Meditation

Posted by GJC (Kyoto (京都), Japan) on 2 December 2008 in Architecture and Portfolio.

If you've traveled to this blog more than a few times you no doubt think you've seen this photo (or something close to it) perhaps a little too often here. Yet I can't seem to stop taking these photos again and again, and in the autumn it's even more irresistable as that soft, soft golden light comes in low and caresses the wood of some old temple.

I confess that I am not really happy with this composition, but the light was so low that I really needed a tri-pod and all I had was the support from a beam at the temple. So I had to take the photo that the temple would give me.

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Comments (26)

Steve Rice from Olympia, United States

I would be delighted to take such a photo. I think this is exceptionally beautiful.

2 Dec 2008 5:27am

timothy from Tokyo, Japan

don't stop taking these sorts of images--that fleeting low light that envelops the tones of the wood is truly fantastic. and i cannot wait to see the product of your shot when you are finally content with what you're shooting--because i think the ones in the meantime are fabulous!

2 Dec 2008 5:59am

Hikari from Kumamoto, Japan

You have your own style and that is so difficult , keep doing it !
By the way f/22 ??

2 Dec 2008 6:17am

cat from Tel Aviv, Israel

The light is very soft - and so wonderfully golden. I'm not surprised you are drawn back to this temple, it looks very peaceful and calm.

2 Dec 2008 7:15am

kiji from valenciennes, France

Don't change! I love such photos :)
I am agree with you : automn is the best season!

This photo is a gift from the temple :)

2 Dec 2008 11:06am

Jeffster from Long Island, United States

The soft golden light is exceptionally beautiful, especially the way it shows the color and texture of the wood. I also like the shadow of the railing on the door too.

2 Dec 2008 1:13pm

Anita from Quito, Ecuador

To me it's a perfect image! The golden light is truly beautiful and serenely,...

2 Dec 2008 1:30pm

bluechameleon from Vancouver, Canada

I'm really drawn to this image, the slight softness in focus and tones. The shadow on the door is amazing, for me, that is the meditation. Beautifully seen and photographed.

2 Dec 2008 1:39pm

Veronelle from Lens, France

mystique lumière

2 Dec 2008 1:52pm

Laurie from New Jersey, United States

The lovely warm light creates such a beautiful calm in this shot. Love the details. The wood is beautiful.

2 Dec 2008 2:01pm

daina from New York, United States

I see that you have a relationship with the temple and it gives of itself to you. It is a relationship that will last since it is so beneficial for both and it is always new :} The meditation might be of the moving, ever changing shadows across its surface which you capture so well.

2 Dec 2008 2:20pm

Eleftheria! from Athens, Greece

Beautiful light!

2 Dec 2008 3:03pm

Giovanni from Milan, Italy

The light is really fantastic! warm, soft, golden! Great image!

2 Dec 2008 3:03pm

hugo poon from hong kong, Hong Kong

I could imagine why you're so drawn such scene... purely enchanting!

2 Dec 2008 4:38pm

Stephen Phillips from San Francisco, United States

A spiritual light upon this place - beautifully realized.

2 Dec 2008 5:20pm

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

Deep rich tones, a fantastic photo, the lighting alone makes you a pro, how can you not be satisfied...

2 Dec 2008 5:39pm

Howard F. from South Pasadena, Calif., United States

Fine shot GJC. Now we're heading into winter and summer is far away, I really enjoy the warmth of the golden light splash on aged wood.

2 Dec 2008 6:07pm

Liang from San Francisco, United States

I love this peaceful setting. Great shot with the warm tones!

2 Dec 2008 7:32pm

ordinaryimages from Kentucky Bluegrass, United States

Sometimes the shot you "get" precludes the technical considerations. best...jerry

2 Dec 2008 8:22pm

Pixim from Nice, France

A quality framing, and especially an urge to get a light which takes all its scale on materials used in this architecture. Your bet is made a success in our biggest pleasure Bravo ;)

2 Dec 2008 8:52pm

Richard_Irwin from Belper, United Kingdom

I really like the streak of light that crosses the floor. Another breathtaking combination of light and mood.

2 Dec 2008 11:17pm

michele from Canada

i like this a lot. especially the shadow of the post on the door. also like what you say about getting the temple (subject) will give. same for many of us i think.

2 Dec 2008 11:21pm