Worship in Temple

I entered this picture that I took in May at Longshan Temple for the August monthly competition of Plano Photo Club. It won the first prize in the intermediate group. I like the lighting of this picture, the light from the opening of the court yard provide a clear front contour to the worshiper while the light from the main gate behind faintly lit up the back hair and gave the subject a clear definition. The aperture of f5 help to isolate the main subject from the background where the buddha, candles, pillars, flowers and people can vaguely recognized. The serious expression of the worshiper against the haphazard temple environment provides some interesting contrast and complete story telling of the pictue. In this picture, almost all the elements fall into the right place without arrangement. I guess if you shot enough pictures you are bound to find one of this in your portfolio.