Located in the upper part of the stupa of the Swayanbunanth (Monkey) Temple, one of the most important temples of the Kathmandu Valley, the Buddha’s eyes photographically offer many chances. As with almost every photograph, instead of showing the subject directly, I try to find ways of photographic expression to establish a mutual communication with the audience.
When I saw the dove in the shadow area in the foreground in this photograph, I thought that the difference in light between the pigeon and the stupa could create a silhouette photograph.
By measuring the light from the bright area, I ensured that the pigeon in the shadow was silhouetted. (Of course, this can happen thanks to the 4 stop light difference between the light and dark areas)
By using an open aperture, I made the Buddha’s eyes out of focus so that the pigeon was the main subject and the Buddha’s eyes a strong background.
Also, with the telephoto lens, I made the background come closer to the front with the effect of “concentration of perspective”.
For my JPEG files, I chose the White Balance setting to CLOUDY (Cloudy) so I can have warmer colors.
Again, as in many photographs, I made the tones darker with minus (-) exposure.
Camera: Olympus OMD EM1
Lens: 40 – 150mm (used as 95mm)
Aperture: 2.8
Shutter: 1/4000 s.
ISO: 100
Exposure compensation: -0.7 stops
