Into a new life, a photo from Bagmati, Central

Photographer's Note

Pashupatinath is the Hindu holy location in Kathmandu.
Years ago when I first visited this ancient location it was unspoilt by tourism.You could see sadu's and mystics buried up to their necks in the ground. In the past I have had large pythons placed around my neck whilst a pipe and drums were played to encourage the reptile to move. Now high fences are being errected and a 500 Rupee admission charge is imposed on tourists.

dragonslayero, ndb1958, MiffyO, Prisley has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Zepi (22848) 2006-08-16 5:30

Hello Christopher,
C’est pasle genre de shots que l’on voit tous les jours sur TE!
Mais c’est très fort, très instructif aussi!
J’aime ce genre d’images!
Beau travail
Merci pour le partage
Sébastien

lappino (856) 2006-08-16 6:31

Salut Christopher,
I admit, this scene borders on the bizarre...and yes, it's very hard hitting...like there's some forbidden knowledge in the eyes of this sadhu...with a hint of human sacrifice...
As for the photo, it's very well composed, but the scene is a real "issue" here.
Thanks for sharing
Vlad

dragonslayero (3116) 2006-08-16 7:00

Hello Christopher

I must admit this photo is bordering on the level to the grotesque, but as said by others before it is simply the way of this place.
Composition looks good. The guy in the front here has a lot of knowlege hidden away, those eyes are just so digging, penetrating even.
Good colour depiction.
Thank you for sharing.

Odd Jarle

jcdurka1 (1950) 2006-08-17 7:14

Amazing atmosphere, where foreground and background including wall writing are very complementary. Very journalism's focused.
Great picture,
Regards,
Jean-Claude

wolf38 (28190) 2006-08-17 9:25

Hallo Christopher. An impressing picture of death and burning humans. Only the man in the foreground and the coloredness of the picture moderate the shock of this sight. A courageous and well taken picture. Many greetings, Wolfgang.

ndb1958 (9289) 2006-08-17 11:27

I'm quite speachless, shocked, faszinated ... so certainly a great picture. I'm still searching for the right words, but I don't find them.
About your note ... I hope it will never happen that somebody lays a python around my neck. That could be my death.
Great image upside from mainstream.

MiKa2000 (2432) 2006-08-29 5:07

Very strong shot and perfect compo. GREAT !!!!!
Thanks
Mykeul

scalerman (26884) 2006-09-21 1:54

Christopher. This is an amazing photograph. Truly part journalism, editorial, and documentary. It's an amazing shot, indeed. A little troubling, and telling. regards, c

Glint (5573) 2006-12-20 18:10

Oh my God! Christopher,
what a scene, I am shocked and fascinated in equal parts. But where else would I be able to take such a peek into another culture so different from my own.
love your site, it is fascinating and I must keep coming back to it.
regards
Bev

happypoppeye (4817) 2007-07-26 23:03

This is a great shot Christopher. A great portrait, daily life, ritual, cultural difference photo. Great color and composition is excellent. Definitely one for my "Simply Great" theme.

Nice work.
John

Prisley (1483) 2009-12-31 3:19

This is an incredible shot. Totally agree that is is photo-journalism and could even be displayed in National Geographic magazine!
Though your note is interesting, to me, it does not fit the subject your are depicting with the photograph.
A little bit of context or explanation of what's happening when you were shooting would be very helpful to get all the drama there.
Anyway, you seem to be a bold person in regards of your note and your pic and my smiley does not only congrats' your pic but also your passion and bravery in a sens.
Well done and best wishes for the new year!
Pris.