Woman standing on the walls of capital Great Preslav. The photo shows a woman wearing traditional Bulgarian folk garb. She is dressed in a vibrant red vest over a white embroidered blouse with lace-trimmed sleeves. Her attire is adorned with traditional silver jewelry, including an ornate necklace and a wide belt with large, decorative buckles.
The image was taken in the ancient Bulgarian capital, Great Preslav, the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire from 893 to 972, a site rich in history and cultural heritage. The ancient city was one of the most beautiful and majestic cities of Southeast Europe. The woman is a participant in a traditional annual gathering held in the region, dedicated to reviving and celebrating old Bulgarian customs, folklore, and community spirit. The historical stone ruins and natural backdrop highlight the deep connection between Bulgaria’s past and its living traditions.
The photo was taken during the golden hour, which adds a warm, natural glow to the scene and enhances the textures and colors. Some post-processing was applied afterward, including light retouching and enhancement of the colors—particularly to bring out the vivid reds of the traditional costume and the rich blue of the sky—while keeping the overall feel authentic and true to the moment.
Seems to me that the sky and background don't contribute anything to the story. Your written explanation certainly does, but judging the photo solely on its own merits, I would consider cropping much tighter to the woman, which effectively brings her much closer to the viewer. Showing a little more below the silver buckle to give it some breathing space, and below her waist would be more interesting than the sky above her head. Then you get into her hands which are a feature that connect with the viewer. I'm thinking a vertical or square format would have greater impact.