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Dissection Still Life: Quán Thế Âm Bồ Tát
Photographed is Quán Thế Âm Bồ Tát, the bodhisattva of compassion placed on top of a Bàn Thờ, otherwise known as an altar. There are two lotus light fixtures which sit besides Quán Âm. The book that sits to the right is the Buddhist prayer book and the gong that is rung at certain parts of the prayer. Two water cups sit beside the Lý Hương which holds the incense as they burn. Pictured on the left is a jade statue of Quán Âm. November 2nd, 2021, in Boston, Massachusetts. Pictured by Trang Mai.
Camera settings: Canon EOS Rebel SL1 EF50mm f/1.8 II
ISO 800 f/2.8 1/60s
*Click to read full reflection*
REFLECTION
Significance: The two lotus's that sit beside Quán Âm represents the purity of the body, speech, and mind. Though it often sits on top of muddy waters, its leaves and petals are clean. The separation symbolizes the detachment of material and physical desire. The beautiful lotus flower is a symbol of enlightenment and mental purity. I decided to photograph Quán Âm as my still lifes assignment because of the significance Quán Âm has in my life as well as my family’s. In Buddhist pagodas, we look to Quán Âm for guidance and protection. When my late father was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, my family and I were devastated. Though I was truly heartbroken, it was my prayers to Quán Âm that gave me the strength to pull through and support my dad as his disease slowly took over.
Set up: there is a small window of light coming in from both the left and right side as this picture was taken at dusk. I had my adjustable overhead lights on the dimmest setting possible which gave just enough light for me to shoot on ISO 800, wide aperture, and slow shutter speed. The lotus flowers each served as an additional light source that highlighted all the key elements in the photo with a nice reflective touch which the back of the altar adds. All the relevant pieces such as the prayer book, gong, teacups, jade statue, and lotus lights were added to complete the frame. I composed this picture in the way that I think best describes the emotions I was feeling during the time of my dad’s sickness and whenever I pray to Quán Âm. Though surrounded by darkness, the glimmer of light will help guide the way and though death is imminent, my dad’s legacy still lives on. It gives me a sense of peacefulness in a world of uncertainty.
Experience: This was an emotional journey. I drafted many ideas, many of them surrounding my dad. I honor him every day that I can to keep him alive in my memories so that I’ll won’t forget. At first, I thought maybe I’ll do a dissection of the things he loves then thought, what about the things that lead to his disease to spread more awareness. I sketched it out but it didn’t evoke the emotions that I feel whenever I think of him. Quán Âm is such an important figure not only to me but my entire culture and I hope that my photo captures it well.
Camera settings: Canon EOS Rebel SL1 EF50mm f/1.8 II
ISO 800 f/2.8 1/60s
*Click to read full reflection*
REFLECTION
Significance: The two lotus's that sit beside Quán Âm represents the purity of the body, speech, and mind. Though it often sits on top of muddy waters, its leaves and petals are clean. The separation symbolizes the detachment of material and physical desire. The beautiful lotus flower is a symbol of enlightenment and mental purity. I decided to photograph Quán Âm as my still lifes assignment because of the significance Quán Âm has in my life as well as my family’s. In Buddhist pagodas, we look to Quán Âm for guidance and protection. When my late father was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, my family and I were devastated. Though I was truly heartbroken, it was my prayers to Quán Âm that gave me the strength to pull through and support my dad as his disease slowly took over.
Set up: there is a small window of light coming in from both the left and right side as this picture was taken at dusk. I had my adjustable overhead lights on the dimmest setting possible which gave just enough light for me to shoot on ISO 800, wide aperture, and slow shutter speed. The lotus flowers each served as an additional light source that highlighted all the key elements in the photo with a nice reflective touch which the back of the altar adds. All the relevant pieces such as the prayer book, gong, teacups, jade statue, and lotus lights were added to complete the frame. I composed this picture in the way that I think best describes the emotions I was feeling during the time of my dad’s sickness and whenever I pray to Quán Âm. Though surrounded by darkness, the glimmer of light will help guide the way and though death is imminent, my dad’s legacy still lives on. It gives me a sense of peacefulness in a world of uncertainty.
Experience: This was an emotional journey. I drafted many ideas, many of them surrounding my dad. I honor him every day that I can to keep him alive in my memories so that I’ll won’t forget. At first, I thought maybe I’ll do a dissection of the things he loves then thought, what about the things that lead to his disease to spread more awareness. I sketched it out but it didn’t evoke the emotions that I feel whenever I think of him. Quán Âm is such an important figure not only to me but my entire culture and I hope that my photo captures it well.
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