Not Something You See Every Day, by
Ken Douglas
Photographer: Ken Douglas from Hertfordshire, England.
Getting the Shot: This shot was taken on a week-long charity trek along the Great Wall. Mutianyu is one of the most accessible and touristy sections of the Wall, in fact there is a cable car that takes tourists up there. The Great Wall is the most stunning of human undertakings. The scale is awe inspiring. We walked for a whole week - from horizon to horizon - and barely scratched the total length.
The Backstory: By the time we got to this section we were already hot, tired and (to be honest) sweaty, so it was all the more amazing to find a Chinese bride and groom up there, looking as fresh and cool as if it was an early spring day. From what we could gather, this wedding day “pilgrimage” was about blessing their marriage with the symbolism of the Great Wall – strength, endurance, and solidity. The couple were so obviously in love and delighted to be there. We wished them all the very best for their future (as best as we could through translators) and one of their party suggested they jump in the air. I took a shot at the right moment. I never did get their names but I have not given up hope!
We love this amazing twist to the traditional tourist photograph, plus it makes for a fabulous story. What do you think? Want your own photos on Global Eye? Add them to our Flickr pool.
Wonderful shot! The couple almost pops out of the photograph with the contrast of their white attire.
Love it.
Posted by: Lola Akinmade | June 25, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Jumping shots are the best! I love this.
Anne
Posted by: Prêt à Voyager | June 27, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Jumping shots are the best! I love this.
Anne
Posted by: Prêt à Voyager | June 27, 2008 at 09:58 AM