Someone to lean on (1972) Photo

Photographer’s Note

From a slummy area by the riverside in the old part of Dhaka in 1972.

This picture was scanned from an Orwo film (East German I believe), which I had probably bought in India. The film was maybe not of the best quality, and it was processed for me by a local Swedish newspaper where I sent some travel stories from a long journey through Asia. Unfortunately the film is so full of scratches, tiny cracks and ugly spots that it was impossible yo make a good, clear copy.

Please take it for what it is: a document from 37 years ago.

saxo042, Gerrit, Glint, mikolaj_kawa, CLODO, danos, fanni, BeBeHooker, papera, mafegan, dareco, bostankorkulugu, artesia, feather, mus, skippy007, edcone has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jasmis (50560) 2009-08-04 1:11

Your series from the 70thies is really amazing. Superb report presentation in B&W.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards.

archimatica (13266) 2009-08-04 1:12

Very interesting picture, a valuable documentation which tells a piece of history.
Congratulations, you have an interesting and professional archive!
Un caro saluto
Renzo

mikolaj_kawa (30395) 2009-08-04 1:26

Hello Gert! Excellent picture from 1972! Very interesting scene. Perfect shot. Great effect. Well done!

redwaters (12) 2009-08-04 1:52

its so natural, nice shot

CLODO (4318) 2009-08-04 2:43

Hi Gert
I appreciate you (old) shot showing the distress of Bangladesh inhabitants. The grain adds
Congratulations
CLODO

nirvana73 (8696) 2009-08-04 2:46

Hello Gert
best quality film and capture for me
very dramatic scene
i like black and white caolor tones
thanks for sharing and explanations
best regards
Ozhan

danos (32690) 2009-08-04 2:59

Hello Gert,
very nice documentary shot from the 70s,of this slummy area of Dhaka.I like the B/W format as the old blind man,that was escorted from the younger one,ar the two men are blinds?.Well done.

Have a nice day,danos

fanni (8737) 2009-08-04 3:07

Hej Gert,
yes, a purely documentary photo! I can imagine all the difficult PP work of the scan!
and how good it is that such photos exist, and we can see what life was like - then! and there...
Oh, ORWO was considered a good brand in the USSR. I used it... :(
Kind regards,
Elena

BeBeHooker (5638) 2009-08-04 3:49

Hi Gert!
True of life. Excellent picture. Original work.
Cheers!

saxo042 (15812) 2009-08-04 10:18

Hej Gert,
A remarkably high technical quality, considering the fact that is was processed by Arvika Nyheter. An excellent documentary, I hope to see more of these B&W:s!
Hälsningar
Gunnar

papera (5376) 2009-08-04 11:16

hello gert,
thanks for another one of your "shots from the drawer".
I always say that a photo is only as good as the eye and the hand that make it, equipment being in certain cases secondary.
these negatives of yours prove that.
c.

bukitgolfb301 (4714) 2009-08-04 13:28

Hello my dear Gunnar

Good documentary and reportage shot !
37 years ago but still vivid, this is precious record indeed. Rough treatment makes a good atmosphere on contrary.
Congratulation on your good job !
Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Have a good day !

Takero

Waylim (10899) 2009-08-05 20:02

Hi Gert,
Such a heart breaking scene. Nicely scanned. Quality will never be the same as the digital image, but it depicted perfectly the situation of the people living in such poor condition. It is great to see an old image sometimes. I hope the situation today is better than 37 years ago.
Way

Glint (3042) 2009-08-06 0:30

Hello Gert,
and a fine documentary photograph it is too. The imperfections are not the least bit important. Here you show us humanity and your frsme is full of life. There is something especially touching about this scene.I guess it is because your title and the iamge go together so perfectly and give us the chance to reflect on how we are all interdependent.
best regards,
Bev

Gerrit (35841) 2009-08-06 1:47

Hi Gert,
Strong image of these two people who look likeclose relatives (Grandma and grandson?).
The tendernes and the harsh living conditions are both obvious and can take some quality loss.
The light is fantastic.
Regards, gerrit

mafegan (4257) 2009-08-06 17:39

Hi Gert
A document from 37 years ago that is well worth posting. Life is tough - I do wonder how their lives turned out. Tfs, Marlene

dareco (17104) 2009-08-06 19:02

When I look at these older pictures I always have to wonder where these people are today. Of course seeing them in this environment makes me wonder even more. Great detail and excellent b&w. TFS

bostankorkulugu (33688) 2009-08-06 21:16

this was taken when i was just one year old... a precious jewel, an amazing documentary this is gert... regards... korkut

artesia (287) 2009-08-07 2:04

This is a great documentary photo I would say... a very harsh reality for some people or most people in this world. The picture telling me so many things...

Reminded me first time I went to Dhaka, I burst into tears inside the bus.

Thanks for sharing Gert

Warm Regards

Artesia

feather (49868) 2009-08-08 2:27

The imperfections are not important, but the social documentary is. This appears to be mother & son, as there is a tender expression on the man's face. It would be a good idea to create a personal theme for your early documentary work.
Kath

kschanna (6) 2009-08-08 2:52

Gret,

This is a photo meant for trekearth. The composition is great, the b&w and the high speed film grain work so well here. The hard light and the shadows on the face...brilliant. You know what I find really striking in the shot, almost all men have either their arms crossed or behind their back. This idleness and the 'slummy' area are quite an interesting contrast.

Thanks for sharing
Kamran

mus (159) 2009-08-10 18:03

Great shot from the past

skippy007 (7141) 2009-08-12 3:53

Hello Gert, an amazing historical document from 1972 & very well reproduced, it looks like something out of an old newspaper or the likes of National Geographics. A dramatic image & BW is perfect. Fantastic work.
Regards
Santo

usnadir (781) 2009-11-26 18:41

I dont have anything to say.one of the best B&W picture in this site.
thank you for this.
nadir