the venerable kadhai, Jaipur... Photo

Photographer’s Note

Almost anywhere you find fried Indian meals, you'll find the ubiquitous 'kadahi' for economical cooking...

ISO at 200ASA; focal at 16.00mm.

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Critiques | Translate

Urs (2756) 2009-06-01 0:53

Hi, Looking at your picture the first time, it is perfect, a composition well done, but the second look tells a different story: the cook is posing, what robs the picture the key ingredient - life. I know Indians and many others like to pose, but that's exactly what makes the difference between a good and a excellent picture. To avoid this effect, lower your camera but lock the distance and metering. look around and suddenly raise your camera egain an shot the picture again, I bet, that the guy will not pose the second time, because you will surprise him.

Best regards Urs

daddo (11310) 2009-06-01 1:17

Hi Caleb. And then there was the chick who talked to the eagle about flying. Love the POV- I can feel the heat from the boiling oil. Love the mirth in the woman's expression and the warm smile on the man's face. Regards.Klaudio.

everlasting (10898) 2009-06-01 1:27

and now you know how to take a photo we hope to see better next time:) There is a vast difference between interaction and posing

BennyV (4636) 2009-06-01 1:33

Urs' critique got me thinking...

Of course the man is posing, that's what makes this such an honest and humane portrait. Posing CAN lead to stiff and lifeless shots, but here this is not the case, as there is a positive interaction between photographer and subject (the smile, the look...) and the shot is interesting.

Using sneaky tricks to capture people on their unawares, CAN lead to good shots too, but there's not much dignity in that. I suppose it's a matter of priorities, but in portraits I'd always go for some kind of interaction. Even though sometimes it in fact ruins the shot and you end up better not taking the picture, there's much more respect in it. And that should be the keyword when travelling. Photographical principles are less important, and they are very debatable, anyway.

By the way, I believe this pictures captures both, as I'm sure the smiling lady in the background had no idea that she was going to be in the picture too!

Benny

arnabchat (7036) 2009-06-01 4:47

living outside india is a bit painful if you love sweets and if you are Indian :)
a provocative upload from you!
greetings from Trieste,
Arnab

ps: I have learnt my ways around. Sometimes I prepare something traditional, when I am able to gather the right ingredients (sometimes I manage to smuggle some authentic products out of India! :) ).

leo61 (43282) 2009-06-01 9:41

Hi Caleb!
Your low and close POV creates a good composition.
perfect timing too and like the woman`s smile.
Regards,leo

bukitgolfb301 (4576) 2009-06-01 16:44

Hello my dear Caleb

Great shoot as usual !a series of you previous ones.
Framework, light management, color are very excellent.
Exposure is also unbeleivable for deep range.
Cngratulation on your supper job !

Thanks for sharing and best regards,

Takero

hispic (7399) 2009-06-01 20:34

Hi Caleb,
Nice capture of people in a good mood cooking with a big pan. I like a smiling face of the lady looking at you, her pink clothes are perfect match for the tone of this image.
Regards, Hisashi

stevesaba (3730) 2009-06-02 21:54

Hi Caleb!
I enjoyed the comments yesterday....but stayed out of the fray...hehe. But then again, this really is a great photo! The 10-22 was an interesting choice......with interesting results. The boiling oil is right there in our face, at a perfect elevation. And yes; he smiles into the camera....with a wonderful engaging expression. The lady is of course a spectator who adds another 100% to the scene. Great fun! Cheers,
Steve