Purification at midwinter@2, a photo from Tokyo, Kanto

Photographer's Note

This is a unique ritual event for a new year, which is conducted at the center of Tokyo. In the field of shrine, the instant plastic pool is prepared, there are many big ices in the water, so the water temperature is very low as biting. The serious believers soak themselves three times, one time takes around one minute while reciting some unusual spell loudly. That makes us feel cold, however they believe that they can purify themselves and be in good health.
Purification totally takes 30 minutes. The participants are strongly requested to be taken pictures, so they cannot go out from frozen pool---.

Royaldevon, ikeharel has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

delkoo (68) 2010-01-11 2:13

hi takero,
another great shot from this event, I never seen that before, These men are very brave to take these huge ice cubes in their arms.

regards
didier

Royaldevon (86484) 2010-01-11 2:55

Hello Takero,

This is so interesting.
Your shot is like photo-journalism.
You have the main participants nicely positioned in the frame, although I wish you had not clipped the edge of the fingers.
The expression of the main figure is wonderful! It captures everything to be said about how he feels.

The light is a little draining, flattening some of the life from the faces. I have done a w/s which I hope you will find useful.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

[workshop] [compare] +

ikeharel (114659) 2010-01-11 8:33

Ok - naked in water in mid-winter , but with ice as an upload? - That's freezing cold...
nicely taken.
Regards
Ike

swiatopelk777 (0) 2010-01-11 11:48

Hi Takero!
Brave strong men, very happy men. Nice colors of water. Interesting scenery. Original shot.
Greetings from Warszawa!

Disabled_A (0) 2010-01-18 13:13

Dear Takero,
these guys are holding such a big piece of ice?? and smiling at the same time? but it is also interesting that all the three of them behave so differently! their facial expressions and smiles are so different and, without doubt, reflect their characters :) Excellent capture of the momen, in my opinion!
Kind regards,
Elena