Ni hao Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

This elderly Chinese man living close to the park doesn't speak a word of English. However, every time we run into each other, he has the warmest smile and a great Ni hao to greet me. Sometimes he gets hold of my hand and wants me to join him back to their home. I still haven't been there. Even though we can exchange only a ni hao or a xie xie, it is always a warm encounter.

I have decided to upload the colour version as I liked the slight variation in the skin tone of his palm and face. The duotone version is in the Workshop.

(I shall come back to critique a bit later on)

aytu_k, bostankorkulugu, chicken, JoseMiguel, Angelillo, luisafonso, bantonbuju, michiels, PeterC, pgorod has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

aytu_k (221) 2007-05-21 11:47

hi sarolta,
the smile of this man is so brilliant, its warming me up here. what a great monument of peace and hospitality. dont worry about the language barrier and accept this man's invitation next time. you will see that the human soul speaks many languages. regards,
mustafa

faubry (32419) 2007-05-21 11:48

hello Sasa, superb enjoy eyes, good close up portrait , eyes are talking themselves... great work
take care
francine

bostankorkulugu (33982) 2007-05-21 12:25

see, no need to speak a word... just good will a big heart and a sincere warm smile is enough... great work again sasa... take care...

korkut:)

chicken (1781) 2007-05-21 13:01

I love all the texture in his hand, it seems to tell a story about a long workful live. Seeing his face also adds the sense that it was not only work but also joy (or at least a mentality to enjoy). I also prefer this version over the b&w. I think in the workshop version face and hand are too dominant. In color the green in the background adds in some context whereas the b&w is just hand and face.

nwoehnl (120) 2007-05-21 14:24

Hi Sasa. A lovely portrait of this sympathetic-looking guy, giving you an infectious smile. I like the tilted framind and the almost 3D impression resulting from the positioning of his waving hand just a little closer to your camera than his face. He stands out from the pleasant park setting in more than one way. Nice shot.

MiguelP (14336) 2007-05-21 14:31

Ni hao Sasa, nimen hao ma? Wo jiao Miguel, wo Shì Xibanyá rén, Ni er Jianada... Well, just kidding, trying to smile because this is the best hommage we can do to this photo so full of joy. Thanks for it.

JoseMiguel (860) 2007-05-21 15:14

Hi Sorolta,
A very expressive image!
I like so much your POV here, I foud the inclination of the framing works excellent in this composition, to fit into the hand and head of the man.
This is the reality of a millions of inmigrants all over the world, but wich is remarkable here is the age of the men...very inspiring and good message that never is too late to start again.
I like very much the textures of the skin seen on the hand and face.
Congratulations and thanks for share it.
My best regards,
JM

Angelillo (9065) 2007-05-21 16:36

Hi Sasa,

This is one pic and a entire history. A history of understanding, emotions, convivence and, perhaps, adventures in the past. I like the expression of his face, and the power communicated by his hand. Beautiful portrait of a life, and of a soul! Congratulations. Best regards,

Angel.

luisafonso (858) 2007-05-21 17:13

Both versions are very good Sasa. Probably I would go with the duotone. But that's just a matter of taste. That hand, once again... I still remember how the hands were so important in the last one and here the large complimenting hand is crucial once again. It says hi, it says bye, a sign of the warmth of love and friendship. And then his smile. I can almost hear saying Ni Hao to me too. :) Love the tilt.

bantonbuju (48796) 2007-05-21 17:31

optimism, joy, positive thinkings...so what that he does not speaka word in english, his face, the gesture speak volumes...
how little it is needed to communicate with each other and send a good message...
you must be a very "warm" person, sasa...
bw, j.

eleparc (24059) 2007-05-21 17:37

He does look a very nice man indeed! and he seems to like you a lot;-)

Back from my long weekend
Eric

Furachan (0) 2007-05-21 18:50

Really fine framing here, Sasa with a friendly tilt that "accentuates the positive" ;o) Charming portrait on the fly with the suject's cooperation.
Best wishes from a sunny Tokyo,
Francis

PeterC (2242) 2007-05-22 5:15

Sasa,
A great tilted portrait of a warm kindhearted man! I'm glad you went with the colour i really like the skin tones. I'm trying to learn Chinese at the moment for school next year. It's a tough language to crack!

Cheers
Peter

michiels (4170) 2007-05-22 5:39

hello Sasa,

A precious moment, very well taken ! I like the position of the man and his hand in the first position. Very strong !!! I also like the coloured version more because it looks more real. Fantastic photo again Sasa !
greetings, inn :)

vapours (7913) 2007-05-22 7:29

As I've said a few times on this site now, I'm a sucker for old asian men who seem to always have such a positive outlook and look full of wisdom. Just a good simple image which brings a smile to my face.

brevbrev14 (372) 2007-05-23 6:19

Dear Sasa!
i like a lot bot the version!
i love to see the signs of the time in this big and important hand..
His expression and the smile are great and frinedly!
take care!
:))
ciao!
Valeria

pgorod (1122) 2007-05-23 11:47

Hi Sasa,

I am always amazed at the effect of including hands in portraits... it's almost magical.

This one is a very good example of that, and the tilt really brings the composition together. Great shot!

KevRyan (22418) 2007-05-23 15:57

haha - the entire sum of my retained Mandarin is contained in your post! He exhibits the kindness, friendliness and joy of living that I have seen i so many Chinese people around the world - I met a truly remakably publicly spirited man in Vancouvewr last year - he was just helping in so many different ways everyone he encountered during the course of a shared double bus journey....a really delightful portrait!!

xie xie Hobbit!

robiuk (10763) 2007-05-24 4:50

Hellooooo Sasa,
What I immediatelly noticed in this one
is his thumb just slightly covering his
cheek, which I find a PLUS as it bridges
both hand and the face - 'sign of the
time' indicators.
And indeed, there is more tonal quality
in the colour version compared to b/w
(probably one of them cases when b/w just
can't entirely convey important things that
are embedded within the colour range).
Actually, the guy reminds me of someone I know,
someone who always greets me in such a warm
manner, just as you describe - must be something
deep in Chinese culture... but it feels good!
ta-ta,
Robi

battousai (827) 2007-05-27 5:45

你好！

你今儿发布的照片儿真有深度。我一看，心里就回想起到我流连忘返的北京。。。
心里就想到我中国的朋友和在中国国的日子。。。

Thanks for this pic Sarolta... it really reminds me of my second home - Beijing.

If you met this guy, you can also tell him:

- Ni hao, ni chi le ma? (ch - like in "chin" but aspirated)
- Ni zenme yang?
- Ni hao, liu wanr qu ma?

Try them out!

Best

Pawel