Novice Monk: Boys Will Be Boys, a photo from Bangkok, Central

Photographer's Note

I took this picture when I went to a Buddhist temple just right across my place. It was early morning, and apparently, there was a cremation that was to happen and the family was busy making preparations for the service. I saw this young 4-5 year-old boy in a Buddhist monk attire, running around. I smiled at him and asked his parents to photograph him. I did take quite a lot of pictures of him but since the place was swarmed by the mourners, I had no more time to compose, consider the lighting, etc. Anyway, I am sharing this picture to you with a bit of cultural note too. Why was he dressed up like that?

Becoming a NOVICE monk is a sacrifice that any family member can do to help the soul of a dead relative. This boy was apparently the 搒acrifice�. It also is a good deed for him as he has to live the ascetic life of a monk for days. His eyebrows and hair were shaved, to start with. But a young boy at that age probably did not understand the implications of his actions. As you can see, he strutted in front of me and flash that 搇ook-at-this-pretty-boy-face� act when I took this picture. (Well, I am also to be blamed for asking him to pose for a picture. Well, monks are monks, but children will always be children�

(auto-level adjustments, brightness and contrast)

yerevantsi, rabani, touristdidi, Eagle, longpt, Rangel, Proxilva, Riz, correp00, kaychambers, sn00zie, michel_r, Valentia, marcon, jiekuan, fireflyz, Hanso2, phototakeouter, mattnwal, ivanhooace, eco, gelor, Mansi, Albrecht, MLINES, srpablillo, VinceM, CodyDavis, pebbles, mesquens, omerozden, Jonas_Schmitt, siam2005, NonPhotogenic, Rychach has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

henrye (3500) 2003-12-02 3:41

A moment really, really well captured. I like your composition and the vibrant colors. The caption says everything. Well done!!!

[2]

iamxa (3103) 2003-12-02 3:43

Magnific portrait. Framed, colors, crop, focus.

glider (690) 2003-12-02 3:45

Excellent shot Manuel. I like the contrast of left and right side, very nice object and expression of his face. I think that very intresting is also orange color of monk磗 habit. Well done...

[2]

nwoehnl (122) 2003-12-02 3:46

A very appealing portrait shot, Manny. Everything about this is great: the expression and posture of the novice monk, the colors, and the composition. Great title and note, all in all an effort truly in the spirit of TE. Wonderful!

clodreno (0) 2003-12-02 3:53

Very beautiful shot Manny, the kind I love. He is also so cute!! You made a nice picture, good compositon. What else...

[2]

PechePassion (483) 2003-12-02 4:08

Ce que j'en pense ?

Couleur, contraste Parfais !
le sourire de l'enfant rajoute de l'emotion a cette photo .
Bravo !

Clochette (8076) 2003-12-02 4:28

You managed to show the pure freshness of the child, in opposition with the seriousness of the commitment. Colors are wonderful. Good composition, the entrance of the temple on the left suggests that the child prefers to stay outside..! And finally, knowing that you asked him to pose for you, congratulations for having captured this look when he does not watch straight towards the camera (although I guess he wished to !)

[6]

Rhiannon (1728) 2003-12-02 4:49

I think it's a beautiful portrait of this little boy. very ell composed and nice colours.
I can just agree with everyone else - very well seen, well captured and well presented.
I would give you extra points for the interesting note if I could :)

olli (2091) 2003-12-02 5:02

I like that black/white background. Great, soft colors and light. Great pose � I especially like the pose of his fingers. Perfect framing. I think this one of your best shots I磛e seen. Very-very-very well done.

[2]

Darren (6823) 2003-12-02 5:09

Really lovely shot Manny. Normally, having the subject look out of the frame is a bit of a no no, but here it works very well, in part due to the darkness behind him. the early morning light is very pleasant as well. One final thing I like here is the very modern pose he is giving you, contrasted with the timelessness of the monk's attire. good shot.

martin (1242) 2003-12-02 5:20

Great shot, Manny. Both his pose and expression are appealing and your composition is arresting.

femkevdh (2633) 2003-12-02 5:20

Great one Manuel. Thanks for the info. Just liek you say; a boysface with a grown-up pose. Veyr good!

hantulaut (3441) 2003-12-02 7:34

:-)) very good capture Manny. His gesture perfectly fitted with title: boys will be boys

quegardens (1469) 2003-12-02 7:59

I enjoyed the bright and expressive look on this boy's face. You captured him at a moment when his face projected pride in fulfilling his cultural role as the "sacrifice" child.

I found your notes very interesting and informative Manny.

jrj (34843) 2003-12-02 9:24

Fine portrait, composed an captured well of this boy, not least very interesting comments too.

avigur_11 (22553) 2003-12-02 10:18

a great portrait, Manuel. thanks a lot for the interesting info. you're right - he looks more a child than a monk. very well done.

joseelias (0) 2003-12-02 11:51

Another fabulous portrait. Composition is excelent, and also tthe DOF, colors and softness.

zto (268) 2003-12-02 13:19

I for one would not be able to tell that you did not have time to compose this photo. I think your placemant of the boy is perfect. Your close crop helps bring out the boy as well. And not to mention the expresion of his eyes. So cute. I apriciated your note. It was very informative. I wish i could take pictures like this of pepole.

htremblay (1666) 2003-12-02 13:49

Mignon comme tout cet enfant. Belle r閡ssite. Bravo.
Good-looking as all this child. Beautiful success. Bravo.

Motrem (2392) 2003-12-02 19:53

The expression of the face of this child is of an incomparable innocence. It is an excellent portrait the technique of which you know. Colours, centring, sweetness, posture of the child: a single word summarizes my thought, it is excellent.
L'expression du visage de cet enfant est d'une candeur sans pareil. C'est un excellent portrait dont vous connaissez la technique. Les couleurs, le cadrage, la douceur, la posture de l'enfant: un seul mot r閟ume ma pens閑, c'est excellent.

huglac (238) 2003-12-02 20:35

Very beautiful photo, clear, precise and beautiful contrast of colour. I like especially eyes cheerful persons of the child. Seen well.
Tr鑣 belle photo, claire, pr閏ise et beau contraste de couleur. J'aime surtout les yeux rieurs de l'enfant. Bien vue.

dsidwell (9783) 2003-12-03 0:44

Really marvelous work, Manny. The image is balanced, and really highlights the boy's face nicely. Amazing stuff!

ninadev (5377) 2003-12-03 7:22

Lovely little boy and picture. The expression on his face makes the shot, together with the colors of his skin and robe. I like the composition but it could be interesting also to make a more tight framing on the left, removing the dark part and blurred shoulder, for a very close-up portrait shot.
--
Got back my computer, so here is my WS. I don't pretend it's better, just different.

[workshop] [compare]

maciekda (19895) 2003-12-04 3:41

wow, what a great portrait! his expression is really great, he simply looks happy! and you captured it absolutely perfectly! great composition, great colous, really great picture!
---
yeah, after several days it goes to my favorites!

[2]

tdanny (663) 2003-12-05 9:33

Great note, great shot and very true to TE. another country another tradition. Heard from an ad, when you're at the foreign land, you're the foreigner !
This pose resembles 2 icons ie agent 007 and a famous 50s chinese icon/actor !
Well done

ornis (1271) 2003-12-13 2:31

Child expression plus all what's linked with his novice monk situation makes a wonderful cocktail of feelings. He looks adult, but with child expression. Hand and arm position are adult ones, but the fantastic eye expression is a child one. Background distribution and contrast works perfectly with the subject. A great shot and interesting notes. Well done Manuel.

Opus (0) 2003-12-25 8:35

What a cutie! Posed or not, quite a nice travel portrait. You have many fine images of Thailand, and I've begun to look. Cheers!

roshangar (1682) 2004-01-10 14:07

Excellent shot,althoght you hadn't enough time that's ok in everything!

choucas (234) 2004-01-13 16:14

Really good captured ! I like the smile of this "baby monk". Nice composition !!!

MissyMissile (0) 2004-01-19 11:14

Beautiful shot, very well composed, especially before the white background and faded out on the left. Great colors and perfect moment. Thanks for the cultural note too. Great work, Manny!

Gummisusi (16) 2004-01-25 7:29

Taking portraits is very difficult, but you did it right. The monk not centered, looking away, beautiful colours.Does his thump-finger sign means something?
Thanx for the note aswell.
Keep them coming, manny!

CoolDan (2516) 2004-02-14 20:58

Magnifique photo. Tr鑣 bien saisie et cadrage excellent. L'expression dans le regard de ce jeune moine nous laisse penser qu'il doit 阾re bien espi鑗le. Bravo.

eleparc (24063) 2004-03-07 8:39

i love this sweet photo of the boy.. any clue behind this "2- sign " he is doing with his fingers?? maybe the price for that beautiful shot ... or maybe already in his second life...Bouddhism...

GuillaumeR (131) 2004-03-26 2:47

Wonderful picture !!! Lovely expression on his face and what a surprise to see this kind of happy face with a Novice. Congratulations !!!

amitai (879) 2004-04-07 16:54

I like it a lot. the colors, the composition, and the expression on this kid's face, makes this picture a real winner.

rabani (9645) 2004-04-08 6:58

Dark blurred doorway and our kid monk is standing on a white background. Pretty much the state of mind, where the kid is going. Hope he makes it.

By the way Manny, Happy Easter and God Bless.
Rabani

touristdidi (8583) 2004-04-10 12:05

Is this a forever deal??????? No more free life? He sure is cute!

Eagle (522) 2004-04-26 10:13

Great portrait of this cute kid/monk! Nice colours and composition!

longpt (947) 2004-04-30 10:04

an inocent boy. This clever face make me impresion. a shave head, yellow monk dress but ... still a children!

garcia (254) 2004-05-04 16:51

Magnifico picture the colors the contrasts and the framing nothing was made to without a doubt is a master in the art of the picture, loved the photo

Rangel (54) 2004-05-08 19:21

Excellent picture. Even better note.
I love reading about other place's culture around trekearth.
Thanks for sharing

mccu7pj2 (0) 2004-05-09 12:54 [Comment]

Show Comment

Proxilva (2157) 2004-05-09 13:35

wow Manuel..
i am looking trough your photos and i see you make awesome portraits...the expressions of the people you photograph are realy unbelieve-able...

pridel (233) 2004-05-10 8:19

Superbe portrait, la candeur de ce jeune novice est compl鑤ement d閟armante. Il est en pleine lumi鑢e tout rayonnant bien mis en valeur par l'arri鑢e plan rouge sombre. j'aime vraiment beaucoup.

yesterday (9833) 2004-05-12 6:01

SPLENDID Photo No Less, that in all point.

Jeppe (18654) 2004-05-14 11:32

This fine portrait surely deserves a comment. The background and frame excellent to present your motif - I like smile he gives you and agree fully with your title - Great work Manuel.

sengir (4956) 2004-05-27 17:23

Nice picture, typical pose for Thai boys ;). I didn't know what excatly it means when I was there, now I now ;)

Jasmine (98) 2004-06-23 1:40

Stunning shot manny. I likes the boy expression, very nice composed.

correp00 (474) 2004-06-28 12:50

The picture is the picture, in this case a very nice picture with a very good comment.
Thank's to share.

kaychambers (1198) 2004-07-12 21:21

Oustanding Manuel....the explination most informative...absolutely fantastic!

Well done,

Regards,

Vic, Singapore. 13th July 2004.

oochappan (4880) 2004-07-15 4:23

I like this portrait for the nice color balance and soft shadow but most of all for the good written note dragging you into another culture !

cloverstar (0) 2004-07-26 15:25

This is a wonderful portrait. What I like best is the gesture the boy is making with his hands.

Proud to make this a 100 point photo.
Congratulations, Manny.

jrzufferey (7305) 2004-08-02 12:09

Un magnifique portrait, une pure merveille,rien � dire que de l'extase. Amicalement/jr

osinzj (138) 2004-09-16 9:20 [Comment]

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emralc (174) 2004-10-04 6:28 [Comment]

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Arusem (47) 2004-10-20 18:21 [Comment]

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michel_r (1118) 2004-10-29 19:24

Man stand with his left hand (is he any kind of James Bond?) vs childish right arm. I understand he was in the "look xx" stand, but still a child... This is a so nice picture.

ngythanh (8458) 2004-10-30 7:47

You've got my TWO POINTS for this picture. Anyway you could relay my TWO POINTS to the "star" himself? --- If not, you deserve ALL FOUR. Thank you for sharing a wonderful face of mankind. Regards.

Valentia (1522) 2004-10-30 19:53

I prefer this to the crop in the workshop. It has a better sense of place. Charming image, Manny.

franklee (24) 2005-01-02 10:26

One very perfect portrait. Great light, perspective and framing. Congrats.

faubry (35447) 2005-01-03 9:54

very good shot! thanks
this boy are thinking at what? his futur life... the colors are interesting
thanks
do you know Dominique Lemay? a friend from france
francine

Maru (0) 2005-01-08 21:51

Beautiful portrait! His expression is absolutly cute. I like the intense contrast between his monk attire and the white wall behind him. Great composition and crop.
Well done

Hanso2 (633) 2005-02-17 15:29

Sorry I've got nothing more to say, the photo speaks for itself.

JulianoL (38) 2005-02-22 17:22

Beatitful photo. I like the light, colors and light.

phototakeouter (10) 2005-02-25 21:01

Very nicely captured, you can see the mischief of a young boy in his eyes, which contrasts with the sombre attitude normally associated with the orange robes.

ndb1958 (9289) 2005-03-13 7:21 [Comment]

Show Comment

archanabhimasen (270) 2005-04-19 8:50

Very nice picture Manuel. And the discription and the background that you have shared with us is also very fasinating. You are right...I so much agree on what you say '.....children will always be children'!

Ina (2687) 2005-04-22 6:31

Lovely look of this young monk...I love it...Ina...

kevinos (7517) 2005-05-10 23:50

Superb picture Manny, simple and powerful.

guliz (438) 2005-06-04 7:35

really I like it very much! Colors are warm.Excellent portrait! well done....
cheers guliz

Joaquin (422) 2005-06-17 10:27

Hola Manuel; bell韘imo retrato, los colores, la iluminaci髇 y el tema hacen una exquisita composici髇 fotogr醘ica. El chico denota nitidez y perspicacia. El movimiento sugerido por las manos da a la foto mucha riqueza. Felicidades y saludos, Joaquin

eugeneahn (298) 2005-06-21 2:01

Outstanding portrait. Well done!

eco (112) 2005-06-23 4:50

Hi

perfect shot
beautiful portrait
very nice little boy

regards
rafal

CarmenSofia (96) 2005-07-25 8:05 [Comment]

Show Comment

annagrace (2469) 2005-08-02 9:23

Fabulous capture, Manny! The boy has an almost ethereal glow, he was probably a good choice for a monk despite being a 5 year old boy! Love the colors and lighting.

TFS,
Alli

davey590 (271) 2005-08-14 18:00

well captured
great composition and colours
orange looks great childs face looks cute
nice photo
TFS
Dave R

sergio1 (12152) 2005-09-12 7:27

Una foto muy expresiva junto con una buena combinaci髇 de colores hace de esta foto digna de una buena valoraci髇, enhorabuena.
Desde Barecelona

fkk (2039) 2005-09-21 11:16

Merhaba Manuel;
Woow very good composition, really well captured.
gercekten manyak bir kompozisyon olmus ve cocuk o kadar tatli bir poz vermiski enfes...

very good job.

BRAVOOO

gelor (3233) 2005-10-19 13:23

Superbe portrait bien dans tous les domaines. F閘icitations et merci pour le partage. G閞ard

sfgiant (480) 2005-11-05 16:59

This could possibly be the best portrait I have ever seen

Mike

Albrecht (11283) 2005-12-12 4:04

Hi Manuel
Great shot;lovely portrait and I love the soft atmosphere. Good colours and frame.
~thanks for sharing~
Albrecht Bijvank

anew (582) 2006-01-16 11:11

u have captured the innocence and playfulness of this child so well, it is so easy to forget he is a monk, novice or otherwise.
Great job.

dvlazar (6662) 2006-02-03 9:20

I love this picture. Everytime i check out your latest photos its great to see this one come up. Hats off.
David.

just4iris (792) 2006-02-09 13:43

Very beautiful portrait!
I like colours, composition and the expression of the boy.
Bravo!

dani

erofili (18) 2006-03-02 11:14

Beautiful! Nice colours.

srpablillo (225) 2006-04-29 5:48 [Comment]

Show Comment

claudeblasen (131) 2006-06-05 7:15

Great shot!
Considering the little time you had the composition succeeded completely.
Don't blame yourself for making him pose :-)
One of my favourits

sothy81 (9646) 2006-10-02 17:16

Hi Manuel:

This is one of the best pictures on TE. Excellent description and excellent title. I like it when you say, boy will be boy. It is a sucessful picture! It is also one of my favorite photos. TFS. Sothy

peco85 (921) 2006-11-09 3:35

You might say you didn't have the time for the composition and everything but you've managed wuite allright! The photo is brilliant and the boys face is amazing! Good colors and a very good note:)

PeCO

pebbles (0) 2007-02-19 11:48

Hallo Manuel,

what a friendly and nice boy. He seemed to be proud of himself

really well done, BRAVO

Beate

mesquens (2401) 2007-05-15 9:56

Ol� Manuel,
Bela e comovente foto
Composi玢o: o jogo de primeiro plano iluminado mostrando uma crian鏰 na condi玢o mesma de crian鏰. O BG, escuro, mostra a realidade que o espera.
Nitid阺, perfeita.
Cores: bem capturadas.
POV e DOF, muito bons.
S� um pequeno reparo, a moldura, muito larga e negra e que retira leveza � foto

chiaretta (2414) 2008-02-08 8:35

Pefect crop, colors, sharpness...A touching portrait!
Thanks for sharing,
Chiaretta

siam2005 (1566) 2010-05-01 13:48

Lovely portrait of a fantastic expression of a beautiful children.
Great colors and light.
Fantastic...
I add to my favorite.
Compliments
Anna

sittipong (251) 2010-11-08 2:42

Great captured moment.

NonPhotogenic (59) 2011-01-05 5:26