Quiet Time on U-Bein Bridge, Amarapura, Myanmar
(For you purists out there, the purple cast is the result of a little artistic licence and Lightroom split-toning, rather than pure nature.)
Does originality matter any more?
That was the question posed today by a photographer who’s Facebook feed I look in on from time to time. He was lamenting the fact that a picture awarded a first place for “Sports Action” by World Press Photo was an image he considered unoriginal, by virtue of the fact that other photographers had previously taken similar pictures from similar points of view.
Personally, I think it depends, at least partially, on one’s purpose. An artist should aim to be original, so for photographic contests, one can rightfully expect that originality would be part of the criteria.
My work is not particularly original. Although I keep trying to ground my photographic technique and to stretch my artistic eye, I will never be a pace-setter.
Nor am I a trail-blazer. Most of the places I visit are also on other people’s itineraries; they have been seen and documented before. For example, the U-Bein Teak Bridge over Taungthaman Lake, south of Mandalay, has been photographed so often at sunset that it is one of Myanmar’s most iconic images.
That didn’t stop me from wanting to see it and photograph it myself.
Wooden Boats Waiting
The best way to photograph those iconic silhouettes is from a hired boat on Taungthaman Lake.
Cameras Ready!
With Taungthaman Lake filling up with tourists and photographers, the likelihood of getting a shot like no other reduces considerably.
I visited the bridge on two successive evenings last September as part of a photographic tour facilitated by photographer Karl Grobl and guide Mr MM. And, my nine travel-companions and myself were not alone in carrying camera equipment. A truly original image might be hard to come by!
Fading Light
The 1.2km bridge, built from teak timbers recovered from the Amarapura palace when King Mindon relocated to Mandalay in 1852, is in daily use as means of crossing the big lake.
Heading Home
Comings and Goings
Last Light
Restaurant on the Shore
There are a number of places on the lake’s shore where you can watch the light fade over the famous bridge.
Teak Posts
On my second visit, I opted to walk out over the lake.
Monks on the Bridge
Still Waters
Taungthaman Lake is quiet on the far side of the bridge.
Spiral Temple
On the shore, a Buddhist temple is reflected in the waters of the lake.
Taungthaman Lake
A tourist boat works its way past fishermen wading in the shallow waters.
Fisherman
Under the bridge, a fisherman prepares to come in for the day. At regular intervals, there are stairs up and down from the water.
Life on the Bridge
I took a boat from the middle of the lake for the remains of the evening.
Monks on the Bridge
Monks on the Bridge
Like other tourists on the bridge, visiting monks take pictures of themselves.
Sunset Silhouettes
As the sun goes down, the crowd on the bridge grows in number.
Young Couple
The Blue Hour
Last Light
Back to Shore
“Original” or not, the experience is as important to me as the outcome. I love the travel, and the chance to see places for myself, especially those iconic and oft-visited places that have been photographed many, many times before.
That is good enough for me.
Photographs: 14-15September2012
I absolutely your pictures Ursula.
They are so professional and the title at the bottom of each photo has a nice touch.
You obviously love what you do.
No wonder you two travel so much.
Thank you…
Thank YOU for joining me, Sally! You are welcome along any time. 🙂
Love the quality of the photos and the serenity depicted along the bridge