At the Temple of Literature, a photo from Ha Noi, Red River Delta

Photographer's Note

The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), known as Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám in Vietnamese) is a Temple of Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. This Confucian temple hosts the "Imperial Academy" (Quốc Tử Giám), Vietnam's first national university. The temple was originally built in 1070.

When we were there late last year, we arrived on a Sunday, without realising that it was the day when hundreds of students were celebrating their graduation. It was crowded, but lots of fun. Everywhere we looked there were students posing in their gowns and mortar boards for photographs; one of the favourites being the large group photograph where the students indulge in synchronised mortar-board-throwing-in-the-air. These three were representative of the rest: happy, responsive to photographers (official as well as interlopers like me) and all dressed for the occasion. They are holding their Diploma Certificates proudly, though one is upside down! Oddly, I was told that these events take place the year before the students actually graduate. If so, it seems like the triumph of optimism over reality!

Click here to see the larger Beta TrekEarth version.

snunney, holmertz, alvaraalto, COSTANTINO, CLODO, PaulVDV oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

snunney (130967) 2016-03-24 2:28

Hello Will,
Excellent capture of this happy if somewhat expectant trio. Very well exposed with superb colours and clarity.

Royaldevon (85602) 2016-03-24 2:40

Hello Will,

I think the middle girl must be Australian, her certificate is upside down!

You arrived at an opportune moment to capture such an interesting scene.
Not only do we have these three happy girls, making a strong f/g, but there is so much information around them to give a good sense of atmosphere.
The vibran reds unite the whole scene.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

marabu61 (11587) 2016-03-24 2:48

Hello Will
A group of students holding their diplomas, having all their future ahead of them. This is a picture full of live and optimism. the graduation gowns are quite eye catching with their red rimings.
have a great day
Daniel

holmertz (101890) 2016-03-24 3:36

Hello Will,
It's a charming and amusing photo, the three lovely young ladies looking so proud in their bright dresses and with their red diplomas. It sounds like an unusual tradition to celebrate a year ahead. Maybe now that I have published one novel I should celebrate the Nobel Prize, just in case I won't actually get it ;-).
By the way it seems that you get the best poses when people aren't actually posing for you, but for somebody else.
Best wishes,
Gert

alvaraalto (42804) 2016-03-24 5:18

Hello Will,
This young women believes in a bright future. You can see it on their faces full of self-confidence.
I didnt expect this graduation outfit in Hanoi.
I love this splendid picture.
Groet Rob

Silvio1953 (220465) 2016-03-24 6:24

Ciao Will, nice scene with lovely trio, fantastic smiles, excellent clarity, fine details and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Sergiom (117241) 2016-03-24 7:46

Bonjour Will,

C'est quand męme assez drôle de voir la jeune fille du centre qui tient son document ŕ l'envers. Elles ont le sourire fendu jusqu'aux oreilles comme on dit chez nous.

Amicalement

Serge

rychem (72187) 2016-03-24 8:53

Very nice and optimistic photo, young people, lucky and smiling, beautiful scene very well captured
regards Ryszard

GyurMaster (24668) 2016-03-24 8:55

Dear Will,

Such a colourful portrait from you, was a bit strange for me. One must leave his comfort zone sometimes, however. (Don't get me wrong!:)) I really like their happy, light-hearted faces, not even thinking of the difficulties of finding a job.

Nice portrait!
Best Regards,
Gy.

Nicou (193806) 2016-03-24 15:11

Hello

quelle vue et iamge superbe captage et iamge des ces diplômées superbe image et captage avec ce rouge et les livre rouge les trčs beau chapeaux bravo ŕ elles sueprbe vue.
Bravo et amitié
Nicou

samson (2250) 2016-03-26 7:30

Hi Will,

A lovely group photo even if they were not there to pose for you. But two of them were actually eyeing you.

Yes, I agree that some photos turn out better if the subjects are posing for another photographer and you take the picture at the same time.

cheers,
sam

Cricri (176) 2016-03-26 13:02

Hi Will
Superbe trio aux beaux sourires, fičre et heureuses, belles couleurs bleu et rouge, belle présentation
belle soirée
cricri

COSTANTINO (115421) 2016-03-26 13:16

Hello dear friend and have a nice time
and a happy new day Sunday
interesting capture with interesting
useful notes one shot is one thousand
words here we have a group of students
holding tehir diplomas
regards
Costantino

CLODO (45116) 2016-03-27 0:15

Hi Will

V for victory! They are proudly showing their diplomas, now they enter in the active life and are looking for a job for 40 years!
Nice red and black hues overall the picture
Have a lovely Esater WE
CLODO

PaulVDV (62752) 2016-03-27 11:47

Hello Will,
One of the three graduates on the front row is looking at you. She's so upset by a foreign photographer that she's holding her diploma upside down.
I notice that she's making the same sign as almost all Japanese people do when a picture of them is taken.
Their diplomas show the colours of the national flag of the socialist republic.
Excellent picture of a unique day in their lives.
Best regards, Paul