Sumba Ratu Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

The island of Sumba in the far east of Indonesia has a fascinating culture. I have posted photos of the Pasola festival held here in February and March each year. It is a wild ritual war involving up to 100 warriors on horseback throwing spears at each other.
The actual timing and conduct of the Pasola is decided by a gathering of the Ratu (who fulfil the role of village leaders and shaman) before dawn on the appointed day. It involves gathering on a beach before dawn, while the ratu seek out nyale (or sea worm). Their arrival signifies that the Pasola can begin.
I took this photo of the head Ratu. He was sitting above the beach in the pre dawn dark waiting for his subordinate ratu to report back to him on the arrival of the nyale.
The whole ritual of the Pasola is far to complex to explain here. The photo is an attempt to catch the character of the head shaman - a old man of great power and influence - in this extraordinary animist culture. Look closely and you can see his hat and the handle of his sword.
I could have used a fill flash but did not - the darkness adds to the power of the subject. Too bright and the atmosphere would have been lost.

Thanhnguyen, edytungkal, InasiaJones, zips, jjcordier, jcdurka1, adamchewts01 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

AnimeshRay (8886) 2007-03-13 0:04

What a powerful portrait, intense and contemplative at the same time. Excellent color management.
[I am glad you did not use a fill-in flash...a calamity avoided!]

aytu_k (221) 2007-03-13 0:07

couldnt have been better. congrats.

ralph (276) 2007-03-13 0:24

What a privilege to have been there.Well taken.Good camera. Nico

InasiaJones (20703) 2007-03-13 0:47

Hi Campbell!

Looking at your gallery is like consulting a National Geographic library; you’re truly a fascinating traveller and photographer. I also really appreciate your very insightful and interesting note.

This portrait is already awesome for its esthetic quality, but the subject in itself is stunning and singular. The expression of this shaman is well captured and I guess it’s probably intimidating standing in front of this man to photograph him. Your wise choice of DOF isolated his figure in a very stylish manner and keep our attention on his facial features, particularly on his eyes. As mentionned in your note, the dark surrounding create a mystic atmosphere that a fill flash might have diminish.

You have achieve a perfect exposure, allowing to see every details on his black coat as well as his white beard. I’m really impressed by this one-of-a-kind image.

Already a fan!

André

edytungkal (4519) 2007-03-13 0:52

Hi Campbell
It's a great potrait, like the close up with black colour around.
thanks for sharing

cheers
daniel

partha (13667) 2007-03-13 0:55

Hi Campbell,
A very strong portrait. The eyes look so strength. Good use of light and excellnt tonality of colour.
Regards.
Partha

zips (1941) 2007-03-13 1:03

A strong composition and you not using fill flash was perfect here.

I might like to see the mans left eye a bit more centered in the frame, a doable and small thing.

Great Job.
Aloha, JB

DarkoG (2284) 2007-03-13 1:52

Hello Campbell

This is a very strong portrait and an excellent photographic work. Light, colors exposure are perfect. EXpression on mans face are excellent. Determined, I would even say a bit bitter and angry.

REgards DArko

jjcordier (25256) 2007-03-13 2:15

Impressive portrait! Very good quality for this fantastic photo.
Best regards
JJ

ViktorVaughn (1517) 2007-03-13 2:55

This photo has already gotten many critiques in the short time it's been posted, and it deserves every one of them. It is a powerful shot with his gaze looking just past the camera.

The red and black are so strong. One of my favourite photos so far on this site.

doris (474) 2007-03-13 3:21

A very successful image, you definately have captured the essence of this interesting man and taught me something as well. Thanks for a great note. The black and red make him look quite menacing - like Darth Maul. Technically it's great.
Karen

jcdurka1 (1940) 2007-03-13 6:41

Great portrait in witch the dark background improve the mysterious athmosphere.
Well done,
Jean-Claude

thaprem (2498) 2007-03-13 8:21

Campbell,
An imposing portrait...
very aggressive in colours & assertive in expression & Light management.
Lovely.
Prem.

adamchewts01 (838) 2007-03-15 7:36

Hi Campbell,

There are some picture when you look at it and just could not resist to say it is "excellent". This is one of them! The DOF and composition, the light settings is simply marvellous. What are you trying to do? To present the best picture of the year? You can try this one out. Thanks for sharing.

Adam