A few hours in Nara last spring.

Todai-ji, largest wooden building in the world.

Last spring I spent a few hours in Nara, the capital of Japan over 1300 years ago and the home to many priceless temples and shrines.  On this visit, I took a stroll through Deer Park and it’s adjacent temple, the Todai-Ji.  This temple is a World Heritage Site and offers an opportunity to view the Daibutsu housed inside.  This Buddha was cast over 1300 hundred years ago although some parts were recast due to damage several hundred years ago.  However, having been here several times, I was more interested in capturing images of people and deer.

By the way, if you visit Deer Park, be very careful as they have been known to attack people on occasion.  And they can be agressive if you offer them food.

Photos taken with a Nikon D700 with Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens and Nikon D300s with Nikkor 70-200mm VRII zoom lens.

 

Don't get too close.

 

 

 

Deer food.

 

 

Sip of water.

 

 

Children with packs.

 

 

Taking a break.

 

Shooting the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok with a 14-24mm wide angle lens.

First sight when entering the temple

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is a very difficult subject to shoot, mainly because of its length, the closeness to the figure itself and the large columns that support the roof.  You end up having to shoot head first, feet first or between the columns.  Because of the limited vantage points, a wide angle lens gives you enough “room” to capture the entire image.  However, I think the best shots are of the detailed areas of the Buddha and not necessarily the entire figure. The wide angle also affords a better view of some of  the intricate detailing on the ceiling and support columns.

Photos were captured with a Nikon D700 and 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom lens.

Straight up

Between the columns

Lengthwise

Two pillows high

Bangkok to Laos – “36 hours in Luang Prabang” – New York Times travel article

Luang Prabang is one of the best-kept secrets in South East Asia.  However, it has been “discovered” by tourists.  Just a few years ago, one could spend a few days there and not see many sightseers.  Visiting beautiful temples, boating up the Mekong and sitting near the river and eating great Lao food.   Or French.  With beer Lao in one hand and a French red wine in the other.  I would recommend that you visit sooner not later.

Wat Xieng Thong and the Pak Ou caves are worthy of a close examination.

The New York Times travel article recommends an excellent 2 day itinerary.  Also, this website has some of the best photos of Luang Prabang.  Take a look and you will be inspired to visit.