Angels and Demons Photo

Photographer’s Note

Well, ok, it's an angel and kind of but not really a demon. It's actually more like a beefeater. But I couldn't resist using the title of Dan Brown's book when it popped into my head after seeing the beautiful angel and more menacing beefeater.

Or since this is a traditional Christmas Tree perhaps it can be seen as the merger of the ancient Pagan holiday and ancient Pagan symbols with Christianity. Both angels and demons as some would look at it.

I have been away from TE for a while but with a break today just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Normally I would prefer to show something more in the spirit of TE, something like the tree and city scene I posted last year. But it has been a bit too cold to really get out much so here is something from the warmth of my home to the warmth of yours.

Merry Christmas to all.

Galmeida, jhm, ChristianS, bpelvan, elihesamian, kajenn, papagolf21, Rinie_Hoff, Fixfocus, bertolucci has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Galmeida (12559) 2005-12-25 14:06

Hi Paul,
Nice giodeline notes and a nice and a very well capture and composed frame in Christmas spirit and time. The title and the symbols are really a merge about pagan and christianity culture and they fit well in this nice Christmas tree and season. Good light management, colors, fine details and also a funny picture, that you present us. Very well seen, done and composed. I wish you and to your family a happy Christmas time and a happy new year.
The best to you all.
Fernando

jhm (82319) 2005-12-25 14:08

Hi Paul,
Merry Christmas, my best wishes for a happy and healthy year 2006.
Colourful picture specially for Christmas, this give always a warm feeling, pleasant around the Christmas tree.
Very attractive for looking.
Best regards,
John.

ChristianS (2997) 2005-12-25 14:09

Hi Paul,
A rather suitable title although the guy in red doesn't really look like a demon. This reminds me of something similar I have at home now during the Christmas times, two angels beside a nutcracker :) Nice details and colours which all enhance the Christmas spirit. Nicely done Paul.

Merry Christmas to you!

Regards, Christian

bpelvan (3786) 2005-12-26 12:40

Hello Paul,
Welcone back..:))) Good to see you again..:))
Good title and photo as well as the note you put here...
I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a new year in health and happiness.
Regards
Bulent

maphoto (8076) 2005-12-27 0:23

Nice close up Paul, wish you Happy Holidays and best wishes to you and your familly in 2006, thanks for your contribution in 2005.
Clear shot of the Christmas tree, regards, Pierre.

elihesamian (26091) 2005-12-27 14:52

Hello Paul,

A nice idea (maybe funny) of an angel and a semi demon as christmas elements here,Ok,not matter about going out in this cold day and night,and you did well from your home :0
Excellent sharpness and details and quality,very well worked and hope be warm your home all the time !

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to You and Your family,
Best wishes
M

kajenn (2325) 2005-12-30 22:28

A very nice and well composed detail of an American Christmas tree with Italian roots, Paul. But if I'm not mistaken, it's not a real tree, is it? Not that it matters, nor does it matter what we put in our trees. What it all comes down to is tradition and the sort of tradition that expands over the years - at least that's my experience. New things are added every year - often, like in your shot, odd things without logical connection - and every next year they were necessary to hang in the tree. Angels, a sheep, a drummer boy and, of course, that old tinsel star (so worn, but from my childhood home) which was to be put in the top as the final climax. You've done a beautiful composition of the lovely couple, framing them with all kinds of tree decorations - in a wonderful saturation with a great light. And they look very much like something from a storybook by H.C. Andersen - so much, I can almost sense a sad ending... Very well done!

Thanks Paul, for all your nice words during 2005 - I was almost overwhelmed on the 27th - and best wishes for the new year to you and all your family!

snuggleaphagus (4138) 2005-12-30 22:33

Merry Christmas (post Christmas any way) and a great 2006
I love this photo and the quality is so good. the christmas tree looks gorgeous. I remember the book angels and demons and one of your older photos helped me in placing all the elements of the book.
Happy new year and maybe you'll have a little mor4 time, even thought I have been here sporadically I miss your work.

zig (2450) 2005-12-31 3:49

A happy christmas feel in the photo, and hope you had a nice christmas time! Hope to see more your photos next year, colourful shots!

papagolf21 (56251) 2006-01-01 18:15

Bonsoir Paul,
Heureuse Année 2006

À l'aube du Nouvel An, acceptez de tout coeur les voeux les plus chaleureux pour une année exceptionnelle!

There is no time fitting to say
THANK YOU
and to wish you a Happy Holiday Season
and a New Year
of health, happiness and prosperity

Amitiés de France
Philippe

Rinie_Hoff (9332) 2006-01-02 17:55

Hi Paul, I wish you a very happy New Year, i hope 2006 will be very good to you, and I wish you a lot of good moments!
They form a nice couple, Paul, I like the gold of her dress, combined with the beefeaters' red. Very colorful picture, but that's what you still like, don't you, colorful pictures!

Fixfocus (9377) 2006-01-02 19:28

A very nice seasonal posting,Paul.Excellent sharpness and clarity.
A happy and healthy 2006!

Hermann

bertolucci (11976) 2006-01-04 12:46

Hehe Paul, you're indeed stretching the title a bit here, but why not. It's a lovely seasonal greeting with a well chosen DoF, striking colour palet and a good handeling of the exposure. I like the inclusion of the floor and the door too. It all conveys the feeling of warmth. I wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous 2006!
Bert