Monks friendship Photo

Photographer’s Note

Southern Sri Lanka Matara's monk school, this one in B&W. I've already posted a pic (RGB) focusing on the younger monks "classroom" (may be you can notice them in the background). We are here in the "intermediate" grade, I guess the class was already finished as while I was there the monks were not currently studying anything and no teacher was close.

Even more than for the main characters, i took the shot for the midground monk, resting on his elbow and the cross effect between the 4 characters.

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Critiques | Translate

gringofil (0) 2003-06-07 12:21

If my trademark is motion, than yours is B&W. Well, what can I say? This is excellent. I like how the one on the left is looking at the one of the right and the one on the right is looking at us. I do have to agree that that the resting monk makes the shot happen. The only small downside being the blown out spot over the monk’s head (the one on the left). Apart from that, amazing. Really, really well done.

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Darren (6815) 2003-06-07 12:32

This is really great stuff Luko, I enjoy your work so consistently. Of course, there is the one hotspot near the top left which is just slightly distracting, but the toning, sharpness and exposure everywhere else are so great. Also, you have caught great expressions on the boys' faces. When I see a shot like this, I want to run out and buy a Leica.

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tms (429) 2003-06-07 13:21

very beautiful expression photo

Porteplume (3255) 2003-06-07 13:35

That boy on the right looks right through us and you caught it so right!
His eyes really are the attractive point of the shot, even if you tell us to observe the monk behind him...
His look is stronger than what you wanted to show!

ronners (10) 2003-06-07 17:41

One good point about this one is that you haven't attempted to sharpen it to death. I like the use of a wide open aperture to isolate the figures in the foreground, and the soft feel.

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fredleal (54) 2003-06-07 19:24

Beautiful shot, particularly because of the left-boy smile and the right-boy eyes. And I agree with Porteplume, his looking at us is stronger than the boy-on-his-elbow - although, without the two boys in the foreground, you would have another excellent picture.

evilren (1395) 2003-06-07 19:55

except for the hotspot,a perfect photo as usual from u!
daniel

CedarBough (74) 2003-06-07 20:07

lovely shot. the overblown top of the head momentary distracts me, but the eyes of the monk on the left are SO compelling that i can quickly forgive you for that ray of outside light.

One of the things I appreciate about your photography, Luko, is that you have taken it to such a high level. Most of the photographers on here are still finding out what "the rules" are, and once they do, some of them stick to them like flies to sh*t. But you are taking shots from that realm of "learned the rules and know they aren't law". It's great to see.

In other words, we can have a subject with a two dark face and a blown forehead and a big bright spot on the left, because the shot is so focused on the right, the gaze of the left hand subject (which we are brought to by our eye checking out the light) leads us directly to the boy on the right... LOVELY!

AdiAdar (2500) 2003-06-08 9:20

very good, very interesting.

adam (858) 2003-06-09 2:48

I don't know how you do it, but your images are so 'real' to me. I feel like it's less of a photo and more of a virtual portal allowing us to visit where you have been. Incredible.

sita4ram (814) 2003-06-09 4:41

wonderful contrast. excellent details :) this all creates a dramatic looks.
I like it very much, though its a bit too centered to my taste.

xevi (511) 2003-06-09 13:06

Well, what can I add?? Nothing, just say perfect work.

mcreider (673) 2003-07-06 2:52

You are gifted and you know art history. Not that I am an old grumbler, but I do like these stylized b/w shots of yours. At least nobody would exclaim: vivd colors, great DOF!

clodreno (0) 2003-11-03 5:55

nothing to say, it's just wonderful. I just agree with you about the monk resting...

Vagabond (5797) 2004-01-21 8:15

Very interesting picture, full of movement ... and "sounds" ..

eleparc (24059) 2004-02-22 14:22

great powerful shot... My favorite type of photo. It has something of a cartier bresson picture... of the old parisian kids... very sensible and tender blur inthe background! Only 3 words : I LOVE IT! bravo luko

Danzi (2403) 2004-03-24 9:26

Absorbing photo, Luko!
The composition is just perfect and ... ;-))

naret (826) 2005-01-19 3:21