Written silence

[AntonioCorreia]

As a tourist, I had the privilege of exploring this unique space, entirely carved into the rock, which radiates a singular sense of calm.
While wandering through its many hollows and absorbing the atmosphere, I came across a man writing on the steps shaped by time. The soft light and prevailing stillness made the place ideal for both writing and quiet reflection.
I captured the moment, mindful of how the light highlighted the worn textures of the walls and the man’s peaceful posture, fully immersed in his task.
This setting, rich in history and culture, underlines the value of those small moments devoted to thought, tranquillity, peace and stillness.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Antonio,

My thoughts on the scene are as follows;
1) I might try a perspective adjustment to get the pillar and door frame vertical, although I note the far corner of room is vertical now, so this may prove unwise.
2) For sure I would crop the right hand side to remove the dark gap between wall and pillar, making an almost square image frame

This moves the human away from the centre of the composition and balances him with the doorway on left, which also gains prominence in the composition, making the viewer wonder "what's through there?"

These are just my thoughts, it does have the disadvantage of loosing some the light gradient across the floor from RHS though.

Hope that's helpful, Dave

[AustinMyers]

Such a serene scene, the perfect blend of history and reflection.

[AntonioCorreia]

Hello Dave,
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you for your kindness in taking the time to comment on my photograph.

The caves were carved out of basalt and granite, beginning with a tunnel in the ceiling, which was then widened downwards and sideways. The diversity in the rock's characteristics required several adaptations in the method, and that top-down excavation technique, although effective, may have resulted in jambs and columns with imperfections in their vertical alignment.

It is therefore possible to notice some irregularities in the vertical lines of the image. However, if I may say so, that was not the essential aspect of the photograph for me, either when I captured it by choosing an angle I liked, or now when processing it.

What truly interested me was capturing the presence of that figure, a writer, perhaps an artist transferring his sensations and thoughts onto paper in a moment of solitude and serenity.

The entire right-hand side of the image was composed in such a way (then and now) as to convey to the viewer the immersive atmosphere surrounding that man: the diffused light that seeps in, spreads across the floor, and gently illuminates the notebook, his central position elevated on the steps amidst the vertical pillars, which here assume an almost theatrical function, as if it were a stage on which he is the sole actor.

If you have any further thoughts, I’d be happy to hear them, Dave !
Ajanta Caves - India

[billtils]

I like it a lot. The fresco, the steps, the footwear all work. I'm sure there are edits that could give it more visual "oomph" but I find the subdued light just right.

[AntonioCorreia]

Bill, everything here is natural — nothing is staged, as it couldn't really be.
I'm referring to the flip-flops, which might look as though they were deliberately placed there, but they weren’t.

Interestingly, the light coming in from the left side was slightly enhanced when I was editing the photo.
Lighting nuances are key to bringing life — and a bit of “oomph”, as you say — to an image. I often try to emphasise luminance to create a greater sense of movement and energy.

Thanks for your comment, Bill! 😊