Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, a photo from Bangkok, Central

Photographer's Note

Yakshi (mythical giant) guarding the entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Royal Palace, Bangkok, Thailand.
Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. This is the main building, the central ubosoth, which houses the famous statue. The Emerald Buddha itself is deeply revered and venerated in Thailand as the protector of the country: only the King is allowed to touch it. But it seems to need protection itself, so the temple is surrounded by several such giant statues. Yakshas are an important element in Thai temple art and architecture. They are common as guardians of the gates in Buddhist temples throughout the country since at least the 14th century. This is a particularly fancy one, covered in gold leaf, as befits the guardian of the most holy shrine in Thai Buddhism.
The photograph was made twenty years ago, on my old Canon AE1, probably on Kodacolor Gold 200, and as usual with my old film-based images, scanned on a Nikon dedicated film scanner at around 4000 ppi.

PaulVDV, No_One, tyro, trevormoffiet has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

PaulVDV (63402) 2014-02-02 3:41

Hello Will,
A very good and sharp presentation of this richly dressed up guard and the walls at the entrance gate of the temple.
Very beautiful in the details.
The golden hues shine in the sunlight and make the guard stand out well against the dark entrance.
Best regards, Paul

SNOOP_Chan (4377) 2014-02-02 5:45

Hello Will, very nice image here. The details are just amazing. What i like the most is the sun reflecting above the statue. Just a great shot!
Regards!

No_One (4) 2014-02-02 6:33

Hi Will,
Te level of detail you captured in this fine bejewelled guard and surround is amazing, and I love the glint of light in the upper part, like a starburst from the temple itself. A very beautiful place and capture, and a brilliant note too, thanks for that. I particularly love the blue in the guards sword sheath.
All the best
Noel

tyro (30513) 2014-02-02 7:51

Hi Will,

What a fascinating note you have given us and what a wonderful photograph with which to illustrate it!

Your photograph is beautifully composed and presented, the lighting is superb and the colours are wonderfully vibrant. But what really amazes me is that this is a picture which has been scanned from a colour negative taken twenty years ago - the quality is absolutely astounding with incredible details and sharpness throughout.

Fabulous!

Kind Regards,

John.

abmdsudi (95869) 2014-02-03 7:13

Hi Will
What a great architecture to savour, a close up of craftsmanship of Thai temple with its amazing patterns and minute detail in this is so sharp in focus picture. This is superbly composed and joy to view, impressive low angle you have taken this from and flawless light management in wonderful punchy colours, as the guardian adds that strong focal point and anchor. That flash in the doorway adds such impact, indeed a fine and striking shot. I'm really impressed with your lens work. Congrats on your archiving accompanied by such quality scanned image. Compliments.
Best regards

trevormoffiet (3112) 2014-02-03 18:05

Hello Will,
Excellent scan quality of this temple guard image. Excellent resolution and colours. Good detail visible in the shaded areas. Excellent note.
Regards,
Trevor

serp2000 (47063) 2015-06-03 13:45

Wow! Cool shot, Will! This pictur brings m back o he Wat of Thailand. Very attractive colors and perfect shapness.
Excellent quality for a scanned photo. TFS!
Best wishes,
Serghei