf die Feinjustierungen gekommen, dank Deiner exzellenten Notes.

Ich wünsche dir hier noch weitere unendlich viele schöne Fotos und dass auch noch viele andere von dir lernen können.

Eine grandiöse Leistung.

Und nun zum Foto.
Heute würde ich dir unter normalen Umständen keine Punkte geben, weil mich das Motiv nicht sonderlich anspricht, aber ein Meister verdient auch Punkte, ohne dass es den Geschmack 100% treffen muss. Denn technisch ist ein einwandfrei, der ausgewählte POV, die Farben, die Schärfe und die aufsteigende Bildkomposition...

Great job Norbert and all the best
Athanasios

sleon (9298) 2006-08-21 7:26

Hi Norbert
Congrats on your 900th! I recognise these two ladies and it's nice to see them again. This has all the elements of a classic Japanese scene - the temple, the sakura, the kimonos, and the branches frame nicely. A fitting shot for this milestone. Looking forward to the next century, Susanna

roamermark (1588) 2006-08-21 7:50

It is a great achievement and a super shot as well. Have you been saving this one away for the last 100 or so...waiting for the big day?
Colorful subjects, super sharpness andclarity and nice compo with the steps, the tree on the right and the Sakura on the top left. What's not to like
Congratulations
Cheers
Mark

ChrisJ (65367) 2006-08-21 8:06

Congratulations Norbert on 900! I look fwd to seeing you in November, along with several other TE members. With 2,000 temples in Kyoto, I only had time for 2 or 3, so it's good to see what I missed. I caught the hydrofoil from Hakata to Busan today. Still a few days left to explore the east coast of Korea.

Well balanced composition, with superb symmetry & sharpness.

lasscor (7619) 2006-08-21 8:36

Hi Norbert,
Congratulations for your 900th post.
Wonderful poetic and peaceful composition.
Great traditional scene.
Beautiful landscape.
I like much the two women seen from the back and their kimonos.
Good continuation on TE.
TFS,
Corinne

berek (27133) 2006-08-21 9:29

Hi Norbert,

900 is incredible number my friend. all your picture is successful. ,I am waiting for you next 900 picture impatiently . congratulations.

Burak Erek ))))

veronika (6018) 2006-08-21 10:22

Hi Norbert,
congratulations!!! It sounds really crazy, but you´ve done it and that is truly admirable :)
This picture is really like that, a "time crossing", great idea to show.
I wish you the best for your next 100, pff why just 100, for next 900!!! :D
And not just France is on "waiting list", but Slovakia also :))
Your work here is great Norbert
Vero

s10001in (1485) 2006-08-21 10:39

Wonderful Journy of 900 Snaps & I wish 1000th will be with Moniji (Red Maple leaf before fall)

Great exhibitation of beautiful photos with ROYAL touch & each Photo with differnt story of His own.
Great work Norbert.
This is nice shot and the way you noted in your Note.
Impressive shot with Kimono girls in Sakura.
-Keep it up.
Shailendra

erdna (5205) 2006-08-21 10:49

Greetings on this, your 900th photo submittal! This photo deserves to be called "Timeless". It is "Old Japan". Beautiful.

Andre'

Guenther (6145) 2006-08-21 10:58

Hallo Norbert,
gratuliere zu deinem TE-900. Bild! Das elegante, klassische Bild aus Japan ist bestens dafür geeignet! Schönes Licht und die farbigen Kimonos geden dem Bild neben den (Kirsch?) - Blüten eine besondere Frische. Die technische Ausführung ist wie immer makellos.

Angelillo (9051) 2006-08-21 10:59

Hi Norbert,

First of all, congratulations for the 900th. post (impressive!). The frame chosen for these two women is exuberant and the most beautiful. As always, a good definition, a few natural and exact colors ... they compose a very beautiful photography. Congratulations and thank you.

Angel.

ndb1958 (9228) 2006-08-21 12:10

Hi Norbert,
Gratulation!!! 900 Fotos! Das ist unglaublich!
Hier scheint die Zeit stehengeblieben. Sehr natürliche Farben, schön den Damen nachzuschauen.
Ciao, Nino.

Cormac (26423) 2006-08-21 13:06

Yikes! 900 photos is an amazing and scary number! Even more important is the 16,500 critiques- that is truly amazing. I wonder how you find the time for it, but I salute your dedication and your helpful, friendly spirit. Oh yeah, you also happen to be a great photographer, and getting even better all the time. Congratulations and keep the great work coming!

tinamunk3 (6380) 2006-08-21 13:32

Congratulations, Norbert. This is really something to celebrate. You have showed us so many wonderful images - an impressive collection you can be proud of.

We sure know these girls by now and again you have composed a beautiful image. A very natural scene and you manage to make it look like a painting. That's what I admire you for.

:) Tina

t0mmm1 (5432) 2006-08-21 13:37

Hi Norbert,
hey, congratulations for your 900th post. I think you choose it right... two women in ceremonial clothes under the blossom tree in a temple... Wonderful!
Have a nice day,
Tomi

leo61 (40904) 2006-08-21 13:56

Hallo Norbert!
Glückwunsch zum 900sten, und wieder mal ein Meisterwerk!
Bist Du hier eigentlich der Dienstälteste noch Aktive bei TE?
Ein qualitativ absolut perfektes Foto,es vereint einge für Japan typische Elemente:
Ein par Schriftzeichen links,Kirschblüten,Tempelarchitektur und die wunderbar kontrastierenden Kimonos.Ein schöner Blick nach oben mit den Treppenstufen mit den Treppenstufen im Vordergrund.
Auf die nächsten 900,naja 100...
Gruß,Andreas

ahmetgedikli (20103) 2006-08-21 14:18

Hi Norbert,
Congratulations for your 900th post.
Very sharp composition and beautiful colors with good POV. Well done.
Best regards.
Ahmet

Floydian (30970) 2006-08-21 14:44

900........oh my..
I could also upload that many, no problem, but is that really what i want? I can't believe i will do that ;-)
And stil after those 900, the picture quility is still good, that's an extra point..!!
Maybe a vertical composition would work better with more accent on the temple and the 2 people. I am not so fond on the white shields on the left, but that's a personal taste of course.
Regards, Henk

Vicky (1436) 2006-08-21 15:26

Hi Norbert,
Hope you are well and Happy 900th Anniversary! As usual, you present to us an image of outstanding quality and I think I can safely say that, whatever you set out to portray in this picture, you have successfully achieved your aim. These two colourful ladies are perfectly situated within the frame and the clarity of the photo is outstanding. I'm going to France on Thursday...it's only a day trip through the EuroTunnel, but at least I can say I've been! Here's to your next hundred. Best wishes, Vicky

MiguelP (14215) 2006-08-21 15:26

¡Felicidades Norbert! Congratulations, good way to celebrate this 900th posting, from my behalf thanks for what we have learnt from you, I hope it will continue like this. About this one, it´s like the movie of Joshua Logan "Sayonara" or any of Mikio Naruse. It´s quite a balance photo, something that would pleased any japaness gardener. Take care.

Rockyboy (20566) 2006-08-21 15:41

Sometime I wonder how many pages in a book would be all our photos posted here one TE... Yours with 900 pictures and always very good notes would be a nice dictionary about North America, Germany, Austria, London and now Japan;)
Anyway, I see that since I saw you started with pictures of the places I also visited in North america, you don't loose the rhytm to post a high qualitity pictures with always an informative note nearly everydays! Personnally, I do not write so much critiques than before but I always like to see the pictures of my favorites members and I am of course still watching yours.
I congratulate you for those 900 pictures and I hope one day (after France), I will see also the belgium in yellow on your map (even if it's a small point;)))
Anyway, this picture is again another nice one from Japan where I like you catched those women walking to the temple with the stairs in the forground. Well seen!

wilkinsonsg (8640) 2006-08-21 16:46

Congratulations on your 900th - as always a fine POV and well set up shot _ TFS :)

keribar (42173) 2006-08-21 22:12

Hi Norbert ,
And congratulations on your 9ooth post: I am glad to find out that your Sakura pictures seem unexhaustable in quailty and quantity. One thing I wonder is the quantity of kimonos you found in Japan, I thought one could see them only in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
Frienbdly regards - Izzet

Jeppe (18599) 2006-08-22 1:27

Hi Norbert

Congratulation with your shot #900 - A great job indeed, where the same "age" on TE and Im still looking for shot #400 :-)
You even got Denmark (or Greenland) at your map but hopefully will you add the southern part as well some day.

A fine perspective you got and with elements from many centuries.

bertolucci (11960) 2006-08-22 2:56

Hi Norbert congrats with your 900th one, my minds boggles again contemplating this number and it's great that you are here! This one is a very fine sample of what you brought us in yourlong and astoundingly good series. The compo, exposure and definition are spot on, allowing us to get really close to the beauty and enticemnt of the place.
Waiting for the 1000th post event!
Have a nice week,
Bert

jmdaoudal (18672) 2006-08-22 3:25

Hio again,
with 900 you are a prolific stakhanovist of good photographs :---)
Compliments for the career on TE, this one is still a good one with a nice crispy (by light) aspect and a very good contruction around the two ladies
I like it
jean Michel

Muse (29028) 2006-08-22 3:54

Hello Norbert,
Felicitations pour ta 9ooème photo.C'est un chiffre ça.
Une jolie photo avec ces japonaises en kimono.
De belles couleurs douces et un joli cadrage.
Excellente journee
Bonjour de Suisse
Denise

alekpet (4657) 2006-08-22 4:37

Happy 900, Norbert.

Slovenia is also on the waiting list...
This is a beautiful composition above all, carefully placed kimonos and cherry blossom and typical japanese wooden houses. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of this great site. I wish you happy going to 1000th!

Aleks

Janice (4386) 2006-08-22 6:43

CONGRATS on your 900th Norbert. I've only got 700 more to catch up with you!!
Beautiful composition here with the blossoms above and the two ladies dressed in their Kimonas. Well done,
Janice

Lynette (1615) 2006-08-22 7:13

Hi Norbert, impressive milestone. love the detail of the steps leading up towards the temple. Crisp clarity, fine detail and good composition.
regards
Lynette

siolaw (24920) 2006-08-23 8:29

Hi Norbert,
I like this compo very much.. showing a pisappearing Japan, from a good low POV, with beautiful natural colors and correct sharpness!The two ladies in traditionnal clothe and their positionning in the image does the rest!
Well done
Happy 900
Laurent

MayaG (2385) 2006-08-23 9:20

Congratulations Norbert! I am impressed by your statistics ;)
a well chosen photo for the occassion, it really looks timeless as you say. superb composition again, nothing to nit-pick about!
oh wait, yes, would look great in sepia ;)

jrj (34527) 2006-08-24 12:07

Hi Norbert
Congrate with the 900th and not least your never failing dedication for TE. We entered the site app. the same time - but I must say keeping up your 'speed' is far above my 'ambitions'.
For the 900th a good choice with this 'silent' scene from your Japan travel. Good pov adds to the overall fine result.

Didi (33766) 2006-08-24 14:13

Ohaio Norbert San
Felicitations pour cette 900ème; vous avez battu le record de publication sur le site de TE, à inscrire sur le livre Guiness des records.
Ce qui est important c'est que toutes vos images sont de très bonne qualité autant pour l'image ainsi que pour les notes descriptives.
J'apprécie beaucoup de consulter votre portofolio géant.
Sayonara.

Gdouble (5243) 2006-08-24 14:32

Hi Norbert,
Waouw !!! 900, I'm dreaming...
Again the blue and red kimonos...
Beatiful shot with a perfect POV. The walking ladies give a kind of dynamic into the picture.
Congrats
Guy

zig (2450) 2006-08-26 8:10

I am late again! I hope you will keep up with your work and keep inspiring us as well as you get inspired by others. Very spring feel shot. In summer women wears Yukata instead of that thick kimono, and you could see them if you could make it to Japan now, hehe. Anyway, very Japanese shot, and spring shot, I really like it and it reminds me that I live this beautiful country. Cheers.

Georges (11183) 2006-08-28 12:54

Une scene agreable a regarder ici Norbert et j'admire ce cadrage soigné et la qualitée de cette photo.
900Th felicitation tu fait bel et bien parti de l'histoire de TE bravo

LaurentM (313) 2006-09-04 11:49

Hi,
Amazing shot !
perfect composition, sharpness, colors ...
I will definitly go one time in Japan, i love this country and his culture.
And as PixelTerror said, you have to go to France :D
Best Regards,
Laurent