A Face of Kindness Photo

Photographer’s Note

A Face of Kindness

A quick change of scenery and subject here, I like to go back to about 9 years ago, I didn’t have a digital camera yet, I think it was Cannon EOS, 200 Kodak film, Scanned image. I’m in the process of scanning some old films. I may post some of them here and there. The quality is just not the same, but the sentimental valley is as important for me.

The story behind this one, it was the second day I was in Lhasa. I just came out from the Patola Palace which was mostly dark inside. The light was so strong outside I nearly fell down on the stairs. I was beginning to feel the effect of the high altitude sickness. I got a head ache and dizziness. I felt nauseating and had to vomit. After that I had to sit down somewhere to rest for awhile, I found this corner under a house to sit down, that when I saw her, praying so peacefully and calm. I felt better just sitting there looking at her. I take a photo of her while she was concentrating on her prayer. She later noticed me and offered me to go in her house which was little home own little restaurant, and gave me a cup and pot of tea. When I left, I insisted to pay for the tea, but she wouldn’t accept it. I ended up buying some pastries from her though I could eat a thing at the time, just so I can show my gratitude for her kindness.

patdeph, magalik, Sistercosmo, phwall, pauloog, trekks, subhendu_bagchi, Wanda1, BennyV, sacimar, jhm, shevchenko, Bluejeans, Kielia, kiks has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

KateinDenmark (1132) 2009-10-29 11:17

This is an excellent picture despite the scan. The colors are excellent and one can feel her peacefulness just looking at the photo. You have an excellent story to go with it. Great post!

Sincerely,
Kate

yquem46 (8703) 2009-10-29 11:20

Hi Way
quite amazed by the quality of a scan of a 10 years old slide !
delicate colors and mood here
well done
best
patrick

patdeph (18644) 2009-10-29 11:30

hello Way
I think you know that this is the kind of scene that I like very much,with people and colors!The quality is rather goodfor a scan,and the picture is very nice to look at!I like very much your note that remind me mine about my picture called "meditation "!Superb!
Regards
Pascale

hardyuno (2753) 2009-10-29 11:52

Dear Way,
it is really a very fine image, it invites to cogitation, especially when we have Tibet in mind.
And your note is a very special one, thank you for this. I think its a great gift.
Have a nice day
Hartmut

bema (9268) 2009-10-29 12:04

Hello Way,

a very beautiful and moody capture, like it a lot..
great colors, a perfect pov, you´ve done a great picture and portrait here..

have a nice time, kind regards Bernd

magalik (1488) 2009-10-29 12:38

Hello Way !
I'm not the last today ! ;-)
Very nice photo and very nice note also.
For a scanned photograph, I find it very good quality, much better than some digital photographs.
I like the framing, the POV and the colors. I always find more charming a photograph with sitted person like this.
To read english words (like to write) requires efforts for me but I always have great pleasure to read your notes. They are such an important and interesting complement with your photographs.
Thanks for this lovely story which illustrates very well this photo and its value for you.
You are a a little fragile boy no ? ;-)))
Take care Way !
Magali

Sistercosmo (2817) 2009-10-29 13:03

Hi Way,

actually the quality of this shot is quite good for a scan. And what a note! Just goes to show you that a "real" photographer is even thinking of pictures - even when he's feeling sick. ;-)

Great shot of a really great woman. I can understand why this is so special for you.

Thanks for sharing this photo and its story and please take good care,
Linda

phwall (5821) 2009-10-29 13:32

Hello Way,
Scan or not, it is a very good quality shot, good definition throughout.
Yes, it is a nice moment, especially when viewed in conjunction with your heartfelt note.
I love the colour of her shirt, that lime green stands out so well.
Have a good day.
Regards
Peter

pauloog (7121) 2009-10-29 14:36

Hello Way,
The calm attitude of prayer and rest well captured. Good and telling contrasts between the traditional clothing and the Western sunhat and modern coloured plastic containers.
Regards,
Paul

emka (22841) 2009-10-29 16:48

Hi Way, So you are sensitive to high altitude. I was a bit ill when I was in Peru. Me and my friends had unpleasant time in Arequipa but after one day all was OK. When I was in Tibet I did not feel anything. I was afraid about my husband, in Tibet he was for the first time so high and when we went to Drepung he was very tired but with no sensations.
Nice photo and in good quality after ten years.

Regards

Malgorzata

subhendu_bagchi (3804) 2009-10-29 20:30

Hi Way,
nice to see the old woman concentrating her prayer. You took a great candid side portrait of her. Depth and sharpness is so good. Very good composition and the old woman is perfectly positioned here. Great scanning. The people leaves in such high altitude are generally having a great open heart, I think so. I can feel her walking with the help of her stick slowly. Anyway it is a nice job. Tfs.
Subhendu.
PS- 'COCA 6' is a homoeo medicine and it can prevent high altitude sickness. It is really an effective one. You can try it in future.

Wanda1 (11025) 2009-10-29 22:46

Hi Way,
This is a good one from your archives and a good quality scan.
She does indeed look peaceful as she prays and I like the colours of her clothes and her surroundings with teh flower pots etc.
A very nice ending to your story Way.
Regards
Wanda

pattabe (419) 2009-10-30 2:01

Hi Way,

great composition, nice image, in brillant colors, well captured. good job,
have a nice weekend.

Regards Freddy (Bangkok)

eversmile (6543) 2009-10-30 2:49

Hi Way

What your picture shows to me is that the environment can change, but the faith remains. The Tibetans of Lhassa have witnessed drastic changes in their daily life (what I heard is that the chinese urban policy is to build consciously high buildings around the Potala, so it cannot be seen from far, hoping to diminish and discourage the faith of the tibetans). But whatever happened around him/her, the concentration and devotion of the believer allow him/her to set aside it, and keep the faith intact. Your picture is a beautiful illustration of that, with the strong contrast between the traditional clothes, her attitude, and the elements of the surrounding. Bravo.
Regards
Marine

ktanska (16759) 2009-10-30 3:19

Hi Way,
Very nice daily life portrait. Yes, sun shines brightly and I can imagine sensation on stepping outside. No personal experience of altitude sickness though. Interesting and heart warming little story from a far away location.
Kari

BennyV (5002) 2009-10-30 5:06

Hello Way,

This is a shot of great sympathy and human warmth. Even before reading your note, that just shines through here. Excellent scan quality & a really succesful upload. Thanks.

Benny

sayeed_rahman (2337) 2009-10-30 7:17

Indeed these incidents happen and are never repeated or felt ever again..what stays is a tangible form..a small fragment..that ironically is the most significant and stays forever..

This will bring back memories..the stories will be read by the next generation and the next..

beautiful frame brother..

tc

sayeed

macjake (2771) 2009-10-30 9:32

Hello Waylim

I really like your choice of not straightening this scene.
The apperature chosen allows us to see the background, and it adds more elements to the overall appeal.
You have certainly captured a mood, a mood of serenity and calm
Very well done, with excellent sharpness and colors
Have a great weekend
Craig

carper (66148) 2009-10-30 10:45

very nice one Way,
good composition of this portrait, good details and a quality job, well seen and good one, have a good weekend.
regard jaap

sacimar (7846) 2009-10-30 14:27

Hi Way,

interesting story and good picture, I like the moment and the position of the woman, the details are superb, great work my friend,

Have a good weekend!

Sergio

jhm (83802) 2009-11-01 2:23

Hello Way,

What a lovely image and your note is a very special one, thank you for this. I think its a great gift.
Excellent scanned image.
The colors and the light are at their best and you knew how to work with the elements.
Very well done, TFS.

Nice sunday,
John.

Angshu (34253) 2009-11-02 0:39

Sabaidee Way
Quite a change of subject and that too from your archives of 9 years ago! The scan quality is admirable...with the rich and delicate colours coming out well. A nice side portrait of the old lady with the mandala in her hand..perhaps it could have been better to have a better view of her kind face, but I do believe that would be too intrusive. Look fwd to your scanned images, because these old treasures are also close to the heart
Best regards
Angshu

shevchenko (10196) 2009-11-02 19:42

Hello Way,
Good qaulity of a scanned photo, it is just look like a new photo, clear to show the strong believing at this town, nice background too laying with different types of tools, thanks for sharing.
Ally

Bluejeans (33457) 2009-11-03 5:31

Ola Way ,
Bela captura desta senhora idosa sentada neste banco a rezar, gostei muito das cores e luz , interessante os objectos de fundo ,parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Kielia (8811) 2009-11-04 10:46

Hello Way,
reading your notes is like witnessing your unforgettable experience that you have documented excellently. The quality of the scan is outstanding, especially the bright colors are wonderful. Thanks for sharing this precious moment!
Warm regards
Harriet

holmertz (10149) 2009-11-07 6:43

Hello Way,
We don't actually see much of this woman's face, but I trust your assurance that she was kind. I also have a good experience of the people of Tibet. The colours are remarkaby good, and it's almost hard to believe this is a scan. You must have very good equipment, or you are just as talented with the scanner as with the camera.
Kind regards,
Gert

kiks (6173) 2009-11-15 11:06

Inspiering image. I wish that i often could find this calm and peacful feeling that i see on this old women. Thak you for the inspiration.
Best regadrs
KIKs