Day 21/365 – Resilience in Red: The Guardian's Story at 北極金殿

Sometimes a photograph captures more than just an image—it captures a story, a moment in time, and the spirit of a place. Today's image from 北極金殿 (Beiji Jindian Temple) in Kaohsiung is one of those moments.

The Fire of September 2020

On the morning of September 24, 2020, this historic temple—standing for over 60 years—experienced a devastating fire. The blaze started in the third-floor inner sanctum (凌霄寶殿) around 7:35 AM and spread rapidly through the wooden structures. The fire was so intense that within 40 minutes, firefighters deployed 27 vehicles and 75 personnel to battle the flames.

The main deity statue, Xuantian Shangdi (玉皇大帝), was charred by the intense heat. The protective deities standing on either side were nearly destroyed. The damage was estimated at over 100 million TWD. But miraculously, no one was injured.

A Symbol of Resilience

What struck me most about this statue is how it stands now—bearing the scars of that fire with quiet dignity. The red bandana covers the charred areas, but it's not hiding the damage; it's honoring it. You can still see the charring, the evidence of what this guardian endured. Yet it remains standing, watching over the temple, a symbol of spiritual strength and perseverance.

This is why I love photographing temples in Taiwan. They're not just buildings—they're living histories, places where people come to pray, to find peace, and to witness the resilience of their community.

The Technical Moment

Shot on my Leica D-Lux8, I wanted to capture the dignity and resolve in this figure's stance. The composition emphasizes the upright posture, the raised fist, the unwavering presence. Even in stillness, there's movement—a sense of determination.

Bonus: Lightroom Mobile Workflow

In the accompanying video, I walk you through my complete Lightroom Mobile workflow for this image—from culling and selection to editing and the final slideshow. If you're curious about how I process photos on the go and make editing decisions in the field, this bonus section is for you.

If you're interested in learning how to photograph cultural and spiritual spaces with respect and depth, I offer photography workshops throughout Taiwan. We can explore temples, sacred sites, and the stories they hold. I also offer global and online mentoring for those who want to develop their eye for cultural and documentary photography. And if you'd like exclusive behind-the-scenes content, join my Patreon community.