Afghan Girl, a photo from Kabul, East

Photographer's Note

Well, it's not exactly "THE Afghan Girl" (the famous National Geographic cover of the girl with haunted, green eyes). Nevertheless, this is one of my favorite shots from a recent trip to Kabul. Look closely at her right cheek - I especially liked the detailed patterns created by the sunlight streaming through the geometric patterns of her shawl.

Sorry - lost a little resolution again when resizing. Maybe that's not too bad in this case - it gives her face a bit of a soft focus.

As always, I'd greatly welcome advice - especially in terms of post-processing, which I desperately need to learn. A personal note: I'm taking some time off this week, during which my daughter will try to learn post-processing and then (try to) pass on what she's learned to her Old Dad! That's the plan. (A bit of a Father's Day present?). Any "coaching" from our TrekEarth friends on this would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

doreeneden, elroyie, elena, wata081, charmante, odemira, Bogdan, cetrocomix has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

elroyie (2750) 2004-06-19 15:15

Great authentic portrait, the colours are good, exposure is very good and the bokeh is excellent, it creates a good contrast to the subject.

doreeneden (1014) 2004-06-19 15:16

Hi Dave. I'm far from being an expert but I think the cropping (if you have done any) at the sides is a little too tight. The shadows through the shawl are lovely as is the colour. A very nice photo.

elena (1054) 2004-06-19 16:56

her expression is lovely and the photo has good definition and colors, but as said above, i would prefer a bit more space on the right, and i would like to lighten her teeth a bit... not necessarily make them WHITE, but a bit less yellowish...

wata081 (54) 2004-06-20 2:44

I agree with your comments, the pattern is the first thing I noticed. This is not the National Geographic, yes, but it is still a very nice picture. They might want this one on page 2, who knows? ;-)

maciekda (19861) 2004-06-20 7:36

very nice portrait David, you have caught a great look here. nice bokeh too, good stuff

charmante (1090) 2004-06-28 5:47

I like her mood in this portrait !! ( usuallly I like this kind of portrait that the subject has turned her/his head toward the camera !)& her lovely scarf has a good contrast with her hair & her skin , & I like the look in her eyes, Bravo David !

cetrocomix (309) 2004-11-03 23:26

Hello David! Quite new in TE, I discover now the portraits and notes from your missions. Nice and interesting to see what you have sent. I really like that portrait of an Afghan girl, like many others of the pictures you have sent. Congrat for all what you do and the pictures you have sent. Hoping to see more pictures from you...

dareco (17134) 2007-08-12 0:29

This is a very nice picture. I like the colors of both the scarf and the background. Such a sweet smile, very natural.