Perspective & Traditional Korean Dress

"Nine feet back. You must stand nine feet back to take the picture," my new Korean friend said adamantly. She was sure that I would not be able to get a full length photo of her beautiful traditional summer and winter Korean dresses, unless I was much farther away. Perhaps the last time she had pictures taken, that was true!

Fortunately her sister was watching the photo session. I was able to show her in my preview screen that I could stand close and get the desired result with the lens I was using.

The following information  is from a web site about Korean traditional dress: www.lifeinkorea.com/culture/clothes/clothes.cfm.   

Traditional Korean clothing has its roots extending back at least as far as the Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C. - 668 A.D.), as evidenced by wall paintings in tombs dating from this period. The Korean hanbok represents one of the most visible aspects of Korean culture. The top part called a jeogori is blouse-like with long sleeves with the men's version being longer, stretching down to the waist. Women wear skirts (chima) while men wear baggy pants (paji). Commoners wore white, except during festivals and special occasions such as weddings. Clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors and indicated the wearer's social status. Various accessories such as foot gear, jewelry, and headdresses or hair pins completed the outfit.  

The darker dresses are winter attire; the lighter one, summer. Kyung wore foot gear, one headdress, and beautiful pins with each dress. Although she wanted full length photos, I so admired this classic woman's face that I did take a few close ups. You would never know this lovely lady is 78 years old. She proudly told me so.

Her perspective - I was too close to get the best picture. My perspective - I was in just the right place to capture her beauty.

For more photos of Kyung: bonniekingphotography.com