Hong Kong

Photographer's Note

This photo was taken in the grounds of the Taoist temple - Fung Ying Seen Koon.

As I wandered round the temple grounds, I saw the Taoist priests visiting each of the ancestral alters and praying for several minutes.

They were preceded by two men banging a large drum. Chanting could be heard throughout the temple, the whole time I was there.

It was difficult to take a photo of the priests and be respectful at the same time.

Finally I went for this shot from behind, because it also showed the ancestors looking down on the priests.

It reminded me of the scene from the Robin Williams movie, "Dead Poets Society", when he took the school boys to look at the old photos of the previous students - who had long since passed away.

Robin Williams whispered to the boys - "carpe diem, seize the day ... make your lives extraordinary".

Tech: cropped, resized for TE and sharpened. Contrast +6.

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Critiques | Translate

snuggleaphagus (4146) 2004-03-05 4:46

Such a respectfull and dignified photo. The beauty and reverence of this moment is captured in the faces reflected on the glass. The only thing i find less than beautiful here, is the little green roof, but absolutly not a big deal. The oranges and the head coverings go well together. And you quoted my 2nd favorite movie...

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clodreno (0) 2004-03-05 4:49

I opened up the thumbnail because of the colors. It's a nice shot Andrew. Mainly because we can feel the ambiance in the temple.. Those guys walking, the pictures on the wall.Nice.

avigur_11 (22553) 2004-03-05 4:57

A very good shot, Andrew. I like the view from behind, although it could be great to see their faces, too. Excellent note, well done.

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summer89 (5422) 2004-03-05 5:18

Great Ceremony photo, Andrew.

When i saw this photo i imagine the silence and calm of the place. The colors contrast are great and the composition perfect. Your note itґs very good.

Congratulation

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henrye (3500) 2004-03-05 6:38

Great colors. Interesting subject. A great photo of daily life in Hong Kong, and right in the spirit of TE! Well done!

jhm (211738) 2004-03-05 6:54

Great capture Andrew, the colours, red-black and green give one wonderfull entire. A very interesting note too.

joso (2417) 2004-03-05 7:05

A nice one to look - colours, repetition, sharp,
and a good one to think about - past and present reflecting, interacting.
The two green corners - good for ballance, oppositing well the red.
Very well seen and done, Andrew.
It is how a photo should be, like the movie you talk about.
Showing the surface, inviting to get inside...

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jmaddocks (563) 2004-03-05 7:09

Hi Andrew. Great shot, and respectfully photographed. I like that we can see a few of the priests faces in the reflection. Well taken.

nwoehnl (122) 2004-03-05 7:47

A great calm ceremonial shot from HK, Andrew. The colors are beautifully bright, and you actually captured some of the priests' faces - look at the reflection in the window ;-) Great note, I like the reference to "Dead Poets Society". Good job, I really feel like I'm knowing Hong Kong better looking at your ongoing work here on TE.

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Schultzy (5446) 2004-03-05 14:10

Something really impressive is the look of the woman on the picture on the left. She looks right to to you ! Very nice composition !

Georges (11185) 2004-03-05 15:43

Le clichй pour nous presenter cette ceremonie est bien fait surtout en presentation qui va dans le sens de la photo ensuite sur le refflet ou l'on appercois les visages.
C'est bien vu Andrew bravo

sunny (3069) 2004-03-06 5:54

Unusual composition and a very awesome one! To take it from their back in the middle of the ceremony not to disturb them made it even more interesting, as the faces would be a bit distracting. Their slightly bowed heads add more respect to the whole scene. Very well seen and captured!

Jeppe (18654) 2004-03-07 4:33

Great capture Andrew - I like the way you got the priest as reflections in the windows - together with memorial photos.

Thanks for a reminder of the film "Dead Poets Society" and your note.

Jean-Luc (5488) 2004-03-07 5:13

C'est rare d'avoir la possibilitй de prendre un tel clichй. J'apprйcie la composition, les couleurs et l'originalitй de la scиne. C'est vrai que l'on ressent la spiritualitй du moment.

It is rare to have the opportunity of taking such a scene. I appreciate the composition, the colors and the originality of the photo. It is true that one feels the spirituality of the moment.