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One Shot: Jon Ryder

Image Copyright © Jon Ryder - All Rights Reserved
Jon Ryder is a dentist, a photographer, and a teacher who uses his skills to help the children of Cambodia. He currently provides dental care at the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap.

He is also involved with the United Planet Organization which provides financial and educational support to professionals in countries such as Cambodia.

I am pleased to welcome Jon's photograph of a Buddhist monk praying at the feet of a gilded Buddha statue as this week's One Shot. The photograph could have been taken in Thailand for two reasons: the Subduing Mara sitting position of the Buddha (which is common in Thailand), and the orange color of the monk's which is characteristic of the Southeast Asian Theravada Buddhist order.

The Buddha's hand gesture signifies the calling the Earth to witness. It's only found in the sitting position, and is similar to the meditation position. The left hand remains in the lap, while the right hand rests on the thigh near the knee, palm inward, and fingers touching the ground slightly. It represents the moment when Buddha took the earth as testimony when he had resolved the problem of cessation of suffering while he was under the peepal tree at Bodh-Gaya.

The photograph is probably posed, but I liked the composition and the complementary colors of the robes and the gild on the statue. I would've probably photographed the scene from a wider angle, but I think it's evocative as it is...although a bit stilted. It's certainly a typical travel photograph...excellent for stock.

Jon Ryder's website is full of similar photographs, and I urge you to visit it as well as his worthwhile cause, United Planet's website.