Ana y Juanita 2 Photo

Photographer’s Note

Traffic light or semaforo in spanish, could be a good occasion for many to make a living, while the light is red in these 1 or 2 minutes they have to capture the attention of drivers and passangers, to make a show of any kind ,the big difference between developed and developing countries ,as I could see ,is that in the last ones beggars have to show some kind of ability in order to get their deserved coins, there people can not be impressed by poverty and necessity like in Europe or USA because they are so used to that.
Ana and Juanita are 2 children, maybe 7 or 8 years old, Ana has only one arm available for her acrobatic movements, Juanita is so good in her free style excercises and most of all they are so happy doing this in the middle of central Lima heavy traffic.
I spent about half an hour photographing them, they were so happy with me, it has been a great experience and finally I invited them to a well deserved "merienda" lunch.

Ultrablue, BennyV, nicol_g, Merline, Clairedelune, Mistral has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Ultrablue (553) 2009-04-27 7:16

Hi Federico!
Very impressive shot! I didn't know that there was also little shows at the traffic lights!

Regards

Elena

kikvel (4772) 2009-04-27 7:44

nice shot, I like the movement here and the B&W,

a common image in south America too,
children doing something to get coins at traffic lights,

K.

omarbiagi (98) 2009-04-27 8:11

nice point of view for this funny scene and great b&w.

BennyV (4681) 2009-04-27 10:35

Excellent documentary shot, Federico. Focus seems to be on the cars rather than on the girls, making the girls seems extra vulnerable.
Together with your note this makes a terrific TE upload. I only wish there were more like these.

Thanks a lot for sharing.

Benny

Polonaise (5636) 2009-04-29 15:29

No reason to skip this one...
As good as the other two, with the same load of interest and, a slightly shocking scenario.

Excellent work, Federico.

Merline (6574) 2009-04-30 16:15

What an amazing photograph, Federico. I can hardly believe my eyes, that would never happen in good old quiet Europe...
Although it is a serious theme, I see a kind of joy of them too, the burst of young and eager lives, even if handicapped like Ana. Quite a lesson, love the way the focus is on the cars and how you caught the movement, and the onlooker (on his bike ?) on the right side adds to the punch. Great stuff, we need more of this...

Michèle

Clairedelune (4885) 2009-05-02 10:50

Oh gosh! I wish I was able to love completely your series of 'Ana y Juanita'. That is indeed an incredible story you are showing to us. A touching story. A valuable story to show to the rest of the world!
Quite frankly, what is refraining myself to be fully enthusiast about these three photos, it is that focus on the cars. One photo would have been ok with me. But the three photos with the focus not on your principal subject: these two kids? I sincerely regret that. Maybe it was your decision to focus on the cars, but I really wish I could see better these two girls 'dancing' and those dirty feet. Oh well...
Claire

polter (6082) 2009-05-05 12:25

And the next of charming, amazing and exciting low POV story.
Great as the previous one.
Greetings T.

leontaras (345) 2009-06-20 15:10

I do not believe it!!!
What amazing corner of shot is this.!!!!

The exceptional composition, the reception, the B/W, the move....AMAZING....only AMAZING

Mistral (13694) 2009-10-15 13:47

Ciao Federico,
I like your dynamic shot enhanced by a perfect, beautiful and touching note.
Well done!
A smile
Luca

Photo Information

Copyright: federico ce (federico) (386)
Genre: People
Medium: Black & White
Date Taken: 2008-04-03
Categories: Daily Life
Exposure: f/4, 1/160 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): NB - NoirBlanc, Merline's top favorites - True jewels [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-04-27 6:50