fishing for anchovies, a photo from Western, South

Photographer's Note

Yes, again... nets... last time...till I don't know when...

This is Negombo, near Colombo, which hosts tourist resorts. However, there are a few interesting places, for instance the public beach when fishermen are coming back early in the morning.

Unfortunately I was misinformed, 7AM was too early, i missed the traditional fishing sailing boats with incredible triangular black sails I had never seen before, those slower boats returned later, and i could just see a fleet of them passing far off while i was already elsewhere.
I still have rolls of fishing nets on the beach plus the very interesting fish market. Honour safe.

There is an implicit rule on the beach between fishermen and poor people, you cannot see the near to begging people on the pic, I was standing beside them. The small fish you can see trapped in the nets are anchovies, every fish within the net limits belongs to the fisherman, if ever it falls on the sand it belongs to the first who catches it.
Each time an anchovy was sacked off the net or even fell 2cm outside the net, someone swiftly picked it up in a snap of the fingers.

The strange thing was that the fishermen hardly even glimpsed or cared at what the others were taking from their fish.
Really two different worlds on one beach.

greg, elena has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

mbaltuch (0) 2003-05-22 18:44

I like this one. Good balance in the composition with the larger woman on the right and the size of the boat balancing her on the left.

gringofil (0) 2003-05-22 23:03

This is a good photo, but a bit too dark in places. I can't really make out any of the faces. But the composition is perfect and your "characters" are as always perfect...how do you pick them anyway? Good job!

AdiAdar (2500) 2003-05-23 1:45

mistic atmosphire very good b&w photo

adam (860) 2003-05-23 2:56

The triangular shaped net with man working behind it is super. Your accompanying story allows me to really understand the photo well. Thanks.

anadai (2633) 2003-05-23 4:01

Beautiful.

Aegean (2571) 2003-05-23 4:34

Perfect composition and framing...A real classic shot of fishermen...I love it...

olli (2091) 2003-05-23 4:38

I like the positions of all those people. Beautiful b&w tones. The stick in the middle reminds me of a mast and the triangular shaped net of a sail...

philip_coggan (11) 2003-05-24 7:42

Everything about this shot is just right, from the exposure to the composition - and the use of light is creative, too (I think this was shot more or less into the sun, and a fill-flash used on the man closest to the camera). And I love the little histoire.

Darren (6823) 2003-05-24 12:39

I love the documentary nature of this shot. The fact that they are going about their work, not paying attention to you at all is great. I think b&w works perfectly in this case as well, color would detract. Although I would guess you didn't even notice them while you were composing the shot, the birds in the air are another plus to this excellent shot. I would like to award extra marks if possible due to the details you have provided, but as I can't I will just mention that they are appreciated.

sam (897) 2003-05-28 15:33

Great PJ image with many layers to draw the eye. The textures are great, like the fish net catching the sunlight. Wouldn't change a thing.

mcreider (673) 2003-07-20 6:12

Graet b/w again - thank you for sharing

Porteplume (3323) 2003-07-20 7:17

(So glad Maxim comments this one, it permitted me to find it in the "fresh critique list")
It's an amazing shot, looks like the small "notched" (dentelé?) B&W photos I found in my father's hidden shoebox, from his time in Madagascar.
Very impressive...

Margherita (189) 2003-10-17 3:45

I've just seen all your pictures, and I am really impressed by your style. This one is a good example.
The oblique vertical line divides it into two parts, the fishermen don't seem to be conscious of your presence, and there is action going on. It makes you think about how hard their work is, and yet, at the same time, there is the harmony of team work. Brilliant, like many others.

touristdidi (8578) 2003-11-09 10:36

I stayed at that beach... I missed everything, except children catching guppies in the stream. I like this picture, and I really like the story!

photosettle (1516) 2004-02-19 15:48

I am so impressed w/ your pictures. They really draw me in and tell a story. Your images capture a mood, have good composition, great exposures, and nice toning. Would like to know your toning techniques.(also love your notes)

eleparc (24063) 2004-02-22 14:32

and do not tell us it is due to leica only.. it probably helps but you do have a great eye! those b&w pics are just amazing! light 's perfect, angles of view, dof, nothing to say but wouah!

raytheron (589) 2004-03-07 8:31

Very dinamic composition, and the tonal range is excellent, too! I also like your use of light. Most impressive!

greg (2835) 2004-03-15 11:47

Beautiful light you've caught here. I like the composition especially - I wish I could emulate what you do in this respect. I don't think you did use flash, as Philip said, but you must have done something to lighten the near figure?