The End of the Kingdom Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is a member of a Royal Guard at the old Palace in Patan. These guards have been guarding the palaces and the persons of the Nepalese royal family for centuries. About 1,500 soldiers are employed to guard the king. Nepal was the worlds only Hindu kingdom and the King was believed to be an incarnation of the god, Narayan (Vishnu). However, yesterday the Maoist dominated parliament of Nepal declared the nation a republic, bringing the kingdom to an end. The Gorkha dynasty of the Shars has ruled the Himalayan kingdom since 1768 and it survived until yesterday. The King, Gyanendra, has been given 15 days to leave the Palace and the whole country is holding its breath, to see what the he will do. Soon this guard in his traditional uniform will have no king to guard. 'Sic transit gloria mundi'

yuo, rodgerg, siolaw, jhm, axiotea, gracious, dareco, serp2000, adores, patdeph has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

yuo (816) 2008-05-31 7:27

Hi Kevin,
impressive shot.
i feel sadness in his troubled eyes.
TFS, Yuo

rodgerg (24183) 2008-05-31 9:26

Hello Kevin,

A photo reporter. The impressing glance of this guard is very well collected. A composition well balanced with beautiful varieted colors in the background.
Regards of Belgium,
Roger

capthaddock (28640) 2008-05-31 12:42

This is a wait and see moment. I don't know how I feel about this. I wasn't a fan of the king, but I have doubts that the new leadership will be any better. I hope for the best for the Nepalese, and hope they don't end up being another Burma under chinese "supervision".

siolaw (25750) 2008-05-31 22:09

Hi Kevin,
You captured well this man's expression with his eyes looking up! Framing is correct, sharp with natural looking colors... The BG is nice too.
Greetings
Laurent

jhm (82601) 2008-06-01 10:49

Hello Kevin,

This is a totally other story, I hope that everyone remain sensible in your country.
The guard look totally way of the camera, but your picture have a very good quality and sharpness.
Portrait picture I see like better with a light blur background.
Very well done.

Best regards,
John.

axiotea (16125) 2008-06-01 11:12

Hello Kevin
This guard has an incredible expression and he stands out quite well against the colored BG. He seems not to be aware of your camera, but I'm not sure...
Yes, let's see what will happen in Nepal...hope for the best!
Cheers
Marilyn

gracious (20017) 2008-06-01 11:28

Hello Kevin,
A good portrait of the Royal Guard!
very good close up with sharpness, wonderful colour and superb details also the expression from his face!
many thanks for the informative notes
take care and best regards from NZ
Tony

delkoo (34308) 2008-06-01 13:32

hi kevin,
this is completely insane that a country rocker of royalty to Maoism, but, actually, this may be the best choice for Nepali.
concerning your photo, A nice, spontaneous portrait with documentary value.

best regards
didier

vincz (19043) 2008-06-02 3:40

Such a great catch! The eyes looking up are very unique, the colors behind the black uniform very nice. Not clear what we can expect from the new government... but let's hope.

dareco (17104) 2008-06-03 0:39

A VERY serious looking individual. Well captured. Very nice pov. A very interesting note as well. TFS and have a great day!

serp2000 (9537) 2008-06-03 4:24

Hello, Kevin,

Very dramatic situation in Nepal today. I watch on the TV everyday. Beatiful portrait of guard.
Greetings from Ural,
Serghei

adores (15567) 2008-06-03 16:55

Hi Kevin!
A very good shot for this moment! I mainly like his expression, you captured it very well. Then, the details of his cap and the wall in background are also very good. Very well framed and with very good light.

skippy007 (7083) 2008-06-04 5:36

Hello Kevin, Interesting note, in Italy they celebrate independence day on June 2nd, it was 1946 that they got rid of their King, one can only hope that they will be better off,
An interesting shot with good colour & detail but it's the look in his eyes that makes this shot special.
Well done
Thanks
Santo

matri (621) 2008-06-04 6:11

hello kevin
nice shot ..... probably no more royal guard long live republic nepal

patdeph (17918) 2008-06-05 12:53

hello Kevin
what a great news!I was so happy for nepalese people when I heard at the TV that now,it's a democratie!I just hope that the new government will not disappoint them!They have a difficult job now!I hope the best for these kind people!
Regards.
Pascale

rshrestha (270) 2008-06-08 20:12

I am wondering if this picture should be from Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, not Patan. Also this is traditional Gorkha Army Dress and they do not guard the King at present or immediate past. They are being kept at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square as a traditional army. They participate mostly in religious functions.