Catching Some Zzzzs Photo

Photographer’s Note

This shot I think is a very good example of some of the real differences between North American and Asian cultures. In Canada, if one is found sleeping in public, he or she would usually be assumed to be a drunkard who has passed out. In Taiwan and most other areas of Asia, the same assumption is not so quickly made. This guy was actually running a small shop and was just outside having a rest in the late afternoon sun. No drinking involved, just a little time for a siesta (I guess the Canadian standards don't extend to Mexico either). It is not at all unusual to see people having a rest, either inside their small shops, or like this guy, on chairs outside. I like the more relaxed, less judgemental ways here.

Normal post processing, handheld, uncropped, ISO 400, 148mm focal length.

etiennejr, hojper, Galeota, pridel, ishai, avis2avis, baudinm, MLINES has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

randompics (913) 2004-08-23 8:37

he he nice shot.. u caught him.. he must be dreaming.. the composition is good

etiennejr (1014) 2004-08-23 8:42

This is such a common site, but this man is really funny. I work in a hotel in China, and even 9:30 in the morning, they crash in the sofa and start napping away. Especially around 11:30, 5 in a row is not uncommon. I'll try to match your picture, but that will be a big challange. I love it!

kourosh (2368) 2004-08-23 9:46

Hi Darren. Good shot. We see such scenes in china very often. i think this would look good too in black and white.

hojper (2830) 2004-08-23 10:48

Good note, an interesting little snapshot (at least it is a thumbnail that makes you want to open it up) and thank you for mentioning the focal length used. I sometimes think it should be an obligation. As a great catnapper myself I can only sympathise with this guy and apparently the entire population of Asia.

Galeota (10334) 2004-08-23 13:48

Everyone on this earth needs a siesta per day. The only difference between Asian and North American /European cultures, is that asians just close their eyes wherever they are, and westerners sleep with their eyes closed while pretending to be working. Or didn't you ever noticed that?

Sometimes I really have the feeling that we are much too narrow minded over here. Just look closely at his body language! That guy is not sleeping. He is actually in heaven!

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pridel (233) 2004-08-23 16:03

Darren.
It's an amusing photograph and its note is interesting. I like much the attitude of the man. the colors sharp with the background give a good contrast with calms scene of the nap.
thank's and congrats
Pascal

ps) in Paris in my office, i can have a nap after lunch, chhhttt it's a secret :)

ishai (4093) 2004-08-23 16:09

Darren I like this shot a real daily life indeed
The way he looks he either didn’t sleep for a week or having a very good dream of his Old girlfriend like gal noticed
The composition is pure and real
Well seen

maciekda (19587) 2004-08-23 18:15

nice one, great moment, good compo and excellent technique - clear, sharp, good colors... nothing to nitpick here

shihwei (238) 2004-08-23 22:52

haha... Interesting.
Nice capture Darren.

avis2avis (4236) 2004-08-24 2:31

A very nice shot and an equally interesting note. Even here in India it is not uncommon at all to see people taking a cat nap in the open especially in the afternoons.

flydragon (0) 2004-08-24 5:32

haahhha Darren i like this picture ,o)
i love also people sleeping they look so quiet
but this one have a funny position
i saw so many time in Asia people sleeping
i realy love this
good job
Simon

joseelias (367) 2004-08-27 8:03

In Portugal a process to more formal behaviours is happening and many times I don't feel that's a positive change... More and more people judge themselves and other by the appearence and isolated acts...

This is certainly a very nice image of the daily life. The fact that the chair seems to be bending to the right even create a more relaxed and informal feeling. As a matter of fact all the surroundings add to this very casual feeling. Good composition, colors and and excelent DOF.

Luko (13894) 2004-09-27 16:10

It's been a while I didn't come to comment your images, Darren, my bad!

I can't resist shooting someone who sleeps too ; Asia is a wonderful playground for this game (Though I realize I haven't posted anything about this vice...).

It's often said that the posture or way you sleep reveals your deepest self... what can we say about this guy :D... have you seen that cable wire like a reversed question mark over his head...
Questions raised about his legs and arms wide open too, many shrinks would be interested to drill into that sleeping posture, I guess...

Tech speaking, nothing to add, well balanced.

(ps : congrats for your website!)

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femkevdh (2633) 2004-09-30 3:52

I agree, very 'TE' this photo. This can only be seen in Asia.
Fantastic capture!!!

baudinm (347) 2005-06-03 4:19

Hi Darren,
I like this one a lot. That's sure : he's sleeping !
I like the composition a lot, with a lot of space on the top of the picture, where the dreams of the man surely are...
The depth of field is perfectly managed and the colors are fine.
Bravo !
Amicalement,
Michaël

yanseiler (20) 2006-05-04 9:04

Excellent...sharp and funny, I like the piece of yellow in the background...
Cheers
Yan