FOR HAPPY POPPEYE Photo

Photographer’s Note

I dedicate this one to my TE friend John Paskey, also known as the happy sailor Poppeye. He has been asking me when I will post a picture taken with my recently aquired D-80. Well John,,here it comes and I hope you like it!! I went on Saturday to downtown Asmar to test the camera...and I must agree with Peter that a new toy like this one is more about trial and error than reading the manual. Some pictures I got were terrible, others like this one which I am pretty satisfied. I put this picture in the cathegory of Daily life as it is in the market, food for its obvious reason and dececive moment because of the situation of taking pictures in Asmara. Is not an easy place to do it. The difference from my early posted pictures, in the country side and the ones taken in the capital is abyssmal. People don't like guys like me going around with a big camera and just shooting. Normally I feel very confortable with my camera, more and more I am incorporating it as it were an extension of my body. I have never been afraid of taking pictures specially of people. It has been a natural reflex which in general is well met by my objects...until last saturday. I felt the aggresive glance of people which made me feel quiet unconfortable. When I took this picture I did not notice that the sellor. I took it and then wanted to take some more shots, then I notice that he was staring at me...I aksed if I could do some shots and he said NO!!!
Nevertheless I am sharing the one and only!!

hope you like it John!!

cheers

bombilla, robertosalguero, emn, scroller, happypoppeye, ifanik has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bombilla (3402) 2007-09-18 1:55

My first thought was that you don't need dark area in the background. Then I saw the figure way back there and that became more interesting. Still, I'm not sure that it wouldn't be a stronger photo if you just focused on the spices. In fact, it would be interesting to see a different treatment of this kind of photo -- which we see over and over again on TE and elsewhere. Maybe a really narrow depth-of-field just focusing on one mound of spices, with the others blending into bokeh could be lovely. Anyway, good luck with your new toy. -Hugh

robertosalguero (2763) 2007-09-18 2:00

Rolando esta imagen es muy buena. Pienso sin embargo que talves cortar un poco la parte oscura de arriba para darle mas realce a los colores de los productos. Esta foto me recuerda los mercados de Centro America. Muy similares en productos y al aire libre. Gracias por compartir Rolando. Tu bueva camara toma buenas fotos.

Roberto

scroller (2883) 2007-09-19 13:05

Hej Rolando,

It is so good this picture. All categories you mention fits so well.

Sharpnes and pov its just great!
verkligen!
/Stefan

happypoppeye (4060) 2007-09-20 16:41

Heyey Hey, nice title...thank you. I am honored.

As for the photo, I like it. Right off the bat I could tell it was from your new camera. I think it was the detail that gave it away. It's an interesting street shot, in true woldarsky style...with that man (seller) lit up in the background. Colors and exposure look good. Your composition is good also, especially with the clutter that it has in it. The placement of the man is perfect, adding a sense of the market feel. I have tried numerous attempts at the ol' spice market shot in Marrakech, Fez, Sana'a, etc, ...and none came out this good.

Great work.
John

...and what lens did you get with it? ...and what are the biggest differences you are seeing in the learning process compared to your last camera? I think you mean pboehringer when you say Peter in your note. I would say listen to him, he really tries to understand his equipment and how to use it.

As for the uncomfortable part, yes I had the same problem - you are much more conspicous with an SLR...but it's the price you have to pay. I think it's a combination of you getting used to it as well as your subjects.

brevbrev14 (372) 2007-09-23 1:43

Hola Rolando, you have visited interesting countries!
this is a good one..
i like the different colours of the food and your perspective..
what i like more is the little little man in the background..
ciao!
Valeria

ifanik (20468) 2007-10-05 1:58

Hi Rolando
Thank you for your critigue
This photo is very nice with beautiful colours
Very good composition
Regards
Nick