Life is...Sea Bajau Photo

Photographer’s Note

Also known as Sea Gypsies, Sea Bajau children paddling boat off the east side of Maiga Island. The water is in fact shallow but on the sea bed, hard corals and pointed objecs make it painful to walk, but children are so used to a boat as if it is an extension of limb to them. I probably need a good lesson from them on how to use the boat. You can see the weed and palm leaf beneath the crystal clear sea water. Calm water, no ripples or waves.

The stilted hut behind is a typical dwelling unit, surely very cooling to stay inside at night. I find this angle quite interesting to shoot the children in foreground. Even though hazy afternoon with a dull sky, but I am pleased to find the water and horizon almost seemless and matching in color, save for a thin line. When the tide ebb lower, you can virtually see a thin line of fine sand leading out far into the sea.

Thank you for viewing. Regards, Bill

FROM WIKI
The Bajau, (also written as Badjao, Badjaw or Badjau) are an indigenous ethnic group the Philippines and in parts of Sabah, Brunei and Sarawak. Although the majority of the Bajau live in the Philippines, due to unrest in their native Sulu Archipelago, in the southern part of the country, many Bajau had migrated to neighbouring Malaysia over the course of 40 years, where currently they are the second largest ethnic group in the state of Sabah, making up 13.4%[1] of the total population. They were sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies, although the term has been used to encompass a number of non-related ethnic groups with similar traditional lifestyles, such as the Samadilaut and Jama Mapun peoples of the Southern Philippines. The Bajau of Indonesia live primarily on the islands and in the coastal districts of Sulawesi. The modern outward spread of the Bajau from older inhabited areas seems to have been associated with the development of sea trade in trepang.

snunney, dareco, zhelach, LamCam, lilimih33, siamesa, TopGeo, azaf1, jlbrthnn, kiwi_explorer, jusninasirun, sayanwithsenice, Bluejeans has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

erdna (5360) 2008-04-16 7:42

Amazingly simple subjects but very beautifully composed! I wish I had taken it myself :)

Andre'

ribeiroantonio (22214) 2008-04-16 7:57

It appears they had a bit of a collision. Right?
Your picture is really very nice. The colours are fantastic and the sea blending into the sky is excellent. Your composition is also good with the house very well placed and balancing the over frame.
Antonio

snunney (37033) 2008-04-16 8:08

Hello Bill,
A very appealing composition of these two children enjoying themselves on the water. I like the point of view and the juxtaposition between the two canoes and the hut at the end of the pier. Very nice soft colours and light.

chanjits (4409) 2008-04-16 9:30

Well composed there is no demarkation between see and sky this is making picture more splendid and your note is also very informative thanks for sharing.

dareco (17104) 2008-04-16 11:26

It doesn't matter how often I see this, I still get really nervous seeing these little people alone in the boat!! A great picture though with the hut in the background. Very well done. TFS

zhelach (3602) 2008-04-16 11:32

Hello Bill!
Lovely scene! Good composition and POV! Beautiful colors, lights and reflections!
TFS, Best regards, Zorica

Miha2ou7 (4993) 2008-04-16 13:18

Hey Bill,

Had a rough day, but such pictures always cheer me up. :)
Very beautiful, an yet simple. Full of perfect colors, and as always - a tropical motive.

See you.

LamCam (3603) 2008-04-16 13:32

Hello Bill,
Clear, calm and beautiful. The water does seem to go on forever, and the sky is so different from the deep blue of your previous beach shots. It all looks very quiet - but, perhaps, the children are as noisy as everywhere else in the world!
Best wishes....Maggie

lilimih33 (9884) 2008-04-16 15:35

Hello Bill!
Beautiful light, great detail, wonderful colours, nice perspective!
Excellent done!
Best regards!
Lili

migzal (485) 2008-04-16 20:54

Hi Bill,
This scene reminds me of my childhood. I once lived in a place where playing in the sea is my past time. This is a wonderful portrait, the bland sky is not a problem, thanks for sharing.

siamesa (14005) 2008-04-16 23:25

Hi Bill,
We have to admire this way of life of these people. These children is really brave to face this . Very interesting picture.Excellent point of view.Parabéns.
Abraços
Maria

TopGeo (23013) 2008-04-17 0:43

Hello Bill!
Beautiful light, great detail and clarity too, wonderful colours, nice perspective! Excellent POV! Very interesting picture. Excellent point of view.The combined and balanced space of picture, front, with the second level to the Subject me charmed.
Georgios

azaf1 (15625) 2008-04-17 1:30

Hi Bill
This is just great! I like the clear and sharp details in bright colors and the impulsive way those kids explore the sea.
well done
Argiris

jlbrthnn (40877) 2008-04-17 2:11

Hello Bill,
It is again a superb image of life simple and very pleasant to look at. I like much framing and the colors. The hut is extraordinary, cheer.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

mehmetemin (7217) 2008-04-17 2:15

Hi Bill
Very nice picture, good light and colours.!
Very good composition..!
Best regards,
Mehmet Emin

kiwi_explorer (12203) 2008-04-17 2:50

Hi Bill,
We also have Bajau in the Philippines ... a sea gypsy indeed. Wonderfully captured with excellent image sharpness. I like the high key treatment here to isolate your main subject. Well captured and composed. Excellent work! tfs
Cheers,
Renier

jusninasirun (10573) 2008-04-17 7:59

Hello Bill. You have placed the two boats in the sweet spot with the boys pedaling against the stilt house. Amazing view in good clarity and sharpness. The contrast is well managed against the endless horizon. Best regards and have a nice day. Jusni

sayanwithsenice (717) 2008-04-18 9:09

Hi!!

Wow!! What an interesting shot! This is one of the best daily photograph i have seen... The framing is excellent with the background of the hut . The colors and contrasts are awesome .. Nice reflection!!

Thanks for sharing,
Sayan

Bluejeans (34486) 2008-04-19 14:52

Ola Bill,
Que bela composição cheia de elementos a casa em cima de estacas e as duas crianças nas canoas a brincar ,a agua tem uma cor maravilhosa , bom enquadramento da foto , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

lestans (15616) 2008-04-20 23:48

Hi Bill!
what a nice view. I like the composition of the boys and their boats in the foreground, and also is nice the Bajau home in the background. So, you show us everyday life in the environment.

Good picture!! We can see also seaweeds uner water

Regards

Livia

DragonAngel (280) 2008-04-21 1:07

Beautiful moment framed! you are a great photographer lar Bill, your collection are full of vibrant colours showcasing the simplicity of everyday life. I enjoyed it!

Regards,
DA

marietom (32694) 2008-04-24 0:55

Hello Bill,

Jolie composition, pour cette image de scène quotidienne.
Bonne journée
Marie

Greg1949 (8641) 2008-04-25 7:25

Bill, this is a fine one too, the subtle blue differences between the horizon and the water make this shot. I think if printed it might be a very hard one to get correct, at least around here with the poor quality of the machines. The fg activity and the stilt house all make this a really nice capture.

Greg

vicana (74) 2008-04-26 12:47

Great shot! The position of the kids, the ripples in the water and the house, all work to make the picture awsum. Excellent work.

jmdias (20959) 2008-05-09 17:19

bill

the fragillity of the house, the children in their boats and the ocean in the background are a very interesting view. I liked the light and the colos, pov and sharpness

hugs

jorge