DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 
Challenge Entries

 
You are viewing 1st place.
2nd
Portfolio Images
This image is not part of a public portfolio.
The Passage
1st PlaceThe Passage
gyaban


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: World Enough and Time (Expert Editing)
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
Date: Jan 7, 2016
Date Uploaded: Jan 7, 2016

 Do you remember your first reaction when you understood that you were actually going to die one day?
I do. I was about 4 years old, we were playing some board game with a friend. All of a sudden, he told me: "you know, it is nice that we can play now, because we won't be able to do so when we're dead". It was quite a shock: no more game for me! It may sound ridiculous, but playing those games was such an enjoyment, that the idea of a total lack of it was too much for the little kid I was. Of course, that whole concept was very mysterious, so in the evening, I tried to ask my mother about it. She seemed embarrassed, didn't really know what to answer, and simply tried to explain that I shouldn't bother about it.

I didn't really buy that explanation, and as I grew up, I gathered more information from other sources. I soon realized that people had various reactions about death. Some were answering with religion, telling about another life after death, supposedly wonderful. Loads of persons also didn't know what to answer, and seemed to live pretending that death didn't exist at all. Then, others simply explained that in doubt, life should be enjoyed as much as possible. Carpe Diem.

Within that last category, there are of course various ways of taking advantage of life. This is personally where I have difficulties: what risk to take, in the name of living a worthy life, and what risk not to take, in order to avoid shortening it too much? Is asking that question already a sign of weakness? Should I always do whatever comes to mind regardless of the potential consequences? Or as a contrary, should I simply spend the next day working, cooking, and keeping the house warm for my family? This is a great dilemma. Usually, I like spending lots of time thinking about a situation, measuring pros and cons, but of course, here time is not on my side. Not on our side, sadly. Or is it?

Anyways, thank you so much for the kind feedback. You all clearly are a part of the answers I seek.

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 35
Avg (all users): 7.3529
Avg (commenters): 8.6000
Avg (participants): 7.4000
Avg (non-participants): 7.3256
Views since voting: 2525
Views during voting: 207
Votes: 68
Comments: 17
Favorites: 3 (view)

Please log in or register to add your comments!

AuthorThread
Nikon D7100
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
 01/17/2016 06:15:22 PM
*sigh* Why don't I come up with ideas like this? But glad that you do, huge congrats yet again! :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-6D
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
 01/17/2016 01:11:27 PM
Congratulations, Christophe!

Another fine image to be proud of.

It looks to me as if your mouth is smiling... so I'm glad you explained in your comments.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D750
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
 01/16/2016 08:08:33 PM
You looked back. Predictable finish.

Message edited by author 2016-01-16 20:09:06.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7500
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 01/16/2016 06:20:35 PM
It's funny how I haven't been on for about 2 years (?) and yet I can recognize your images. Not just because you're in them but because of the distinct style you have.

I felt that this image fit the challenge topic really well on it's own and with your explanation even more so now.

Thanks for sharing the image and the accompanying thought!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-300D Rebel
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
 01/16/2016 01:05:43 PM
So well done as usual, congratulations on the blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon Canon 1d x Mark II
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 FG HSM Art
 01/16/2016 09:07:58 AM
I can relate to what you said about dying. I remember sitting on my sisters bed, (I think I was about 9 or 10) and having a conversation with her about death. I can recall talking about how I just can't imagine not ever living again, not ever laughing or playing or talking or breathing. I thought to myself how can this life be all there is, what's the purpose and point of it all, what are we doing here, what happens when we die.

Fast forward around 20yrs and all my perplexing questions were answered, amazing when you know!!! Actually amazing is an understatement.

Hope you find the answers soon. I get the feeling you want to know judging by all the notes you leave behind.

Message edited by author 2016-01-16 10:03:29.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon Z7II
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 01/15/2016 01:18:51 PM
Congrats on the blue; well deserved, as usual.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/15/2016 10:33:54 AM
Yes, your ability to complete the concept to reality cycle is impressive. Always looking forward to your next works. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
 01/15/2016 10:07:39 AM
In every Expert challenge you always manage to both set the bar and deliver on the results. Wonderful image. Congrats on the Blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-5D Mark IV
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II
 01/15/2016 08:27:13 AM
I always loved your work! you do have stories in your images and your images says whole lot of things.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon Z6II
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
 01/15/2016 05:05:55 AM
Love your image and love your story even more! It's a very recognizable dilemma. Congrats on again a wonderful Blue!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-1D X
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
 01/15/2016 12:09:59 AM
I am glad this finished in first place, it was by far the he best entry.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Nikon D750
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
 01/14/2016 11:25:47 PM
Orpheus redux? Don't look back!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon RP
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro
 01/14/2016 11:07:28 AM
Nice job. Are sucked in or blown out of the tunnel? try to figure it out. An 8 from me and the Red Dragon Award.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-20D
 01/14/2016 10:31:34 AM
a 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7000
Nikon AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR
 01/14/2016 05:42:02 AM
Can't beat that!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-1D X
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
 01/09/2016 02:12:28 PM
This is very artistic and creative, it is my favorite for sure.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Theme: Classic / System / Light / Dark
Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2026 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 10/02/2026 04:43:52 AM EDT.