Lunch and a Smile Photo

Photographer’s Note

...there was no end to the smiling children in West Africa, most of them eager to have their photos taken, even without giving any kado (presents). Just seeing their face on the camera screen made most jump for joy. This boy couldn't get enough of the camera, and I didn't complain.

Honestly, the hardest thing I had to deal with, photography wise, was trying isolate a single person in front of the camera. Once the children saw it, they would run in front of the lens where ever it was pointed, resulting in a lot of odd body parts and colors like I have in this one in the background...the clutter of life I guess.

This photo was taken at a town on the Niger River two days sail from Mopti towards Timbuktu, about thirty minutes after the spot where my last shot was taken.

Let me know what you think.
John

xuaxo, fijiphil, parbo, edytungkal has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

diegomach (467) 2008-03-29 6:12

Hey John, muy linda tomam hermosos ojos del niño. me gusta mucho como has manejado laprofundidad de campo dando protgonismo al rostro del niño
felicitaciones

xuaxo (5649) 2008-03-29 9:59

Hi John
Food is another good reason to be happy.
I don't like very much the POV from top to down, but anyway the photo shows very well what you describe in the note.
A good post.
Regards,
F

fijiphil (1343) 2008-03-29 10:20

This photo has a lot of impact. I don't feel it's a classic but it certainly is a very good shot. The wide angle lens has exaggerated the boy's face in a slightly unnerving way, yet we get a real sense of his personality through it. Well done!

jcdurka1 (1940) 2008-03-29 11:40

Great use of the wide lens that expand the face of the children. Nice picture, JC

parbo (10964) 2008-03-30 10:21

Hello John,

Your view from top shows his smiley perfectly. Probably he's holding lunch and dirty face, feet of course especially his eyes and teeth completes a superb pose. Congratulations.

Best Regards,

Ertugrul

dvlazar (6468) 2008-03-30 19:52

Hey John and welcome back!
I understand what you mean about taking photos of kids when there are many around- someone always ruins the shot by running through or coming in closer...
This one's a great one of the boy though with no distractions... creative angle here is nice.
Til next time!
-Dave

edytungkal (4517) 2008-03-31 18:36

A zoom from the top with natural expression, as you said kids are always love taken by camera and his pure smile so ironic against his condition. An unusual picture from Niger River, thanks..

daniel