Economy of Chauvinism Photo

Photographer’s Note

An exhilarating display of national chauvinism at Wahga, the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan.

The flag lowering ceremony is held at the border each day where members of the security forces at both sides put up an carefully choreographed show of anger and professional prowess whilst capturing the emotion that the nationals of the two countries supposedly hold towards each other...'National Chauvinism'

Stomping their steel soled DMS (drill military shoes) on the unforgiving asphalt, these soldiers prove that the economy of national chauvinism is yet to be eclipsed by a mutual sentiment of respect and acceptance between the Indians and Pakistanis.

My seven month old son (at the time 3 months old) unable to register any of these emotions at his age, enjoyed the ceremony quietly from the safety of his mother's lap in the warmth of the may evening with national songs in the background.

holmertz, PixelTerror, Mirco, trekks has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

aadilj (17950) 2009-08-21 5:36

Hey I saw my side of it two years back and they were equally aggressive! What a sense of deja vu Kamran. Lovely work.
and Ramzan Mubarak

alftrek (2773) 2009-08-21 6:17

Hello Kamran,
I am deeply impressed by both portraits(the other in the WS)which I think exceeded all your previous portrait shots. You have a good BG contrast for this guard in dark coloured uniform, wonderful soft light on his face and his expression is something not to be taken lightly.

In the WS, I admire the blurred colour tone surrounding your daughter who is in sharp focus. I think the natural light gives you that attractive tone.

Well done

Cheers
Alfred

holmertz (9546) 2009-08-23 2:24

Hello Kamran,
I am sure this man is proud of his uniform, and it looks good on photos, but I have always found something very awkward and unsettling about these gala uniforms and nationalistic military shows. I remember crossing that border on foot very long ago. It was a great moment for me, but there were none of those ceremonies going on at that time. Maybe because it was so soon after the latest war, nationalist feelings were upheld without any need for show-offs.
Thanks for sharing,
Gert

PixelTerror (86038) 2009-08-23 2:31

HI Kamran
A superb uniform and a very nice portrait that carries a delightful load of exotism
Have a nice day JY

MarcT (21093) 2009-08-25 10:19

Hi Kamran,
Very nice soldier's portrait.
Great bokeh and good colors.
Best wishes
Marc

dumbo (4350) 2009-09-05 23:53

Hello Kamran,
This is a fine composed photo with great colors and sharpness. I like that man in that majestic dress and that well blurred background.

Kind regards,
Eino

delkoo (34194) 2009-10-31 9:57

hi kamran,
Another classic yet very unique shot....taken with expertise !pride in his eyes is easily visible.
Great moment!
Regards,

didier

Photo Information

Copyright: Kamran Channa (kschanna) (2634)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-23
Categories: Daily Life, Festivals
Camera: Nikon D200, Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM, ISO 100, Sigma 77mm DG UV
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/250 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2009-08-21 4:36
Favorites: 1 [view]