The ghost of 'lectricity...
Hold fast.
Posted by Duncan Galbraith (kyoto, Japan) on 8 February 2007 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.
Monks are not an uncommon sight around the city, The centre of town, around Sanjo and Shijo is the spot where they're most oft sighted. Here we're in Higashiyama, an area in which is famed for it's tradition and home to some of Kyotos most famous sights. (Kiyomisadera, Kodaiji, Yasaka-jinja to name but a few). Monks are required to offer up prayers, not only in temples but in the streets themselves. It's a gruelling task, which may involve occupying a location from sunrise to sunset, and continuous prayer. This was shot around mid afternoon, and he looked tired and weary, stealing a few moments for himself to recover his energy and composure before resuming his duties.
kiah from vancouver, Canada
wow i love this picture... the angle of the hat with the arch of the mans back makes for a great line in the photo. well done!
8 Feb 2007 5:11am
Chris Sullivan from Melbourne, Australia
Another excellent portrait, you've got that great ability to capture what people seem to be feeling or thinking. This shot of the man regaining his composure of what must surely is an arduous task is perfect example of such work. Brilliantly shot and framed, cracking shot!
8 Feb 2007 6:41am
@Chris Sullivan: Thanks Chris, and a big thanks for all the feedback whilst Ive had a wee break from the pc. much appreciated!
Bronnie from Christchurch, New Zealand
This brings to mind how a pause for a moment is good for everyone - even someone who is dedicated to service.
I absolutely love the soft tones in your B&W, and the bright contrast in the background, really draws the eye into his bowed head.
8 Feb 2007 7:25am
@Bronnie: thanks bronnie!
@Makoto: cheers mate!
@Francis: cheers francis!
Still from Valence, France
Awesome... I like your choice of framing. Thanks for the informations.
8 Feb 2007 10:59am
@Still: Thanks still! loving your revisits to old photos. beautiful work!
Mike Cash from Kiryu, Japan
I love how you're able to get so "up close and personal" with this sort of shot (as evidenced by the focal length info). When I shoot people, my shooting platform usually dictates 300mm.
8 Feb 2007 11:47am
@Mike Cash: ;) thanks mike! your platform gives you another perspective and it'll be interesting how you employ it. love your processing btw on the 'oranges'! eye popping 3D!
@Jen: no problems Jen, and thanks so much for your kind words.
Colour blind from Tokyo, Japan
I wish I could find this dedication in my daily life but I guess my body isn't built this way. YOu've captured his struggle very well. The overexposed parts really highlight his darkness thus emphasizing his will to recover for another onslaught at his praying. Powerful mate.
8 Feb 2007 2:46pm
@Colour blind: Thanks Kelly. I echo your comments about not being built for this. incredible dedication they have.
Angry Buddha from United States
I tip my hat to you once again Duncan. Great shot!
8 Feb 2007 2:55pm
@Angry Buddha: Thanks Sean! sublime work from you as ever. And a big thank you for all the feedback whilst Ive had a wee hiatus from the p.c. It's most appreciated.
Wayne from Melbourne, Australia
I love this photo...I saw it slightly differently from you.
To me, because he's fasting...he really looks like he's holding fast...he's enduring for what he believes in. The tilt of his head makes me think he's deep in prayer and concentration and his grip on the railing only reinforcing the Hold Fast line =D Awesomeness! Great job Duncan!
8 Feb 2007 3:11pm
@Wayne: Thanks Wayne!
Pedro Ferreira from Portugal
Well my friend, i haven't got the words, i simply lost it, i love everything related to orient, its very traditional, something that we are losing with modern times, and you captured this tradition, realy nice work
8 Feb 2007 6:15pm
@Pedro Ferreira: Thanks so much Pedro. your comment has really made my day. thank you again!
Damon Schreiber from Toronto, Canada
The tilted head, the gripping hands. They tell so much, and the straw woven hat - so distinctive especially in this modern age: well, they all add up to a compelling story told obliquely. As a suggestion (since I just can't help myself) I'd try working with the shadow/highlight tool to rescue some of the details on his robe and face from darkness, and then bump up the contrast to bring back the drama.
8 Feb 2007 6:24pm
@Damon Schreiber: Thanks Damon, thats solid advice and much appreciated. I keep meaning to employ some of the advice given (on the same photos and repost in the gaps I have in my blog), when I do I'll let you know. Oh and a big thank you once again for the Travis-Ruse method. I employed it on the fixer and I was most impressed. Cheers for all the feedback during my short stint offline too. your visits are always most welcome. thanks again Damon.
Craiger from Vacaville, California, United States
Cool shot! Thanks for the commentary! Great composition!
8 Feb 2007 7:26pm
@Craiger: Cheers Craiger!
Alfredo J. Martiz J. from Tokyo, Japan
I love this shot Duncan, the angle of the hat, the details, you can feel what he is doing, Great composition!
8 Feb 2007 10:16pm
@Alfredo J. Martiz J.: Thank you Alfredo!
Stu from Kyoto, Japan
Great one. The angle of the hat and his hidden face make this for me. Leaves so much to the imagination.
9 Feb 2007 1:40am
@Stu: Thanks stu! Ill get round to catching up with your stuff today/tomorrow. thanks again for all the feedback. most apreciated. Hope to catch up with you in person soon.
Mammoth in Chief from Naperville, United States
Quite interesting... Nice one, mate!
9 Feb 2007 3:45am
@Mammoth in Chief: Thanks Mammoth!
Michael Zhang from New York City, United States
The fact that his face is covered creates such tension with the viewer. The background is well lit, but not the subject. Interesting concept to keep the subject shrouded. Great shot!
9 Feb 2007 4:19am
Untitled from Kyoto, Japan
A wonderfully evocative shot Duncan. Like the way there is an air of mystery with the slightly hidden face. The title is great.
10 Feb 2007 4:36am
@Untitled: Thanks man!
Rene from Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
Great image. The story is equally interesting.
10 Feb 2007 6:54am
@Rene: Cheers Rene!
Evelyn from New Milford, United States
He looked like he really needed that bamboo to hold him up, poor chap. I really want to offer him a chair to sit down and some water!
11 Feb 2007 4:28am
@Evelyn: Thanks Evelyn! he was tired alright!
Paul Ricciardi from West Hartford, United States
Need I say anything more? Can I say anything at all right now might be a better question...this photo perfectly sums up my current pysilogical and pyschological state right now, and I think that my inability to type my normal, verbose, "insightful" (as they say...not that I believe that load of BS) comments should say enough. Sometimes silence says more than words.
12 Feb 2007 4:55pm
@Paul Ricciardi: Cheers Paul. A wonderful comment in itself. Hope you're doing ok mate and good luck with the job hunting etc. Hope you find what you're looking for in.
@Giorgia Palmas: thank you!
Fujifilm FinePix S9000
1/170 second
F/3.8
ISO 200
25 mm