This photo is part of WordPress’ Weekly Photo Challenge: Reflections

Candlescape Reflections by Seas Reflecting Starlight

A vast landscape in miniature, this red candle has towering piles of brightly colored wax surrounding a still pool of molten wax with a very clear reflection. This photograph was taken at Daci Buddhist Monastery (大慈寺) in Chengdu, China, where eminent monk Xuanzang (玄奘, also known as Tripitaka) of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) was initiated.

The reflection in the peaceful pool in the middle of the candle mirrors one common type of use of candles in monasteries and temples: meditation and inner reflection.  Just as the candle literally reflects the monastery’s sleepy little retreat away from the hustle of the streets of Chengdu, it can also reflect a search for that same kind of peace within the eye of the beholder.

I also created a tiled version of this photo,which reflects this week’s theme of reflection, in that each candle is a reflection of the others:

Candlescape Reflections tiles by Seas Reflecting Starlight

There are multiple ways to create such tiled effects using photo editing programs like GIMP.

• To prepare the image:
  • Make sure that the image content is close to the center, and that there aren’t any important details around the outer rim of the image. Details not in the center may be lost or obscured.
  • Method 1 (used above): Using GIMP, go to Filters > Map > Make Seamless
  • Method 2 (does not work well for all images): Using GIMP, go to Filters > Blur > Tileable Blur – set the blur radius to something that is relatively large in comparison to the size of your image for the most seamless results.
• After using either method, there are multiples ways to make copies of the image in a tiled pattern:/li>
  • Option 1: Using GIMP, go to Filters > Map > Tile – make sure the height and width are linked, set the units to “%”, and input multiples of 100 for best results
  • Option 2: Using GIMP, go to Filters > Map > Small Tiles – this will shrink the size of your tiles to fit within the boundaries of the current image, but includes the ability to flip alternating tiles

In addition to posters (1, 2) and canvas prints (1, 2), there are a variety of products at my Inner Bodhisattva Zazzle store feature this design, such as these few examples:

messenger bags

phone cases

mugs

laptop sleeves

And
Much
More!