The Eyes that Speak Volumes Photo

Photographer’s Note

If only those eyes can talk...
(Thanks to Henrye for the idea... to your phrase "that speaks volumes".)

After the happy faces that I showed to you yesterday, here's the other side of Luang Prabang, Laos.

She was the very first kid that I photographed in Laos. And she was my most photographed too (over 30 shots). I saw her in the two and a half days that i was there...with the same clothes, with the same range of emotions flashed by her expressive eyes. Definitely, this isn't gonna be the last that you'll see of her.

So what is the other side of Luang Prabang for me? INNOCENT, CURIOUS and NAIVE. Laos is still very raw and spontaneous. In Luang Prabang, you can steadily breathe fresh air, literally and figuratively.

carper, Cool-ice, iamxa, ChrisJ, RGatward, cgrindahl, papagolf21, jhonny_blue, ale, eleparc, nwoehnl, Rinie_Hoff, htitze, Jeppe, kaychambers has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

iamxa (2840) 2004-07-02 3:08

When somebody love children I think it's because he is full of life, love and hope. This is what I feel when I see your portraits. Like photografy, technically very well done, clearing the perfection, but like a feeling, you get touch my soul ever. Thanks to teach me this.

carper (65696) 2004-07-02 3:14

Fantastic photo Manuel.
Speaking eyes, very good composition, good colours, this is a really good job you did. well done

Cool-ice (5289) 2004-07-02 3:17

How deep is this eye ! Incredibly strong portrait.
Just one word : GREAT !
Congratulations to have caught this one, Manuel.

Darren (6819) 2004-07-02 3:32

Hi Manny. This is a very strong photo I think. I hope you don't mind my saying this, but I could imagine taking the same photo myself. I love having a wall or bars or something to frame kids in photos. My only thought on this one, is that it looks like you have used Luko's sharpening method and is is a little strong for my tastes in this case. I love his method, but sometimes it becomes too contrasty and a little too grainy. I find this is the case here. As a suggestion, I would Consider using Luko's method, but once it is done, copy the finished results and paste the results over the photo as it was immediately prior to sharpening (snapshot tool is great for this). Then, to the sharpened layer, reduce the opacity slightly, so the contrast is reduced slightly. I have had some luck with this myself. I know why Luko loves this method, it really gives a film like look to the photo, just in this case, it looks like lower end, high speed print film to me, not sure if that will make sense. Anyways, nice shot.

ChrisJ (70443) 2004-07-02 3:45

Great dof, pov, & subject. I may have cropped part of the white wall on the left.

RGatward (19749) 2004-07-02 3:51

Very eloquent social commentary you make with your images.

cgrindahl (6109) 2004-07-02 3:59

Your images easily become occasions for projection of one's attitudes and feelings about childhood as experienced in other cultures. I see the child's dirty fingernails and soiled clothes, added to a downturned mouth and wary eyes and interpret them as suggestive of a hard life. Yet I know only what you tell us and my story is merely my story. Photos of people can do that for us which is the reason portraits are so much more evocative than scenery, whether urban or rural. This is a wonderful image, perfect with the child partially concealed by the wall that dissolves in the white frame. Well done Manny.

papagolf21 (56749) 2004-07-02 4:15

Une photo sans fard, prise sur le vif, où le regard exprime l'innocence. L'angle de prise de vue met en valeur le visage de l'enfant.
Encore une réussite.
A photo without make-up, taken on the deep, where the glance expresses the innocence. The angle of recording highlights the face of the child.
Another success.

jhonny_blue (4954) 2004-07-02 5:18

Beautifil eyes, face and fingers... It´s amazing shot Manny !
Again perfect !
Congratulations

pridel (233) 2004-07-02 7:24

Manuel, cette photo dégage une infinie tristesse, c'est très émouvant. Le regard de la fillette est très profond. Techniquement ta photo est irréprochable, comme d'habitude. bravo.

ale (1819) 2004-07-02 8:29

Another great portrait Manuel!
I like this composition with wall on the left and the contrast between the white of the waal and the kid's face. Very nice and intense!

eleparc (24059) 2004-07-02 10:24

interesting discussion about the way to decrease sharpness... This photo conveys some real strong emotions... Her eyes speak not only volume but sadness , and a mix of curiosity and mistrust or shyness...whether or not it is too sharp, I am not really convinced one way or another...;-) the bottom line is that I like this and it is another great piece of work (art?) from you my friend;-)

nwoehnl (120) 2004-07-02 12:34

Wow, very evocative and intense indeed, Manny. The title couldn't be more appropriate, the way she is subtly lit by the sun is great, and the composition with her leaning against the wall is very good, too. Can't wait to see more of her, actually.

Jeppe (18623) 2004-07-03 16:22

Yes - manuel those eyes surely speaks - or shout as well :-) Very fine work indeed - you very lucky visiting all those fine places where so many nice motifs (people) can be found - thanks for sharing.

yesterday (9787) 2004-07-04 16:42

I love the look in those eyes, splendid strong portrait!.

regards Kaj Nielsen

kaychambers (1196) 2004-07-05 7:28

Stunning image Manuel....

zto (292) 2004-07-06 9:39

Also fabiolus Manny. Those eyes really speek out. A bit high contrast maybe. Very emotional anyway.

maciekda (19599) 2004-07-22 3:39

beautiful portrait Manny, you have captured such a sad look. very good composition, touching picture