LAShooters at the Hsi Lai Temple

[Tee Why]

This is a large Buddhist temple in Hacienda Heights, a suburb of Los Angeles.
Completed in 1988, Hsi Lai means "Coming to the West."
Architecture is based on Ming (1268-1644 C. E.) and Ching (1644-1911 C.E.) dynasty. It is on a very large complex with very impressive interior with huge walls filled with little statues and three large Buddha statues in the center where prayers are held. They didn't allow photography inside but the exterior was impressive never the less. According to a fellow buddy who's been to temples in Japan and Korea, he was more impressed by this one.

1. View as you enter the temple.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302175558_z3pAE-M-1.jpg

2. One of the many statues in the temple, the face was about 5 feet tall.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302159288_hnrNo-M-1.jpgf

3. View inside the square.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302191857_zpWUV-M.jpg

4. Looking from the prayer room toward the middle of the square.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302165945_omKP7-M-1.jpg

5. One of the many statues. This was a very large statue.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302161560_2jRFT-M-1.jpg

6. Tiny monks.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302165304_p5EWj-M-1.jpg

7. Ah the happy Buddha.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302179696_jfwa9-M.jpg

8. Another statue.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/photos/302162023_eMhWA-M-1.jpg




Whole gallery is here.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/gallery/5017677_ofW8C/1/302175558_z3pAE#P-1-15

[bryanj87]

Nice series. #2 is amazing, the texture, colors and compostion all work here!

[schmoo]

Beautiful work as usual, Tom. Your attention to detail is only matched by your abilities to see the bigger picture and compose every scene artistically. :thumb

I think the last shot is my favorite. The tree branch in the corner is just a perfect, subtle touch.

[Tee Why]

Hey thanks guys.
The lighting was not the best for that day, too overcast. I know some like it but I hate overcast days b/c the colors are so hard to work with in post processing.

[colfragless]

WOW I just moved to LA and need to get over to that temple your shot made it look so kool!!!!!

[dlplumer]

Great shots Tee. :clap What did you use?

[Tee Why]

I just sold my sigma 10-20 to get the tokina 11-16 but had to return it due to focusing issues, so I was using my next widest lens, a sigma 20mm f1.8. I really wanted something wider though.

The close up stuff is generally with the Canon 135mm f2L.

[aktse]

Wonderful series! Seriously, I don’t know which one is my favorite.
<o:p> </o:p>
In some ways, you’re making me very home sick since I grew up five minutes away from here and I actually spent hours here (before and after it was built) in a parked car waiting for my grandmother.
<o:p> </o:p>
However, I think I was only ever inside once.

[Tango]

i love them all!....
yet another place to add to my wishlist/togo...

wow the clouds in #1 were working for you!!

#5 is my fav of the group....:clap

[Tee Why]

Wonderful series! Seriously, I don’t know which one is my favorite.
<o:p> </o:p>
In some ways, you’re making me very home sick since I grew up five minutes away from here and I actually spent hours here (before and after it was built) in a parked car waiting for my grandmother.
<o:p> </o:p>
However, I think I was only ever inside once.
Should have gone in and looked around, it's nice there.