Afternoon Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Gentleman share a few social moments at a temple in Ban Russei, Cambodia.

These gentleman, ranging in age from their early 60's to 70, worked in the tobacco industry before retiring from the fields. All are survivors of the brutal Pol Pot regime who now spend most of their leisure time as laymen at a temple located a short didstance from the Mekong river, one hour north by boat from Kampong Cham, Cambodia.

Most of the men are heavy smokers and enjoy afternoon tea.

robob, branley, thea0211, elmec, AROBN54, Angshu, sufi, Hellas has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Luko (13896) 2007-05-12 6:00

Probably the one I like the most in your gallery, the side light is magical here, enhancing the veins and muscles of the hardworking old guys. Add on top that you clicked at the exact moment, catching both the puffs of smoke and the dynamic arm move.

Nothing to nitpick about technically, a great photo that would work both in color or BW.

robob (3640) 2007-05-12 6:28

Hello John,
Excellente lumière dans cette image créant une grande atmosphère.
Une photo très riche en détails comme la fumée sortant de la bouche de cet homme.
Amicalement,
Robert

vincz (19045) 2007-05-13 5:51

Excellent picture with superb light. You catched such a true moment of dialy life here. Nobody noticed you it seems. A great one!

thaprem (2498) 2007-05-16 7:27

John,
The light creates a strange mysterious mood here...Like old aged musketters planning their next escapade...
The drama & mood evident.
Cheers,
Prem.

branley (3681) 2007-05-18 10:39

Hi JB,

hard to imagine what these men must have gone through at the hands of Pol Pot's regime, good to see them finally having an easier time of life. As for the shot, the light you caught is just perfect, it shows us great detail and I'm pleased you caught the whole of the face of the guy looking up, the image wouldn't convey as much if you hadn't. It's a really fine capture of a slice of everyday life John, well seen.

Regards

Stephen

thea0211 (1355) 2007-05-19 3:32

hi john,
beautiful management of light here, love how it magically touches their skin and gently reveals all its details to us, even the cigarette smoke becomes special in such light. good to know they are having better days now. very well done and thanks!
dora

Senk (2033) 2007-06-25 19:40

Hi John
wow many feeling and very good pictures, you done very good job

take care ...Seng

sadeik (3159) 2007-07-08 7:21

A very atmospheris photo and I truly like the man with his blood veins that stand out like trre roots

Simon

einstem (426) 2007-07-21 12:18

Hello Zips
Master of documentory style.Long time no see.Nice picture again
Regards.
Tem

elmec (12194) 2007-07-25 7:24

Hello John!
Great serie, very interesting place and note!
Very good done!
Best regards!

AROBN54 (10791) 2007-08-06 16:12

Hello, John,
what fantastic lighting! I particularly like side lighting and this is terrific. You did a great job keeping such sharp detail in such low light and caught that curl of smoke perfectly. Your photo reminds me of an Old Masters' painting with the subdued light and color. REALLY nice shot. Kindest regards,
Shelly

Angshu (34141) 2007-08-07 20:51

Hi John
Wonderful atmosphere...I looked at the picture for a long time, trying to soak it up. The light from the side highlights the gorging veins. Love the moment of capture & the man exhales the smoke, still leaving from his mouth. I wonder how you took this picture unnoticed! Brilliant work!
Regards
Angshu

sufi (9568) 2007-08-22 6:43

Hello John...
It's a very affective light and ambience, indeed... The tones of the pastel are beautiful... The meaning on the old faces is great... And your vertical cadrage is answerable...
TFS...
Stay well..
Salim.

Clementi (45285) 2007-09-08 22:38

Ciao John,
Excellent picture with superb light.
Wonderful atmosphere.
TFS
Giorgio

Hellas (5095) 2007-10-16 1:41

John,
this is a very good composition with an excellent light management. Even though the ISO is at 800 no noise is there. Compliments!
Athanasios.