Sunday, August 8, 2010

Shingon Mission Bon Dance - 8/6/2010

I've worked near by for many years but have never been to the bon dance at the Shingon Mission. It was very crowded with so many participants, it made it very difficult to shoot. Again, I tried to shoot with available light and this time it was more challenging than the previous bon dance, even with a 5omm F1.4 lens! Before it got dark, I attempted at an HDR of this statue to get more of the grains in the wood.
The temple is very quaint with a lot of neat lanterns and lights but I really like these slips of paper flowing in the window.
It got dark and very difficult to shoot.
My continuing search for lantern shots...
I noticed these huge standing lanterns outside the church that looked really cool.
It was really crowded w/ dancers so it was really hard to take photos...but the kids were really cute decked out in kimonos.
Young and old were having a great time. I had to do a lot of post work to get rid of the yellow because it was so dark.
There's even a Japanese Lion Dance.
When it got too dark and the photo got too grainy, turning it B&W helps.

2 comments:

Erick said...

Great opening shot! I like the little slips of paper too, very nice. Yes it was so hard to shoot in those weird orange light. Good job tho!

celia said...

Me too, I like how the slips of paper are blowing in the wind. These are great pics and yes this was so challenging to shoot and to post process. I am still struggling.