We were given all the time we needed to photograph at will in this sacred space. Knowing that I had time, I was able to conceptually plan my shot well before I made this image. I found a vantage point that embraced an arched window, a ceremonial tree-like column, and an effigy of Buddha. It also offered the abstracting quality of back lighting. I had noticed that one monk was lingering in the room as a caretaker. He was going to stay there as long as we were in it. He was walking back and forth – all I needed him to do was to walk in front of that window. Using my spot meter, I moved my point of exposure around until my shutter speed registered 1/13th of a second, a speed that can usually produce blur in a moving person. It then came down to a matter of waiting. I composed this image, and when the monk passed before the window, I pressed the shutter button. At that instant, he raised his hand to his head, his motion giving the image its spiritual quality, a perfect blend of content and form.