A helping hand Photo

Photographer’s Note

I "discovered" this photo a few days ago and it instantly became one of my favourite from my summer travels. There is another photo that I will post directly after this one, that helps give a little more context to this shot.

In Thailand incense sticks are burned, water is splashed onto the head of the worshipper and often gold leaf is applied to the statues as a gift.

In this shot a mother is helping her son apply the gold to a sapphire-robed statue. The very second I saw this photo I was blown away... it is quite simply the most beautiful and moving scene I have ever captured.

Thank you.

cobraphil8, andante has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

cobraphil8 (11652) 2006-02-02 10:17

Hi Lewis,
still a beautiful photograph of your share, but this one has a significance stronger than the preceding ones, that of the mutual aid from any point of view.
I like much this hand which comes using another to pose these a few grams of gold on the Buddha.
Well seen
Philippe

mrbialy (2568) 2006-02-02 10:31

Good quality of the foregrand with sharpness, and nice contrast between nat sharp backgrond. I like compo and captured. Good idea. Original and interesting.

pilpel-adom (3016) 2006-02-02 10:52

Indeed, such a human gesture! Lovely captured, with a great-soft Bokeh and details! Good framing, focusing on the hand and the lovely golden leaves...
TFS!
Chen

azuri (1598) 2006-02-02 13:54

wonderful details and good story:) you shot is well composed and i like the combination of old gold statue and a hand with modern watch.

regards,
natalia

CaptainJack (0) 2006-02-04 4:13

Very moving scene that you have described here Lewis and the cropping of this image is fantastic. The added touches of the watch and the ring add something special to this already colorful shot. DOF selection is perfect, thanks for sharing!

rbcy1974 (20742) 2006-02-06 3:21

Hello Lewis,
Excellent detail, nice DOF and great focus on the watch which contrasts with the timeless ritual
regards
Daneil

flydragon (0) 2006-02-07 3:43

hello Lewis
a beautifull picture
symbolic also
i love her hand position very graefull
this is also thailand
very well seen simple but beautifull
regards
••simon••

sorry green later

xavshot (62409) 2006-02-08 13:00

Bonsoir Lewis
très belle photo
couleurs extra
j'aime bien la grâce et la delicatesse de la main
Bravo
Xavier

Photo Information

Copyright: Lewis Thompson (lewiz) (1293)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-08-14
Categories: Ceremony, Event, Decisive Moment
Camera: Nikon D70s, AF Zoom-Nikkor ED 80-200mm f/2.8D, Digital RAW, HOYA 77mm UV
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-02-02 10:09