This picture was taken in Hue in Vietnam while shooting amongst the ruins of the ancient temple of literature on the banks of Perfume River. The temple houses a row of turtle statues, each carrying a plaque on their backs with names of great scholars of the time inscribed on them. Turtles have long been believed in eastern cultures to be symbols of wisdom. Many young people often come here to pray with the hope of achieving good results before major exams.

The shot was taken in late afternoon with the sun low down on the horizon illuminating the subject perfectly with natural light. The rows of pillars and of turtles on either side, the wooden ceiling on top and the old arched doorway at the back, all provided for great framing. A shallow depth of field was used to isolate the subject, as well as to capture the spiritual essence of the scene as if her prayers extended to infinity and then transcended the gateway to another world beyond.

Nikon Z7ii; Nikkor Z 70-200 f/2.8

1/250sec at f2.8, ISO 64