A Spiritual Dandy Photo

Photographer’s Note

New title inspired by InasiaJones's critique:)

Occupying a narrow peninsula of land between the Mekong and Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang is a lovely place to take a leisurely walk and soak up the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you. No cough-inducing bus fumes, traffic jams or the unsightly presence of fast food franchises to ruin the landscape, just lots of beautiful temples all around, lovely french colonial style architecture and an incredible number of charming Buddhist monks walking around. Dressed in those trademark saffron robes, you'll easily spot them, often with an umbrella in hand to ward off either sunrays or raindrops. In the early morning hours, when they make their daily alms rounds through town, it seems as if a wave of orange is flowing down the streets. They really belong to the landscape.

jusninasirun, robertosalguero, InasiaJones, besnard, AiresSantos, ChrisJ, clio, jhm, Wanda1, Floydian, patdeph, paololg, zeca, stego, axiotea, PixelTerror, carper, Emile, siolaw, kiwi_explorer, snowfalken, Silvio1953, jaywalker, jlbrthnn, papagolf21, hgupta, Photo65Net, chrisnet, dip, evanrizo, danos, gary91, salvator, JCG, riclopes has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

pcp (3368) 2008-01-22 22:13

Hi Vincent,

Beautiful shot and wonderful light. Silent motion speaks a lot. Very well done.

TFS

Senthil

gildasjan (24219) 2008-01-22 22:19

Bonjour Vincent
Superbement cadré ce cliché.Tout simplement du très beau et bon travail,j'apprécie.
Bonne journée.
Amicalement
Gildas

robertosalguero (110) 2008-01-22 22:20

Hello Vincent,

I hope this tradition will never cease to exist. I imagine the colourful atmosphere created by the monks on the streets of the cities. Nice portrait type of image. The colours look great and the contrast created by the light and shadows on his face are very attractive. Thanks Vincent.

Roberto

barrufeto_77 (25957) 2008-01-22 22:20

Hi Vincent.

Nice, nice shot. I like the typical daily-life atmosphere in that picture.

Rgs, OScar

InasiaJones (20717) 2008-01-22 22:38

Hi Vince!

Charming?... Peut-être que les moines laotiens sont plus gentils et accessibles, mais la plupart de ceux que j'ai rencontrés en Thaïlande se prenaient tous pour l'incarnation de bouddha... Je sais déjà que lorsqu'on les salue en baissant la tête et en joignant les mains, ils ne doivent pas nous répondre, mais au-delà de cette convention, je les percevais comme de prétentieux personnages... Peut-être sont-ils exaspérés d'être les sujets involontaires de la curiosité des occidentaux, mais leur accoutrement est irrésistible pour les amateurs de photo que nous sommes... L'orange semble toujours crevé l'écran devant les temples aux couleurs fades... :-P)

Ce novice est en effet photogénique avec sa ceinture jaune citron et son parapluie qui lui donne un air dandy... Un dandy spirituel!... Le temps d'exposition bien géré permet d'obtenir une photo bien nette, sauf sur les membres en mouvement qui suggèrent un certain dynamisme; j'adore. Dans ce genre de moment, il faut réagir avec empressement et c'est pourquoi la composition est d'autant plus remarquable qu'elle est serrée sur le sujet, tout en lui accordant l'espace nécessaire afin qu'il puisse se déplacer dans le cadre.

Bonne journée Vincent!

André

besnard (31316) 2008-01-22 22:43

Bonjour Vincent
Très beau portrait avec un format bien choisi. Les couleurs sont harmonieuses, même le parapluie-parasol est assorti à la robe.
Merci pour le partage et bonne journée.
Nicole

drweizy (337) 2008-01-22 23:02

well done.
Temples in Laos play the role of schools, don't they?

jusninasirun (10361) 2008-01-23 0:35

Hello Vincent,
They started early on my route to work while it is still rather dark.
You have captured one charmingly as the title said in nice calm expression on the face. Good exposure even with the shade on the face.
Regards,
Jusni

ChrisJ (70485) 2008-01-23 0:36

Salut Vincent

Good daily life scene, of the orange robed Buddhist Monk, with his matching accessory of orange parasol. Excellent sharpness & composition, with good light management. Merci!

MarcT (21105) 2008-01-23 0:37

Salut Vincent,
Superbes couleurs pour cette image où l'ombre du visage est bien gérée et l'orange génère une belle ambiance vive et pourtant paisible comme seuls ces religieux savent nous donner.
Amitiés sereines, ainsi
Marc

Angshu (34219) 2008-01-23 0:40

Hello Vincent
Very nice colours you've got of the novice in his stride. I had long conversations with them, because they were so interested in India, the birthplace of Buddism..You've got good details on his face in shadows as well.
Best Regards
Angshu

jasmis (51283) 2008-01-23 0:45

Well, I visited Laos in 1988, but now I have no opportunity to go there again. So I watch your portfolio very carefully.
Nice photo, no doubt.
Regards.

hello_ishan (1571) 2008-01-23 0:59

Hi Vincent,
Simple but effective shot; I like his gesture. TFS.

RS

AiresSantos (43250) 2008-01-23 1:06

Hi Vincent

What Charming has this Monk of Laos !
Great capture, excellent composition with nice colours and light

TFS and have a nice day
Aires

clio (23413) 2008-01-23 2:40

Bonjour Vincent,
Simple dans le cadrage et dans les couleurs. Mais ce qui est simple et pur est couvent très beau.
En voilà une parfaite illustration.
Bravo
Diane

jhm (83742) 2008-01-23 5:29

Hello Vincent,

It's a very good portrait of this monk, very well with the shadow under the umbrella.
Also the yellow band care for little bit contrast, very well done.
Thanks for sharing.

Best regards,
John.

Wanda1 (11025) 2008-01-23 7:10

Hi Vincent,
His bright robes jump out on the screen, and he has a nice calm expression on his face. I like the movement on his hand and foot, and the umbrella also provides nice interest.
Regards
Wanda

Floydian (30970) 2008-01-23 7:54

Hi Vincent,
How nice, how peaceful. Great pose (with a slight blur in his feet from the movement) and a very beautiful serene face. He takes his clothings very seriously as can be seen how it is wrapped around his body.
A simple but very nice image...
Regards, Henk

gracious (20017) 2008-01-23 9:01

Hello vinc,
A beautiful portrait well captured in motion!
good lighting with rich colouration
a pleasant composition indeed
well done
cheers
Tony

Graal (59090) 2008-01-23 10:01

Interesting portrait of monk with umbrella. Fine shot. Good contrast and colours.
Gr., Aleksander

patdeph (18590) 2008-01-23 12:18

bonsoir Vincent
c'est une belle photo,toute simple,mais dont les couleurs éclatantes attirent inévitablement le regard!C'est super bien cadré,avec un bon espace devant le moine.J'aime la sérénité qui se dégage de ce personnage et donc,de cette photo!
Je te souhaite une bonne soirée.
Pascale

gilou530 (35972) 2008-01-23 12:25

salut vincent
un moine bien typique du pays sous une lumiére qui illumine son costume m$ême sous son parapluie, excellent cadrage
amitiés
gilbert

crckt (7102) 2008-01-23 12:30

Hi Vincent,
A simple and minimalistic shot, yet very very elegant. Love the bright orange color here and the yellow in the middle. Interesting expression too.
Thanks for sharing,
shaeri

paololg (14523) 2008-01-23 14:18

Ciao Vincent,
this simple image is very beautiful and meaningful. For us western, these places are really a heaven of calm and peace, as the expression of this Buddhist monk. Good neatness and perfect management of the light. Really a good job.
TFS
Paolo.

zeca (20026) 2008-01-23 16:07

Hey Vincent!
The monks are always a good target for TE photographers. The lights are very nice, as the colours. Well taken!
Regards,
Zeca

axiotea (16355) 2008-01-23 21:04

Salut Vincent
il a une belle aura ce moine! un visage doux protégé des rayons du soleil par le parapluie...et son allure décidée est bien saisie. Les couleurs de sa robe et ceinture jaune citron sont bien mises en valeur par la lumière.
Je lisais la critique d'André, concernant les moines de Thaïlande, et c'est vrai, qu'en général, ils sont légèrement arrogants...alors qu'au Myanmar, je les ais trouvés très sympathiques.
A+
Marilyn

Clementi (45793) 2008-01-24 0:33

Ciao Vincent ,
Simple but effective shot,
Good exposure even with the shade on the face.
Giorgio

PixelTerror (87159) 2008-01-24 1:51

Salut Vincent,
Aie, si tu commences a succomber aux delires psychedeliques du Cousin, t'es pas sorti de l'auberge !
Ca faisait longtemps qu'on les voyait plus ces moines oranges, apres une periode ou ils etaient tres a la mode sur TE, en revoila un fort beau, bien cadre, avec beaucoup de style et juste ce qu'il faut de mouvement, j'aime bien.
Bonne journee JY

carper (66108) 2008-01-24 2:11

very nice one Vincent,
good shot of this monk, well composed, good photo and nice photojob, I like it, have a nice day.
gr. jaap

John_F_Kennedy (32308) 2008-01-24 3:21

What I nice reminer. I was end of Dec in Luang Prabang and had seen the morning ceremony.
Great shot from this historic place. Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

AmiBe (6042) 2008-01-24 3:38

Hello Vincent,
pas mal le titre :)
En plus de photographier des "bombes", André à de bonnes idées.
Belle unité des couleurs, j'aime bien le parapluie qui rappel la couleur du sol.
a+

cessy (13647) 2008-01-24 7:25

he is very charming indee, dandy kind of
nice capture of him, Vincent

siolaw (25882) 2008-01-24 21:05

Salut Vincent
C'est bien ca! Il a un petit air dandy... au minimum c'est un coquet! Bonne lumière sur son visage, et les couleurs de la robe et sa ceinture sont éclatantes, et parfaite netteté...un bon portrait de ce marcheur!
Amicalement
LAurent

Stepan (27175) 2008-01-24 23:25

Quelque part, ce type de compo, c'est une forme de minimalisme sur l'Asie... Ce sont les couleurs que je soulignerai ici...
Stéphane

kiwi_explorer (12195) 2008-01-25 1:18

Hi Vincent,
The plain background made your subject really standout. Very good vibrant crispy colors. Wonderfully captured and composed ... image quality is good too. I find your notes very informative. Well done! tfs and have a nice weekend.
Cheers,
Renier

snowfalken (1108) 2008-01-25 1:42

Hello Vincent,

A very good portrait of this young Buddhist monk walking around! I appreciate the exposure that you've calculated so that you still get details in the shaded face, obtained a sharp image and induced enough blur into the monk's leg to suggest movement. You captured it in front of a pretty neutral background which doesn't distract from the subject. I like your work! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!

With Friendly Regards,
Eddie

Budapestman (43238) 2008-01-25 2:44

Hi Vincent,
Great portrait with funny title. The composition is very attractive, ccolours are splendid. Beautiful daily life shot, Very well done! Have a nice weekend
Geoege

Silvio1953 (43362) 2008-01-25 4:14

Hi Vincent, elegant look for this spiritual dandy, lovely and original portrait with splendid colors, very well done, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

Emile (20177) 2008-01-25 4:56

Hola Vincent.
Very good shot of the monk with his colorful saffron robe, very well captured. The umbrella is a good add to your composition. I like his peaceful expression, good POV, well done.
TFS.
Best regards.

jaywalker (12401) 2008-01-25 9:58

Hi Vincent, A beautifully captured moment, as this monk takes a stroll, loud clothing & at a peaceful time, very good light & the umbrella finishes the photo wonderfully well, kind regards Wilson.

Wandering_Dan (3325) 2008-01-25 16:21

Hi, Vincent -

Very nice capture, great colors and light. I might have put the man a little closer to the center; what do you think?

Regards,
Dan

marietom (32280) 2008-01-26 1:19

Hello Vincent,

I like a lot your title !
Photo amusante et colorée.
Marie

jlbrthnn (39451) 2008-01-26 1:55

Bonjour Vincent,
Effectivement le titre va comme un gant à cette belle image. Les couleurs sont accrocheuses et le cadrage est parfait. Très bon réflexe pour saisir cette scène surprenante. Bravo.
Bonne journée
Amicalement
Joël

papagolf21 (57003) 2008-01-26 2:58

Bonjour, Vincent,
Le titre est excellent ! Point n'est besoin de faire de longues phrases pour apprécier cette composition.
Image très bien cadrée.
Bravo !
Amitiés.
Philippe

hgupta (1321) 2008-01-26 4:09

Wonderful picture. The movement nicely captured. The look on the face is very contended and serene. Colors are great and the texture of the wall in the BG nicely captured.
Regards,

Hemant

knowdebu (958) 2008-01-26 6:01

Hi Vencent,
Very neat and a tidy image. Like the colours as well as the fantastic light of this picture.
regards
Debabrata

stego (22500) 2008-01-26 11:14

Salut Vincent,
This is the 3rd time I begin writing something about this one. I was interrupted the other two, I didn't even remembered any more that I hadn't sent what I had written the second time, so I only hope that I can do it this time. :-)
I find that the word charming also applies here, but I agree that dandy is even more appropriate and surely much more funny. Glamourous would suit also, don't you think? At least if one forgets about our Western prejudice against slippers. :-)
You caught it very nicely. The nondescript BG makes his colourful robe stand up. The clarity and the spotless exposure adjustment (I wouldn't be surprised to find some OE with all that sun) makes the rest. I like also the dynamism given by his pose and by the blur in his feet; although nothing in his body expression shows it, he might have been moving quite quickly, for having blur with 1/200.
Amicalement, José.

Photo65Net (43106) 2008-01-26 11:21

Salut Vincent,
Une belle prise de rue, j'aime beaucoup les couleurs et contrastes.
C'est jol, dynamique, et ça raconte une histoire, bien vu.
Bonne soirée,
JB.

chrisnet (20378) 2008-01-26 11:41

Salut Vincent,
Simple portrait de cet homme qui marche, j'apprécie la couleur du parapluie assortie à son vêtement orange.
Amitiés

UnTrained (0) 2008-01-26 11:46

Salut Vincent,
that is just great! Wonderful colour contrasts, excellent composition with his position and movement into the capture and the umbrella, oh what a great addition. Superb.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

chanjits (4409) 2008-01-26 20:45

nice candid pose of a Monk your note is also very informative.

dip (13000) 2008-01-27 2:44

Hello Vincent,
another beautiful shot,good use of light and shadows,clarity and colors are also excellent!
Dimitris.

evanrizo (456) 2008-01-27 3:41

Hi Vincent,
The monk comes excellent here in this photo, especial with this background it helps also very good.
The lightness is superb.
Have a nice afternoon
Evangelos

Nicou (46171) 2008-01-27 5:54

Hello,

superbe image, ce jeune moine est mangigique capté, on dirait qu'il avance, les couleurs sont merveilleuse, il a une très belle attitude et du sérieux, comme ton image.

Bravo et amitiés

Nicou

danos (33680) 2008-01-27 7:12

Salut Vincent,
very nice the portrait of this Buddhist monk with the characteristic clothes.I like the difference between the shadow and the light that fall on his body under the umbrella.Excellent the contrasted colours and the peaceful that spread on his face.Informative your note too.

Regards,Danos

gary91 (15321) 2008-01-27 14:56

Bonsoir Vincent,
très bonne composition surtout avec un plan aussi serré. Tu as laissé suffisament d'espace au personnage sur la gauche pour se déplacer. Il a vraiment un look superbe et distingué. Très bon choix de la vitesse qui permet d'obtenir cet effet dynamique sur les jambes.
Bonne soirée à toi.
Amicalement, Christian

salvator (18979) 2008-01-28 0:23

Hi Vincent,
Wonderful colors, vivid and bright. The yellow and orange of the monk shielding himeslf from the sun with the umbrealla is very nice. Nice catch.
Best regards. Salvator.

dilane (10289) 2008-01-28 7:35

Bonjour Vincent
Excellent travail où la lumière est superbement gérée, le visage tout en étant ombré est parfait, et l'orange éclate !
mes amitiés -
daniel

JCG (25863) 2008-01-28 11:22

Bonsoir Vincent,

Pas de faute de goût ici... même le parapluie est dans le ton. Belle photo de ce moine qui semble ici défiler. Très belle lumière qui met bien en évidence ce bel orange qui ressort bien sur l'arrière plan pierreux. Beau portrait, bravo Vincent.

Avec toutes mes amitiés et une très bonne soirée,

Jean-Charles

clnaef (6289) 2008-01-29 23:02

Bonjour,
Belle luminosité et agréable contraste de couleurs.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

riclopes (33137) 2008-01-31 2:39

Yes, "they really belong to the landscape" and I loved that, since I had never been in a city with such a strong presence of them. Excellent close approach in a perfect framing and timming. Walking movement, umbrella and (absolutely) serene expression.
ric

Morac (21113) 2008-02-03 13:53

Bonjour Vincent
Superbement cadré ce cliché.
Les couleurs sont harmonieuses,
Tout simplement du très beau et bon travail,j'apprécie.
Amicalement

Marc

Jean-Luc (5488) 2008-02-26 2:01

Bonjour Vincent,
Merci pour ton commentaire qui me permet de découvrir et visiter ta galerie. Nombreux sont tous ces excellents clichés qui s'offrent à ma vue.
Pour l'heure, parmi d'autres aussi réussis, je retiens celui-ci pour l'élégance et l'allure de ce "dandy" dont toute la noblesse s'exprime par cette expression du visage que tu as pu saisir!
Amicalement
Jean-Luc
PS d'autres visites s'imposent..