Thaipusam II, a photo from North Eastern Islands, North East

Photographer’s Note

Another image from the Thaipusam festival held earlier this week.

Given his look, I get the impression this guy is thinking along the lines of "Why am i doing this?" or maybe even "Who threw that?"

Selected subject's outline, desaturated background & then blurred to remove irrelevances behind and finally a USM filter was applied.

Comments and observations, as always, most invited.

Regards,

Vic, Singapore. 27th January 2004.

alford has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Geo (1239) 2005-01-27 11:08

I love the expression on this guys face. Somehow it is not the macho view we usually see. Nice crisp photo Not sure if it was really night time. Too bad about the flash reflection, but it was probably necessary to use a flash if there wasn't a lot of light. Maybe some PP burn could reduce it.

jiekuan (330) 2005-01-27 21:12

good capture on the expression. Yes, flash reflection is the bad thing here.

Toonboy (2539) 2005-01-28 16:35

Hi Vic

Great angle to show the spike through the cheeks and very sharp (the picture I'm on about not the spike)

Regards Kenneth

digi-mom (1064) 2005-01-29 15:31

You were able to get some good details and information on this ceremony. The desaturation kind of gives him a psychadelic glow, which may be appropriate in this case. Interesting series. Don't know if I could have stood it. Thanks for sharing. :o)

danielswalsh (13573) 2005-01-30 19:34

Hi Vic;

Good capture, but I'm not sure if I like the post production work. For me, the bit of hallowing occuring around the subject against the desaturated background, almost makes it "cut out" like.
I'd like to see the original mate....

Warmest Regards,
Dan

MiguelP (14358) 2005-02-04 14:37

Sometimes world is such a strange place... Watching this photo I also wonder why religions usually go assiciated with pain. Very interesting photo, Vic, and I think he´s asking himself "Why an I doing this?" I wonder the same thing too.

alford (3961) 2005-02-18 18:51

Hi Vic! It's a little bit weird but interesting as well! The guy's facial expression seems like he's uncomfortable being photographed or uncomfortable in his situation. Blurring the background is a good idea. Very good POV, you really showed us how that metal went thru his skin. Thanks for sharing, and have a nice day! rgds.