A little dance maybe? Photo

Photographer’s Note

The two girls on my photo are growing up on farms in the Eastern part of still rural Switzerland and I found them so natural and healthy looking that I had to show them to you. They were bare-footed, their faces were glowing and they did all sorts of stupid stuff on stage instead of showing their little dance they were supposed to – and I can still hear their giggles. The occasion was a Fest for local people, a gathering to meet friends and neighbours, to share their music, dances and wear their traditional clothing – and maybe find a bride for life :) The Sellamatter Aelplerfest is a true eye catcher for eyes and ears, and the day started early with an outdoor service followed by music and dances, yodels and a lot of Swiss flags, and I must admit that some of the yodels gave me shivers so pure and earthbound, on the way to be lost and yet still alive if we take care and appreciate the tradition that remains.

Alp Sellamatt is easly reached by chairlift (also in summer) from Alt St. Johann and offers besides skiing nice hiking trails. The Fest is every year in July depending on the weather.

Standa, bostankorkulugu, Floydian, pat0500, robiuk, atlantida, adelune, scobert, avene, jwi61, PixelTerror, gunbud, alainh, plimrn, fulvio52, zmey, Dyerco, difty93, keribar, temmel, MayaG, euryan, rajju, Flavia, dareco has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Floydian (30970) 2008-02-03 10:16

Hallo Barbara,
What a beautiful picture, look at her eyes, arn't they beautiful. Maybe a bit tight in the frame. And why no colour here, must look wonderful on their clothings.
But the smile and the pose of the girl are truly wonderful.
Ein sehr schönes bild ;-)
Have a nice evening, Henk

pat0500 (21481) 2008-02-03 10:29

Hi Barbara,
Very beautiful image and tender glance of this small girl..!
Good shot and good choice of the B/W..!
I like much this one..!
Best regards,
Patrick

robiuk (10761) 2008-02-03 10:32

Hi Barbara,
Interesting photo where it seems like the girls
are mirroring each other, being dressed in quite
similar traditional robes.
What a cuteness in their holding hands while dancing,
and what a shear happines on her face!
But I have to ask the same question - why not in colour?
Have a great evening,
Robi

atlantida (2313) 2008-02-03 11:05

Heeey, I was wondering when will u get out of that snowy period and show us something different, and boom, there u go, the most charming, sweet, joyful presentation ever. Indeed the framing is little tight on the top, I dont miss color here, it's good this way.
Great job!
Gordana

knerkowski (1467) 2008-02-03 11:56

Hi Barbara
Beautiful portrait full of emotion and sweetness.
Good use of B&W. Good light management also
thanks for sharing
Regards
Kevin

sebinho342 (18341) 2008-02-03 13:34

Hi Barbara, this is really emotional and beautiful, i like a lot this double portrait, portraits of joy and hapiness, of tradition, in BW the rendering is really interesting and you managed it whiter than darker, i can figure out this is thought and i like you too this idea.
Great overall sharpness, good picture

adelune (2) 2008-02-03 13:38 [Comment]

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scobert (5333) 2008-02-03 13:58

Hello Barbara,
It is interesting that you and I just posted photos of two little girls (I posted a double portrait of two Chinese sisters). This simply a lovely, lovely image of these cute little girls having a lot of fun. The expression on the girl's face just can't be replicated in the portrait studio. I am very impressed with your fabulous photograph and it is a real treasure!
Stan

avene (9936) 2008-02-03 19:28

imagine how comfortable and at home those girls felt when they did what they wanted to, not what everyone else expected from them :) you can see in their faces that they are totally oblivious to the rest of the world and are simply enjoying themselves. I like a lot how you left the shot very light, I think this dream-like quality fits perfectly the image of careless childhood. sweet and beautiful photo, Barbara, I like it a lot.
have a great beginning of the week,
Kristine

messenger1 (1027) 2008-02-03 21:41

Salut, Barabara -
Great capture of a singular moment and expression. Although I would love to see a color version someday, I think the B&W was a good choice. Her eyes and smile are perfect. I really have to attend more Swiss festivals - I'd like to get some shots like this!

jwi61 (71) 2008-02-04 0:26

Great photography.
So much content in a fragment of joy.
I like the way the background is a bit out of focus to have the main subject isolated.
Good on you to finish in B/W.

All you are saying in your comment is written in the photo as well. Except for the information on the location and how to get there.

I'm very happy that Switzerland is protecting its traditions and I suppose the Swiss people is aware of their treasures.

Applause.

PixelTerror (81500) 2008-02-04 2:09

Salü Barbara,
Sie sehen sehr nett aus, hübsch auch dank den schönen Kleider, was ich hier mag ist dass ich Austausch im Augenkontakt spüren kann, auch wenn ich nur eine sehe. Bin kein SW Liebhaber, ist hier bekannt, allerdings hat es hier sicher geholfen, um die kleine Ueberbelichtung zu minimieren. Eventuell könntest Du etwas mehr Kraft in den Schwarzen Tonen reinstecken.
Scheeni Wuche, ufpasse Boss isch zrugg ;-)
JY

brandstaetter (12911) 2008-02-04 8:28

Hallo Barbara,
süsses Foto :), und schön auf das Mädchen mit dem uns zugewandten Gesicht fokussiert. Wenn Du die Blende noch weiter aufmachst, wäre der Effekt noch schöner. Auch die Umwandlung in ein Schwarz-Weiss-Bild finde ich super.
LG Christian

gunbud (25481) 2008-02-04 12:32

Hi Barbara,
Wonderful capture of these charming young ladies seen dressed in the local traditional garb. Excellent use of light higlights their wispy hair and the expression on the child's face is preceless. The b&w treatment goes well with your theme of traditioanl ways.
Regards, Tom

vts_ch (2624) 2008-02-06 12:23

Hello Barbara,

Elle est douce ton image, et le highkey lui va si bien, pleine de tendresse, un vrai poésie.

A bientot

Vincent

alainh (34751) 2008-02-08 0:32

hello Barbara
very tender picture. i like how you framed it, the post-processing and the attitude captured. very beautiful
have a nice day Barbara
alain

plimrn (18682) 2008-02-08 13:04

Hi Barbara,
Great framing here; it's almost like the one girl is looking in a mirror at her own joyous self. It is amazing how well B&W captures the delicate skin texture found only in the very young. The joy in this photo made my day also.
HLJ, Pat

Nicou (38186) 2008-02-09 4:38

Hello,

merveilleux portrait que ce deux jeunes filles encostume , toute une douceur, de la fraîcheur et de la joie se dégae de cette superbe image.

Bravo et amitiés

Nicou

pascal13 (1598) 2008-02-10 2:31

Bonjour Barbara,
Superbe...!!Cadrage excellent.J'aime beaucoup le regard de cette petite fille.Cette image dégage beaucoup de douceur et de tendresse.C'est trop mignon.Bonne idée d'avoir opté pour le N&B.
Bonne journée.
Pascal

veronika (6018) 2008-02-11 7:12

Hi Barbara,
this is so cute ane lovely double portrait, full of move and as you wrote in the note, those 2 little ladies look so fresh and healthy but what is more important, seem to be really satisfied :)
Beautiful image!
Vero

Silvio1953 (36421) 2008-02-11 11:01

Hi Barbara, delicate B&W with lovely dancing couple, nice composition, very well done, ciao Silvio

Standa (1861) 2008-02-12 4:25

Hi Barbara,
this is sweet break in your winter series. Great portrait which looks like a reflection on a mirror. Good choice of B/W.
Regards,
Stanislav

joaschmidt (551) 2008-02-12 13:28

Jööö!
Herzig.
Zeitlos.
Gruss
Joachim

pboehringer (768) 2008-02-13 7:24

Barbara,
a very light and soft image portraying the rural and safe side of the swiss life. The facial expression of that little swiss angel is really touchy! I like the tight frame of the scene. It allows to focus the attention only on the interaction between the two so nicely dressed girls. I have the same question as Henk, why not in colors? Maybe the overexposure was better to be managed in B&W? Personally I would have increased a little bit the contrast.
Peter

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-02-15 7:27

Hi Barbara,
those eyes speak volumes!
Wonderful portrait! The two little girls almost seem to mirror into each other.
Have a nice weekend, see you soon.
Ciao,
Fulvio.

bostankorkulugu (31273) 2008-02-15 23:49

what a cute expression you managed to catch on this beautiful angel's face... i like the tight cropping and the choice of B&W also... a real good one barbara, my compliments...

korkut

zmey (7257) 2008-02-20 12:46

hello barbara

sorry, i missed this one when you posted it. a great and joyous portrait. clean, well lit and unmistakeably full of innocent childhood joy. i think, the grayscale conversion has helped to bring out this clean feeling too.

excellent work.

kind regards,
kristaps

Dyerco (8160) 2008-02-21 9:17

Hi Barbara
This is a splendid portrait of these two little imps at play. The B&W presentation is nicely handled with a superb softness in the face.
Phil

MarcT (20231) 2008-02-23 13:04

Hallo Barbara,
Ein wunderbares Bild. Schwarz-Weiss war eine sehr gute Wahl.
Bis zum nächsten Mal :))
Marc

marietom (29890) 2008-02-24 2:52

Hello Barbara,

Quelle expression, elle est superbe, cette image, très beau noir et blanc !
Marie

clnaef (6289) 2008-02-26 22:55

Bonjour,
Sympathique scène de la vie folklorique.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

annikon (54) 2008-03-02 1:54

Hallo,
wie härzig!!!
Auch das schwarz-weiss ist sehr passend zu diesem Bild es gefällt mir sehr.
vilii Grüessli us Basel,
Anna-Sophia

difty93 (545) 2008-03-05 13:53

Hi Barbara,
I'm italian so my my english is not so good but i'm happy that my photos liked you,thank you!
well done!
I love the espression of the little girl;)

Vivi

crhieatt (4862) 2008-03-11 2:54

Barbara,
I think I've chosen this image of yours because it is so unlike anything that I would ever be likely to photograph - which only goes to mark me down as a creature of peculiar and limited vision I'm sure!
Actually, what appeals most here is the almost mirror like quality of the image. Two girls, yes, but almost one girl looking at her own reflection. In this moment, very similar in size, appearance, dress, maybe even thought but, no doubt, their divergant futures begin right now.
Regards
colin

keribar (42173) 2008-03-13 23:31

Hello Barbara,
So sweet, so natural, seems to have been drawn on purpose. Thanks - Izzet

temmel (2962) 2008-03-16 6:11

Hallo Barbara,
Wow, klasse Aufnahme!
Die Schärfe und Ausschnitt find ich toll.
Eine sehr süße Szene die du da festgehalten hast.
Liebe Grüsse,
Linda

horatiuTT (4556) 2008-03-19 7:54

Hi Barbara,
this is a fantastic photo no doubt,two angels here in this
soft full of tenderness photo.Looove it.
Horatiu

MayaG (2385) 2008-03-26 15:25

Oh, that fest must be really an interesting event.
Adorable girls! I wish I could see their bare feet, you just made me think of Heidi, remember that child book? Such a sweet photo, Barbara, thank you!
regards
Marija

euryan (8302) 2008-03-27 19:01

I could have sworn I already critiqued this photo, but I guess not. I certainly remember viewing and enjoying it. I don't really have anything to say about it other than "well done!" This is a great capture and everything is perfect in my opinion.
Regards,
Ryan

gbarto (1269) 2008-05-16 1:42

Bonjour Barbara
Beaucoup de douceur dans cette image.
Le cadrage serré convient parfaitement.
TFS
Georges

Flavia (10094) 2008-05-25 1:53

Salut Barbara,

Sweet moment you captured here. She really looks happy. The inocence and joy of childhood is here to remind us of thses goods years and help us to keep it spirit alive. I love the framing and the DOF is perfect. Bravo!

Regards,

Flavia

Waylim (8382) 2008-06-09 17:22

Barbara,
Hope you're having a nicer days on your vacations in Utah and whereever else you went. Can't wait to see some great images from you trip.

As for this photo, wow, it's so clean and neat no noise what so ever. The little girls are just adorable. What a perfect moment for a long time I thought it was a mirror image of herself. Perfect for b&w though I am very carious as to whte the color version looks like, since I believe the clothes would be very colorful as well, at least I remeber when I was in Appenzelle, I saw the local come down the mountain with there cow and the people are dress in very cheerful color costumes. Anyway, I love it. Thanks for sharing this lovely image.
Way

azaf1 (15365) 2008-06-19 10:03

Hi Barbara
They're just cut! Lovely atmosphere splendid expression and a lot of fun
Just great
Argiris

brevbrev14 (364) 2008-06-26 5:57

Hi barbara, beautiful expression captured...so natural..
i like a lot the moment captured, well composed and taken
ciao!:))))

Valeria

dareco (15738) 2008-07-05 3:27

This is just priceless! They are so sweet with their braids and beautiful clothing. A very sweet moment captured! I like the expression. A very happy picture! TFS and have a great day!

quillo (6341) 2008-07-08 13:11

-

Hola Barbara:

Charming image in b/w of the girls dancing with his hands and his looks joined by the music, is a magnificent photo full of magic and tenderness, congratulations for your good picture.

Un saludo.

-

MarianneS (13052) 2008-07-14 8:37

Hello Barbara,
A beautiful photo, with these two lovely little girls.
They are so cute, so delicate. You caught a wonderful glance.
Congratulations.
Regards,
Marianne

marcocig (675) 2008-10-01 8:33

they looks like as if one of them was in front of a mirror...amazing shot!
The BW is perfect.
Bravo

Marco

kschanna (2157) 2009-01-07 20:25

Hi Barbara,

A B&W shot, and that too belonging to People genre is a treat for me, I love that combination.

This photo is a true Gem, on all accounts, the note goes so well with the shot. The composition and the crop are just right.

Thanks for sharing
Kamran

Photo Information

Copyright: Barbara Kehl (baba_flies) (7071)
Genre: People
Medium: Black & White
Date Taken: 2007-07-29
Categories: Festivals, Event
Camera: Nikon D70 DSLR
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/1000 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Kids from the World Part IV, Favourite portraits [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-02-03 10:07
Favorites: 3 [view]