Monks and Monastic Life
thephotographyexperiment

Monks and Monastic Life

August 2025

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Great contest!

Entry 25110157
443rd
41

I really liked the simplicity of this photo. I think it was cropped just right, with the focus on the prayer beads really making them stand out. The robe positioned against the cool background creates a sense of depth and gives the photo an immersive feeling. This is a thoughtful and well-composed image. Well done!

Thank you for entering my contest. I was immediately drawn to this photo because it is full of life and story. The expressions on the monks’ faces are incredibly engaging. You can sense their experience and the rhythm of their daily routine. I also love how you have handled the light. It gives the scene a moody, immersive quality that makes the viewer feel present in the moment. The shallow depth of field is a beautiful artistic choice. It guides the eye through the frame and highlights the key subjects while keeping the background soft. Overall, this photo shows real skill in both observation and technique. Truly a fantastic capture. Well done!

Entry 25113154
44th
1
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Entry 25113155
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Entry 25113390
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Entry 25146382
5th
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Entry 25155499
79th
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Entry 25163713
17th
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151
Judge
winner

Thank you for entering my contest. The image makes beautiful use of light and shadow, creating a warm and atmospheric scene. The depth of field is very effective, with the line of monks acting as a natural leading line that draws the eye from the background to the monk in the foreground. It captures the quiet focus of the monks in their routine task perfectly, while the framing balances both subject and environment in a compelling way. Well done.

Crowd
winner
Entry 25174287
1st
127

597 Images entered

Entry 25174285
10th
41
Entry 25174286
90th
50

Brief

See more contest details

I am looking for your photos that capture monks and monastic life in all its forms. Whether it is a quiet moment of reflection, a burst of colour from flowing robes or the rhythm of daily rituals, show me how you see the world of the monk through portraits, candid scenes and creative interpretations. Both colour and black and white photos are accepted. Monks have long captured the imagination of photographers as symbols of devotion, discipline and inner peace, so I look forward to seeing your perspective.

273 Photographers

15,582 Ratings

Entry 25109447
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Entry 25171515
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This is a very compelling image. The elderly monk in the foreground immediately draws attention, and his expression and gesture convey a deep sense of reverence and calm. I really like how you have used depth to create a connection between the foreground and background, with the young monk in the orange robe adding context and balance to the composition. The lighting is excellent, softly illuminating the main subject while keeping the background in shadow, which adds a sense of mystery and atmosphere. The textures of the wooden floor and the patterned mat enhance the immersive quality of the scene. Overall, this photo shows great sensitivity to mood, composition, and storytelling. Well done!

Entry 25179345
417th
31