Standing by the river Photo

Photographer’s Note

People have been climbing into the Pak Ou caves, high above the Mekong some 25km from Luang Prabang, for maybe a couple of thousand years. They were used for the worship of the river spirit until Buddhism spread into Laos along the southern route from India. The caves are inhabited by thousands of Buddha statues - most of them being standing Buddhas of the Luang Prabang style pictured above. Monks used to live in the caves, too. When Laos was still a monarchy, the caves were visited every year by the king. A small royal Wat is near the caves. The citizens of Luang Prabang believe that many good-natured spirits have their homes in the caves. Thus they undertake short pilgrimages there on special occasions, especially traditional New Year's Day.

There are two caves in a striking limestone cliff where the Nam Ou river meets the Mekong. This was taken from inside the lower cave.

robertosalguero, albertopiubello, japiey, InasiaJones, ChrisJ, Floydian, PixelTerror, Budapestman, Angelillo, patdeph, stego, Waylim, leo61, kiwi_explorer, Wanda1, axiotea, Cretense, jafadabret, JCG, atus, siolaw, gildasjan, josepmarin, belido, photographer123, Clementi, danos, plimrn, gary91, John_F_Kennedy, jhm, Photo65Net, xavshot, Pitoncle, paololg, salvator, riclopes, Emile, Henryk_Bilor, crhieatt has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

robertosalguero (1850) 2008-01-31 22:38

Hello Vincent,

The silhouettes look great ahead of the bright out of focus background. I think your note is very informative and help us understand the meaning of the statues. Nice perspective and the shadows create a nice contrast on the muddy river. Thanks.

Roberto

albertopiubello (2589) 2008-01-31 23:08

Bonjour Vincent,
je me souviens bien de cet endroit magique! Les silhouettes sont très bien prises en echelle et une partie du Mekong semble même bleue!
Alberto

InasiaJones (17341) 2008-02-01 0:49

Bonjour Vincent,

La combinaison de couleurs mauve/vert/sable, c'est toujours "winner"!.. :-P)

Ici, le landscape sert de canvas idéal pour recevoir ces statues en silhouette, en les présentant dans un contexte propre à la spiritualité qu'elles inspirent. La composition en diagonale est bien vue.

Bon week-end!

André

ChrisJ (65367) 2008-02-01 0:58

Salut Vincent

Wonderful graphism & silhouettes, of the 3 Buddha Statues, with a superb view over the Mekong River. Pak Ou was great. Tfs!

japiey (9453) 2008-02-01 1:10

Hi Vincent,

Fine shot, and original.
The shaded statues and the colourfull nature...
Well written notes that explains the details ...
The slight blurry B/G is interesting..
All the best.

jean paul

Floydian (30970) 2008-02-01 1:17

Hello Vincent,
Strong silhouettes combined with nice warm light in the background, very clever how you composed this. Maybe the same way i would do it when i stand there. I like such images a lot...very fine work.
Regards, Henk

jasmis (46517) 2008-02-01 1:32

Smart idea to show this silhouettes against the blurred background. Really impressive photo.
Regards.

PixelTerror (81500) 2008-02-01 1:38

SAlut Vincent,
Des silhouettes un peu etranges qui contrastent pas mal mais je me demande si tu n'aurais pas pu plus accentuer la luminosite de l'arriere plan pour renforcer cet effet.
Bon week end JY

gilou530 (31861) 2008-02-01 2:17

salut vincent
je rejoins l'idée de JY sur l'arriere plan et la luminosité, sinon le cadrage en diagonale de ces ombres est top
amitiés
gilbert

everlasting (10876) 2008-02-01 3:17

I know this place very well Vince, in fact i have the same shot somewhere back in my achives with my small compact canon.
But this is nice, good sharp silhouettes against the blurred mekong landscape.

Angshu (30896) 2008-02-01 3:26

Hello Vincent
This is good, & original. Excellently composed with the silhouettes of the statues of Buddha against the backdrop of the Mekong (doesn't look very muddy here!)& the kasrt hills in the BG. Maybe here a narrower aperture could have been more appropriate to show us the BG sharper! Just a thought...good work my friend, am enjoying revisiting Lao through your eyes!
Regards
Angshu

MarcT (20231) 2008-02-01 8:54

Salut Vincent,
Tu nous montres un beau jeu d'ombres très original.
Le format carré est bien choisi.
Amicalement
Marc

Budapestman (36662) 2008-02-01 9:33

Hi Vincent,
Beautiful impression for this place with splendid diagonal composition. I like the attractive silhouettes and the contrast between the gleaming background and shaded foreground. Amazing atmosphere, Very well done! Have a nice weekend
George

Angelillo (9051) 2008-02-01 9:34

Très belle, Vincent.

Une grande idée prendre les silhouettes au prémier plan, avec la succesion dés différentes mesures, qui donne vraiment relief! L'arrière-plan flou est aussi une belle idée! Merci, elle est fantastique!

Amitiés,
Angel.

gracious (20005) 2008-02-01 10:31

Hello Vinc,
Great use of the Buddha statures as silhouette along the river!
good notes for the image presented
well done
greeting
Tony

patdeph (15236) 2008-02-01 13:11

bonsoir Vincent
c'est une photo très originale qui me plaît beaucoup!J'aime les beaux profils de ces statues se détachant en silhouttes noires sur le paysage éclairé de soleil!j'aime le fait que celui-ci soit légèrement flou,ce qui met bien l'accent sur les photos.Je trouve que l'arrière-plan un peu sombre accentue l'effet un peu mystérieux,et ne partage donc pas l'avis de ceux qui disent que tu aurais dû l'éclaircir!
amicalement.
Pascale

stego (21486) 2008-02-01 14:37

Salut Vincent,
The river and the green hills make a great backdrop for the beautiful silhouettes of the Buddhist statues, that seem to be guarding the place against all evil spirits. Wonderful atmosphere!
Amicalement, José.

Waylim (8382) 2008-02-01 16:11

Hello Vincent,
It’s another wonderful photo along with interesting note and story. The silhouette of the Buddha statues really make it feels like we are looking out from a cave. You have shown me many places that I’ve never been, and I have learned a great deal from your notes about Laos. I come from a family of multiple backgrounds, but I consider Laos my home country. Although I’ve left when I was only 10 and lived a larger part of my life in other countries than in Laos. Thank you for taking your time to provide such detail notes and story of each places. I can’t wait to see your next upload.
WL

batalay (19188) 2008-02-01 19:43

Hello Vincent,

The intensely dark silhouettes create a mystery and mystique. This is a compelling composition and a very good, comprehensive note.

Warm regards and have a good weekend,

Bulent

leo61 (40904) 2008-02-02 1:32

Hi Vincent!
Great shot out of the cave.the silhouettes of the differrent sized statues,building a diagonal looks great and I like the light at the landscape.
Regards,Leo

kiwi_explorer (12195) 2008-02-02 1:33

Hi Vincent,
Interesting silhouette figures to frame the river view. Good informative notes to describe the scene. Well captured and presented. Well done! tfs
Cheers,
Renier

Wanda1 (10233) 2008-02-02 1:50

Hi Vincent,
The silhouettes of these statues stepping down form an interesting image against the background of the river. A nicely done shot!
regards
Wanda

Nicou (38186) 2008-02-02 3:07

Hello,

Ces personnages en ombre chinoise sont slpendidie avec cet arrière plan flou, ce bleu mouvant qui tourne au violet rose, de toute beauté, très belle recherche.

Bravo et amitiés

Nicou

delkoo (31658) 2008-02-02 3:16

bonjour vincent
ces silhouettes qui contemplent le fleuve qui passe sont remarquables, il se dégage beaucoup de sérénité de cette photo.

bon w.e
dider

axiotea (14905) 2008-02-02 3:31

Bonjour Vincent
Joli profil des statues formant une diagonale et qui tranche bien sur le paysage, légèrement flouté. Ta note est intéressante et donne envie d'aller voir; ces grottes et statues, d'un peu plus près.
A+
Marilyn

Cretense (49832) 2008-02-02 3:57

Hi Vincent!

Really impressive "shadow play", great play also with the focus and the depth of field, that make a great balance between the shadowed, sharp foreground and the bright, blurry background! Great composition and framing! Congratulations!

Hercules

jafadabret (35501) 2008-02-02 8:25

Vincent bonsoir.

C'est une photo originale avec ces silhouettes du premier plan. Elles évoquent toutes les sculptures et l'art du Laos. Du beau travail.
Jacques

Graal (52732) 2008-02-02 9:57

Bonsoir Vincent,
interesting view and unusual idea with the silhuettes in FG. I like it. Good informations.
Gr., Aleksander

JCG (22703) 2008-02-02 10:44

Bonsoir Vincent,

Je m'aperçois que le plumeau n'est pas passé souvent, les toiles d'araignées sont légion !!! A part ça un bien joli contre-jour sur ces statues qui donnent des profils bien nets se détachant parfaitement de l'arrière plan bien lumineux. Beau cadrage et merci pour la note bien intéressante, merci Vincent.

Avec toutes mes amitiés et un très bon WE,

Jean-Charles

atus (15263) 2008-02-02 18:26

Well composed shot with the silhouettes of the statues, which make a very good and pleasant contrast with the blurred landscape in the bg. I liked this place and especially the location of the few restaurants not far from the cave (:D. Tfs and best wishes.
Attila

chanjits (4393) 2008-02-02 18:29

nice shot with shallow depth of field and your note is also very informative thats true to trek earth spirit.

pcp (3324) 2008-02-02 18:50

Hello Vincent,

Wonderful shot and lovely composition with good note.Perfect title... very well done.

TFS

Senthil

Stepan (27163) 2008-02-02 23:43

Sympa cette diagonale de silhouettes. Assez mystérieux dans un certain sens. Bien vu.
Stéphane

siolaw (24920) 2008-02-03 0:49

Salut Vincent,
C'est une belle réalisation avec les silhouettes en diagonale se détachant bien sur le fond de fleuve et des collines légèrement floutés.
Joli
Laurent

gildasjan (20953) 2008-02-03 1:39

Bonjour Vincent
Une image pleine de mystères.Les ombres en diagonale du premier plan sont bien mises en valeur sur l'arrière plan qui reçoit la lumière.C'est bien inscrit dans le format carré.
Bonne journée.
Amicalement
Gildas

jemaflor (36474) 2008-02-03 2:45

Salut Vincent,
Bon effet avec ces silhouettes en ombres "laotiennes". Elles se détachent bien sur un bel arrière plan lumineux et flou à souhait.

Silvio1953 (36421) 2008-02-03 3:27

Hi Viincent fascinating silhouettes on a splendid river, great light and colors, very well done, have a nice Sunday, ciao Silvio

josepmarin (31437) 2008-02-03 4:12

Bonjour Vincent,
les silhouettes noires de ces sculptures sur un arrière-plan estompé fonctionnent parfaitement et ont un fort graphisme.
Tu as eu une grande idée avec ce cadrage et as traité très bien la lumière et la profondeur de champ.
Un belle photo.
Amicalement,
Josep

belido (13371) 2008-02-03 4:14

Hi Vincent,

love the silhouettes against the blured green background. I like your play with the statues shapes and the diagonal line from right to left. Beautiful work!
Regards,
Carlos

AiresSantos (35827) 2008-02-03 4:19

Hi Vincent
Great composition these very nice silhouettes in foreground. Excellent low DOF and big formtat.
TFS and have a nice day
Aires

photographer123 (5435) 2008-02-03 8:04

hi,....
The silhouettes looking wonderful and uses of background is very nice..very good composition..well done...best wishes...subir

Jeppe (18599) 2008-02-03 13:31

Hi Vincent - a fine composition with a blured background and the silhouttes statues in front.
TFS
Jeppe

sebinho342 (18341) 2008-02-03 14:08

SAlut Vincent, merde elle est trop grosse ta photo, je n'arrive pas a la voir en entier sur mon p'tit écran de PC portable ;)
... mais en fait en virant la partie basse elle me plait énormément donc ça ne me gène pas tant que ça. J'imagine que t'as du en voir pour la réaliser celle ci, le focus sur un premier plan sombre et ne pas cramer l'arriere plan bien lumineux a F4.6 chapeau.
C'est chouette en tout cas, les symboles permettent d'avoir une bonne idée d'ou la photo a été prise.
Bravo

danos (27886) 2008-02-03 15:21

Salut Vincent,
nice shot with the silhouettes to brings out the details, contrary to the lighten and at the same time blur background.I like the placement of the statues in the scene as the excellent and informative note.I hope to visit these places in my next trip in Laos.

Have a nice week,danos

plimrn (18682) 2008-02-03 17:22

Bonsoir Vincent,
Your careful framing of these striking silhouettes against the softly focused BG illustrate your note well. What a nice idea to have good-natured spirits,
vous souhaitant la santé, l'amour et la joie (SAJ), Pat

clnaef (6289) 2008-02-03 23:09

Bonjour,
Bonne idée que ces silhouettes en premier plan.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

gary91 (15305) 2008-02-03 23:31

Salut Vincent,
Très intelligente cette composition dans un carré parfait.
Les 3 silhouettes qui forment la diagonale sont vraiment bien vues.
Une belle ambiance et un côté magique et surnaturel habitent ce paysage mystérieux.
Bonne journée à toi.
Amicalement, Christian

John_F_Kennedy (27465) 2008-02-04 0:26

Great idea to capture some of the 5000 Buddhas in this way. Beautiful view of a lovely place, great composition with wonderful light and colours.
Best wishes,
Achim

Clementi (36970) 2008-02-04 1:25

Ciao Vincent,
Really impressive shadow play,
great light and colors, fantastic sharp
very well done,
Giorgio

jhm (76918) 2008-02-04 4:08

Hello Vincent,

This is a very good picture with the dark statues in foreground.
The little bit blur background care for the colour and composition.
Well done, thanks for sharing.

Best regards,
John.

Photo65Net (43078) 2008-02-04 9:33

Salut Vincent,
Un premier plan si net, tout en ombres, le paysage dans le bokeh... C'est super original, j'aime beaucoup.
Bonne soirée,
JB.

barrufeto_77 (24439) 2008-02-04 13:06

Hi Vincent.

Excellent silhouettes! The contrast with the background is great.

My compliments!

jmcl (13251) 2008-02-04 18:20

Hi Vincent,

I don't think I have ever seen such a combination of depth of field and silhouette .. wow .. powerful and striking image.

take care,

John

jrj (34527) 2008-02-05 1:29

Good use of the silhouetted effect here Vinz and the moderate dof in the background. Effectful and stylish result.

xavshot (58383) 2008-02-05 12:52

Bonsoir Vincent
le paysage est superbe et donne un excellent fond à ces silhouettes. J'aime beaucoup l'ambiance, presque inquiétante, de cette photo. bravo.
Xavier

Pitoncle (3743) 2008-02-05 13:14

Bonjour Vincent,
L'angle de prise de vue et le cadrage des silhouettes du premier plan font un bel effet dans la composition en se détachant sur les couleurs du fleuve mais il me semble que l'arrière plan par son manque de netteté enlève de la profondeur à l'image.
A bientôt sur TE pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard

paololg (10518) 2008-02-05 14:41

Ciao Vincent,
stupendous profile, perfectly clear that pleasantly opposes with the background. This image has a mystical and suggestive atmosphere. Good job.
TFS
Paolo.

salvator (18349) 2008-02-07 7:07

Hi Vincent,
Superb colors in the background and wonderful silouettes , the foreground. Very nicely composed too.
Best regards. Salvator.

riclopes (32362) 2008-02-08 9:42

Outstanding composition. I've seen pictures before I went there and noticed that it wasn't that easy to photograph with that light. This is quite original and very well accomplished. That hand is fantastic. Congratulations.
ric

Emile (19038) 2008-02-09 6:22

Hola Vincent.
Wonderful shot with the amazing silhouettes of the statues in perfect sharpness and the blurred and lighted DOF. Good work. Well done.
Best regards.

clio (20103) 2008-02-10 9:30

Bonsoir Vincent,
Quelle photo fascinante!
On dirait vraiment une extraordinaire procession qui remonte la rivière.
Ta prise de vue en contre-jour crée vraiment une atmosphère particulière. C'est très bien fait
Bravo
Diane

Bluejeans (27444) 2008-02-11 10:40

Ola Vincent,
Gostei da tua composição com a focagem do primeiro plano nas silhuetas , bons detalhes , bom enquadramento da foto , parabéns!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Henryk_Bilor (20260) 2008-02-13 5:52

Hi Vincent
Lovely compostion with the silhouettes in the foreground and blurred hills and mountains in the distance.
Good light.
Regards

devimeuxbe (54043) 2008-03-10 2:06

Salut Vincent
C'est bien d'avoir joué avec ces ombres pour nous présenter les grottes de Pak Ou. L'image est belle et la lumière derrière n'est pas écrasante.
Amicalement
Bertrand

crckt (6846) 2008-03-16 7:25

Hi Vincent,
This is such a powerful shot! The silhouettes look wonderful.
Well done,
Shaeri

crhieatt (4862) 2008-04-17 8:59

Vincent,
Great use of the silhouetted carvings in this shot, which say so much about the place, without ever lifting from a solid black.
Regards
Colin