On their way Home Photo

Photographer’s Note

A group of my friends on their way home after celebrating a "Samhain Night" (see below) the day before. Location: Late autumn forest in Eastern Bohemia, Iron Mountains Range, Chrudimka river, near Nasavrky & Slatinany.

Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the Celtic year, for the Celts divided the year into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on May 1st and Samhain on November 1st. Some believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a whole new cycle, just as the Celtic day began at night. For it was understood that in dark silence comes whisperings of new beginnings, the stirring of the seed below the ground. Whereas Beltane welcomes in the summer with joyous celebrations at dawn, the most magically potent time of this festival is November Eve, the night of October 31st, known today of course, as Halloween. More info.

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Jorge (497) 2004-09-13 18:04 [Comment]

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ninadev (5225) 2004-09-13 18:16

Very nice picture, with these people almost in silhouette. Even if mostly centered, which is not recommended for a good composition, it works very well as they are standing on this diagonal path going across the picture.

spence (1679) 2004-09-13 18:40

A great atmospheric shot Jan - I like the mix of light and shadow and the fact that the group of friends are so indistinct. Gorgeous Autumn scenery too. I don't know what a "Samhain Night" is, but I do love this shot!

avis2avis (4244) 2004-09-13 23:15

The light is very nice and the scenery is quite beautiful. The composition could be better here IMHO. The water body on the left could have been completely left out or made a more important part of the composition.

doreeneden (1014) 2004-09-14 6:30

Very atmospheric shotJan; this has a real autumnal feel to it.

jrj (34779) 2004-09-14 8:50

For this pix it was fine to have the people included. Adding some interest and life. Well done Jan

shutterbug (531) 2004-11-01 21:29

This is great Jan...Your note was really interesting. I did my Senior year (highschool) end of term paper on (what we now call)...Halloween and the origins of it. It is very interesting to me. I'm glad you included that link to give me a refresher on the subject :) I remember in school when we had Halloween festivities and could dress in costume, some students weren't allowed to because their parents said it was "purely celebrating evil"...Isn't that sad? The amount of ignorance where I grew up is amazing!!
As for the photo, I like the sunrays beaming down. It looks very beautiful there. Your friends walking in a group towards is perfect example of rules of thirds!! Love it!
~Stacey :)