Temple of Heaven

This photo was really an "f/8 and be there" moment (though the photo was taken at f/6.3). While touring around Beijing (the Ox Street mosque and the Source of Law Temple), I received a call from some friends that they were heading to the Temple of Heaven. I was thinking of saving the trip to this Beijing landmark for when I was with Catherine, but given that there would be plenty of other opportunities to go check it out with her, I decided to go and meet them there. What we found when we arrived was a full blown dress reherseal for the torch lighting and relay ceremony for the Beijing Paralympic Games. We, and everyone else that happened to be visiting the Temple that day, got to see what would be in store for the live audience and television viewers. This particular image was taken when this elegant lady made her way to the top of the stairway. I was crouched directly behind her but everyone else was shooed away by the security; not sure why. This gave me the opportunity to take this shot without any gawking onlookers in the way. Just the right place, at the right time, and with camera in hand.

Date: August 25, 2008
Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: 18-200 AF-S DX VR
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter speed: 1/640
ISO: 200
Focal length: 55mm (83mm equiv.)
Format: NEF