Missed out Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

This photo is so heartbreaking to me simply because of the story behind it.

This was taken at a little roadside rest where tourist buses pull in for lunch on route 13 between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

The kids in the background were all treated to sodas by a western tourist. The boy in the foreground had been inside and came out just as the bus with that tourist was pulling out.

I don't speak a word of Laotion, but as the boy came outside, his eyes lit up with excitement seeing his friends with sodas, and as he went up to the girl on the left, I'm sure the conversation went something like this:

"Hey, where'd you get the sodas???"
"A farang (western tourist) bought them for us."
"Which one???"
Pointing, she said, "The one on that bus." (which was just pulling out).

The boy then turned his eyes toward the bus as you see here, watching it drive off. I thought he was going to burst out in tears. He just kept his eyes fixed on that bus until it disappeared from sight.

I was nearly moved to buy him a drink also, even though it goes against my grain, but by the time I had shot a few frames, someone else had already gotten him one.

So, it does have a happy ending.

Cropped and converted to B&W/slight sepia in PS.

Paolo, sengir, kensimage, Paker, srabbe has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

karina (1084) 2005-05-06 9:19

Hi Todd,
This boy's expression is so in contrast with that of the other children (although the child looking over his shoulder doesn't look very happy either). A really expressive and touching shot which tells a story (even without your words). Well done.

Paolo (40445) 2005-05-06 9:35

I think that this is one of the better picture uploaded today!
unfortunally i ended my points...
the B/W is simply wonderful, a great focus on the boy, that have a strong expression, the contrast is perfect and the other children behind the boy are fantstic.
also the note!
is all perfect.
thanks for that great image Todd.
ciao

apache (1426) 2005-05-06 10:42

Hi Todd,
That was a touching story...and now I can see why the boy had a "missed bus" look on his face...literally. You have caught it well. Your picture and story are enhanced by the kids playing happily behind him sipping on their soda.
Very well taken.
Ranjith

sengir (4939) 2005-05-06 10:43

great note, good picture - his expression tells the same story that you have written, well done!

Cos (1562) 2005-05-06 11:52

Hi Todd
A beautiful portrait of this boy, made all the more interesting by the note. The sepia has been put to great use here, I don't think the shot would have the same emotional impact if it were in colour.
Regards, Sarah

Paker (2636) 2005-05-07 20:46

So far my very favorite from your collection. This picture has a lot of 'soul' and you achieved what in my opinion is the hardest thing to do for a photographer - make pics with emotions!
congratulations!
regards,
Krzysztof

kensimage (8469) 2005-05-07 22:27

This is a great shot, Todd, because it contrasts the boy's emotions so well to the other kids. A good one for B/W, too, because it's all about mood. Perfect amount of DOF. Excellent!

srabbe (1424) 2005-05-09 14:08

Very nice DOF Todd, and thanks for your note that really explains the context of this photo. The expression of that little boy is very well captured.
Wanted to suggest you an horizontal reframing via a workshop but i did not managed...
Sophie

Furachan (0) 2005-05-10 18:57

Excellent "photojournalism" feel to this shot, Todd. You got just enough bokkeh out of the kit lens to separate the main subject from the happy kids, thus drawing the eye to him. It is certainly striking! Cheers, Francis

eflowers (674) 2005-05-12 12:01

hi todd,
the story really does make this photo. what a look on his face! such a contrast to the happy faces in the background.
regards,
emily

entressangle (140) 2006-01-28 17:39

Magnifique photo Todd. L'histoire est trés touchante. J'aime beaucoup le cadrage et la mise au point sur l'enfant au 1er plan.

Bravo !!!