Borobudur Temple

I visited Borobudur Temple early in the morning hoping to get some epic sunrise photos. Don't try to go in before sunrise even if there is a side gate open. That's a long story not worth re-telling. I recommend that you just go to the main entrance and buy a ticket like everybody else. Well, the weather didn't cooperate and the morning was completely overcast with clouds. Okay, okay, so I have to work a little bit to find some good photos. That's fine with me. Usually if the scene is a bit flat I'll look for good compositions or something that could make a good black and white image.

After walking around for a while I found a break in the crowds at the stupas.

Buddha in an open stupa at Candi Borobudur in Indonesia with Kevin Wenning and Intentionally Lost #intentionallylost
A few minutes later a couple of monks showed up and started doing their morning prayers. If there's a chance for a cultural moment I'm never going to pass that up. Usually I like to talk to whoever I'm photographing and get their consent. In this case I tried several times to make eye contact with the monks and indicate that I wanted to make a photo. They just kept going about their practice ignoring all of the tourists and photographers. I got the feeling that they experience this on a daily basis and my presence was just part of the noise that they have become accustomed to tuning out.
Monks morning prayers at Candi Borobudur in Java Indonesia with Kevin Wenning and Intentionally Lost #intentionallylost
Borobudur Temple

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