Mary's new dress, a photo from Puno, South

Photographer's Note

January 6th (Epiphany) is an important festival in Spanish speaking Christian countries: it is the day in the liturgical calander that the three kings arrive to present their gifts to Jesus. Throughout Latin America there is often a local celebration of interest taking place, and the small altiplano city of Juni, on the shores of Lake Titicaca was no exception.

In the Catedral de San Pedro Martir, Epiphany, is the day on which the Virgin Mary receives her new dress for the year. As with many catholic churches, a statue of Mary is very prominent on an important shrine. In Juli, she is dressed up in her new outfit for the coming year.

The young woman in the photograph is holding one of Mary's attendant angels while other members of the congregation climbed up the alter and dressed the statue of the virgin. I particularly liked the common altiplano irony of blonde, european angels juxtaposed with indigenous worshippers.

As with many religous celebrations inside the holy building, it is really important to remain unobtrusive as a photographer (out of respect for local customs and also to get better photographs). So, no flash, and an extremely high ISO rating to get enough light on to the photo. The church was also filled with smoke from the insense burners, so the conditions were quite difficult.

BluSimo, delpeoples, kordinator, JCG, s_lush, yeln heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

diegomach (531) 2010-08-27 13:33

Otra gran expresión, mucho simbolismo. una gran historia para contar.
felicitaciones

BluSimo (9392) 2010-08-28 4:38

Ciao Iain
the Iso high and the lack of the tripod make the difference when the luminous conditions are thus difficult like in this case, it's true. Pity, because the moment is intense and very well catch from your eye. also the focus it emphasizes well the choice of the subjects. the bunch of flowers is an interest point and is well placed. compliments, because it remains a good shot, beyond the equipment you has known to see it and to tell it well well.
have a nice week end
Simonetta

delpeoples (60342) 2010-08-30 0:19

Hi Iain, this is a most unique composition, very artistic and also a little eerie. I like the muted colours, they remind me of Renaissance painting. Excellent vertical framing and slight grain to the photo. TFS and I wish you a good Monday, Lisa

Juzo (2151) 2010-08-31 6:31

Hi Iain,
I agree with Lisa,
this reminds me of a renaissance painting, the tone and pose. The grainy finish adds a mystery too.
Cheers
Justin

crhieatt (5347) 2010-08-31 16:39

Iain,
Fascinating image. At first I thought the whole thing was simply a photograph of a painting - clearly not so at full size.
Such an extraordinary scene, in so many ways - from the factual elements of what is actually going on, right through to the way you've captured it in such an idealistic and expressive pose. Even a halo, of sorts, adorns the girl AND, for some light relief, her left hand holds a lolipop of a Saint. LOL-ipop!
Don't be afraid of high ISO - here, it simply adds a layer of mood.
Regards
colin

eev99 (1264) 2010-09-09 9:46

Hi Iain,

There is a truly artistic quality to this picture. The eye is drawn to the woman's face and is surprised to see a young girl holding flowers beside her. Well done.

AKITA (15125) 2010-09-27 15:14

dear Iain,
almost painting feeling is superb,
her figure looks dramatic and especially here eyes and white flowers look illusionary in this whole ambient scene,
very settled and mysterious atmosphere is excellent,
thank you for your picturesque shot,
Akihisa

JCG (35153) 2010-10-10 11:29

Hello Iain,

In spite of difficult conditions of catch of sight as you point out it to us in your note, I find that the image is interesting, I like much the treatment which confers a certain atmosphere to it, the enthusiasm of this woman is well seized. Astonishing this celebration in particular with these headstocks… I like much the light on the small bouquet. Good photograph and thank you for the instructive note Iain.

With all my friendships and with soon,

Jean-Charles

kordinator (8738) 2010-10-11 7:50

Hello Iain
Great composition.
An excellent portrait.
Really artistic work.
Very mysterious atmosphere is excellent.
thank you for your picturesque shot.
Great job.
Regards
Saša

clic (76) 2010-10-23 13:46

Thanks Iain
Those modest colors gave me first the impression of a hand-coloured picture of the black&white era!
I like the true expression of confidence expressed by the lady holding an angel statue in this take that appears as a color-faded old photograph.
Cheers.
Robert

s_lush (16602) 2010-10-31 10:58

Hello Iain,
Despite the difficult lighting conditions, you have got a really interesting, impressive, colorful and high-quality image. It illustrates the comprehensive story about ecclesiastical traditions very well. Very well captured and interestingly narrated!
Best regards,
Sergiy

yeln (11516) 2010-11-08 9:08

hi Iain
zelo umetniško. nekoliko manj ostrine toda OK.
lep večer, vojko