Tai Chi Practitioner Photo

Photographer’s Note

You can see Taichi practitioners in most any part in Taipei. This guy was particularly good I feel, very graceful, fluid and supple. Although I was set up with my tripod, he seemed to pay me no mind and I did not seem to interfer with his exercises at all. Neither did the other western guy with a video camera pointed at him. Once he was done though, he actually flashed me a smile and a bit of a wink, so I guess I was not bothering him. This was taken yesterday at 2-28 Peace Park in Taipei. Although it looks somewhat posed, I can assure you it was not at all.

eleparc, Midnight_sun, irishkiwi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

eleparc (24059) 2004-04-26 6:54

I like these guys... did you ever try yourself? I went to a course last year but quickly quit for I did not quite have the time for it, see the timeschedule...
I realize you often use your tripod for your shots. do you always carry it? is it an heavy one or just a small and light version? I have come also to like it for it helps get a sharp focus and make sure there is no blur... or pumps! nice subject and DOF!

gringofil (0) 2004-04-26 7:01

Good shot, Darren. I like the pose you captured here, even though it is not posed at all. I guess you have to see Tai Chi in action to appreciate the fluid movement of the people who practice it every day. My only concern is with the background here, the little white "hot spots" seem to distract from the character a bit. Compo, on the other hand, is as always excellent. If the background was somewhat different, the shot would have worked much better for me. Anyway, a good shot, but not your best.

Midnight_sun (1939) 2004-04-26 8:54

It dosn't look posed to me; his concentration rules that out, you've caught a great moment, he's very involved with what he is doing. Its so sharp, and well composed. Good note, and great note on the tripods; if i ever get one i'll ask you first or buy that one!

maciekda (19587) 2004-04-26 10:02

very nice picture Darren, the composition is very good with his hands at the bottom of the frame. great focusing and shallow DOF, good colors. maybe a bit too much of post processing to my taste - his face is a bit grayish. anyway, very nice

strangiato (76) 2004-04-27 4:46

Very good composition. It is a perfect capture of the man and the dof is likewise. Hong Kong has also its share of Taichi practioners. I've got a couple of shots but I like yours more.

Galeota (10329) 2004-04-27 8:32