Handycam Monk Photo

Photographer’s Note

Steve and I walked through the crowds of people at the Buddhist festival in Seoul. Some monks passed by as and we both instantly lifted our cameras to photograph them.

At the same time, one of the monks raised a video camera and trained it at us. We laughed as we took his photo and he was laughing too. We bowed respectfully to each other and went on our way.

It was quite a nice moment.

I guess some people might say i shouldn't have focused on the camera, that my point of focus should be the monk. Well, actually, I did get a photo where the monk was in focus, and it just didn't look as good. I like it this way ...

sothy81, CliffW, ribeiroantonio, PeterC has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

CliffW (2310) 2007-05-28 23:58

It's a pretty good shot. An inventive shot. But you're right (and pre-emptive!)... I'd have said exactly what you predicted. I'd like to see the focus on the monk. Or on both the monk and the camera, because he comes off looking as much sort of compressed as just out of the depth of field. Probably my eyes though.

Truthly, in the big book of photography wishes... I'd have loved to see the shot that snuck up over his shoulder and got to see what he was seeing on the handycam screen, with his cheek in 1/4 view. lol. Well, you know... fantasy photography, right? Still, from your perspective, I wouldn't have wanted to give up that moment.

sothy81 (8524) 2007-05-29 0:15

Hi David,

This is a very nice capture of the monk with his camera. Amazing to see how the monk uses camera. I am not sure if it is opposite to the rule of monk. The monk should stay in the temple, and be calm... This probably the modern monk.

I would focus on the monk insteat of camera, so that way we emphasize on his facial expression. Just imo.

Greeting from PP
Sothy

ribeiroantonio (21895) 2007-05-29 1:25

Yes, I am with you. The camera is the main object of the picture. What is very good is seeing those guys following an ancient way of life but benefiting of the modern gadgets of today’s life. I have seen monks in Burma using mobile phones to take photos in the famous Shweadagon Pagoda. It did surprise me quite a lot. Well done.
Antonio

PeterC (2242) 2007-05-29 2:20

David,
Nice shot of the monk and handcam! I like the focus on the camera but find the monk to be sort of compressed. IT looks a little odd. Still an interesting scene with the monk and technology. Rafal and i are meeting up this weekend to shoot. Are you keen?

Cheers
Peter

Kid (20) 2007-05-29 5:40

Yes, u are right. The first impression is the feeling why the monk is out of focus. Focuse on the camera makes the photo also interesting and maybe that's that you want to point: technology in the world of monks. By the way: Have you noticed his finger??