Moving Forward? Photo

Photographer’s Note

How 'bout a photo directly from my work this time? Here goes:

"Mama" Tshibola has been making clothes since 1972, most of the time on this sewing machine. Mama is a potential client of the organization that I work with, HOPE International. If HOPE is able to raise enough money, we'll start our "microenterprise development" work in her area that will help her and other small business people like her. With an initial loan of $40, higher loans as she repays the first one(s), and some training, Mama will be able to buy a new sewing machine and materials that will enable her to move forward - doubling her income or more.

Dave

sohrab has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Darren (6819) 2004-07-19 7:56

Hi Dave. First off a really good note. This is another good shot from you, maybe not your best, but still good. I think in terms of composition, it is very good, she is placed in the right spot, I like how the angles all work in towards the sewing machine. Not sure how you could avoid it, but there is clutter in the background which is a little distracting. What is holding this shot back more than anything though is the light. It is just too bright and contrasty. The blown out highlights on the back of her head as well as on the table and the sewing machine are all distracting. Nothing can be done in post processing, the only real answer is to take this at a different time of day (late afternoon or earlier morning), or under different conditions (overcast works well too). I certainly like the shot as a whole and understand that you have to take the opportunities when they arise, but if you can attempt to get out for photos at better times, your results will be great.

I think as opposed to your more pure portraits, this one has missed the mark due to the lighting, but in terms of the shot as a whole, it is actually more advanced. Your composition and the story being told is more complete I think. I tend to get into the straight portrait thing myself, but something like this tends to be more complete I think.

sohrab (7423) 2004-11-27 17:11

hmmmmmmmm
i think it's a pretty good daily life shot dave
i like the clutter in the background here. adds more to the scene interms of raw materials etc.
i think your angle is good. since you've concentrated on the job aspect here i think the lighting is perfect
it lights up the sewing machine and doesn't highlight the lady much.
mama tshibola is just one client , but i think your photograph here speaks for the whole issue that HOPE is trying to look into.
nice image
it'll be interesting to see more images from your work
take care :)