Halmowni Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

On the other end of the spectrum of the respect and family values seen here is also a harsher side of reality.

This shot is of a “Halmonie” (Grand Mother / old woman) one that should be retired by western standards, doing hard work in order to survive. This could be either because she has no family on which to rely or because they are unable to completely provide for her and she is supplementing the input doing this 10 dollar a day work. She is collecting trash that can be recycled as is this woman

In general there is no social security net for the aged in Korea and the family is the retirement system; No family, no retirement. In the west we have largely relieved our children of this responsibility. When I see this side of society, no matter where it is I take heart knowing that my day wasn’t so hard after all.

basithry, gunbud, dareco, rjb874, jlbrthnn, Royaldevon, Longroute, Silversnow, fulvio52, Charo, stego, avene, Cretense, Floydian, adores, mafegan has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

gunbud (27515) 2008-07-03 19:02

Hi Greg,
Yes it is good that our seniors are free from such toil but more and more of those in between end up with such meger jobs.
Excellent clarity and sharpness to this tought provoking image.
Regards, Tom

dareco (17024) 2008-07-03 19:19

Unfortunately this is a far too common scene in Asia, and I find it so sad. Really well taken, this brings back memories of my time in Korea. I wonder how heavy these carts are. An excellent note to go with this. TFS

jlbrthnn (36802) 2008-07-04 3:10

Hello Greg,
This woman points out my maternal grandmother to me who due to practically work until her death to provide for its needs, in France, with half of the 20th century. A réorganistion and not much more, would make it possible the countries which do not do it yet, to preserve their old. A sad scene, but a beautiful image.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

Royaldevon (5784) 2008-07-04 3:34

Hello Greg,

This is a very harsh, social document!
It's message is clear and precise ... almost like a news photograph!
Both this lady and the one in the w/s display a coping livelihood: unfashionable, unrespected, uncared for and yet, valiantly carrying despite all afflictions.

Yor photograph records the conditions in sharp detail and your interesting notes underline what we see.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

Longroute (8831) 2008-07-04 5:15

A sad image... Very effective in the way it's taken and composed. But reality is not all beauties.
Greetings,
Donato

Silversnow (2069) 2008-07-04 9:18

A very tghoutfull photo, the downcast of her eyes says it all...

Budapestman (40866) 2008-07-05 3:31

Hi Greg,
A very sad photo with talkative details. The composition is very good, excellent shot from this sad social standing. Very effective shot. Have a nice weekend
George

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-07-05 11:13

Hi buddy,
excellent shot, sharp and thoughtful, well envisioned and executed, with great social implications.
This is a major problem getting worst by the day as the rich get richer and the poor poorer. Meanwhile, the (poor) world population keeps increasing...
Have a good weekend, my friend. Thanks for sharing!
See ya soon,
Fulvio.

Charo (31651) 2008-07-05 17:43

Hola Greg,
Una triste realidad bien presentada por ti. Excelente toma con muy buenos detalles y colores. Buen trabajo.
Cordialmente
Charo

stego (22318) 2008-07-08 3:51

Hi Greg,
It's a sad situation that should make us angry. And maybe the worst part is that it isn't so characteristic of Korea. It's a compelling documentary, very effective and, in a certain way, beautiful also.
Regards, José.

avene (10842) 2008-07-09 3:42

Greg,
quite a contrast with the other post, and eloquent illustration to what your write in your note about the absence of the social secyrity net. it's interesting how in both photos we do not see the faces of the people, but still know right away what their expressions are likely to be. the square crop works well here to emphasise how the garbage surrounds her. powerful photo.

regards,
Kristine

Cretense (54654) 2008-07-09 12:03

Hi Greg!

Great example of street photography, nice spontaneous take. Nice composition and framing and great light managment! Congratulations!

Hercules

Floydian (30970) 2008-07-10 8:07

Hi Greg,
I have seen these image a few times on the thumbnail but never open it. That was foolish of me because there is so much inside which is worthwhile to look at. The woman her gloves, her clothings but most of all her very colourful dress. The way she looks down, scrolling for the trash...what a life, i really feel sorry for these people that they have to do this kind of work.
A picture with a message, that's for sure.
The b&w doesn't add a thing, it's also about the colours here.
Regards, Henk

adores (15251) 2008-07-14 17:34

Hi Greg!
A hard scene to see but a good shot. It must be terrible to work so hard at this age. I like the details, even the fact that you're not showing her face, guess it was a good choice.

mafegan (3949) 2009-07-16 5:03

Hello Greg
Your notes make me appreciate my lot in life. You have portrayed this hard working woman well especially with the out of focus background. Tfs, Marlene