Chanting, Longshan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006 photo

Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Three: Expressing human values > Chanting, Longshan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006

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28-MAR-2006

Chanting, Longshan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006

The Longshan Temple, home to more than three different religions, was a cauldron of incense and song the day I visited. I brought my long lens to bear on this worshipper, who holds his incense sticks and chants prayers with great fervor. This image is all about faith and fervor, two very real human values.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30
1/20s f/3.6 at 50.7mm iso80 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Phil Douglis		27-Aug-2006 19:17
Thanks, Saha, for this thoughtful comment. You make an excellent point -- if photographs such as this can help young people to better understand or appreciate their own cultural traditions, we have accomplished something of value. This image is about tradition, fervor and faith, all of them important human values. And if such values should gradually vanish within a culture, expressive photographs such as this one will provide the only tangible memory of them.

SAHA		27-Aug-2006 13:59
Most people in Taiwan do not have a religion. Going to temples or praying before the idols are just part of our traditions. However, the richness of our culture is fading away and the traditions are being forgotten due to the technology, the so-called "progress," and the globalisation. I always feel delighted when seeing people, superstitious or not, going to temples because it makes me feel that our traditions are not yet forgotten. Sadly, the younger generation like myself goes to the temples as a tourist, we don't feel as connected to the practices, the idols and the temple itself as the older generation does, so I'm worried that in future, I won't get to see the pious faces like this old man's. In a temple, people usually pray for good fortune, and health for their family and offsprings. Just by looking at this oldman's sincere face, you seem to know what he is uttering to the gods, and how much he cares for his family and offsprings' well-being.

Phil Douglis		28-Jul-2006 23:54
It is hard to evaluate knowledge in a photograph, Emi. But if this picture makes you think of the nature of belief and superstition, all the better for it.

Guest		28-Jul-2006 16:39
I wonder how much these people know about their religion, or they are just superstitious because of the lack of knowledge and tradition. Emi

Phil Douglis		13-May-2006 06:06
He is doing exactly what you say he is, Xin. He is speaking to his deities, and with great fervor and intensity. He was chanting his prayers, and moving his lips and incense sticks to the beat of drums. You can hear it, can't you?

Sheena Xin Liu		13-May-2006 05:26
Very concentrating and attentive facial expression. He seemed to speak of something he was praying for. Beautiful capture of a very special moment. I also like the lighting and composition here.

Phil Douglis		23-Apr-2006 02:58
That's why we have explanations in travel photography, Christine. No travel image stands alone. They work in albums, articles, stories, and always with explanations. A travel photograph is always a joint venture with words -- it does its job, and the words do theirs. As for that thumbnail, I can see how you might think this was an orchestra conductor. But when you clicked on the full image, the baton became three sticks of incense!

Guest		23-Apr-2006 02:23
Phil, we need your explanation to see what is really happening here. The thumbnail was showing me an orchestra conductor! Christine

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