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Photographer’s Note

I've written previously -- and at some length -- about Toronto's numerous Chinatowns (here). This photo was taken in my favourite, the one downtown centered on Dundas Street and Spadina Avenue.

Early evening on a rainy day. The streets are still full of people, hurrying in the rain, crouching under umbrellas, finding shelter in doorways. The fruit and vegetable stands have home-made awnings built from sheets of plastic draped over metal tubing, and are lit with bright outdoor lamps to highlight their wares. This girl wanted some mango but wasn't getting any. I'm sure everyone remembers that feeling, so common when you're a kid. I found it reflected totally transparently in her expression.

Tech: cropping, layer for colour depth, and several adjustments to the mangos in the foreground (saturation and hue, as well as some cloning to tone down the reflected highlights).

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Critiques | Translate

MiguelP (14324) 2005-04-24 12:50

I like her expression. I also like that you´ve showed us a piece of reality, a human landscape. Congratulations.

zenitlady (219) 2005-04-24 13:04

Hi! It is so very interesting, this look of desire for a piece of fruit. In our society, it would usually be a toy or the newest electronic gadget. Wonderful human interest shot! I tried a workshop, hope you don't mind.

[2] [workshop] [compare] +

RandomCameraGuy (3063) 2005-04-26 4:26

Nice one Lee, the girl is positioned well in the frame taking up a third. There's a nice diagonal made by the fruit too. the colours are warm highlighting her expression. Too bad about the little bit of the second kid right behind her though.

Nice work from my ol' hometown bro. Cheers!

af

Sutavugu (2) 2005-04-26 4:43

Really beautiful compoisition..

mafan (290) 2005-10-24 11:47

great picture...she really is giving her guardian those puppydog eyes! i guess it's better that a kid's wanting fruit, than some sweets or a computer game.....

as with all your pictures the composition, crop and colours are great. i also like the open mouth which is coming out of her ear...although, if you stare at it too long it's a bit freaky!

great expression, well seen!

rajhema (1863) 2005-12-15 10:17

Wow! the girl's expression is fantastic. Superbly captured. Well Timed Lee.

dcawker (5667) 2006-05-29 12:15

Nice composition and idea here, Lee.. I really like the girl's expression as well. The shot's a tad yellow - perhaps you took it at night and it's difficult to calibrate the tungsten light, but it doesn't detract from the overall impact of your shot. Well done! Regards, Doug