Lipton Tambang Photo

Photographer’s Note

I believe your first question will be "what is a Tambang?" (perhaps for some Sarawakians "what is Lipton?").

Kuching, the capital of Borneo state of Sarawak was built along the Sarawak river, as no bridges crosses from the ex palace of the former White Rajah to the town center, Kuching citizen needed a quick and cheap way of transportation to cross the river.

These two oar small boats which you guessed are called tambangs are boarding every 3 or 5 minutes, the crossing only last 5 minutes for a cheap half ringgit (15 US cents). There is no official schedule, the boatman leaves when he thinks his boat is full enough or when you simply sign him to go (in this case prepare to pay a little extra).

Tambangs have been there since the beginnings and very fortunately will still be here for a moment as no bridge or bigger motor ferry is expected. They're a full part of Kuching's grace with their lovely colors.

I don't know why and how Lipton happened to be been a major sponsor of the Tambangs. In fact there are two tambang types : the yellow Lipton ones and the purple Cadbury tambangs further up the river.
The yellow ones are much more photogenic, specially at the time I took the shot around 12:00, when the bright sun is hammering the colors, burying all the shades into deep black and turning murky Sarawak river into a flow of melted chocolate.

torben, Steely, Darren, digi-mom, eleparc has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

torben (3084) 2004-04-15 18:07

The man is placed perfectly in the triangle of the boats, good composition, bold colors, fine sharpness, interesting suject and note. Not much to criticise, just enjoy and praise.

RGatward (19751) 2004-04-15 18:15

Presumably from the Cadbury ones:-) Yes these certainly are very photogenic, and nice crop. Interesting note.

Steely (895) 2004-04-15 22:19

luko, did you see the Wall's ice cream and the "Truly Asia Malaysia" types?
I saw a few pics of these from a friend's trip. Seem there are some advertisement tie-ups LOL!

Good shot, covering details in one boat and the boatman in another.

Nice :)

gringofil (0) 2004-04-15 22:44

This is just excellent, Luko. I really light the high contrasty feel to the shot, the deep colors of the river and the striking yellow of the boats. The character is a nice addition to the scene (as always). I just wish that the pole was not sticking into his face...maybe a half second earlier or later would have placed him away from this object. Anyway, in all other aspects this is simply a wonderful shot. Good work, Luko.

Darren (6819) 2004-04-16 7:57

This is quite different from you Luko. I am surprised to see you post something so saturated, you are usually more inclined to very subdued colors IMO (this is neither good nor bad, just an observation). Also, this is the first time I remember you posting a shot taken using slide film. Anyways, it all works quite well here. the yellow really jumps out of my screen and without the saturation, this shot wouldn't work near as well. I wonder if it would be good to see just a little more detail in the man's face? I think the two tambangs have created some interesting angles and shapes too. This is good Luko, although probably not at the level of your very best.

Ebbe (9589) 2004-04-16 18:12

Great colors but also a fin tight composition. The hard light gives clear colors and also nice bouncing light on the lower part of the boat. The man is well placed and nicely hidden under the hat, allways good to keep a secret.

eleparc (24059) 2004-04-21 5:20

want a cup of tea? nice shot luko. your compo here is optimal:-)and really makes this shot. nice hot colors too

maciekda (19599) 2004-04-25 4:26

hi Luko, I have a problem with this one... colors are wonderful - rich red and yellow. but the composition is strange - those arcs don't fit together i think. i don't like this grey round concrete thing on the right side, boats are heavily cropped and the man in the middle doesn't help much - too small and looking to right side... it is quite difficult to criticize this picture, sth just doesn't work here ;)

Dionysos (1234) 2005-02-04 8:29

I like it too much with several reasons.

-As a one who works for Lipton Company, seeing the logo here is very funny.

-It is a wonderful presentation or expression of 'Globalism' ..... bad or good.

-Composition is extraordinay, unusual and great. I don't agree maciekda. It gives a feeling 'a native man sieged by globalism'

jinju (14265) 2005-06-01 1:44

The colors here caught my eye at forst but the man in the center really makes this photo special. Its a nice photo. We really need more of your photos Luko, as TE has been really missing good photos lately.