10 December 2014

Facing the Ghats of Varanasi

Varanasi (from Varuna Ghat to Assi Ghat, hence the name Varanasi) fka Benares is an interesting North Indian city on the banks of the heavily polluted river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's the spiritual capital of India and the holiest of the seven sacred cities (sapta puri) in Hinduism.

Hindus from all walks of life believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many ghats, embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where devotees perform ritual ablutions...

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; sadhu; Indian man; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; beard; devotee; temple; blessing; raised right hand; body language; holy man; vibhuti; white ash; marigold garland; mala; tilaka

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; sadhu; Indian man; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; white hair; white beard; devotee; temple; blessing; raised right hand; body language; holy man; orange; tilaka; shampooed

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; sadhu; Indian man; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; beard; devotee; temple; holy man; turban; orange; tilaka

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; sadhu; Indian man; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; beard; devotee; temple; holy man; orange; double portrait; dreadlocks; toddler; little girl

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; devotee; temple; Indian girl; dressed up; beautiful; posing; hair jewellery; makeup; necklace; drop earrings


"It is more important to click with people than click the shutter..."
(Alfred Eisenstaedt)

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; Indian woman; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; pilgrim; devotee; temple; nightshot; flash; flash fired; groupshot; offerings; ceremonial offering; smiling; smiling eyes; bangles; marigold


Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; long beard; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; sadhu; Indian man; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; devotee; temple; holy man; turban; orange robe; tilaka; nightshot; flash; flash fired

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; sadhu; Indian man; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; beard; devotee; temple; holy man; vibhuti; white ash; marigold garland; mala; tilaka; nightshot; flash; flash fired; body covered with sacred white ash

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; Hinduism; holy; tradition; culture; world cultures; worship; sadhu; Indian man; colour; photography; religion; face; eyes; eye contact; hair; beard; devotee; temple; holy man; vibhuti; white ash; marigold garland; mala; tilaka; nightshot; flash; flash fired; body covered with sacred white ash


Indian sādhus often use sacred white wood ash aka vibhuti. They apply vibhuti usually as three horizontal lines across the forehead and to other parts of the body to please the god Shiva. The vibhuti smeared across the forehead to the end of both eyebrows is called a tripundra. Some sādhus cover the complete body with vibhuti in order to achieve mokṣa. The best vibhuti is traditionally prepared from ash from cremation grounds...

More portrait photographs of sadhus from Varanasi in Matt Hahnewald's

More portrait photographs of sadhus from Nepal in Matt Hahnewald's

More portrait photographs of sadhus from South India in Matt Hahnewald's


Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; India; Cow Belt; Varanasi; Benares; Uttar Pradesh; Ganges River; ghat; colour; photography; eyes; eye contact; animal portrait; ram; horns; painted horns; red; green; position lights; agnostic

30 November 2014

Converting Colour to Greyscale

In photography, a greyscale digital image is an image in which the value of each pixel is a single sample, that is, it carries only intensity information. Images of this sort, also known as black-and-white, are composed exclusively of shades of grey, varying from black at the weakest intensity to white at the strongest.

In greyscale still photography, many photographers choose to shoot in solely black-and-white since the stark contrasts enhance the subject matter.

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; built-in pop-up flash; on-camera flash; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street portrait; headshot; en face; front view; outdoor; nightshot; black and white; monochrome; world cultures; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; eyes; mouth; stubbly; cap; dhaka topi; traditional Nepali hat; facial expression; consent; empathy; rapport; encounter; relationship; emotion; mood; ethnic portrait; tourism; travel; travel portrait; travel destination; Newari man; old man; male; Bhaktapur; Nepal; Kathmandu Valley; Newari people; tradition; festival; event; celebration; one person; ethnic; lived-in face; incredible; singing; soulful; shawl; posing; eye contact; dark; melancholic; dramatic; Saki Mana Punhi Festival; Nepali traditional hat

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; built-in pop-up flash; on-camera flash; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street portrait; headshot; en face; front view; outdoor; nightshot; black and white; monochrome; world cultures; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; eyes; mouth; stubbly; cap; dhaka topi; traditional Nepali hat; facial expression; candid; consent; empathy; rapport; encounter; relationship; emotion; mood; ethnic portrait; tourism; travel; travel portrait; travel destination; Newari man; old man; male; Bhaktapur; Nepal; Kathmandu Valley; Newari people; tradition; festival; event; celebration; one person; ethnic; lived-in face; incredible; soulful; singing; dark; melancholic; dramatic; chanting; Saki Mana Punhi Festival; Nepali traditional hat

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; built-in pop-up flash; on-camera flash; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street portrait; headshot; en face; front view; outdoor; nightshot; black and white; monochrome; world cultures; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; eyes; mouth; stubbly; cap; facial expression; candid; encounter; relationship; emotion; mood; ethnic portrait; tourism; travel; travel portrait; travel destination; Newari man; old man; male; Bhaktapur; Nepal; Kathmandu Valley; Newari people; tradition; festival; event; celebration; one person; ethnic; lived-in face; incredible; soulful; dark; melancholic; right hand; smoking; cigarette; break; dramatic; Saki Mana Punhi Festival; woolen cap

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; built-in pop-up flash; on-camera flash; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street portrait; headshot; en face; front view; outdoor; nightshot; black and white; monochrome; world cultures; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; eyes; mouth; stubbly; cap; dhaka topi; traditional Nepali hat; facial expression; consent; empathy; rapport; encounter; relationship; emotion; mood; ethnic portrait; tourism; travel; travel portrait; travel destination; Newari man; old man; male; Bhaktapur; Nepal; Kathmandu Valley; Newari people; tradition; festival; event; celebration; one person; ethnic; lived-in face; eye contact; posing; incredible; singing; soulful; dark; melancholic; dramatic; Saki Mana Punhi Festival; Nepali traditional hat

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; built-in pop-up flash; on-camera flash; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street portrait; headshot; en face; front view; outdoor; nightshot; black and white; monochrome; world cultures; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; eyes; mouth; stubbly; cap; dhaka topi; nose; traditional Nepali hat; facial expression; candid; empathy; encounter; relationship; emotion; mood; ethnic portrait; tourism; travel; travel portrait; travel destination; Newari man; old man; male; Bhaktapur; Nepal; Kathmandu Valley; Newari people; tradition; festival; event; celebration; one person; ethnic; lived-in face; incredible; singing; soulful; sad; dark; melancholic; dramatic; Saki Mana Punhi Festival; Nepali traditional hat

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; built-in pop-up flash; on-camera flash; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street portrait; headshot; en face; front view; outdoor; nightshot; black and white; monochrome; world cultures; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; eyes; mouth; stubbly; cap; dhaka topi; traditional Nepali hat; facial expression; candid; consent; empathy; rapport; encounter; relationship; emotion; mood; ethnic portrait; tourism; travel; travel portrait; travel destination; Newari man; old man; male; Bhaktapur; Nepal; Kathmandu Valley; Newari people; tradition; festival; event; celebration; one person; ethnic; lived-in face; incredible; soulful; singing; dark; melancholic; dramatic; chanting; Saki Mana Punhi Festival; Nepali traditional hat


There are a few other reasons for converting a colour street-portrait photograph into a black-and-white photograph:

  • the subject’s skin colour is not coming out adequately and/or the overall white/colour balance is just plainly wrong and can’t be corrected for whatever the reason;
  • the colour of the photographic lighting is unsatisfactory and can’t be changed (e.g. with fluorescent tube lighting, under a coloured market-stall awning);
  • some important bright areas of the image are effectively all white or washed out (“blown-out highlights" or "clipped whites"), often if the on-camera flash has to be used;
  • the background is very colourful, cluttered and distracting, to the point that it takes the focus away from the subject;
  • the colours of the subject’s clothing or headgear don’t match with the colours of the background;
  • the colours are too muddy, bloody or even gruesome (e.g. as a form of censorship when movies are aired on Philippine television, many gory scenes are shown in black and white, in compliance with Philippine broadcasting standards);
  • the image is too noisy in colour since the camera is not set correctly (an underexposed image with unacceptable noise levels, or an overexposed image with plenty of highlights clipped);
  • partial or complete colour blindness of the photographer and/or the viewer.


silver accessories; Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; Asia; Northern Thailand; travel destination; tourism; hilltribe; ethnic minority; ethnic; old woman; world cultures; street portrait; closeup; Nikon DSLR D3100; 50mm; prime lens; Doi Hua Mae Kham; headshot; colour; Golden Triangle; Akha hilltribe; Akha village; traditional Akha costume; Akha headdress; silver coins; strings of beads; silver balls; pompoms; silver jewellery
silver accessories; Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; Asia; Northern Thailand; travel destination; tourism; hilltribe; ethnic minority; ethnic; old woman; world cultures; street portrait; closeup; Nikon DSLR D3100; 50mm; prime lens; Doi Hua Mae Kham; headshot; black-and-white; monochrome; Golden Triangle; Akha hilltribe; Akha village; traditional Akha costume; Akha headdress; silver coins; strings of beads; silver balls; pompoms; silver jewellery

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; spectacular; outstanding; fantastic; favourite; superior; excellent; magnificent; interesting; brilliant; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street; headshot; en face; front view; colour; outside; sunshine; high noon sun; colourful; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; tika; human eyes; facial expression; lived-in face; eye contact; moustache; unshaved; Rajasthani pagari; turban; consent; empathy; rapport; respect; encounter; dignity; travel; travel portrait; Jaisalmer; Rajasthan; India; ethnic; one person; male; adult; old man; posing; authentic; incredible; awesome; focused; rugged; manly; red
Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; spectacular; outstanding; fantastic; favourite; superior; excellent; magnificent; interesting; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street; headshot; en face; front view; outside; sunshine; high noon sun; monochrome; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; tika; human eyes; facial expression; lived-in face; eye contact; moustache; unshaved; Rajasthani pagari; turban; consent; empathy; rapport; respect; encounter; dignity; travel; travel portrait; Jaisalmer; Rajasthan; India; ethnic; one person; male; adult; old man; posing; authentic; incredible; awesome; focused; rugged; manly; greyscale; brilliant; bandicoot; Photoscape
Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photography; photo; image; spectacular; outstanding; fantastic; favourite; superior; excellent; magnificent; interesting; brilliant; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50mm; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; closeup; portrait; portraiture; street; headshot; en face; front view; outside; sunshine; high noon sun; cultural; character; personality; real people; human; human head; human face; tika; human eyes; facial expression; lived-in face; eye contact; moustache; unshaved; Rajasthani pagari; turban; consent; empathy; rapport; respect; encounter; dignity; travel; travel portrait; Jaisalmer; Rajasthan; India; ethnic; one person; male; adult; old man; posing; authentic; incredible; awesome; focused; rugged; manly; monochrome; Photoshop; greyscale conversion


High-res portrait photographs with full exif data, precise geotags and technical details in Matt Hahnewald's

07 November 2014

Bribing Sadhus from Nepal

Nepal's affable sādhus are almost totally dependent on the alms of others for subsistence. In addition, they may also support themselves by engaging in any of the following activities: begging, serving as spiritual mentors to personal disciples, interpreting dreams, telling fortunes, reading palms, astrology, manufacturing amulets, performing exorcisms, casting spells, singing, conjuring, juggling, tattooing, selling medicinal potions, and posing for photographers...

people, closeup, street portrait, headshot, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, double V sign, long beard

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, raised right hand, blessing

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, raised right hand, blessing

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, raised right hand, blessing

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, amputated right arm, raised left hand, blessing

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, raised right hand, blessing

"A portrait is not a likeness. The moment an emotion or fact is transformed into a photograph it is no longer a fact but an opinion. There is no such thing as inaccuracy in a photograph. All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth..."
(Richard Avedon)
people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, raised right hand, blessing

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Bhaktapur, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, raised right hand, blessing

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa

people, closeup, street portrait, Nepal, Kathmandu, sadhu, Hinduism, holy man, religious ascetic, yogī, mokṣa, raised right hand, blessing

What is a Portrait?
A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or any other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person. For this reason, even in street photography, a portrait is generally not a spontaneous snapshot, but a composed image of a person in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly at the painter or photographer, in order to most successfully engage the subject with the viewer.


Portrait photographs with full exif data, precise geotags and technical details in Matt Hahnewald's

28 October 2014

Seeking Sikhs in Bangkok

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of South Asia during the 15th century. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, unity and equality of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and livelihood while living a family life. Being one of the youngest amongst the major world religions, with c. 25 - 28 million adherents worldwide, Sikhism is the ninth-largest religion in the world.

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; headshot; indoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; personality; people; male; adult; powerful; strong; turban; Sikh; human; human face; human head; eyes; handsome; eye contact; photography; consent; empathy; rapport; portrait; portraiture; environmental portrait; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; posing; Thailand; Bangkok; Asia; Southeast Asia; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50 mm; travel; religion; en face; front view; city dweller; tradition; manly; facial expression; blue turban; Phra Nakhon District; ethnic; ethnic minority; Gurudwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha; Little India

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; headshot; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; personality; people; male; adult; powerful; strong; turban; Sikh; human; human face; human head; eyes; handsome; eye contact; photography; consent; empathy; rapport; portrait; portraiture; environmental portrait; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; posing; Thailand; Bangkok; Asia; Southeast Asia; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50 mm; travel; religion; en face; front view; city dweller; tradition; manly; facial expression; white turban; Phra Nakhon District; ethnic; ethnic minority; Gurudwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha; Little India

Sikhism is a recognised minority religion in Thailand, with about 70,000 adherents. The religion was brought by migrants from India who began to arrive in the late 19th century. There are about twenty Sikh temples or Gurdwaras in the country, including the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Bangkok.

Matt Hahnewald; Facing the World; Asia; people; noodles; chop sticks; street portrait; closeup; eating; slurping; food; travel; travel destination; Thai Indian man; Sikh man; Thailand; Bangkok; Little India; glasses; noodle soup; spoon; Southeast Asia; Nikon DSLR D3100; 50 mm prime lens


Male Sikhs have "Singh" (Lion) as their middle or last name. Sikhs who have undergone the Sikh initiation ceremony aka khanḍe-kī-pahul may also be recognised by The Five Ks: (i) kesh, uncut hair which is kept covered, usually by a turban; (ii) a kara, an iron or steel bracelet; (iii) a kirpan, a sword tucked into a gatra strap or a kamal kasar belt; (iv) a kachehra, a cotton undergarment; and (v) a kanga, a small wooden comb. Initiated male and female Sikhs must cover their hair with a turban.

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; headshot; indoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; personality; people; male; adult; powerful; strong; turban; Sikh; human; human face; human head; eyes; handsome; eye contact; photography; consent; empathy; rapport; portrait; portraiture; environmental portrait; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; posing; Thailand; Bangkok; Asia; Southeast Asia; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50 mm; travel; religion; en face; front view; city dweller; tradition; manly; facial expression; orange turban; Phra Nakhon District; ethnic; ethnic minority; Gurudwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha; Little India

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; headshot; indoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; personality; people; male; adult; powerful; strong; turban; Sikh; human; human face; human head; eyes; handsome; eye contact; photography; consent; empathy; rapport; portrait; portraiture; environmental portrait; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; posing; Thailand; Bangkok; Asia; Southeast Asia; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50 mm; travel; religion; en face; front view; city dweller; tradition; manly; facial expression; black turban; Phra Nakhon District; ethnic; ethnic minority; Gurudwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha; Little India

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; headshot; indoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; personality; people; male; adult; powerful; strong; turban; Sikh; human; human face; human head; eyes; handsome; eye contact; photography; consent; empathy; rapport; portrait; portraiture; environmental portrait; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; posing; Thailand; Bangkok; Asia; Southeast Asia; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50 mm; travel; religion; en face; front view; city dweller; tradition; manly; facial expression; black turban; Phra Nakhon District; ethnic; ethnic minority; Gurudwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha; Little India

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; headshot; indoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; personality; people; male; adult; powerful; strong; turban; Sikh; human; human face; human head; eyes; handsome; eye contact; photography; consent; empathy; rapport; portrait; portraiture; environmental portrait; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; horizontal format; posing; Thailand; Bangkok; Asia; Southeast Asia; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; prime lens; 50 mm; travel; religion; en face; front view; city dweller; tradition; manly; facial expression; black turban; Phra Nakhon District; ethnic; ethnic minority; Gurudwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha; Little India

High-res portrait photographs with full exif data, precise geotags and technical details
 in Matt Hahnewald's

25 February 2014

Prettifying Taiwanese Faces

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a state in East Asia. The island of Taiwan was mainly inhabited by Taiwanese aborigines before Han Chinese began immigrating to the island in the 17th century CE. The cultures of Taiwan are a hybrid blend of various sources, incorporating elements of traditional Chinese culture, attributable to the historical and ancestry origin of the majority of its current residents, Japanese culture, traditional Confucianist beliefs, Taoist and Buddhist influence, and increasingly Western values.

Bold and colourful painted face masks from the Peking opera are one of the most visually arresting features during Taiwanese temple festivals, Taoist street parades and cultural shows. These masks date back to the ancient tradition of face-painting among warriors and, as with war paint, the colours and patterns bear symbolic meanings. The spirit and personality of each character is effectively colour coded.

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; female; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; half mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; colour red; makeup; beautiful; painted face mask; dancer; flash; nightshot; Peking opera mask; beautiful eyes; eye makeup

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; flash; nightshot; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; female; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; beautiful; celebration; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; makeup; painted face mask; dancer; spirit; Taoist celebration; Peking opera mask; half mask

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; flash; nightshot; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; female; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; beautiful; celebration; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; makeup; painted face mask; dancer; spirit; Taoist celebration; Peking opera mask; half mask


The exaggerated paints on a Peking opera performer's face, which ancient warriors used to scare the enemy, are a common occurrence during Taiwanese temple festivals, Taoist street parades and cultural shows. Each colour has a different meaning. They are used to describe a character's emotional state and general character (colour psychology):

  • White represents sinister, evil, crafty, treacherous, and suspicious behaviour. Any performer with white painted face usually takes the part of a villain of the show; the larger the white painted area, the crueller the role.
  • Green denotes impulsive behaviour, violence, and lack of self-control.
  • Red indicates bravery or loyalty.
  • Black means boldness, fierceness, and impartiality.
  • Yellow symbolizes ambition, fierceness, and intelligence.
  • Blue implies steadfastness, for someone who is loyal and sticks to one side no matter what.
  • Pink typifies sophistication and cool-headedness.
  • Additionally, gold and silver stand for mystery and aloofness.

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; male; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; colour blue; makeup; powerful; painted face mask; dancer; spirit; flash; nightshot; Taoist celebration; fake eyebrows; cultural show; headgear

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; male; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; colour red; makeup; powerful; painted face mask; dancer; spirit; flash; nightshot; Taoist celebration; fake eyebrows; cultural show; headgear

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; male; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; colour blue; makeup; powerful; painted face mask; dancer; spirit; flash; nightshot; Taoist celebration; fake eyebrows; cultural show; headgear

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; male; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; colour red; makeup; powerful; painted face mask; dancer; spirit; flash; nightshot; Taoist celebration; fake eyebrows; cultural show; headgear

Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; male; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; incredible; Kaohsiung Arena; face paint; traditional; colour green; makeup; powerful; painted face mask; dancer; spirit; flash; nightshot; Taoist celebration; fake eyebrows; cultural show; headgear


The various types of facial makeup from the Peking opera can be seen during many Taiwanese temple festivals and Taoist street parades in Taipei, Tainan and Kaohsiung. All the historical characters of the traditional Peking opera are provided with different types of facial makeup and reflect the identity, status, and personality of the characters.

Qianzhen neighbourhood; temple parade; zhentou troupe; Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; male; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; temple; face paint; traditional; makeup; powerful; painted face mask; street performer; spirit; Peking opera mask; fake eyebrows; headgear; incredible

Qianzhen neighbourhood; temple parade; zhentou troupe; Matt Hahnewald Photography; Facing the World; photo; image; closeup; street portrait; outdoor; world cultures; cultural; one person; character; people; male; young adult; ethnic; horizontal format; human; face; eyes; eye contact; photography; consent; face painting; empathy; rapport; portrait; mask; portraiture; travel portrait; travel destination; colour; 4 : 3 aspect ratio; posing; Asia; East Asia; Taiwan; Kaohsiung; Chinese; Nikon D3100; Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G; travel; tourism; colourful; en face; front view; tradition; facial expression; painted face; festival; temple; face paint; traditional; makeup; powerful; painted face mask; street performer; spirit; Peking opera mask; fake eyebrows; headgear; incredible


High-res portrait photographs with full exif data, precise geotags and technical details in Matt Hahnewald's