Hello Dalai

[fotografr]

I was fortunate to be part of a small group that welcomed the Dalai Lama to the Governor's Mansion on his arrival in Madison for a series of ceremonies and teachings for the next few days. These photos show his arrival, greeting the Governor and his wife, having lunch, presenting the Governor with a gift, then departing with the police excort.

The best part for me was that I was able to present him with my own gift, which was a book of original prints put together by Paul Martino (some old timers here will remember Paul) from his trip to Tibet last May. Paul sent me one of five books he made up and it seemed to me a perfect gift for the Dalai Lama. He is shown holding the book in the second to last image. Everything was shot with the M8, 35 lux ASPH and Noctilux.

[Michael Hiles]

Congratulations Brent, terrific series. I particularly like the full face portrait. What a great opportunity. Envious

Regards,

Michael

[jaapv]

Just your usual stuff, Brent
Which translates to amazing
Great!

[TONTONTINTIN.123]

Excellent reportage, Brent. Congrats.

[lmr]

Brent:

You lucky guy! Meeting The Dalai Lama is not an everyday affair. I have never met The Dalai Lama, and one day I will. I hope I will meet The Dalai Lama one day, maybe in India, better yet in Tibet. He is a very wise man and there is something humble about him that commands respect.

Great shots... Yes, I do remember Paul Martino... the R guy with those fast R lens. BTW... the two MP are still a clicking and working fine.

Regards,
Robert.

[roguewave]

Brent, very nice captures of His Holiness. Hope you got some glow.

[petebw]

outstanding! You made the best of a superb opportunity Simply great...

[biglouis]

Fantastic set of pictures which you can be very proud of. For once, the old platitude, "thanks for sharing" really does apply!

LouisB

[mgcd]

I'm glad you got more time with him and were able to present him with Paul's book. Where is Paul, is he still in the USA or has he moved back to Asia? Nice series by the way. You know I love the subject...

Cheers,

[fotografr]

Thank you very much for the nice words about these images. I feel very lucky to have been able to meet the Dalai Lama--not once, but twice--because of my career choice.

Robert--Great to hear that the 2 MPs are still working for you. I hope they keep on for many years.

Conrad--Paul is still here in the USA. He still takes regular trips to the east and had planned a trip to the Panda region in China (Changdu), but had to cancel because the region was devastated by the recent earthquake. I emailed him the photo of the Dalai Lama holding the book he made and he was quite pleased about it. Unfortunately, he has sold all of his Leica equipment and now uses Nikons because he needs something robust for his travels into remote areas under harsh conditions. As you know, he had a considerable collection of Leica gear, both R and M systems, so this was no small move.

[echorec]

Wonderful series, thanks for sharing.

[stuny]

Brent -

Delightful series, and what a thrill to be around such a great man.

[martinop]

Brent,

I enjoyed your series. Especially like the colors and compositions on all. Thanks much for including the photo of the Dalai Lama with the Tibet Photo Book.

All the best - Paul Martino

[Edward S. Isaacs]

Totally cool. Excellent.
Thanks for posting.
Ed.



.

[overgaardcom]

The one with eye contact is spot on, he's really there. It has some Mona Lisa quality in the way you can put it on the wall and it'll be like he's right in the room.

[fotografr]

Thank you again to everyone for your kind words. It's really great to hear from some of the original forum members (Paul, Conrad, Thorsten).

The Dalai Lama's message on this trip is one of showing compassion and conducting one's life so as to bring happiness to others, hence to one's self. This message resonates with me because the primary satisfaction I get from photography is having the ability to bring pleasure to others. Compensation helps, but it really is a secondary motivation. I believe that's a fairly common thread that runs through all of us, which is why it's so rewarding to hear that work displayed here has brought others enjoyment.

[Dirk Van der Herten]

Brent,

This is just a great series of a wonderful subject,
Noriko and I much enjoyed looking at your photographs.
We much relate to what you mention in your post #16.

How great you could present His Holiness with a book by Paul Martino.

Best regards,

Dirk

P.S. Noriko asked to convey her greetings.

[robert_parker]

Brent

Image #5 and #7 are especially strong, #5 being an almost definitive use of the Nocti with superb oof effects

ps.It's great to see posts from Paul and Conrad

[leicajh]

Brillant work. jh