Enlightenment, a photo from Mandalay, North

Photographer's Note

In Thailand and Burma, it is common for boys to spend some time living as a monk in a monastery. Most stay for only a few years and then leave, but a number continue on in the ascetic life for the rest of their lives.

jjcordier, timecapturer, lgir, jabber has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jjcordier (62394) 2013-02-08 22:45

André
Quel bonheur de commencer la journée avec une de tes merveilles photographiques! Quelle composition percutante et quelle magnifique façon de jouer avec la lumière! Une photo splendide qui en dit beaucoup sur la vie de ce petit moine.
Amitiés
JJ

daddo (18517) 2013-02-08 23:15

Hi Andre. I saw this photo hours ago when the northern hemisphere was still asleep, yet I am totally surprised that only one person out of 93 has deemed this photo worthy of comment. people must be either blind or i do not understand their modus operandi, their wiring. An enchanting photo of this tiny scholar.Glorious light, imaginative POV and composition. A real gem. Best wishes. Klaudio.

carlo62 (12666) 2013-02-09 1:52

Ciao Andre
il pov e l'esposizione rendono questa foto magnifica, l'atmosfera creata è molto suggestiva e commovente.
Complimenti
Carlo

Juzo (4242) 2013-02-09 3:33

Hi Andre,
This is like a painting, the light and textures are so balanced, the scene is serene, thoughtful. I like how the colours go form the warm orange to the colder pastels to our right.
Cheers
Justin

timecapturer (30394) 2013-02-09 3:47

Hi Andre
love this! It is quite special. The subject is compelling enough but your composition and execution is so sensitive and beautiful. It conveys that atmosphere and dedication succinctly. A quality and stunning image and I congratulate you, it is spellbinding.

Enjoy your weekend - Brian.

Irenetta (22) 2013-02-09 3:57

Ciao Andre,

It's a pity that the members of this website give points according to the ones they receive, instead of the ones that really deserve them. After I realized that principle, not on my photo but in general, looking at snapshots that receive massive critiques because the author was writing to everyone, just to receive points in exchange, I have decided not to publish anymore. It is so futile. Your work is a teaching to us, to the viewer, but you are at a level that very few can achieve, so we can only admire. You are a master at creating compelling images, at creating a mood, you know how to get the best with light, with your subjects. I am fascinated by your talent. Thank you. Irene

Fotomedia (0) 2013-02-09 5:32

Amazing gallery!
You must be working for National Geographic in'it?
This photo leaves you gaping in admiration.
Ben

yquem46 (32323) 2013-02-09 6:02

une image craquante et superbe André
Cà c'est de la photo !!
Bravo, amitiés
Patrick

ajayrawat (533) 2013-02-09 7:23

Amazing composition, with nice mix of light color. The picture defiantly captures your attention.

chawax (14918) 2013-02-09 7:49

Bonjour Andre,
Un joli portrait, bien équilibré, avec un éclairage très subtil. La maîtrise technique est parfaite et j'aime beaucoup l'atmosphère que dégage la scène.
Bon week-end,
Olivier

lgir (6215) 2013-02-09 9:28

Bonjour André,

excellente rendu des contrastes de couleurs grâce à une bonne maîtrise de la lumière sur une image d'un très bon piqué.
Il se dégage une certaine atmosphère de ta composition, c'est impressionnant !
Excellent travail
Amicalement
Laurent

Urbanoid (0) 2013-02-09 10:10

Andre. I am preparing a trip in Myanmar and I stumbled across these photos of yours on the web. You are incredibly gifted and I can only dream to come back from my trip with such awe-inspiring images.
Your work shows a truly unique vision. They are the result of artistic sensibility and uncompromising technical skills. I have admire this photo for 10 minutes, before deciding to comment on it. I am completely blown away by your collection.
-Jonh

dta (51510) 2013-02-09 12:15

Salut Andre ;
Celle ci aussi est un petit bijou . mem si je me demande comment il faut faire pour trouver ce point de vue sans se faire remarquer ;) Mais bon , je ne saurai jamais faire de portrait ...
Il est bien de voir de temps à autres des photos de très haute qualité comme cela sur TE . Merci de rester avec nous pour nous offrir ces pépites .
Amicalement ;
PS : à propos de ton commentaire sur une photode Serge , je te trouve un peu trop dur ; si je déteste les voyages organisé autant que toi , je connais beaucoup de gens qui par manque de "culture du voyage" , n'auraient jamais découvert de contrée lointaine sans ce biais .

Amicalement

ACL1978 (5793) 2013-02-09 13:21

Andre, this one has now already gathered some breathless comments, and I have to add mine to the list. This is a really very special shot, delicately and perfectly composed. The dual light, from the candles and from the left, create an incredible effect, with two separate zones each a differing tone and luminosity. The shadows surrounding the boy, his book, and his candles make this like a painting. Clarity, color, everything is beautiful here - and that's all without even mentioning this incredible subject, the boy studying his teachings, cross legged on a dusty floor. A real classic here - Bravo.

Andrew

mesutilgim (68036) 2013-02-09 14:02

Hello Andre,
What a nice capture with a wonderfull pov !
Very good sharpness on every detail and great symbolism.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

SnapRJW (18792) 2013-02-09 21:24

Hello Andre - This is totally spellbinding..... another world. Warm regards Rosemary

abmdsudi (26311) 2013-02-10 6:59

Hi Andre
Tx to the positive critiques on my last upload.

This is superb shot highlighting the sense of serenity and peace, good placement of the subject. Just enough of the external light and not to overpower the candle lit space with the beams of light to intensify the focus of the novice monk. Superlative indoor details with excellent, color tones, exposure and clarity. Very nicely done. Congrats
Kind regards

Robert1969 (6238) 2013-02-10 7:54

Hello Andre,

What can I say, or write. This is absolutly
a picture that tells more than a thousand
words, it''s timeless, looks a little bit
like a painting etc. etc. Quality is
excellent, can be used in magazines like
National Geographic.

Friendly regards,
Robert Alderliefste

leo61 (0) 2013-02-10 10:53

Welcome back Andre!
What a great shot and what a good composition!!!!
Everything is perfect here,the light, your high POV, the colors....
Best regards,leo

federico (1601) 2013-02-10 14:27

hello andre
great composition, good subject too
light and shadow very well managed in not easy conditions
regards
fred

janneman (2202) 2013-02-12 10:34

A favorite to me!
There is no more to saya boiut this photo....

Regards, Jan

mayjayne (2792) 2013-02-16 3:22

Dear Andre,

The title is very apt for the composition. A vwy well executed shot with interesting play of lights and shahow. I simply love it!

TFS,
May

sevy (13273) 2013-02-18 5:22

Salut André,

Le type d'ambiance que j'aime bien avec un mix sur l'éclairage entre la lumière de l'extérieur et celle des bougies. J'aurais surement aussi tenté des photos dans ce contexte.
Pas facile hein, de trouver le bon équilibre pour l'exposition pour garder du détail dans chaque grande zone de l'image.
D'habitude, je n'aime pas trop les portraits qui 'dominent' par le point de vue en hauteur. Mais ici, c'est parfaitement justifier par l'action de lecture (bien montrer le livre) et pour profiter du graphisme des 3 bougies alignées.

Yves.

macjake (39235) 2013-02-23 15:35

Hi Andre
sorry for the late reply in getting back to you.

I have to say, this may be your all-time best photo you've posted on TE! and thats coming from a lover of architecture and city scapes! so thats saying something!

there are SO many wonderful and artistic elements to the scene.

First of all, one thing that YOU taught me which i will never forget, is to pay attention to the fall out lines --- the bottom right corner is trailing into/out of the frames edge...perfect attention to detail.

and look at the boys shadow, like a ghost thats kneeling behind him on the wall, so beautiful.

and the light thats created by the 3 candles? there's an area where the orange light ends, making the boy seem like he's sitting in an enclosed invisable box!

and the POV from above looking down suggests a POWER position from the photographer but we don't feel that, we feel the opposite as its a soft scene, a quiet and serene scene.

its a photo I wish I could have taken myself!
For sure your best, for sure my favorite posted photo from your gallery.

keep them coming
cheers
craig

annjackman (13233) 2013-02-24 0:06

Hello Andre,
It is a real pleasure to view this picture. The young monk is very studious in the dim light and the mood is very well captured. I love the way that the light falls on the open pages and his face. The colours are harmonious and the picture sharp. Perfectly done.
Thanks for showing this and it goes into my favourites.
Kind Regards, Ann

jabber (122) 2013-05-20 12:35