Her Bouquet of Smile Photo

Photographer’s Note

"Do you want me to take off my hat?" She gestured to me while i was taking this shot. I moved my head sideways. And she flashed the "betel-nut" smile!

This is one of the many manifestations of the warmth of Luang Prabang. In a wet market, I find this charming woman selling flowers, among others. She smiled at me when I pointed the camera at her. A few minutes later, it started o rain. But the warmth of their hospitality stayed in my heart. I lingered around and observed longer...and of course, took more pictures.

I am sharing to you this bouquet of smile from Luang Prabang.

ChrisJ, pridel, elroyie, papagolf21, ma-tibou, GrahamB, Eagle78, mikhalych, Jeppe, danbachmann, danos has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

kaychambers (1196) 2004-07-20 5:59

Once again, you successfully portray a fabulous image accompanied by a well written explination.

Congratulations Manuel.

Regards,

Vic, Singapore. 20th July 2004

ChrisJ (70153) 2004-07-20 6:01

You picked Luang Phrabang in Laos today, too. Same as me. Great portrait. The flowers are a bonus.

pridel (233) 2004-07-20 6:05

superbe ! La dame est au moins aussi belle que ses fleurs (je ne plaisante pas). On sent bien son envie de plaire à travers toute l'expression de son visage. cette photo n'est pas qu'un beau portrait supplémentaire, il dégage quelque chose de beaucoup plus intense en émotion, peut-être même en spontanéité. encore bravo.

elroyie (2750) 2004-07-20 6:09

Very good frame, very good portrait with good expression and very good details, well done!

papagolf21 (56261) 2004-07-20 7:12

Toujours de la magie dans vos photographies Manny ! L'émotion est présente dans la composition : le sourire, le regard de cette femme....
Félicitations Manny ! Un vrai régal.
Always of the magic in your photos Manny! The emotion is present in the composition: the smile, the glance of this woman....
Congratulations Manny! A true delight.

jrj (34779) 2004-07-20 7:40

Very charming old lady Manny. Smiling from the heart, offering flowers - what more can we have :-)

Good job again

harold (2271) 2004-07-20 7:42

Très beau portrait. Une prise de vue très belle.

GrahamB (939) 2004-07-20 9:01

Very nice portrait, I like the inclusion of the flowers to add interest and set the scene.
You certainly have a way of charming your subjects, young and old, into nice smiles and poses.

Darren (6817) 2004-07-20 9:07

Nice shot Manny, your colors are really nice, you have an interesting subject and I think the background is really ideal for a shot like this. However, there is something here that just seems a little off for me. I think for one, your crop is a little tight, or not tight enough. I would like to see more room over her head and more room so that the flowers aren't cropped on the right. Failing this, I would prefer a slightly lower crop on top and a fair bit tighter on the left. As it is, although good, it just seems between the crops I would like to see. I can't tell about the focus, my first impression is hat it looks sharp, but then again, I am not 100% certain. Anyways, a good shot for sure, but not up there with your really great shots.

Eagle78 (1925) 2004-07-20 10:26

Its a real pleasure watching your portraits Manuel! Thanks :)

ma-tibou (4566) 2004-07-21 3:04

Encore un magnifique portrait Manuel. Très belle prise de vue, beau sujet.

mikhalych (1311) 2004-07-21 3:46

Once again - wonderful portrait from you, Manuel. Nothing to add, nothing to remove.

Nice note as always :)

Jeppe (18623) 2004-07-25 17:31

I like those smile you gets on your portraits - fine composition you got here as well - wonder how many shots you must take to get a one like this and how long time it takes to get them -

I got some portraits shot for posting (at last) but they I can't get more then two or three in a row ;-)

Thanks for sharing Manuel - fine work as usual.

jhonny_blue (4938) 2004-08-04 10:00

Wonderful picture ! Her smile is great and the flower complete this beautiful work !
Fantastic !
Very well done !

waysai (607) 2004-08-12 13:08

I like very happy face expression and soft focus except at her face. May be that was part of your processing. For the crop, if it was horizontal shot, I would have leave more space on her left side. If it is vertical, I would have crop a bit tight on the right and cut the knee.

danbachmann (1684) 2004-09-16 16:49

Nice one Manny. You've got her kind warm glow and brought it to the otherside of the world. This looks like a good place to meet interesting people and also do some great photography

danos (32302) 2007-01-29 16:24

I was thinking what a kind and pleasant face this lady has, as if she is radiating an inner peace and beauty. Then I read your note, so I can honestly say that whatever it was you saw in the lady, you have captured it beautifully. Excellent tight framing and placement on the left for her to look into the frame. The narrow DOF you used is definitely the perfect choice.