robgubiani

Farmers of Bagan

Farmers walk their livestock home past the ancient temples of Bagan in Myanmar. They follow the same road as their ancestors who watch from the temples in spiri...
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Farmers walk their livestock home past the ancient temples of Bagan in Myanmar. They follow the same road as their ancestors who watch from the temples in spirit.
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May, 2016

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3833

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+757

Awards

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Curator's Selection

2020 Choice Award

Contest Finalist in Inspiring Landscapes Photo Contest

Contest Finalist in Dusty Photo Contest

Member Selection Award

Featured

Contest Finalist in Worldscapes Photo Contest

Contest Finalist in Covered In Dust Photo Contest

Peer Award

+886

Superb Composition

+77

Top Choice

+47

Absolute Masterpiece

+44

Outstanding Creativity

+35

All Star

Magnificent Capture

Superior Skill

Virtuoso

Emotions

Impressed

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Behind The Lens

Location

This shot was taken in Bagan in Myanmar. I try to go to the least explored places when I am able to travel as I feel that these locations are more raw and unchanged. I connect more with the local people and the environment and feel as though my photographs are more rewarding.

Time

This is one of the few locations in Bagan where you are allowed to climb to the top of a designated temple and shoot the sun setting over the valley. The temple was over crowded with people eager to shoot the other temples facing directly in front of the sun. After much time I was able to squeeze to the left side of the temple as the farmers where moving their livestock back home. I had seen them when they were about fifteen minutes away and decided that this was the shot I wanted. This image was taken on November 29 2015 at around 7pm.

Lighting

The side lighting and the dust produces a warm glow and a feeling of mystique. The whole area was bathed in this iridescent orange glow and rather than changing the white balance for a cooler look I kept it as it was. The the whole area is timeless and therefore I wanted to leave it as I saw it, including the lighting.

Equipment

This was shot with a Canon 7d2, Canon 70-200 f4 lens and I was resting on a pillar in the corner.

Inspiration

Doing research on possible locations showed some truly magnificent images of Bagan. They were similar in nature and generally breath taking. It wasn't so much inspiration that made me take the photo but more the fact that it was a just a wonderful example of day to day life. When I looked at the scene unfolding it highlighted to me that day to day life is just as interesting as incredible vistas.

Editing

The editing undertaken was a simple touch up in contrasts, levels and saturation. Given the dust in the air some dodging of the shadows was needed and then ultimately some selective sharpening. I felt the image didn't need to be over worked as I wanted it to be as real life as possible.

In my camera bag

I only have one camera body so the canon 7D2 is the first thing I pack. The weather sealing, crop length benefits and fast autofocus has yet to fail me. Given I have large hands, the size of this camera suits me perfectly. As a travel lens I never leave the Canon 24-105 lens at home. Although this lens is generally loathed for its poor bokeh and limiting f4 aperture, this lens has enabled me to produce some incredible images in the pst and likely into the future. I love its focal range and its durability. If in doubt just try it out. The last piece of equipment that I swear by is a combined tool set, basically duct tape and a Leatherman pocket tool (the Wave model). Repairs and improvisation and are necessity when on the road travelling or out in the outdoors.

Feedback

Myanmar is a country that seems almost designed for photography. The people, the cities, the countryside and the nature are incredible and photo opportunities abound. However, travel around the country can be difficult at times and expensive. The internet is a wealth of knowledge and vital information, especially when travelling to undeveloped countries and discovering sites of interest are your best friend. Use these sites as a dude and then explore the areas yourself to get the shot you are after. Sunset and sunrise shots, in particular require getting to your location early. Locations with limited access and good views will certainly attract more people so getting there early increases the likelihood of a good vantage point being obtained and ultimately better photos. Don't forget to enjoy the moment though, it is the real reason to be out there seeing the world.

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Farmers of Bagan