Fear and Laughter Photo

Photographer’s Note

This pic was taken in a place name Zitono in Ituri Dostrict of Congo DR. In this civilwar ravaged country people are both happy and afraid of small affair.

I was onboard an APC (armored personnel carier) while taking this picture. Sorry the focus was not adjusted, it should've been more clear.

People in local area are afraid of APC because of its fighting capabilities. They named it 'Mamba' after a poisonous African snake. Some believe in second life after death. But anyone killed by APC will never return. I think its because APC is a rare transport which driver and passengers are not seen.

Again, they also have seen APC as their savior during any crisis. It also brings food for them. So, when they see it; some are happy and some scared.

I had the rare opportunity to get both in one frame.

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Critiques | Translate

thrudur84 (414) 2009-01-02 13:38

I congratulate you on your bravery! Not many people would attemt to visit this region! Nice image of the people there, but I would have personally changed this photo into a vertical photo, cutting the person in grey on the right out of the picture..

ribeiroantonio (21839) 2009-01-02 17:21

It really is a nice photo with a sad story. I know too well what you are talking about because I was born and lived in Angola until 1983, eight years after the independence. Me too, I have seen horrible things. By the way, what were you doing in the area?
All the best for 2009.
Antonio