Candles
Lighting candles at a Mayan wedding ceremony.5 total reviews
Comment from ZenTrip
The image is very expressive of the meaning attached to this ceremony, cleo.
The strength, to me, is in the ritual aspect that I find exciting in documentary photography - although this is just as powerful for expressive photography.
I like the bit of movement we see from the lady especially which shows the action of the shot and the participation.
The framing is effective and shows not only the subject of the candles, illustrates the open air ceremony itself, but also highlights the participation and involvement of the two.
I find this rich in symbolism and in a manner of showing the cultural influences of another culture.
The use of natural light is also effective to the mood of the ceremony.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2009
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The image is very expressive of the meaning attached to this ceremony, cleo.
The strength, to me, is in the ritual aspect that I find exciting in documentary photography - although this is just as powerful for expressive photography.
I like the bit of movement we see from the lady especially which shows the action of the shot and the participation.
The framing is effective and shows not only the subject of the candles, illustrates the open air ceremony itself, but also highlights the participation and involvement of the two.
I find this rich in symbolism and in a manner of showing the cultural influences of another culture.
The use of natural light is also effective to the mood of the ceremony.
Comment Written 16-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2009
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Thank you so much for your throughout and thoughtful review.
I wasn't sure myself in what category to post it. it is journalism and expressive. I'm still not sure.
The light was somehow complicated since the candles were very bright on the spot [almost to flashy] but the only light resource. I made lots of pictures but only a few turned out decent.
I was very lucky to be allowed to take pictures. Usually photographers are permitted in Maya ceremonies. But the influences of western culture and being a friend of the family was very helpful as the fact that we have an European-Mayan mixed family here.
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You notes make this even more exciting, cleo. Knowing the opportunity of photographing such a ceremony is rare, and them having trust in your discernment only heightens the viewing. This had to be a difficult shot due to the extreme lighting conditions but you managed to get a shot that reflects an important part of the ceremony. A "correct" category doesn't mean that much to me. First of all it is expressive in that your interpretation of the photo is seen. But couldn't that be said for any photo. (I often use that category when I have trouble tagging a photo.)Then if we want to consider it being photojournalistic or documentary, it could be that because of the ritual and the cultural aspects, and would be effective in newspaper or magazine as an insight into another lifestyle. I think it's appropriate for what ever use you determine. But first of all, I think it is distinctive of your interest and style and is well done.
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It is 'impressive' how often we agree and you put my thoughts in words.
You magicked a smile on my face an my some little chuckle. I used 'expressive' because I had trouble tagging the photo....
Thank you for your enlightening answer.
Cleo
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Sure - self-explanatory. The best of minds run in the same circles. lol.
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Agree.
Comment from Dazzleme
I really like the light effect you have achieved with this night shot. It has a nice glow to it from the fire and it is really eye appealing to view. Nicely done!
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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I really like the light effect you have achieved with this night shot. It has a nice glow to it from the fire and it is really eye appealing to view. Nicely done!
Comment Written 15-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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Thank you very much for your kind review.
This photo was difficult since the candles were very bright on the spot but the only light resource.
Comment from Daniel Farthing
Nice work with this one. I like what you did. I like the angle of the shot and the dtails. I think you did a good job with this one overall. Nice work
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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Nice work with this one. I like what you did. I like the angle of the shot and the dtails. I think you did a good job with this one overall. Nice work
Comment Written 15-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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Thank you so much for your generous review.
Comment from steph_hinton
i like the way the light of the candles draw you to the photo and create light and shadows on the people. the composition is lovely. a very simple yet interesting image. Great work :)
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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i like the way the light of the candles draw you to the photo and create light and shadows on the people. the composition is lovely. a very simple yet interesting image. Great work :)
Comment Written 15-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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Thank you very much for your generous review.
This shot had some difficulties. The candles as only light resource were almost to bright on the spot but barely enough to light the people.
Comment from RaineC
Rating is based on the following:
Initial Impact - 5
Creativity of presentation - 5
Color Harmony - 5
Center of Interest - 4
Technical Excellence - 5
Story Telling Ability - 5
Lighting - 5
I appreciate your notes, as they definitely add to the review. I would love to have seen this at a different angle. So that I could have seen the man's face as well. Nice submission.
~Raine
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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Rating is based on the following:
Initial Impact - 5
Creativity of presentation - 5
Color Harmony - 5
Center of Interest - 4
Technical Excellence - 5
Story Telling Ability - 5
Lighting - 5
I appreciate your notes, as they definitely add to the review. I would love to have seen this at a different angle. So that I could have seen the man's face as well. Nice submission.
~Raine
Comment Written 15-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2009
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Thank you for your generous review.
Please consider the circumstances. This shot were taken at a Mayan wedding ceremony were photographers usually not wanted. I was extremely lucky to get permission to take photos at all. The attendants of the ceremony have given places to be trough the ceremony. So did I. I was not permitted to move around, use a tripod or a flash. The angle you wish would may be very good but was inpossible.
[I'm not completely sure if the light would have allow the shot. The candles may would have washed out to much of the image but that is speculation.]
Thanks again for your input
Cleo
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I figured as much. Very nice submission. I'm in love with the Mayan culture.
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Thanks again.