Image 73491291 by AL

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	Agra India

symbol of love

Taj Mahal is a symbol of love. Taj Mahal is the pride of India.
It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife who died in childbirth, a tribute to their eternal love.
Taj Mahal is often described as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and described as a universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

There are many ways to photograph the beautiful Taj Mahal. You may even find locals roaming around the monument
and offering tips on the best photo spots! As it’s one of the most visited attraction, it’s almost impossible
to shoot a clear perspective of Taj Mahal. But I wanted to wait for the right character to enter my frame.
And I knew it’s gonna be a woman! Was she looking for love? Or was she in awe of the power of love?
Sorry for the noise level and lack of detail. But I really like it as it means something special to me.
And don't you think Taj Mahal deserve a few more shots? Yes, coming soon... :-)

Nikon D50

other sizes: small medium large auto

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Guest		29-Aug-2007 23:09
Fantastic!

pepe_carmona2000		26-Jun-2007 17:17
fantastica. voto

Guest		19-May-2007 15:18
there is something so striking about the white marble of the Taj in thr background of the dark shadows and tunnel that brings out the "purity' of the place - it may seem ridiculous to use the word pure in the context of a touristy crowded place such as the Taj but somehow the whole image, with the lone person in the centre and the black and white makes the image very moving...

Guest		23-Feb-2007 12:09
Great photo. Great photographic eye! Voted

Guest		10-Feb-2007 14:51
With the Taj Mahal in the background, it may seem odd to say it, but I think archways themselves can be a symbol of love. Two people under an archway can appear to be drawn closer together. And as in this case, 1 person can appear to be enveloped in the glow from an arch and protected by it. With just the one person though the image needs context and the Taj Mahal provides it - another pilgrim captivated by its beauty and spirit. v.

Guest		03-Feb-2007 11:32
AL, a wonderful shot this one is,the noise level and lack of detail you were worried about,is something which adds an extra mood to this image in my openion.

Guest		01-Feb-2007 08:59
Incredible

sebas veldhuisen		29-Jan-2007 18:12
A timeless photograph. A pearl.

Martha Albuquerque		27-Jan-2007 17:19
So beuatiful, Ai Li! Love to see through your eyes! V

Bill Harris		26-Jan-2007 23:56
Again you have the human shapes echoing the contours of the building behind. Remarkable.

Steve Viscot		26-Jan-2007 21:00
fantastic shot - great framing and b&w work - vote

david procter		26-Jan-2007 12:38
Such a sense of divinity, of history. Awe-inspiring and humbling study Ai Li.

Azlin Ahmad		26-Jan-2007 10:55
Fantastic control of exposure, and a very poignant way of shooting such a famous landmark. V

Rob Rosetti		26-Jan-2007 10:22
An imprssive composition. Love the simmetry, the diffent layers of light and shadow. And the silhouette of the woman is so mysterious.

Guest		26-Jan-2007 04:36
Magnificent in every way. V

Guest		26-Jan-2007 01:47
Fantastic composition, love the framing..great shot.

Sheila		25-Jan-2007 23:19
Your patience paid off. Instead of the usual beautiful perspective of the Taj Mahal, we have a very different beauty. Exquisite and ethereal. v

Mindy McNaugher		25-Jan-2007 02:47
This is stunning!!! Absolutely exquisite image! Vote!

Roe..		25-Jan-2007 01:21
this one blows me away..this image is amazing..v

Kathy Pedersen		25-Jan-2007 00:31
So beautifully framed, a very moving image! Vote

Guest		24-Jan-2007 22:53
Marvellous darkness pict!Taj Mahal ... I want to shot there ! Vote. Vincent.

De'Carr Studio		24-Jan-2007 22:44
WOW! This is fantastic! Love your exquisite treatment. Vote

jude		24-Jan-2007 22:21
This really is quite beautiful - and using the people that surround the Taj instead of bemoaning an austere shot is a perfect way to show the love people have for it. The single woman standing back gives the sense that she wants to be alone with her thoughts. I also like how her stance mimics the tower centered in the archway.

JSWaters		24-Jan-2007 22:02
I've been trying to think how I would express my reaction to your image, Ai Li. I have not seen the Taj in person, but have seen it romanticized and immortalized often. The combination of Ray, Phil and Craig's comments all resonate with me. You have used the ethereal quality of the monument and it's intended purpose to create a mystical and abstract vision. It is a lovely new way of looking at something so familiar. Jenene

Cindi Smith		24-Jan-2007 21:43
Very dramatic shot! I love this, Al Li! Beautiful in every way! V

Guest		24-Jan-2007 20:41
As in the previous one, the work on the light is really impressive. The high key on the Taj Mahal is adding magnificence to it. As for the human touch, it is simply perfect. A taller subject in the middle, and smaller people - or further away of course - on the side to mimic the monument. A really well thought and realized image.

Victoria		24-Jan-2007 20:32
Stunning building with fantastic love story ,,awesmome :)

Guest		24-Jan-2007 20:24
yes lady, you really did it here. A mix of culture, mysticism, abstraction, gathering... you name it. It's great.

Craig Persel		24-Jan-2007 20:08
I have visited the Taj and it's matchless beauty is almost impossible to capture on film. However, you have come pretty darn close. That entrance to the area in front of the Taj is a smart place to shoot from because there is something unique about how the human perceptual system works in relation to that entrance and the distant Taj. An "unreality" factor...and one that you have controlled for and mastered in this image. Big vote.

J. Scott Coile		24-Jan-2007 19:30
Masterful tough exposure! Quite iconic.

Phil Douglis		24-Jan-2007 18:38
The Taj is one of the world's most famous buildings and tourist attractions. You have done more here than describe it. You have tried to express your feelings about its romantic history by relating it abstracted figures and framing it in darkness. You have also gone against the grain by abstracting it in black and white instead of presenting it its usual ethereal colors. In doing all of this, you create a personal statement that expresses your own view of the Taj, Ai Li. The dark tunnel, similar to the one you used in the previous image, draws the eye towards the subject, and suggests a passage way through time. To me, the tunnel and woman are the subject here, while the Taj becomes context.

Ray Rebortira		24-Jan-2007 18:33
I like how this is composed, especially with the dark figures standing in awe, contemplating not just the phenomenal beauty of this structure but what it symbolizes. The tight dark framing seems an attempt to capture an evanescent dream --- that's how the temple to Immortal Love appears: distant, ethereal, vaporous. How wistful with longing this picture is, compared to the famous one with Diana, sitting alone, looking forlorn and bereft of bliss. Bravo, Ai Li!!!

Mostafa Moftah		24-Jan-2007 17:36
I love what you did, very dramatic.. ~V~

Martha Albuquerque		24-Jan-2007 17:07
WOw! I just love this composition Ai Li. Great light and shadow play.The story is also fascinating. My vote.

Naomi		24-Jan-2007 14:58
Lovely photo and story. GMV

Jim Ross		24-Jan-2007 14:49
Nicely done... Great work..

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