Smiling Eyes Photo

Photographer’s Note

Everywhere I travel, I notice the children. There is a wonder and spirit in children that is found everywhere in the world. Yet every child embodies the looks and culture of their particular native land.

Thailand is known as (among other things) the land of smiles. I found this to be true, as people everywhere are unafraid of eye contact and a warm smile--even to a stranger. Very welcoming.

This little girl was keeping herself occupied as her mother waited tables in an outdoor restaurant. As I passed by, she played a little game of hide and seek behind a chair. With her mother's permission, I played a little bit and captured this portrait.

marthival, erdna, MLINES has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

sandip (3492) 2005-02-22 15:12

I just love this small child and her eyes.A very good expample of good DOF.

naxius (16679) 2005-02-22 15:18

Very good portrait Sam. I like her shy expression.
Superbe light and DOF.
I like it.
Indeed a really beautiful photo.
Alexandre

mlopes (492) 2005-02-22 15:23

it's true.. we can sense the smile by her's eyes....

Very nice capture, very nice colours and good detail in wooden chair.

Congrats,
Mário Lopes

DuFrank (150) 2005-02-22 15:29

Here's a picture you should look at, when you feel depressed or angry. There is no way that you can look at this picture, without getting a big smile on your face. Taking time to connect will pay off; just look at these eyes! And everything technical wise is perfect. The narrow depth of field reinforces the attention to those dark joyfull eyes. And that shutterspeed; Man! That's slow for photographing a kid, no matter with or without use of a tripod. At last I must say that the combination of color and also the contrast in color is fantastic. A marvelous display of natural tones. Well, all in all to keep it short: it's goooooooooooood!

jrzufferey (7249) 2005-02-22 17:27

Superbe et presque troublant ce regard interrogatif de cete fillette. Magnifique photographie. Amicalement/jr

alimo3 (6826) 2005-02-22 18:04

hi Sam,
i love this picture ,
you just catch a great gaze.
Bravo.

Tom

marthival (257) 2005-02-22 19:53

Great shot and good POV. The DOF is perfect. Those eyes are realy wonderful. Congratulation.

DrorAngkor (164) 2005-02-23 2:28

Excellent shot. Beautifull portrait !

But ... in my opinion it could have been even better if you got closer to the girl ...
And maybe a horizontal composition ...
Also the face itself is just slightly out of focus ...

Too, I've done a workshop on your photo ...
But can't seem to be able to post it ...
Maybe WS isn't activated on your account ?

Still I like this photo !

erdna (5348) 2005-02-23 14:45 [Comment]

Show Comment

fredleal (54) 2007-03-16 23:38

The kind of picture that makes all the girls go "aaawww, soo cute!"

Well, it is!

MLINES (10884) 2007-11-30 16:25

Hi Sam, A fine portrait and appropriate notes. It is amazing as you say the open smiles in many countries so different to our own. It is rare to get such a smile in Sydney- maybe some natural human instincts have been lost as countries progress economically, a shame i say! TFS. Murray.