Thai Monk on a bus
I've always viewed monks in their colorful robes with an other worldly status.. yet this image provides a more intimate "human" glimpse as these young monks ret...
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I've always viewed monks in their colorful robes with an other worldly status.. yet this image provides a more intimate "human" glimpse as these young monks return to school from their lunch break. The casual camaraderie of the monk with the draped arm around the shoulder of the one next to him... The curious look from the monk as he views me in the next bus..
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Apr, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken while on a photographic expedition in Chang Mai, Thailand. We were on our way to our next stop in a "bus" similar to the one in the shot. It was a pure chance shot - and until then I was never one for "candids". But, this image told such a wonderful story.. Right down to the expression on the young monks face. Now, I love taking candids and the challenge involved!Time
This image was taken during the day - hot and very sunny. Everyone had their car/bus windows open including us. I remember I was facing out to catch the breeze and when we stopped the bright colors and light banter from the monks bus caught my attention. The whole scene was so vibrant and alive yet at the same time it emanated symmetry, balance and peacefulness in it's everyday normalcy.Lighting
It's always a challenge with extremes in contrast during mid-day sunlight. Plus, the window of opportunity was fleeting as we were about to start moving again. My instinct was to zoom in and frame the shot - I wanted eyes to be drawn to the young monk looking out and not be distracted by reflections or direct-sun areas.Equipment
My camera was a Nikon D60 using my Nikon 24-70 at F4 for 1/250 of a second.Inspiration
When traveling abroad I tend to want to shoot everything and its easy to get sensory overload because it's all so new and different. This was particularly true in Thailand where the culture, traditions, environment etc. is so unique to me. The inspiration for this shot was that for me, it embodied so much of the essence of what is Thailand - a wonderful deep sense of spirituality and beautiful simplicity in its humanness and everyday life.Editing
Yes, Lightroom. Along with giving the image more clarity, I wanted to lighten the shadows to draw in the other monks. I also toned down the areas that were too bright and distracting.In my camera bag
I've upgraded my camera body to a Nikon D700. Now I always carry my camera manual!! My go to lens is my Nikon 24-70, but I usually carry my 70-200 with me. Basics include extra camera batteries and memory cards of course. For scenic shots, I'm experimenting more with polarizing filters and graduated lens filters - so they go in too when applicable.Feedback
I'm finding that for me, I get my best candid shots when I disassociate myself from the scene and what I expect. Instead, I try to "put myself in their shoes". It doesn't work to try and change something. My biggest "fails" are when I wait for the person to smile or "move" which inevitably doesn't happen. My better shots occur when I absorb the moment and portray the shot for what it is.. What is that person thinking, feeling or trying to express? Of course - I take many many shots!! The other piece of advice for impromptu/candids I still follow is to use my "P" priority mode. I'm trying to be spontaneous right? I don't want to have to fiddle with settings in these moments - that I leave for my landscape shots. I can use my exposure compensation in camera and then any additional editing I can usually accomplish in Lightroom.
