This is Me, a photo from Roi Et, Northeast

Photographer's Note

I hope no one is shocked by this picture. It Is not what it looks like. These are silicone implants. I was attending the Bung Ban Fai festival in Roi ET Province. A group of transsexuals (katois) were joining the procession and the dancing. They were dressing in a high street petrol station. I chatted with them and took some pictures. I was talking about her sex change surgery with this lady and she told me that she had silicone implant breast. I complemented her on them, saying that they looked very natural, and, without any inhibition, she took them out for me to inspect closely. They are certainly the pride of her life and would have cost her several year’s income. They are an essential part of her identity. I think that it is entirely acceptable because this is a special individual in a unique situation and culture saying to the world "This is me."
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mursaloglu, snunney, paulinka, iren_k, sothy81, skippy007, riclopes, chirasak, patdeph has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bantonbuju (51733) 2008-11-12 4:00

hi kevin,

this is a true trekearthing story, this is a real life as it is...
"she took them out for me to inspect closely" - love this statement... looks like you were really closely...
and looks like you and the big-breast woman were an interesting couple to be observed by others...
hmmm, quite an enjoyable photo...
bw, j.

mursaloglu (8047) 2008-11-12 4:04

hello Kevin
Really interesting from the side I think the photojournalism. Maybe would be better this if you were shooted in BW. I make for you a workshop in this direction with your respects Goodjob ihsan

[workshop] [compare]

snunney (67918) 2008-11-12 4:41

Hello Kevin,
An excellent daily life shot with a fine note to complement it. Photo reportage at its best. Well done.

abadlovesong (274) 2008-11-12 4:46

kevin,

This is a great capture. But your note and experience really do make this an excellent post. Well done! Thanks.

- brad

Morac (27419) 2008-11-12 4:49

Hi Kevin,
Far from being shocked, I found this picture and your comments full of respect and tolerance.
Thank you.
Best regards
Marc

paulinka (122) 2008-11-12 6:13

hey Kevin,
absolutely fantastic shot! Tells a lot about the place and woman there. I also think that it could be better to take it in a B&W, but anyway it's really good.
regards,
paulina.

sothy81 (9532) 2008-11-12 18:54

Yes Kevin this is a suitable one for TE. A learning experience from a country where trangender is quite common compared to Cambodia (I would guess). This is an issue that may be of interest to sociologists, psychologist, feminists... To my own opinion and exeprience in living in Asia, breasts are not that important part of women's beauty. However, because of the Western influence on how a woman should look like, people in many parts of the world are trying to embrace this type of beauty. Most people in Asia are concerned more in facial feature, not much into breast. So this is a great photo to show.
Sothy

wolf38 (28296) 2008-11-12 22:33

Hello kevin. The things show, how they are. Here you succeeded in authentic way. It pleases me that beside the Model the environment is to be seen. Worth seeing . Regards, Wolfgang.

skippy007 (12504) 2008-11-13 3:31

Hello Kevin, I saw the title & could not believe that you looked so fantastic, I was disappointed after reading your note, jokes aside a very interesting & colourful pic of this very attractive person. A daily life shot with a differences. Liked your note.
That's life.
Well done
Thanks
Santo

ALIRIZA (16419) 2008-11-13 10:43

Hi Kevin,
Yes I was shocked. An interesting and amazing composition from Bung Ban Fai festival with beautiful colours. Well done my dear friend...
Have a nice day...
Ali Rıza

riclopes (35567) 2008-11-14 2:06

One cannot escape this one, Kevin. I congratulate you to dare posting it and I'm glad it survived so far. I totally agree that their breasts look pretty and natural and it's great to be so close to them. No tricks of shooting from a distance trying to not be noticed. This is real, you talked to them and here they are. Very well done.
rgds,
ric

RGatward (20050) 2008-11-14 15:04

Intersting perspective on Thai life, again Kev, very obliging of her.

chirasak (2) 2008-11-16 19:23

Hello Ajarn
i would shock and think that you are crazy to post this shot, but your note make me more understanding about piccture, and i have to tell you that you are brave because i am scare to ask them when i try to take picture
excellent picture ajarn TFS

Best Regards
Chirasak

patdeph (35738) 2008-11-19 7:45

hello Kevin
when I sa the picture ,I first was surprised,but after reading your note,I have a great admiration,not for the picture,but for the tolerance of the ThaÏ people!The whole world could take a lesson with them!This man is not afraid that the others laugh at him,he knows that nobody as even the idea to do it!This is natural,this is him,you have the perfect tittle!
Don't know if you undestand what I mean!
Best regards
Pascale

capthaddock (28790) 2008-11-23 10:49

Oh my, even in San Fran we don't see this EVERY day, nice colorful and cultural, in the TE spirit of learning about the world.

ifege (9503) 2011-10-05 1:52

Hi Kevin
Hadn't noticed this one before. You wonder what people go through but this is a great photo - clear, crsip and colourful.
cheers
Ian