Praying By the Book Photo

Photographer’s Note

I took this today. Thankfully the rain held off for the most part today and I was able to get out and take some shots. This is one I wouldn't have been able to get prior to today. ISO 1600 sure helps when it is not bright.

This was taken at Lungshan Temple (there you go Maciek), which was really busy today. This nun was very immersed in her prayers and I was able to get a few shots of her (she was aware I was shooting, didn't seem too worried about it). Lots of people to shoot today and I did manage to snap off a number of frames in general.

This one certainly qualifies for the Bald Person portion of the scavenger hunt.

maciekda, manny has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

maciekda (19498) 2004-04-25 9:18

hi Darren, you see, i know when and where to go to take good shots even in Taipei ;)
very nice picture, excellent composition - the nun is very nicely framed. the picture captures her in the middle of her prayers, her expression and pose are very natural. i have no complaits here, very nice picture

ianmcall (1213) 2004-04-25 9:25

Nice light, nice colours and a really excellent tight crop to focus attention on her. this just works. Well seen!

Interesting how many times TE photographers are finding excellent subjects that also have clothing that matches the background.

spence (1677) 2004-04-25 9:26

Superb, Darren. Simple, calm and elegant. Perfect light and composition. Love it.

gringofil (0) 2004-04-25 9:59

WOW, Darren, simply a magical shot. See, you can also get good shots from a digital SLR, just need the right subject. Well, don't have really nothing to nit pick here, but the only thing that disturbs me a little is the golden vertical line cutting the frame in half. Minor problem, but it did get my attention. Anyway, wonderful work.

cool_s15 (4040) 2004-04-25 10:00

Very beautiful shot here, Darren. i life the soften light in this shot. Nice composed. Very natural, Great shot!

Ebbe (9545) 2004-04-25 11:19

A great ceremonial portrait. A very fine light that sculpture his head and hands. Looks like it came from more than one window. Fine soft colorscale.

CoolDan (2488) 2004-04-25 22:30

Quelle magnifique photo Darren. Les couleurs sont excellentes. Vous avez su bien nous faire voir la concentration intense de l'homme. Nice shot.

clodreno (0) 2004-04-26 4:22

What a nice shot Darren. I simply love it, a favorite, right away. And it's a fresh one too!!
Thanks a lot.
What can i say, it's perfect for me...

manny (21378) 2004-04-26 9:59

Darren, this is very very nice. Sharpness is just enough and the composition is very well-done. The framing of her against that black and brown wall is very smart as it doesn't distract us from what she's doing. This is one of your best shots here in TE.

As to your comment about my pic today, I couldn't help but smile a bit about your experience in the Philippines. I was quite amazed at how I got that response from these Asian kids being an Asian myself. Most of the time, they are fancied by Western photographers so I understand your story.

Actually, I find Filipino kids the easiest to photograph. Or maybe it is the language factor?

Rinie_Hoff (9332) 2004-04-26 12:53

The light is really great in this shot, there's a lot of serenity in her face, I think. Like you say, she noticed you, but is concentrated on her praying. I like the way she stands out against the background, I like the tight crop, and what I really like most, are her hands and the light on it.
Congratulations with your new camera, I like what is coming from it.

garcia (254) 2004-04-30 5:13

That granda picture this, the composition the light and the framing is fenomenais, magnifica photo.

Photo Information

Copyright: Darren Melrose (Darren) (6815)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-04-25
Categories: Ceremony
Camera: Pentax *ist D, Sigma 70-200 f2.8EX
Exposure: f/4, 1/80 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Scavenger Hunt (Pt. II) - April, 2004, prayer/prière, Faith [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2004-04-25 9:12
Favorites: 1 [view]