Weed Controller Photo

Photographer’s Note

Driving from Kuching to the Bidayuh Longhouse we traversed some spectacular high country. It was an overcast day initially and the clouds were obvious- not that I minded since they added character to the panorama.What surprised me was the weed controller whose job seemed to be to spray weedkiller along the edge of the road. From a distance I took him to be a native person on the way to or from his fields with a carrying basket on his back. But as you can see, it's a plastic container that he is carrying filled with the poison. Somewhat of a contradiction in a seemingly pristine place like this.
The photo was taken from inside of a moving van- the sort of situation where you shoot and hope for the best.

feather, Buin, ellelloo, alftrek, npecanhuk has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

holmertz (10105) 2009-07-17 2:55

Hello Klaudio,
A weed controller seems to me like a rather strange person in an area that I remember from 33 years ago as very different. I think Sarawak has undergone great changes since the 70's. The scenery still looks great though, and the low clouds certainly add to the atmosphere.
Regards,
Gert

feather (50460) 2009-07-17 3:24

Your hope for the best paid dividends as there is no sign this was taken in any other way but carefully framed while standing in the road. The road leads the eye into the scene by-passing the tropial greenery to the cloudy mountains. Strange occupation of the man on the road.
Kath

Buin (38546) 2009-07-17 5:03

Hallo Klaudio!
A very special kind of a daily life photo - and a beautiful and interesting one as well. What a wonderful and overabundant nature - but your comment brings the viewer back to reality. A good and somehow important contribution here!
Greetings from hot and thundery Germany!
Frank

ellelloo (5017) 2009-07-17 7:59

Hello Klaudio,
The composition is excellent and one would not guess the shot was taken from a moving van. A beautiful landscape and and a good photo. TFS!
Greetings,
Lasse

alftrek (2973) 2009-07-17 14:43

Hello Klaudio,
What I like about the landscape here compared to Australia is the wide range of green tones due to consistently higher rainfall all year round. It is such a pleasant view isn't it especially with the BG mountains and clouds. The lone man on the road makes an interesting sight indeed. From inside the van, this is a marvellous shot. Compositionally, I like the edge of the road meeting spot on at the bottom right corner, creating a leading line from there on. Ideally, it would be nice if you have taken it at a stretch of winding road, but you were not in control of the van.

Often you could also see a couple of grass cutters(one on each side)with petrol powered cutter mounted on their backs. The job seems to be an endless one, just like the weed killer, given the distant they have to cover.

Correct me if I am wrong, the view does not seem to be on the way to the Cultural Village, it looks more like on the way to the Bidayuh long house. As you go this road you would have notice Borneo Highland Resort not far before arriving at the long house, if this rings a bell in your mind. Bill and I have traveled down this road on numerous occasions.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful side of Sarawak.

Regards
Alfred

npecanhuk (15090) 2009-08-13 7:42

Hello Klaudio!
I love roads and pictures that include them!
This one is excellent, with a very well chosen pov and a superb composition! Sharpness, exposure and natural colors are outstanding too! I really like it! Very interesting, pleasant, attractive and beautiful!
I've been away from TE for almost a week because I went to a place with no computers at all! Now, I'm catching up with my comments on my TE friends's pictures! As for the ukrainian, no, unfortunately, I don't speak that language, although my grandfather was ukrainian!
My warmest regards,
Neyvan

darek1978 (11675) 2009-08-25 8:59

Hi Klaudio,
I like the way the road draws the eye into the scene. A fine perspective on this landscape with very impressive view in the background. Well done!
Regards,
Darek