M A Q B O O R' S _ S T O R Y Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is when I first met Maqboor and got talking with him in Kasauli. He had two full LPG cylinders strapped on his back, each weighing 32 kgs. He was on his way to deliver his load to a shop where he would get paid Rs 12.50 for each cylinder.

Maqboor is a Kashmiri but has been staying in Kasauli and working as a porter (coolie) for the last six years now. There is no work back home for Kashmiri men like him. Militancy and the ongoing discord between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has left the economy of this once flourishing tourist destination in tatters.

Life is hard for Maqboor here in Himachal. On a lucky day he is able to make about Rs 200 but it's backbreaking work, literally. On other days, he must make do with much less. There are mouths to feed back in Kashmir and he will not give up, whatever the odds.

But none of that shows in Maqboor's disposition. He comes across as a very gentle and warm-hearted person who always has a smile on his face even when doubling under his daily burden. In fact, I took a walk with him in his village and there was not a single villager who didn't acknowledge him with a respectful nod or a cheerful salaam.

Maqboor later invited me to his Masjid for chai, where I got to meet his extended family. But more on that tomorrow.

RGatward, RandomCameraGuy, maciekda, Roly, eleparc, sohrab, rich, TheDunno, mortijo, Wolbo, saurabh, islamabad, bibiweb, hispic, Endy, cgrindahl, rabani, kaud, Bogdan, Katsudon, elihesamian, ChrisJ, oochappan, Riz, bebel, everlasting, rbcy1974, randompics, don_narayan, rajhema has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

RGatward (19749) 2004-10-25 10:50

Very fine portrait, catching this man in the context of his daily routine, and an excellent note to compliment it.

maciekda (19599) 2004-10-25 10:55

very good portrait Avishek, with context what is very important - those red bottles are very important here. good tilted compo, good stuff

Roly (1960) 2004-10-25 11:09

The framing is excellent and the red cylinders bring a welcome bright spot into the image. The story to go with the picture is excellent, too. However, I find the distracting background to a major flaw of the picture. Why not at least trying to use the maximum aperture of the lens in order to blur it out?

RandomCameraGuy (3063) 2004-10-25 11:10

A fine portrait. Well composed: Maqboor and his burden are clear and pleasantly framed. His expression is very friendly, but you can see how hard he works too. The reddish door behind him competes a little with him and the cylinders... but not so much. Excellent note too btw. I will be sure to look out for the next part!

eleparc (24059) 2004-10-25 11:14

what a strong and impacting photo! ;-) your note is very helpful too and touching... extraordinary compo and colors;-) bravo avishek!

agelaste (533) 2004-10-25 11:42

from his eyes,i could see the kindness of this man and a heart looking for peace...
but life is not as easy as people wish to...
i love your photos so much,real and natural...
congratulations,
xu

clodreno (0) 2004-10-25 11:43

This is one of your best portrait Avishek.
I love the way he is looking at you.

Those guys are incredibly strong. I am always surprise to see them carry those loads of propane on their back. It's amazing.

rich (1199) 2004-10-25 11:49

Excellent photo Avishek - the ropes around his chest make it look as if he has been captured or enslaved (which, given what you say in your note he sort of is). Btw you mention that he earns 200rs on a good day - how does this compare to other labouring jobs? What is the average daily wage for such workers?

TheDunno (1030) 2004-10-25 11:53

Excellent portrait. The fact that its 'posed' doesn't bother me on this one. Thanks for the note; its great to hear the story behind the person.

mortijo (12412) 2004-10-25 12:01

This is one of thegreat photos on this site and, with your permission, I will add it to my favourites. This picturehas its own life and mood. There is a bond between you and your subject and it there to be seen.Excellent. Congratulations also for your note.

xmpcray (36) 2004-10-25 13:23 [Comment]

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bibiweb (8) 2004-10-25 16:12

Excellent portrait Avishek! The composition, the colors, the sharpness, the frame and Maqboor's eyes... everything is just perfect!
My deep respects...
Brigitte

Endy (1025) 2004-10-25 22:43

Nice portrait Avishek! I think you managed the light very well in your picture. I like the expression of the guy, "It is a hard work but I need it".

cgrindahl (6109) 2004-10-26 1:09

Excellent photograph Avishek and very fine note as well. It is worth noting that 200 Indian rupees for a good day's work is the equivalent of about $4.38 American. He makes about $0.27 for carrying 64 kilograms of propane. This is HARD labor by any measure.

This is a fine contribution to TE Avis. Thanks for sharing the photo with us.

kaud (1838) 2004-10-26 2:27

You are portraying very well.
You portrayed Maqboor's story very well also.

Are you planning to prepare a documentary?

rabani (9429) 2004-10-26 3:39

Another daily life/street photography depicting life. Except now, you decided on colors to show the "friendliness" of Maqboor and his reg LPG cylinders. And better to show the roughages of his clothings and the rope that bind him, to his difficulties. My compliment to you dear Avi. And your avatar :)

patcras (14) 2004-10-26 5:11

Beautiful colours, the red spot towards the portrait make this a good compo.

Bogdan (1641) 2004-10-26 10:22

Whish i had taken it. This is my favourite for your work. Great. Different colour, lighting, great textures on the ropes and rags ...
He looks like a syrian king in desguise, to check oon his royal subjects.

Bogdan.

sohrab (7423) 2004-10-27 1:00

i think this is your strongest photograph in terms of emotions, much stronger than your portraits of kids etc. i feel this because in this photograph there isa visible bond which can be felt between him and you. it is very visible in his eyes. this was missing in your earlier photographs. as far as composition technique etc is concerned. im not too bothered about any of it, because this is a photograph which has a lot to offer under its surface and i dont want to get caught skimming the surface.
take care :)

elihesamian (26091) 2004-10-27 12:15

Very effective,great shot,Avishek,a nice portrait shot,in a special pose and situation,with a strong looking by him,I like it very much,in portraits categories I like this kind that you sharing here,EXCELLENT,Avishek.

oochappan (22032) 2004-10-27 18:18

Two outstanding strong elements in this photo: his soft open smile and the red bottles and all the rest is very well supporting this, in a nice balance enriching the contenance: the robes, the tilting, the sun/shadow....
Shortly a very rich portrait and your proud note makes this inviting to get involved in your sharing, an outstanding example Avishek of excellent portraiting.
Thanks for sharing
Henk

[2]

ChrisJ (70443) 2004-10-28 6:58

Namaste Avishek !

Excellent portrait, with superb sharpness clarity & colour. The intense look of the man is well captured. It looks like he's tied up with his work! The slight diagonal tilt adds strength to the composition. Well done!

Riz (0) 2004-10-29 11:48

this is an excellent capture Avishek one of your best thus far looking at your gallery, what comes to mine at first what up with the rope then reading your note, well informed. I think carrying a propane atnk on your back would hurt if your going far distances for one thing, wow I give them credit I take what I have for credit and what (cgrindahl) said is right on.
have a nice day.

kaychambers (1196) 2004-11-03 21:18

Hi Avishek,

Great portrait accompanyied by a powerful poignant note. Well done.

Regards,

Vic, Singapore.

bebel (7357) 2005-01-01 9:30

Bonjour Avishek.
Ce portrait est très expressif et la note rend compte de la vie difficile de cet homme. Son visage est très beau, sa chevelure christique et il te regarde (ou nous regarde) avec une telle intensité que c'est très troublant. Il semble prisonnier... Le cadrage est parfait et les couleurs très chaleureuses et vivantes, le plan rapproché nous donne une vision exceptionnelle.
(quel parcours depuis la 1ère photo noir et blanc que j'avais notée)
Amitiés
Pierrot

philip_coggan (11) 2005-01-14 17:48

This is excellent work. This is a true portrait, it erally shows this man and his life.

rbcy1974 (20746) 2005-04-26 11:57

Really great portrait
Everything about the photo is just perfect. Great photojournalism material.
Regards
Daniel

don_narayan (2014) 2005-11-10 13:42

Hello Avishek. This is amazing work, the photo and the reportage. a stellar image alone but your note heightens it. well done.

Narayan

rajhema (1867) 2005-11-29 10:29

Heartbreaking. But a powerful portrait. Your story is strong. Afterall this his courteous nature should be applauded. Hats off.

ilDottore (4004) 2008-10-16 3:03

Hi Avishek,
Absolutely perfect shot.
Beautiful portrait, very dramatic, in strong colours, full of truth about humans life.
One of best photos I saw on TE, indeed!
Also perfect note.
Keep up the good job, you got a great talent!
Greetings from Dublin.
Chris