Flowers in the desert Photo

Photographer’s Note

In Chile, when someone dies in a car accident, it is common to build an "animita" next to the spot where the accident happened. It usually consists in a tiny construction (like a tiny chapel, no more than 1m high) and a cross, always decorated with plastic flowers.

In Atacama desert (where this pic was taken), despite the low traffic, animitas are pretty frequent. The reason, according to some locals, is the combination of the monotony of "straight-to-infinity" roads and sleepiness caused by high altitude.

Animitas can be built for reasons other than car accidents, such as public tragedies or violent deaths, even in the cities. Some of them are believed to do miracles, so many people adore them as idols, and put flowers or thank-you notes in case it answers their prayers. More on http://www.estrellaarica.cl/site/apg/reportajes/pags/20030427015125.html (in spanish).

Have a nice day!

Tayon, hispic, PixelTerror, Isabelle has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

alan007 (4) 2008-07-30 10:05 [Comment]

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scalerman (25729) 2008-07-30 11:28

Pedro: a simple post but one that conveys the emptiness and beauty of this wild-west region. regards, c

Ebbe (9571) 2008-07-30 12:43

A fine picture of the Animita. Well positioned of center in the frame and with an DOF that leaves the mountains unsharp without hiding them. Good light on the fading colors too.

There are similar traditions in many European contries too. Mainly in the catholic contries.

Tayon (1840) 2008-07-30 18:39

Olá Pedro

esta característica andina de colocar cruzes para os que de alguma forma foram vitimas ou testemunhas desta incrível rodovia... As animitas chamam muito a atenção de quem passa pela transamericana (é esse o nome?), e foi o que me aconteceu..devido à quantidade delas.
gostei da forma que vc tornou isto uma foto, fazendo um enquadramento bem interessante com a cruz em primeiro plano e as montanhas "peladas" andinas..
ótimo POV, perfeito DOF desfocando o fundo e cores incríveis como sempre no Atacama

TFS

Taba

hispic (7399) 2008-07-30 20:05

Olá Pedro,
A decorous composition with a subtle charm. i agree with you about the selecting of shallow aperture to accentuate flowers. Depiction of the blurred background is exquisite.
Have a nice day, Hisashi

PixelTerror (86038) 2008-08-06 0:57

Hi Pedro,
This is a well seen opportunity and a good framing but this image lacks visual impact due to missing highlights and contrasts, I have made a small WS for you to address these points.
Have a nice day jY

[workshop] [compare] +

chabela (350) 2009-02-15 20:01