Spirit Mediums 2

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Spirit Mediums 2
Photo Information
Copyright: kevin o'sheehan (kevinos) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 834 W: 160 N: 1170] (4824)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-12-25
Categories: Ceremony
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-12-27 3:50
Viewed: 492
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is another picture of the ceremony at my local Taoist temple. These two men have entered into a trance and have been possessed by the spirits. The boy in front is , it appears, the monkey god, and the man behind is possessed by the deity of the temple. I have gone in close to show that they do seem to be in some kind of trance state. I never can tell if they are tricksters, or self deceivers, or even really possessed by spirits. Middle aged Chinese women were asking advice about the family concerns from the 'god'. His advice seemed to be mostly to give more money to the temple, and their grandson would pass his exams or their grand daughter would find a suitable husband. If they really do inhabit a celestial plane, I wondered why they were so interested in earthly money, a bit like TV evangelist shows etc. But then, I'm a bit if a skeptic, i suppose.
dareco, Davids, ALIRIZA, elan2004, riclopes, papagolf21, siolaw, Stepan has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Kevin,
An interesting sunject for work. Wonderful compositon with expression oh men and red colours. Well done my dear friend...
All the best...
Ali Rıza

  • Great 
  • vincz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2899 W: 87 N: 4820] (16692)
  • [2007-12-27 6:35]

Unique catch. Almost unbelievable attitude. Must have been something very strong. Great composition, great colors and such a great documentary shot.

Hi Kevin - the placement of these two faces, and the soft bokeh of the one in the back really do contribute to the sense of being in a trance-like state, thus aids your note very much. The colors and the ornaments hanging from their necks add to the mystery here.

Hello Kevin, very interesting photo and subject.
TFS
john another Irishman in Bangkok !

Olá Kevin, nice to se you. You allways bring interesting and unique scenes to TE. After saw your previous image, it surprises me how close you could get to them here. On the other hand, if they are really in trance, I guess that they should not have noticed you. I like the "V" shape you got in this composition and the shallow dof seems to work, although that character at right of his head is quite vivid. Very interesting note...I'm also a kind of skeptic myself but I like to know about this side of human nature...
Best regards,
ricardo

Bonjour, mon ami Kevin,
Image étrange où les personnages ne sont plus connectés avec la réalité, le premier personnage commence à avoir les yeux qui se révulsent !
l'effet est saisissant. La note d'accompagnement apporte beaucoup d'intérêt à la photo.
Je vous souhaite, cher Kevin, d'excellentes fêtes de fin d'année.
Amitiés.
Philippe

After reading your note I would have to say that this is a perfect capture of these men in a trance. It's always interesting to learn about other cultures and beliefs. An excellent picture! TFS and all the best in 2008!

Hello kevin. A photo with strong colors. The view is directed however toward the faces of the two men. Attitude and face expression are unusual. The informative text is helpful. The photo is a good snapshot and a excellente person study. Best regards, Wolfgang. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

  • Great 
  • siolaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3542 W: 384 N: 5676] (19526)
  • [2007-12-31 3:53]

Hi Kevin,
I don't know if they are for real or if they fake, but they look quite out of this world! With big Buddha amulets and these red shirts give a warm, colorful touch...
Wish you, family and friends, an excellent 2551!
Laurent

Kevin,
A strange image, the note helps to understand what is happening here. I like the theme, interesting :)
The double portrait is well composed, and the unusual look on the man in front makes it even more interesting.
The colors are very strong, and the blurring of the background helps the composition of the individuals.
TFS,
David

  • Great 
  • Stepan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4684 W: 83 N: 3654] (23596)
  • [2008-01-03 11:46]

Strange and impressive... The faces are really well captured to express something unusual. But what ? Trick ? Simulation ? Possession ?... The note is essential to appreciate the post.
Stéphane

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