This image encapsulates a decisive moment captured during a Lion Dance Troupe's outdoor rehearsal in San Francisco. A dramatic shaft of light sliced across the doorway just as a student stepped into the street. Recognizing the photographic opportunity, I immediately took a low vantage point across the street, utilizing a high shutter speed to freeze this ephemeral transition into the illuminated space. The low angle enhances the sense of the student emerging into the light. In post-production, a few distracting elements on the ground were removed, and the frame was subtly extended by half an inch on the bottom and left to optimize the composition. Photographed with a Canon R5 and a 70-200mm f/4 lens at 1/4000 of a second.
A very striking image with bold colors. The light and shadows adds to the drama but the light on her face is what grabbed my attention.
Thank you.