Abuna Yemata Guh Priest, a photo from Tigray, North

Photographer's Note

Following a strenuous ascent, the entrance to Abuna Yemata Guh is accessed by climbing a vertical rock wall depending entirely on hand grips and foot holds then a walk over a 50 cm wide ledge with a 300 metre (980 ft) sheer drop.

It is in a cave carved from the cliff face. The ceiling is decorated by 5th century religious paintings.

The priest will show you the illustrated bible written on goats' skin which belongs to the church.

f/4.0, ISO 1600, 55mm, 1/25s

pajaran, CLODO, Royaldevon, Ilonka1974, tyro has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jemaflor (147046) 2020-03-31 23:07

Hi Stephen,
Great photo, interesting composition with this man and the painting, excellent management for the light capture, pleasant warm colors, nice sharpness, tfs.

ifege (47993) 2020-03-31 23:12

Hi Steve
Amazing stuff and the access requirements are incredible. I hope that you're very fit! Brilliant portrait.
cheers
Ian

CLODO (45116) 2020-04-01 0:00

Hi Stephen

Top class picture well framed and with a spectacular light, ny eyes contact. The black background enhances the vivid colors of the man attire and the holly book front page.
Congratulations
CLODO

Royaldevon (85862) 2020-04-01 1:54

Hello Stephen,

The thought of the difficult trek for reaching this priest makes my legs go to jelly!
However, having made that journey, you made the best possible record of the priest.
This is an excellent portrait, bright colours and nothing to distract from the person and his book.
He has the most benign expression on his face.

I'm so curious, how does this priest get food and other essentials?

Have a good day, keep safe,
Bev :-)

Ilonka1974 (10289) 2020-04-01 14:07

Hi Stephen,
Brilliant portrait.
Excellent presentation.
Very well done.
Best regards
Janusz

Nicou (193806) 2020-04-01 20:50

Hello

Quel portrait de cet homme grandiose vue quel visages et habillement et comme il tien le pr馗ieux livres religieux avec le dessin color駸 sur la premi鑽e page quelle image fantastique
Bravo et amiti�
Nciou8

everlasting (19680) 2020-04-02 6:06

well captured with boiled colours and good eye contact

abmdsudi (95869) 2020-04-03 5:47

Hi Stephen
Your sturdy hand under low warm light is applauded. Focus in on his facial features, strengthened by other supporting props such as vivid colours, shade and shadows. His deep look into your lens works best for me, lifting this shot to greater height! Congrats
Best regards

tyro (30513) 2020-04-05 6:35

Hello Stephen,

Firstly, thank you for your kind critique of my most recent shot - that is what led me to your page.

And this photograph immediately caught my attention, because it is one of the very best portraits I have seen on TE for some considerable time. This priest, your subject, appears so serene and relaxed in front of your camera as he looks straight down the barrel of your lens while holding aloft his colourful and treasured Bible for you. The lighting here is divine, lifting your subject perfectly against a dark background.

Not only is your photograph a masterpiece but I was most intrigued to read your interesting note - so much so that I had to do a little online research myself about Abuna Yemata Guh - and I was horrified (as someone who gets dizzy walking on a thick carpet) at the thought of climbing up sheer cliff faces and along high narrow rock ledges to reach this place! So how on Earth, after a climb like that, could you have held a camera steady for 1/25 second?

Absolutely Wonderful!

Kindest Regards,

John.

P.S. I shall be keeping an eye on your page. But in the meantime, take care in these troubled times.

vjmite (6586) 2020-09-27 6:12

Hi Steve,

Your portraits are very effective - each one shows a different mood or character. This one appealed to me because of the dramatic lighting and proud look on the priest's face as he holds the ancient bible.

Vince