photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Sixteen: Story-telling street photography > Sunday Morning Walk, Zagreb, Croatia, 2005
previous | next
03-SEP-2005

Sunday Morning Walk, Zagreb, Croatia, 2005

There are six major Catholic churches in the Old Upper Town of Zagreb, and Sunday morning finds its ancient narrow streets crowded with worshippers. I saw this group of four nuns moving towards me from a side street. Three of them were bunched together in front, with one trailing behind. Using a telephoto lens zoomed out to about 150mm, I had time for one shot. I recall that church bells were pealing at that moment, and as the group stepped out of the shadows into the bright sun, the trailing nun raised her head slightly. I was able to make this photo, which offers a good example of how posture and expression and placement of groups of people in street situations can express ideas. They walk casually and easily – three silver crosses and four white scarves punctuate the dark clothing and shadowy background. The trailing nun’s expression speaks of enthusiasm and joy, even though she may be bringing up the rear.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20
1/250s f/4.0 at 26.3mm iso80 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis14-Dec-2005 22:09
Thank you PA, for this wonderful comment. You seem to understand the nature of nuns, and immediately grasped my point. I saw them as a family -- a group of people who share their lives together. They are bonded by costume, appearance, tradition, and demeanor. I tried to find a moment in light, time, and space that brings that bond to life.
PA 14-Dec-2005 19:02
Great mood. Great story. Serenity and happiness. These nuns probably live together as a big family. They certainly do not always get along and there are occasionally personality conflicts, but like in big families, they manage. They are sisters. Some are loners, others more social. On that morning, they enjoy the sun and they are happy to get out of the convent to go to church together, almost like on a group date. Very expressive picture, Phil.
Phil Douglis03-Oct-2005 17:13
You are right, Anna. This is all about body language. The trailing nun is very relaxed and seems to feel blessed.
Anna Yu03-Oct-2005 14:05
Very nice fall of light on her face, which is effectively framed by the white. This image speaks of body language to me. Relaxed, harmony with the world, looking heavenward.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment