Photographer's Note
H'mong Village
Nan, Thailand
While the mass in the village chapel was going on, I went outside in search for a good picture opportunity. Then she looked out of the window. I smiled at her, she smiled back at me. I came very close to focus, she relented.
This experience, IMO, has a parallelism in life. Sometimes, we become too engrossed in what we're doing that we don't realize what is going on outside. These H'mong people are breaking down the barriers. They embrace new religion, welcome strangers with their genuine hearts, even initiating conversations to know about what's the latest in technology (asking me about my digicam). I am not saying that they are CERTAINLY moving forward. What I am saying is that the first move to improving oneself is looking out from your "shell". Is it a brighter future for them? No one knows.
(converted to sepia, unsharp masking)
Critiques | Translate
CVTJan
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(1244) 2004-03-20 2:44
Dear Manny, this works so well in Sepia. I like the DOF that gives a good sense of depth. The contrast is perfect and the composition very good, although I wouild probably crop a little of the right. Very fine details. I guess you already like the new cam very much :) Yours, Jan
dsidwell
(9783) 2004-03-20 3:20
This image reminds me so much of American photographer Dorothea Lange. The face tells a story, and the details are so clear and well positioned in the frame. Very nice work, and intersting person!
Edwin
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(188) 2004-03-20 3:33
Razorsharp shot, the warm and inviting atmosphere you described Manuel can easily be read from her facial expression and body language. Thanks for sharing this welcoming picture as well as your deeper thoughts about life.
clodreno
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(0) 2004-03-20 3:42
A very good image Manuel. Love it. A favorite. She is also good looking.
cool_s15
(4050) 2004-03-20 3:47
Wow I really like the tone of this image!
Very beautiful shot with her expression with the door framed. Nice DOF. Nice job!
papagolf21
(152605) 2004-03-20 4:19
Encore du grand Art Manuel, vous savez faire parler les visages et parfois mieux "leurs βmes". Il faut κtre deux pour rιussir ce genre de photographie, il faut qu'il y ait une osmose, et parfois un simple regard suffit.
Merci Manuel.
Still great Manuel Art, you can make speak the faces and sometimes better "their hearts". It is necessary to be two to make a success of this kind of photography, it is necessary that there is an osmosis, and sometimes a simple glance is enough. Thank you Manuel.
avigur_11
(22535) 2004-03-20 4:43
Very nice use of b/w, Manuel, it could be nice in colors but b/w makes it very special. I like the way she a bit hidden behind the door. Very good shot.
torben
(3100) 2004-03-20 5:00
Her face is so nice and gentle and the inclusion of her hand is a good choice. I think the very shallow DOF has made the nearby edge of the window a bit too blurred, but apart from that the framing is perfect, and you connect it to some deeper issues in an intelligent way in your note.
Kenny10pin
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(19301) 2004-03-20 5:03
Very nice picture, I like her expressions, its so Grandmotherish, she really knows how to smile. Great capture, it seems as though she is answering the door and you were ready to take a snap shot of her, well done
nwoehnl
(122) 2004-03-20 5:23
A very sweet expression, what a great face. Her posture looking out the window is nice, and I like to see the fingers of her right hand as well. As to your choice of b&w, I think it works very well here. Beautifully done, Manny, I think once again I spot a great rapport between the photographer and his subject.
jhonny_blue
(4956) 2004-03-20 5:28
Beautiful old face and great composition !
The sepia was a good choice to this portrait !
Congratulations !
jrj
(34843) 2004-03-20 6:10
A strong and meaningful portrait followed by your fine notes. Well done Manny
ianmcall
(1213) 2004-03-20 6:15
What a sweet, gentle looking woman. This is a very lovely expression. Good composition, except that I'd likely trim off the white line that appears at the far right on the blurred doorframe.
carper
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(96) 2004-03-20 7:22
Your realy the specialist, Manuel,
I like your photo, the gandmother had a nice face and the photo, is great.Your note is great also. I have put you, by my favorits it's an honour for me too you. well done
Clochette
(8076) 2004-03-20 8:32
Very good notes, thank you.
A great portrait again Manuel. The sepia tones and the "light" in her look remind me your excellent "Those sparkling eyes".
Just a detail however : Is it the unsharp masking which made that white line under her chin ?
jhm
(211734) 2004-03-20 11:55
Congratulation with your 3900 points Manuel, this picture the face tells a story, and the details are so clear and well positioned in the frame. Very nice work, thanks
Jeppe
(18654) 2004-03-20 12:32
Very fine capture of this old lady (ups of my own age ;-) I like the angle you got the picture and Its nice to sepia used here- must try this my self.
Very good job Manuel.
eelliott305
(776) 2004-03-20 13:03
A nice change to see a B&W shot from you Manuel. Just as good as your colour work. The woman`s face lights up the frame.
Midnight_sun
(1941) 2004-03-20 13:31
A nice metaphorical theme, and the sepia helps convey the old meeting the new concept. A very well taken portrait, with added depth from your note. Great shot.
eleparc
(24063) 2004-03-20 13:58
great shot manny and I like your comment very very much. the key to the world is probably the capacity of men to go out to meet strangers and confront ideas, views, ... nothing to say on the photo; DOF and choice of sepia color are just perfect as usual;-)
sunny
(3069) 2004-03-20 14:21
As usual you do quite a moving story out of your picture Manny! I agree with you that every single change we want, has to start from inside us... Your composition is very strong as her face outstands on the dark background finely and her eyes and smile radiate such a kindness. Excellent one!
roshangar
(1682) 2004-03-20 16:17
Great capture!I like the lines on her face !
every thing is ok,well done and thanks!
maciekda
(19895) 2004-03-20 21:16
good to see something a bit different than your pictures with kids. i like B&W here, the composition is really good also. nice DOF and nice shot
mikhalych
(1319) 2004-03-23 12:34
Sepia, DOF, composition are perfectly done.
The eyes are just great. And this new camera.... it seems that its shots require no postprocessing at all, don't they?
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Photo Information
-
Copyright: Manuel Librodo (manny)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2483 W: 86 N: 4070]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(22032) - Genre: Άνθρωποι
- Medium: Μαύρο & Ασπρο
- Date Taken: 2004-03-05
- Categories: Καθημερινότητα
- Camera: Nikon D100
- Έκδοση φωτογραφίας: Πρωτότυπη έκδοση
- Οδοιπορικό: Community Service in Nan, Thailand
- Θέμα(τα): Life in Hmong Village (Nan, Thailand), Camera Choice [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2004-03-20 2:40
- Αγαπημένα: 1 [view]
