M O N K S @ A N G K O R - I I I Photo

Photographer’s Note

THE LITTLE BUDDHA, that is what should have been the title for this picture and that is what I thought as I clicked the little monk Ponleou, on the uppermost level of Angkor Wat.
Climbing up to the top level of Angkor is in itself an effort, considering the steep stairs that leads to this level. Monk Pen Soth (the teacher) excused himself and deputed his student Ponleou to lead us up the stairs. We started our journey together but while I huffed and puffed up the stairs, Ponleou flew like a bird. As I almost reached the summit, I looked up to see Ponleou already perched up there. Framed by the giant doorway, against the setting sun, he looked so divine, at peace with himself. I froze for a moment. It was risky taking out the camera from my backpack standing on those thin strip of stairs but I guess it was worth the effort.
The central tower on the third level houses four Buddha images, each facing a different cardinal point, highlighting the fact that though Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple, it has served as a Buddhist temple since Buddhism became Cambodia’s dominant religion in the 14th century. Some say that it is good luck to pay homage to all four Buddha images before departing Angkor.
You can have a look at other pictures in this series here.

lucasdasilva, jjcordier, steveryan2006, bhorerpakhi, renerob, ksvijayb, sayan, Budapestman, sunilshukla, dorte_s_t, cunejo200, Deepforest, UlfE, jtclee77, Guillem69, albertopiubello, Henryk_Bilor, zeca, hitesh, cengiz, anavazao, Albrecht, JCG, pasternak, carper, arth, raftad, gary91, Silvio1953, Wanda1, feather, teutza, atus, tigra, pranab, sam224, veve, prezntime, Photo65Net, svo555, nicol_g, IgorDeleze, carod, axiotea has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

lucasdasilva (557) 2006-11-10 8:56

what a picture my frind from India. You leave me breathless. Reminds me that beautiful moviw Little Buddha. A veri veri good photo against Ankor.
Lucas

snunney (35464) 2006-11-10 8:58

Hello Sabyasachi,
This is an excellent portrait of this little monk crouched in the doorway. The beautifull late afternoon lighting brings out his robe wonderfully as it does the surrounding stones. Very well done.

[2]

jjcordier (25218) 2006-11-10 8:59

Quelle superbe photo, Sabyasachi! L'attitude de l'enfant est sublime, en concordance totale avec le titre, et la lumière et les couleurs que tu as trouvées sont fantastiques. De plus, ton commentaire est très intéressant. Magnifique!
Amicalement
JJ

[2]

steveryan2006 (439) 2006-11-10 9:00

This is certainly the best in this series so far. Everything in order, Craftfully executed, this picture should bracket you among the best photographers here on TrekEarth. My congratulations.
S.

bhorerpakhi (559) 2006-11-10 9:12

IMHO this the best I have seen so far in this seris. The colors and the framing is exemplary. The way he sits there is just toooooo good.
Poulomi

jasmis (50979) 2006-11-10 9:14

Excellent portrait taken from interesting low POV. Sometims symmetry works well. Thanks for sharing. Regards.

[2]

Cricri (43726) 2006-11-10 9:44

Bonjour Sabyasachi,
Trés beau portrait, j'aime la pôse et l'expression naturel de cet enfant, le ton des couleurs et de la lumiére sont sublime, félicitations
bon Weekend
cricri

renerob (601) 2006-11-10 10:12

Hi Sabyasachi,
All I'm going to say is just one word,
(EXCELLENT)
.Regards Irene.

sayan (2609) 2006-11-10 10:30

Hi Sabyasachi,

This golden tone is excellent. The overall mood of the picture is so affected by that tone. Lovely post. Great pov, nice framing.
Regards,
Sayan

Budapestman (42780) 2006-11-10 10:33

Dear Sabyasachi!
Perfect and very expressive portrait! What an impressive POV and superb cut! This is a splendid observation and great realization. Lights are fabled and glittering. Fascinating image! Thank you, nice days
George

ndb1958 (9248) 2006-11-10 10:39

Nice portrait of the young novice posing for you in a beautiful way, Sabyasachi. There is a glance around him. Beautiful lightning and colours. Nino

clack (24) 2006-11-10 10:40

Beautiful colors, beautiful light, beautiful composition......Beautiful photo!
Thanks for showing it.
Claudia

sothy81 (8540) 2006-11-10 10:58

Hi Sabyasachi:

A classic view from Cambodia: a monk and the temple. Here, you have great color balance--orange. the subject is placed well in the picture. Good work. I am looking forward to seeing your next pictures from Cambodia. Greeting from Texas. Sothy

agbonavita (0) 2006-11-10 11:02

A very beautiful photo dear Sabyasachi. You capture very well the moment with the little monk.
the colors and bright are suberb.
well done
Andre

anducina (8131) 2006-11-10 11:13

Very good compo, excellent framing, beautiful light and colours. Remarkable.

TFS,

Andreea

karinegl (172) 2006-11-10 11:13

Hi,

I am not professionnal but this picture is really impressive just like the peaceful boy.
I like it much :))

Wonderful

Karine

sunilshukla (844) 2006-11-10 12:06

I have rarely seen a more perfect photo. Diiferent from ur othr portaits in the sense that u take in a lot of the suuroundings here, no sharp cropping and the temple gate frames well the little monk. Wonderful light on him. This is really professional work.
Sunil

dorte_s_t (2285) 2006-11-10 12:14

Hi , Sabyasachi.
Very, very impressive portrait and photo .
What strikes me first is the wonderful colours and perfect framing !
The radiating dignity and friendly look in this young boy's eyes is much more than just a look !
The way he holds his arms in perfect harmony with the positions of his legs and feet makes this photo absolutely perfect ! One of my favourutes !
All the best to you , and thanks for sharing this wonderful photo !
Dorte.

partha (13667) 2006-11-10 12:54

Outstanding shot. The expression of the little monk, the positioning of the subject, the background, the overall tonality all these make it a terrific shot.
Partha

cunejo200 (7237) 2006-11-10 13:01

Hello Sabyasachi,
I remember climbing those steep steps, and I probably huffed and puffed more than you did. This photo is wonderful. The light is sweet, the colors are gorgeous, and the framing is exquisite. Best wishes. Danilo

Fis2 (46365) 2006-11-10 13:29

Witaj Sabyasachi!
Super colors, beautiful light. I like the composition and frame. Very impressive picture.
Greetings from Poland
Krzysztof

Deepforest (8825) 2006-11-10 13:45

Hello Sabyasachi,
What a wonderful light and beautiful, mysterious photo!! Excellent shot. Very good composition and quality, as usual...
You have done excellent job here. It is going to my favourite list.
Best regards from Poland,
Andrzej

baba_flies (8093) 2006-11-10 13:51

Dear Sabyasachi ... I love the light in your picture. There comes such a strong and warm atmosphere from this light. Beautiful portrait of this young person ... I really love it. With my best regards, Barbara.

UlfE (9158) 2006-11-10 14:34

Hi Sabyasachi,

Wow, what a wonderful shot. I love this shot of the monk in yellow against the darker background. He looks really like a bird. Excellent job!

Greetings from Sweden,

Ulf

jtclee77 (428) 2006-11-10 15:20 [Comment]

Show Comment

Guillem69 (4) 2006-11-10 16:14

Nothing more to add to other critiques. Superb image.

albertopiubello (2591) 2006-11-10 16:24

Hi Sabyasachi,
absolutely perfect: subject, POV, framing, colours... but the most impressive is the expression of the monk: enigmatic but smiling and peaceful.
Very nice shot! I put it in my favorites.
Alberto

Henryk_Bilor (20371) 2006-11-10 19:03

Hi Sabyasachi
Lovely capture. Great perspective (I can feel it), light and colour. I like it.
Regards

MIG13 (0) 2006-11-10 19:33

A nice expression in the boy's face and a great mood, Sabyasachi! Well done! Regards! Miguel.

zeca (20026) 2006-11-10 22:44

Hello Sabyasachi!
Beautiful lights! Beautiful colours!
Nice POV! Great picture! Well done!!
Regards,
Zeca

hitesh (594) 2006-11-11 3:04

Hi Sabya,
a nice portrait of the young monk.I like the warm orange colour.The sharpness of the shot is perfect.
Regards,
Hitesh

vincz (19045) 2006-11-11 3:30

Amazing colours all of the same orange tone. Very good POV (although dangerous!) from below with natural door framing. Yet another excellent picture from this little serie.

Right into my favorites.

[2]

marietom (32076) 2006-11-11 6:04

un portrait simple, beaucoup de sérénité dans cette image...
Marie

cengiz (3581) 2006-11-11 6:37

its artistic work again Sab...
very good job
compliments
cengiz

anavazao (5592) 2006-11-11 10:08

Hi friend,
great close-up and the pose is amaizing! Whar a very special shot! Take care Ana:)

Albrecht (11213) 2006-11-11 11:03

Hi Sabyasachi
What a lovely picture;nice atmosphere, light and colour.Nice looking young monk.
greetings from Nijkerk
Holland
ALBRECHT

aralda (1240) 2006-11-11 11:42

Hi Sabya,
Lovely golden tones, and the child exudes so much peacefulness!
Raluca

pasternak (13644) 2006-11-11 12:57

The way you have caught him in the ray of light is excllent, Sabyasachi, and of course his pose makes one think about Buddha. Very impressive image indeed.

Cheers
Alexander

prumod (8264) 2006-11-11 13:50

hi sabya,
i wonder about the perfection of this shot... the light which glowing the edges of the cloth you handles beautiful... nice expressionic as like others...
greetings
pramod

arth (1454) 2006-11-11 14:16

Excellent picture Sabyasachi .Very well captured this young monk ,colours and contrast are great also a very good composition .Masterly done .Thanks for sharing
Greatings
Arthur

raftad (585) 2006-11-11 14:39

Hi Sabyasachi,
Lovely portrait, what I love the most on it is the light.
Thanks for sharing,
Rafael

gary91 (15321) 2006-11-11 14:51

Hello Sabyasachi,
A very beautiful portrait of this young monk. The colors are especially wonderful and you managed to find a symetrical composition which enhances the look of this monk.
The lighting is really managed in a perfect way.
This is great work !
Best regards. Christian

fotonick66 (1416) 2006-11-11 15:58

Hi Sabyasachi,
that's a fantastic portrait. I like very much the warm tones and the colour! Perfect POV and expression of the "little buddha".
Very well done.
Regards,
Nick

lasscor (7637) 2006-11-11 17:25

Hi Sabyasachi,
Wonderful expressive portrait.
Very cute little buddha.
Wonderful warm colours and light.
TFS,
Corinne

Silvio1953 (42769) 2006-11-11 17:42

Hi Sabyasachi, beautiful portrait with splendid gold tone, very well done, Bravo, ciao Silvio

Scharan (13955) 2006-11-11 22:25

Olá Sabyasachi!
Uma bela foto, gostei da composição, da expressão do menino, marcante.
Bela cores também, parabéns pelo resultado.
Grande abraço e boas fotos!
Vera.

Wanda1 (11015) 2006-11-12 1:17

Hi Sabyasachi,
The light here is wonderful and gives the shot a magical warm glow. I love the way you have composed this shot leaving a big amount of space at the top.
I am planning a trip to Cambodia next year and I hope I can get some great shots like you have.
Regards
Wanda

carper (65622) 2006-11-12 3:27

super photo Sabyasachi.
very good shot of a profi and that the big compliment from me to your adres. Very good quality and great light and a fantastic pov, very good job.
gr. from the Netherlands.
Jaap

JCG (25745) 2006-11-12 5:24

Hi Sabyasachi,

Serenity is read on the face of this child. A very beautiful framing and a fantastic light. A wonderful image, cheer and thanks for sharing.

Greetings from France and good sunday,

Jean-Charles

feather (50144) 2006-11-12 6:13

What a serene and wonderful portrait, and one of the few images where the central composition was the only way. The light is lovely and the almost muted colours superb.
Hats off to you for taking this from those killer steps. I daren't even go up them.
Kath

somkiat (1096) 2006-11-12 9:14

hallo sabyasachi,
very very beautiful shot.superb color.
i really like this simple shot.it looks the photo from the past.
excellent
somkiat

teutza (10568) 2006-11-12 12:13

Hy Sabya,
another splendid shot!this young monk is really shining up there!
TFS!
teo

iGirl (1223) 2006-11-12 17:55

Wow, this is an amazing shot! I love the unity of color, so golden and serene. The pose and your composition are very symmetrical and harmonious. I love it!

Thanks for sharing!

Erin

tigra (2968) 2006-11-12 19:51

Hello Sabyasachi
Wonderful shot!!!
This portrait of the young monk is very expressive.
Beautiful composition and perfect colors.
Katia

pranab (5354) 2006-11-13 2:35

sabyasachi,
great use of light in this composition. great color and texture. very expressive subject. my only suggestion would be cropping at the top just a bit.

Angshu (34093) 2006-11-13 3:57

Hi Sabyasachi
Hats off for pulling out your camera in those precarious steps to capture this beauty of this shot...It looks like the boy monk has a "come catch me" look on his face. Extremely well framed & superb side lighting
Regards
Angshu

atus (15476) 2006-11-13 4:37

Hello Sabyasachi,
another great portrait shot here! Very well captured and naturally framed. Very good low pov, fantastic warm light and colours. He really seems to be the "Little Buddha". Very well done!
Tfs and best wishes.
Attila

vinicio (22428) 2006-11-13 6:05

Excellent portrait, lovely golden light and beautiful subject and composition, an excellent image, compliments.
Ciao
Vinicio

tityop (6225) 2006-11-13 11:14

Hello Sabyasachi,
Simplement superbe !!!
Le cadrage est parfaitement travaillé pour mettre en valeur ce petit moine.
les teintes chaudes sont très agréables.
J'aime beaucoup !!
Thierry

P-S-I-G (24482) 2006-11-13 11:45

Hello Sabyasachi,
Very pleasant light. Good portrait.
Very sucessfull photo. I also enjoy framing.
Great work.
Best regards,
Fabrice

veve (4149) 2006-11-13 15:00

Hi Sabyasachi!
Beautiful picture!
I like the colors,the different textures and the light.
Remarcable portrait!
Regards,
Veronica

pady (4800) 2006-11-13 16:27

A really excellent portrait of this little monk. I like the peacefulness in his eyes and the spiritual serenity in this picture.
A very good picture I put it in my favorites.
Greetings
Pierre-André

prezntime (3945) 2006-11-13 22:07

What does one say here Sabyasachi...well, I'll point to all those who commented before me.

A divine scene. A wonderful glow. Colors of pure warmth. A knowing and mature look...

Classic friend, truthfully.

Chris.

sam224 (5851) 2006-11-14 4:02

Nice portrait for this little monk captured with wonderful light enhancing his yellow dress. Good perspective from the lower angle.
Nice definition.
Thanks for sharing.

Photo65Net (43096) 2006-11-14 14:21

Hi,
I like this pic a lot, it's one of those I'd like to shoot.
Light and exposure meet themselves to produce a pleasant pic, very soft for the eye, but with nice colours.
A very good job,
JB.

svo555 (1028) 2006-11-16 5:56

Hello Sabyasachi,your portrait is impressive, light and colours are very good, and his face really transmits peace.
Well done!!
Rgds,
Sergi

nicol_g (767) 2006-11-16 13:22

Hi Sabyasachi,
Almost a monochromatic image - yes, the golden light is great. And the tranquil look of the monk is very expressive.
But what I like most in your composition is the framing, the vertical format you've chosen emphasize the giant doorway and gives a great perspective. Inspired! Congratulations!
Regards.

cessy (13647) 2006-11-19 7:05

Hallo Sabyasachi
you have great collection of portrait of the monks at Angkor
all are beautiful
this one is one of the most wonderful portrait
very well done

IgorDeleze (9247) 2006-12-01 16:21

Hello,
My English is not enough good to write something about this picture!
Just Beautiful.

Greetings.
Igor

carod (364) 2006-12-09 21:21

Hello Sabyasachi,

Quelle belle photo... j'adore son regard !!

Les couleurs sont vraiment magnifique..sans parlé du cadrage !!!

Bravo !!! et merci de partager de si beau moment.
Caroline

axiotea (16281) 2006-12-13 6:28

Hi Sabyasachi,
Your gallery is very interesting and I didn t know which photo to choose. So, I stopped on that one with the young monk who's watching you. I like the beautiful golden colors and the natural frame made by the doorway. A good high POV as well.
Cheers,
Marilyn

travelm8 (280) 2009-10-22 23:46

Absolutley stunning.
The best image i have seen on TE

Cheers

John