A long walk home.., a photo from Xinjiang, West

Photographer's Note

This is the place where the ancient Tadjik ethnic minority have lived for generations. Taxkorgan is perched at the highest part of the Pamirs amongst several several dozen snow-capped mountains, 5000 to 6000 meters above sea level. The climate in the serene vast valley at 3200m elevation is relatively cool fresh even at the height of summer with abundant of pasture land and water resources surrounded by picturesque snowy peaks, blue sky and floating clouds which are stunningly enchanting in perfect harmony.

One of my of favourite subjects here is to observe and capture people going about their daily lives and activities, which is a great challange and often I find these pictures extremely captivating how they interact with their environments. They are everywhere to provide a colourful visual aspect to the surroundings and for me they are a true gift, which allows a story to be formed. It is also a subject matter widely available, we simply have to train our eyes to see the images within the given environment, it is a fascinating feature but also because it is such an entertaining experience for both the photographer and the viewer alike.

This late afternoon picture depicts two Tadjik women taking a 7-10km 'short cut' of long walk across the vast valley of wet meadow from the town centre to their villages in the far end. The small areas of vivid reds attracted my attention and the compressed perspective of my long lens was used to emphasize the effect as they were dwarfed by the gigantic background.

In WS: Group of other Tadjik villagers doing the same routine along with their cow and donkey.

tatadalou, siudzi, adores, tyro, jlbrthnn, macjake, RhodieIke, kato, kato, baddori, patdeph, timecapturer, siamesa, bukitgolfb301, adramad, Budapestman, corjan3, InasiaJones, siolaw, ManuMay, danos, shevchenko, Charo, bema, Nard, CLODO, Cricri, annjackman, alabate, delpeoples, Angshu, Ceekoolo, elenimavrandoni has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

tatadalou (3327) 2011-07-09 9:32

Hello Abmdsudi,
Nice shot of these two little women in a huge no man's land. Your framing really traduces it. Wonderful !
Regards,
Delphine

JFS (32429) 2011-07-09 9:53

Impressive shot my friend, it is absolutely great! The human presence makes evident the imposing scenery. Excellent presentation and sensational mountainous background. Thanks!

Cheers,
Juan

holmertz (27216) 2011-07-09 10:04

Hello Abmdsudi,
This is a stunning view. The two women, luckily dressed in red, are very well placed in the corner, walking into the picture. For those of us who live in modern cities, where everything regarded as essential ifor existence is available within a few metres, it is hard to grasp the realities of life in other parts of the world. Walking this 7-10 km shortcut several times a week has on the other hand possibly made people of this area stronger and healthier than "degenerated" Western city people.
I like the tight cropping that excludes the sky. Maybe it could have been even tighter, to exclude also the light upper right corner.
Kind regards,
Gert

sydb (579) 2011-07-09 10:21

ici les deux personne en avant plan montre bien la grandeur de ses montagne et le cadrage est touours parfais avec tes image bravo

yquem46 (32835) 2011-07-09 10:29

Hi abmdsudi
This is really an impressive scenery
Well composed with the 2 girls at the right place, tiny spots as compared to the huge mountain they're facing
They do not even pay attention as they are used to see it everyday
Have a nice WE
Patrick

siudzi (24689) 2011-07-09 10:41

Hello Abmdsudi,
The view that has been provided with is absolutely amazing! It includes so many interesting colors, lights, patterns. Also, the note is so informative and useful. Well seen and executed. Bravo!
Cheers, Malgorzata

anupam06 (751) 2011-07-09 10:49

Dear Abmdsudi,
This is a fantastic shot. That majestic backdrop and those two ladies walking, makes it a piece of art. Lovely framing, great POV and you are spot on.
TFS & warm regards,
Anupam

adores (28552) 2011-07-09 11:00

Hi Abmdsudi!
What a landscape!Right place, right time! You captured a great moment with the two lonely women crossing this almost desert and the sunlight reflecting on those huge mountains in background. An impressive region that I haven't visited yet.

claud26point2 (1418) 2011-07-09 11:06

Hi abmdsudi-
Incredible landscape. Great placement and colors on the two people, which really give the photo a sense of scale. Beautiful lighting and excellent sharpness.
-Claudia

prasun984 (5590) 2011-07-09 12:51

Nice landscape shot with good composition...like the textures of the mountains...

good exposoure controlled with nice light management...also like the colour contrast & sharpness...very good shot with good note...

Prasun

tyro (13585) 2011-07-09 13:07

Hello Abmdsudi,

What an absolutely fabulous photograph!

The "compression" effect of your long lens has given the desired result and does make these two women appear tiny within their massive surroundings. The figures are, however, placed perfectly in the frame, their clothing contrasts well with their surroundings and the overall composition is excellent. Good colours, perfect exposure and excellent sharpness all add up to making this a wonderful photograph.

And your photograph is accompanied by a most interesting and informative note.

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.

P.S. I have read the remarks of others and I do agree with Gert about possibly cropping out the lightest part at top right. But that does not worry me at all: it might improve the picture slightly from the photographic point of view but I think that little bright area of snow even adds to the impression of just how isolated these two women are in this environment.

wawa (690) 2011-07-09 14:00

Brilliant
Good idea to saturate the red to bring out these 2 villagers. I agree with Holmertz, a little more cropping to exlude top right would have been perfect
All the best
TFS

chawax (15082) 2011-07-09 14:12

Hi,
Excellent shot ! The mountains in the background create a very nice graphical atmosphere. By showing us only a part of the mountains, you make us imagine the height of the mountains. Nice contrast with the two people walking.
Regards,
Olivier

jlbrthnn (79787) 2011-07-09 14:27

Good evening Abmdsudi,
The landscape in background is amazing, its beauty is fantastic. Both women in the plain emphasize this fantastic landscape. The light, the colors, the neatness are excellent. Congratulations.
Have a nice evening
Cordially
Joël

macjake (39998) 2011-07-09 14:39

Hi Abmdsudi
its a great idea that you chose not to include any of the sky, it has a really different feel this way. its as if there is a spotlight hitting the middle area of the photo, just for you.
the two people add a mysterious feel, wondering where they are headed and why.
great photo!
cheers
craig

tusharkmandal (3117) 2011-07-09 22:58

Hi abmdsudi,

A nice postcard. The giant and the tiny. Fine hues and colors. The message is very well conveyed.

Nice times
Tushar

RhodieIke (9207) 2011-07-09 23:48

Hi Abmdsudi, It do's look a long walk home, super photo with these guys showing the scale, in the photo, man v nature,great capture and colour's, Cheers Iain.

kato (7086) 2011-07-09 23:59

Hello admdsudi,

You're capturing completely this landscape by a good angle and excellent tone, so it's impressive and interesting to see steep mountains with two layers(one remains snow and the other is nothing) and the ground. I feel grand nature there. And, two ladies wearing traditional costume give additionnal good atmosphere for the whole.

Regards,
mikio

sevy (13373) 2011-07-10 1:18

Hello,

You succeed to catch the wilderness of this high place. We can feel the size of this landscape with the 2 colored women giving the scale, but it is also the close framing cutting the summits and making the mountains even more there.

Yves.

baddori (19065) 2011-07-10 2:12

La ripresa "bassa" ed il muro delle montagne ...un risultato mozzafiato.
L'aria pora e mancanza di foschia , poi, ha reso nitida e profonda l'immagine .
Ottime le figure umane che danno idea della proporzione e della profondità .
Un ottimo lavoro caro amico
Gianfranco

saxo042 (31862) 2011-07-10 3:11

Hi Abmdsudi,
An enormously impressive view! The red dressed people create a fine balance to the huge mountains here. The formations of the mountains can be well seen and the "wrinkles" provide a fine pattern.
Kind regards
Gunnar

janusz2054 (306) 2011-07-10 3:27

Hello Abmdsudi,

A very splendid photo of this mountain on the Tibetan .
Beautiful composed picture with the two woman . Excellent presentation.
Best regards
Janusz

patdeph (35738) 2011-07-10 5:07

hello Abmdsudi
a breathtaking view where the landscape is closed by this grand wall of mountains.The 2 women in red are attracting the eyes in a superb way,they seem so small,and in the same time,they give a sensation of freedom,of space,of purity.Like you,I am completly fascinated by these scene of life,so far from ours.
And for me, this is perfectly framed,I would have done like you,I think.
Regards
Pascale

timecapturer (31278) 2011-07-10 5:28

Hi Abmdsudi
a creative composition, with amazing bg textures and dramatic scenery. Well placed people that give us a sense of scale. It is an intriguing and captivating image. A striking shot and presentation.

Have a great Sunday - Brian

eversmile (11624) 2011-07-10 5:58

Hi Abmsudi!

That's a fascinating landscape that you propose us here. The play of light is as much eyecatching as the scenery, and the duo of girls, luckily dressed in shining colors, is the icing on the cake! I agree with Gert about the corner, even if I did not find it so distracting at first sight. I also have another suggestion. Not as an alternative to your photo, but as a goodies for readers... this could be fabulous too, reframed like a bookmark. For the top, just above the mountain of the left, and down, a little tighter, to balance. What do you think?
Regards
Marine

devimeuxbe (58557) 2011-07-10 6:03

hello abmdsudi
colors and light are really amazing here. You also choise de perfect cropping with the red touch of life
congratulations
Bertrand

rodgerg (55767) 2011-07-10 6:04

Hello Abmdsudi,

Two peoples and the immensity! A beautiful image with a particulary athmospher.
Composition well ballanced too with the two peopels well off-centred on the right and the large prospect open which learn the galnce to the impressive mountains. details of these mountains very well collected too.
Best regards,
Roger

Bluejeans (64241) 2011-07-10 8:41

Ola Abmdusudi ,
Que fantástica esta paisagem com estas montanhas áridas de fundo , achei magnifico o primeiro plano com estas duas pessoas a caminhar , boa luz , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

siamesa (27455) 2011-07-10 10:27

Boa tarde Abmdsudi

Fantastic! a strong visual effect, surely.
The people seems to walk for some unknown place.Really an amazing and interesting capture. I see this photo as some setting of films.
Abraços
maria

dta (52250) 2011-07-10 10:32

Hello Abmdsudi ,
This is a spectacular composition ; the two people seems so little in this fantastic wild landscape . The lack of sky adds to the atmosphere .
Regards

bukitgolfb301 (30401) 2011-07-10 11:25

Hi my dear Abmdsudi YTH, how are you?

So
Pemandangan yang indah dan astaga!
A great wonderful secnery shot!
Deep exposure contributes to this masterpiece.
Color touch is also outstanding marvelous!
Thanks for your sharing finest work and have a good start of new week!

Best regards,
Takero from hot TOKYO

Silvio1953 (99199) 2011-07-10 11:38

Ciao Abdnsudi, fantastic mountain landscape, lovely composition with walking people, splendid light and wonderful natural colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

adramad (27872) 2011-07-10 11:58

Hello Abmdsudi.
Impressive the walls of these mountains, is like a gigantic mountain, great POV, including the two women to give an ideal of the greatness of the place, nice contrast with the plain the high mountains there.
The level of the different lights in the plane is ideal, very natural color is fascinating joined the sharpness to admire this grand place. Fascinating photo also WS. Well done.
Good start of week.
Best regards.
Luis.

Budapestman (82620) 2011-07-10 13:21

Hi Abmdsudi,
what a fantastic photo, the realization is splendid. You took a beautiful photo with superb composition, the people emphasized the size very well, the distant mountains are amazing, great shot, Tfs! Have a nice evening! Kellemes estét kívánok!
György

dkmurphys (37419) 2011-07-10 14:07

Hi Abmdsudi,
Amazing scene, a very attractive composition. I like the message that fits perfectly the capture. Great shot, have a good week.

corjan3 (1879) 2011-07-11 4:15

Hello Abmdsudi,
Simple, intricate and complex at the same time. Excellent composition of this very beautiful image. And a delightful note with different kinds of information. I regret not having had an opportunity of visiting Uighur. Full marks - definitely worth more than two points. Very well done indeed. Best wishes.
Neels

InasiaJones (29355) 2011-07-11 4:27

Hi Abmdsudi,

A spectacular photo where the Pamir mountains stand tall like a dramatic wall.

The succession of coloured layers is part of what makes this photo so attractive. Then of course, the duo of walkers brings a solid point of attention to this scene.

A really good shot!

André

siolaw (37626) 2011-07-11 4:34

Hi
The sheer size of the mountains in the BG makes the humans look very tiny and justifies your title.
The patterns of the slopes look beautiful!
Greetings
Laurent

Bartleby (12765) 2011-07-11 9:12

Hi,
wow, what a backdrop! The colors are beautiful and those red-dressed women stand out perfectly in all this.

Philippe

peppe59 (14547) 2011-07-11 11:59

ciao Abmdsudi,
fantastic image quality and technique, perfect for the inclusion of human presence on the sidelines, high definition.
compliments
peppe

npecanhuk (54221) 2011-07-11 18:24

Hello Abmdsudi!
Magnificent picture!
Highlights are the chosen pov, composition and colors1
The details of those mountains are gorgeous and the presence of those two people is very welcome to create a special mood regarding the comparison between how big nature is and how small we are, for example!
TFS - congrats,
Have a great week,
Neyvan

ManuMay (33523) 2011-07-11 21:15

Hi Abmdsudi!

What a good one!!

Very beautifulland, amazing nature, impressive...

Excellent compoosition and colours, and a very good subjects placement on average image...Very good work!

Have a nice day...

Manu

quillo (11840) 2011-07-12 1:09

.................. ¡ imej menarik !!!

Hola amigo Abmdsudi:

You played very well here with depth,
light and shadow, contrast ...
and the best thing women walking down the plain ...
that gives meaning to the scale and composition ...
an excellent job.

Enhorabuena.

Un abrazo.

danos (74518) 2011-07-12 2:28

Hello Abmdsudi,
what a place! Arid Mts with the higher to be covered yet from the melted snows.I like the existence of the two native women as walking in this difficult ground.I wonder where are the houses and what the people feed.Informative your WS too.

Regards,Danos

shevchenko (18243) 2011-07-12 4:31

Hi Abmdsudi,
I wonder where is their destination, just an arid land at this area, good capture to the walking people, clear to show the geographical feature too, interesting composition, thanks for sharing.
Ally

jemaflor (69731) 2011-07-12 10:55

Hi A,
Great landscape with these beautiful mountains, tfs, well taken, light is nice and the people adds an interesting detail at the view and also a good scale, well done.

Charo (51174) 2011-07-12 12:09

Hello Abmdsudi,
The image is impressive by the contrast between people and the vastness of the mountains.
Excellent composition and framing very successful closed.
Best wishes,
Charo

zanzi (12648) 2011-07-12 12:15

Bonsoir abmdsudi
Your shot gives the perfect perspective of how small humans can be when compared to nature. I like it.
Bravo
Chris

bema (25964) 2011-07-12 12:15

Hi Abmdsudi,

think our colleques have left here a various commenting about this truly impressive capture..
so let me tell you that i like cause of it´s famous depth and mood..

see you around, with my best wishes, Bernd

Nard (6915) 2011-07-13 5:05

Hi Abmdsudi
A splendid and grand landscape well captured with this stunning picture. I like your framing with the mountains which seems so close, enormous and the light that gives a strong relief. The people in the corner add a part of life and colors in the composition and your notes drive us to read the picture.
Regards
Bernard

Elaine_Blath (8509) 2011-07-13 5:25

Hi Abmdsudi,

fantastic landscape! Stunning mountains in the background, making the whole photo even more impressive!

Take care, Ivana

CLODO (24902) 2011-07-13 5:32

hello Abmdsudi

A superb vision with the mountains in the background and the 2 persons giving the scale. Superb layers of color.
Cheers
CLODO

Cricri (87288) 2011-07-13 11:36

Hi Abmdsudi
C'est un paysage fascinant, d'une grande beauté, impressionnant aussi quand on voit les personnes si petites, des couleurs et des détails incroyablement capturer, compliment
Belle soirée
cricri

annjackman (13463) 2011-07-17 6:28

Hello Abmdsudi,
The two women in red are perfectly placed in the frame and emphasise the huge landscape. I also enjoy the WS. A well seen and taken image and a very informative note - congratulations.
Regards, Ann

alabate (1197) 2011-07-20 13:38

Bonjour Abmdsudi,

Quel paysage stupéfiant. Les montagnes sont absolument impressionnantes par leur masse et aussi par le fait qu'elles semblent s'élever depuis un terrain plat.

Les couleurs et les jeux d'ombres des roches sont superbes, et bien sûr, magnifique contraste que ces personnages de rouge vêtues.

Très belle journée,
Adriano

delpeoples (45717) 2011-07-21 1:57

Hello dear Abmdsudi

Cropping out the sky was an excellent touch here. It adds to the sense of endlessness and grandeur of this plain with the mountains in the background. The textures and colours are wonderful and of course the inclusion of the people on the right foreground gives us a sense of scale and also adds another interesting element to this marvellous composition.

Warm regards and thanks for sharing
Lisa

Angshu (51432) 2011-07-21 22:17

Salam Abmdsudi
Excellent! First I like the idea of keeping out the sky in the frame. You cropped this well. The layers of mountains in the BG with the light highlighting the folds and relief is amazing as a BG, as is the play of shadow & light on it. The two locals dressed in red are appropriately placed in the frame! Fine stuff!!
Best Regards
Angshu

korbee (6305) 2011-07-22 8:31

Ive seen simulair pictures of Xinjiang,but every time Im amazed by the dramatic scenery of the huge country.
jan

sacimar (25957) 2011-08-07 8:41

Hello,

this is a great composition, I like the mountain details, the presence of the people is a good idea, excellent sharpness and lovely colors, it's a great job,

Best regards,

Sergio

jmdias (46240) 2011-08-17 16:02

ABMDSUDI

amazing these mountains, looks like an opressive animal advancing to the flat lands. the shapes are fabulous, marvelous light and framing. the small people give a nice sense of fragility. TFS. very beautiful job.

hugs

jorge

danyy (0) 2011-08-19 23:48

On se sent tout petit bien évidemment face à ces géants de pierre, solides, immuables, silencieux, une magnifique photo qui nous en donne toute la mesure.
Les personnages sont très bien placés dans le décor, un tout bon cadrage.
Amicalement.
Daniel.

Ceekoolo (30) 2011-08-26 3:18

Hello Abmdsudi,

This is a very impressive scenery.
I like the choice of not including the peaks as it gives the feeling of how little we human beings are comparing to the imposing presence of the Nature.
There is also a lovely variety of colours and patterns and your presentation makes the image even more interesting!
Terrific job!
Francesco

smarcell (19875) 2011-09-02 9:47

Great landscape and perfect composition, with a great use of the tele lens.
I just think that the red of the women is a bit too saturate.
Regards
Stefano

speedymanu (3148) 2012-04-25 0:04

Hello Abmdsudi,

A very impressive composition which really conveys the feeling of immensity. It also has an interesting graphic touch with the red contrasting with all the others natural (brown, ocre, grey ....) tones. Great note as well. Congratulations,

Emmanuel

elenimavrandoni (5807) 2013-01-10 12:13

Hello Abmdsudi, a very informative and interesting note to introduce and highlight a beautiful natural picture! Great mountains and great tribute to the ancient tribe of Tadjik!
Best regards,
Eleni