Color and shape, a photo from An Giang, Mekong River Delta

Photographer's Note

Conical hat or 'non la' is probably the first thing we will see soon after arriving in Vietnam and it is part of daliy life till we leave the country. Conical peasant hat can crown heads of cyclists, people working the ricefields, rowing a boat, selling fruit in the street or with elegantly dressed business women. Under it, you can see a hardworking face, a sweet smile, a sweating vendor etc, so the conical hat has become a sort of informal national symbol that is recognoized worldwide. 'Non la' not only adds to the exotic picture of the country but also one of Vitenam's symbols of charm.

This was taken in the early morning hustle and bustle at Chau Doc river town market in Mekong Delta, An Giang province, a flat land and is criss-crossed by many canals and small rivers bordering Cambodia. Situated about 250 km west of HCM city, this town sits at the junction of a tributary linking the Bassac and Mekong Rivers, an incredibly friendly little town full of shooting opportunities.

I was very much attracted to vibrant color constrasting strongly to the prominent conical hat creating a more elemental appearance from this pov with camera set to widest aperture and fast shutter speed so as to give the totality of the subject. This vendor's colors have surely influenced viewers' mind from miles away, full of charm which adds life and colors to the streetscape. This shot to me, is undeniably evokes a special mood, atmosphere and certainly contributes a lot to the appeal of this quaint town.

daddo, ourania, holmertz, rbellemare, papagolf21, bukitgolfb301, jlbrthnn, Noel_Byrne, Noel_Byrne, danos, bayno, delpeoples, Schnappilic, CLODO, adores, damay2007, aliabazari, elenimavrandoni has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

daddo (18517) 2012-09-07 3:17

Salam neighbour. We are both sitting in front of the computer miles apart yet somehow sharing the same virtual reality. I hope that the Vietnamese never abandon this hat as it gives the wearer added grace.Vietnam in general is a most photogenic place. Wonderful vibrancy in this photo and a visually attractive combination of colours. As usual. the light is tops. Salam. Klaudio.

InasiaJones (29347) 2012-09-07 3:21

Hi Abmdsudi,

Yes for the simplicity.

Yes for the frame filling.

Yes for the bold colour.

Oriental, graphic, feminine. Very cool!

André

Bluejeans (64239) 2012-09-07 5:27

Ola Abmdsudi ,
Bom retrato a esta mulher de costas , acho fantásticos estes chapéus de palha , boa luz , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Nard (6913) 2012-09-07 6:01

Hi Abmdsudi
Nice backside picture standing out a beautiful bokeh. I like the framing chosen, the light and sharpness giving detailled textures, relief and deep colors.
Regards
Bernard

krzychu30 (8935) 2012-09-07 6:21

Hello Abmdsudi,
I like very much your portrait pictures and the way you perceive people on it.This one is awesome.The POV right from behind looks captivating,but also it creates kind of "mystery" atmosphere and let us think how the person look like.Excellent framing and superb quality.
Best regards
Krzysztof

Fis2 (73146) 2012-09-07 6:29

Witaj Abmdsudi!
Interesting composition and frame.
Good idea.
Excellent effect.
Best regards
Krzysztof

ourania (12469) 2012-09-07 7:11

Hello Abmdsudi,
the effectiveness and appeal of this picture is tremendous. With the lovely shape of the hat, the vendor's back and a very eye catching colour you've created a great composition that leaves a beautiful impression in the eyes and expresses a distinctive atmosphere and culture. It's an artful simple composition that has a strong and fulfilling impact on the viewer. The tight framing works superbly in enhancing the elegance of the conical hat and the striking chromatic contrast. I also love the harmonious tones of the totally blurred background. Sharpness and lighting are exquisite, the hat looks 3D and we expect the vendor to move or turn around at any minute. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great weekend,
Ourania

holmertz (26982) 2012-09-07 7:53

Hello Abmdsudi,
In a very simple way you have captured the essence of Vietnam. This is the kind of picture that I may have long ignored among my own collection, thinking it was just another snapshot in a crowd. Then suddenly after a long while, looking at it for the fourth time, I would realize its qualities, maybe improve the colours, crop it differently and end up with a really good picture. Maybe this was the case with you too.
Kind regards,
Gert

cornejo (18130) 2012-09-07 10:05

Hello Abmdsudi, excellent composition in this simple and beautiful picture, very good and nice image, very sharp, with good color and light. Very good and nice job well done my friend. Congratulations. Tfs.

Good afternoon and happy weekend.
Best regards and best wishes.
Angel.

rbellemare (2087) 2012-09-07 10:19

Hello Abmdsudi,

Very nice picture of yours. I like the colours of this woman blouse and the contrast created with the background. The same comment applies to this beautiful hat. Nice sharpness and composition.

Thanks for sharing.

Réjean

cebe (1139) 2012-09-07 11:27

Hello Abmdsudi,

Nice combination of forms and colours. Simple and stylish, manage to speak of Vietnam with very few elements. I would have seen a tiny bit more room above the hat, but that's me. A very pleasant photo. Claude.

papagolf21 (76611) 2012-09-07 11:34

Bonsoir, Abmdsudi,
Bravo pour cette réalisation très réussie. Le chapeau conique attire immédiatement le regard et ressort à merveille sur la tenue de cette femme.
Les couleurs sont superbes.
Une mise au point parfaite, tout est bon !
Amitiés.
Philippe

JFS (32189) 2012-09-07 12:16

Hello Abmdsudi,
Another very good portrait of yours, a great work, as usually.
Cheers,
Juan

bergese (6699) 2012-09-07 13:04

Hello Abmdsudi
Très belle image avec un cadrage parfait.L'ensemble ressort parfaitement sur l’arrière plan foncé.
Bonne soirée
Isa

lpi (4424) 2012-09-07 13:44

Hello Admdsudi,
Un joli cliché simple et fort bien réussi!
J'aime ce genre de cliché pris sur le vif!
Très bon coup d'oeil!
Bravo!
Amicalement,
LPi

boa (4313) 2012-09-07 13:53

Hi Abmdsudi,
i think you made an excellent description of this nice photo and i long for Vietnam when i see this shot. f/2.8 makes a pleasant backdrop, perfect for shots like this. I like the soft light and colors. I am not sure but i think i would have left more space above the hat and in front of the woman. Anyhow, a really good photo from Vietnam,Tfs!
Have a nice evening.
Boa

Janusz1974 (2275) 2012-09-07 14:05

Hi Abmdsudi,
I like this image!
the conical hat is a symbol of this country!
Original POV.Excellent effect.
well done!
Best regards
Janusz

mauro61 (52527) 2012-09-07 14:10

ciao Abmdsudi,
non c'è nulla di più interessante di ciò che non vedi e questa ne è la dimostrazione...
Ottimo il taglio e splendida la resa della veste magenta,
saluti
maurizio

carlo62 (12666) 2012-09-07 14:49

Ciao Abmdsudi
bella, semplice ed elegante.
Due colori che stanno molto bene insieme, buona illuminazione per un gran bel risultato.
Complimenti
Carlo

bukitgolfb301 (30111) 2012-09-07 17:32

Hi dear Abmdsudi YTH

Sorry formy late reply, as I was so busy this week.
Very impressive image by clear and sharp prsentation.
Perfect vertical framework and tight composition as usual. Good idea to back angle, abolishing all other elements. Thanks for your shring with great posting and have a good weekend!

Takero from Tokyo

CanmoreKevin (2111) 2012-09-07 19:08

Abmdsudi,
Colour and shape is exactly what this is all about. Wonderfully simple composition.
Kevin

ACL1978 (5793) 2012-09-07 21:25

Really lovely, delicate study of forms, Abmdsudi. Using the woman as an abstract piece of art works well, as from this angle she's reduced to basic shapes - the hat forms an ovl, the torso a rectangle, each with their own particular vibrant color and clear crisp texture. The extremely shallow DOF enhances that beautifully. Nicely done.

Andrew

radoncgirl (18) 2012-09-07 23:05

The simplicity of this photo and the rich color make it just about perfect!

Graal (88982) 2012-09-08 0:26

Hi Abmdsudi,
nice colours here. Fine DOF. Amazing hat. Good note and photowork.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

Silvio1953 (98259) 2012-09-08 4:02

Ciao Abmdsudi, great view of fantastic hat, fine details, splendid light, excellent clarity and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

rigoletto (30532) 2012-09-08 5:22

Hello Abmdsudi,
This is for sure a successfull photo. Original with its focus on the clothing rather than the face. The cadrage full with the lady, neglecting any other things, is just great. The bright pink color and the cone hat are right in there. There is nothing else, and we do not need anything else indeed. Bravo.
Deniz

jlbrthnn (79773) 2012-09-08 8:03

Hello Abmdsudi,
The colors are superb. A very beautiful and interesting photo. The note is helpful. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

dta (51510) 2012-09-08 8:18

Hello Abmdsudi ,
There is a lot of grace in the attitude of the woman . You've chosen the perfect moment to capture her back , in a very effective close framing . Fantastic work on the light and the DOF .
Splendid !

rbassin (11167) 2012-09-08 8:21

Hello Abmdsudi,
Une très belle image, bien cadrée, couleur et forme vont bien ensemble.
C'est très simple, très épuré.
Bon W-E
Roland

eldancer1 (17106) 2012-09-08 9:07

Awesome composition! Love the simplicity of it and it represents not a single person but all of humanity. Love the colors. Good use of the lighting and good dof with nice details. Very well done, tfs.

Noel_Byrne (7450) 2012-09-08 9:16

Hi Abmdsudi
Its a very elegant and graceful image, the hat itself has a great shape, but even the way the woman is holding herself is very graceful. The colour is vibrant and beautiful to see.
Thanks for sharing
Noel

maria-v1981 (10403) 2012-09-08 9:51

Hello Abmdsudi,
What a wonderful short a superb minimal picture, the strong colours are excellent. So artistic and elegance.
Have a nice evening,
Regards,
Maria

danos (74064) 2012-09-08 10:21

Hello Abmdsudi,
excellent the portrait with the colonial hat and the saturated colour of the cloth to makes the image so artistic.I like the tight frame as the excellent light and colour management.

Regards,Danos

dkmurphys (36857) 2012-09-08 11:22

Hello,
So simple but so artistic. A truly masterpiece and a great eye to catch such a detail. Well done!

Daniel

bayno (16241) 2012-09-08 23:33

Ciao Abmdsudi,
with your title you've already said it all, pleasant the shape of the hat and wonderful colors, I like the aura of mystery that you created, beautiful blur background that draws attention to the subject...
my best regards,
Valter

sevy (13273) 2012-09-09 0:19

Hello,

It is not only enough to get an iconic subject, it still remains to get the right and original shot. You did it.
It is not only showing the hat, it is giving a mood with the full colors and the narrow deep of field.
Nice job.

Yves.

ciakgiak (30331) 2012-09-09 4:10

Ciao Abmdsudi,
Splendida foto!!! La forma del cappello unita alla sinuosità ed ai colori del vestito ci ha regalato un'effetto di straordinaria bellezza. Grande l'idea ed esecuzione perfetta.
Un caro abbraccio
Giorgio

npecanhuk (53919) 2012-09-09 15:00

Hello Abmdsudi!
Wonderful picture!
I love those colors and light!
Perfect composition!!!!! Original and so attractive!
Suitable vertical format, sharp fg, blurred bg and black & white borders!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

karacabeylis (1287) 2012-09-10 4:53

an artistic specimen of making an excellent framing in the photography.

willperrett (2959) 2012-09-11 2:48

Hello Abmdsudi
What an unusual portrait! It surprisingly seems to tell us a lot about the wearer, even though we can't see anything of the person. The long lens has thrown all the background out of focus, so we can concentrate just on the graphic composition of hat and shirt: as you intended! Good work.
Regards
Will

delpeoples (45018) 2012-09-11 3:40

Hello dear Abmdsudi

This is such an enigmatic photo, of course much of it is owed to the clever way you have shot your subject, with her head facing away from the camera. We are intrigued to know what this elegant signora looks like. I also like the play of light and shade, which again adds to that sense of mystery. The colours and definition are majestic. A truly beautiful photo, expertly conceived and executed.

Warm regards
Lisa

Schnappilic (7931) 2012-09-12 10:08

Hello Abmdsudi,

Congratulations for this good portrait with a novel approach. I like your idea and beautiful colors.

All the best!

Ovidiu

Waylim (22357) 2012-09-12 18:08

Hi Abmdsudi,

This is a classic Vietnam image. A signature of Vietnam women's head wear.

Beuatiful colors, simple but effective composition, even if we don't see the face, we can still feel the essence of her gracefulness and elegance.

Way

CLODO (24734) 2012-09-14 2:26

Hi Abmdsudi

A good colored minimalist evocation of Vietnam, everything is well sumarized here!
My best regards
CLODO

westcoastgirl1 (660) 2012-09-14 3:18

Hi Abmdsudi

The sharpness and tight framing of your subject is mesmorizing. Vivid colours and the traditional hat are excellently captured. Perfectly blurred background.

Wonderful work,
Tosca

COSTANTINO (42746) 2012-09-14 7:17

Hello
simple but nice shot
only a hat nad a costume are the
main details of this shot,
the beauty is into the simplicity
visualy combination of colors
regards
have a nice weekend
Costantino

SnapRJW (18792) 2012-09-18 23:31

Hello Abmdsudi - I'm back from a trip and slowly catching up with recent posts. Love this one. Full of detail and although we cannot see the face the shot still conveys information about the woman and culture. The colour and simplicity of the composition are very good but what makes it work for me is the wonderful light which reveals the soft folds in the shirt so perfectly. Warm regards rosemary

adores (28248) 2012-09-20 15:19

Hi Abmdsudi!
Really Vietnam and a very good shot! I like it a lot. The fact that you're not showing the face makes it really special. The conical hat and the pink coat are really eye catching and situate us. Light is also great! Different and really well done!

clic (11045) 2012-10-01 6:42

Hello Abmdsudi
You dared...and your artistry composes a much-attractive "portrait"!! Many compliments.
I envey that one!
Cheers.
Robert

aliabazari (10105) 2012-10-22 20:06

Hi abmdsudi Dear
This is a beautiful portrait of a symbol of Vietnam, a beautiful country with honorable and hardworking people. Good lighting and warm colors, I love your photos.
Thank you for registering for this beautiful picture.

Regards, Ali

elenimavrandoni (5803) 2013-03-29 11:31

Color and shape in perfect harmony in a very elegant composition!
best regards,
Eleni

Cricri (86535) 2013-04-26 10:29

Hi Abmdsudi
Tout bon le cadrage serré, les détails du chapeau et la couleur vive de sa tenue, bien rendu sur le fond flou et sombre, magnifique
Belle soirée
cricri

adidas5nb (1149) 2013-05-03 20:01

i like the idea.nicely thought and executed.love the oriental feel the pic gives,with the minimal details.lovely colors,the hat draws special attention.
regards
dwaipayan