Photos

KevRyan (22422) 2007-01-20 4:39

Strong rich colours and a powerful relationship for you with Nanda and the harsh realities of life in Ahmedabad's slums - the intimacy and trust of the moment - is very powerful......this one is stretching the capabilities of the 350D but there has to come a point when cameras and technology and obsession with surface quality has to give way to other things...the importance of sharing the reality of anothers life, the intensity of a moment, the feeling and spirit behind a relationship.......so many things are far more important than a pre-occupation with surface quality......yes...maybe the burn of the light to the right is too strong as well ...but it is a small distraction if you really feel this image as much as look at it...maybe the difference between an extraordinary and very good 'image'.....but this is more than an image....it is a statement within the context of our comfortable internet sharing, car driving, fridge freezer lives - it is a story of someone who has touched you very deeply as a human being - and it is also about you - she is bringing out in you the artist - the photographer who takes responsibility in this relationship with your subject very seriously.

Tell me a little bit more about Nanda's context and what support she is getting from family or any agency when you have a moment. Take care my friend - much love Kev

Furachan (0) 2007-01-20 5:28

Superb photograhy, Kaj, the colors bite deep,deep into that luminous darkness.
Great job,
Francis

Darren (6819) 2007-01-20 10:46

Hi Kaj. This is very good, really not much that I could say to criticize using the gear you are using. I will make a more general comment that you are one (Mark P is another) who is stretching their DRebs and kit lenses to the max and at times it is hurting your photography a bit. Seeing some of Mark's orignal files on my computer surprised me how bad the noise at 1600 is onthe original DReb, then it is coupled with a lens that is slow and just ok. Most people who claim to need better equipment generally need to become better photographers IMO. However, both you are Mark are photographers whose gear is letting you down IMO, especially in the low light you love to shoot in. Anyways, this is just an observation, as the noise in this shot does catch my eye a little.

The photo is excellent and the lighting really helps to aid in the emotional impact it brings. Maybe a step to your left would have opened up her face just a little more and perhaps dealt with that really bright spot on the right? I am glad you left this in color, as I am guessing that your impulse was to go to b&w.

Clairedelune (4885) 2007-01-21 0:20

Again, I truly love this photo. The colors are out of this world. You seem to play more and more with the light and shadows. You are trying things. That is admirable. And again, I'm struck by the care that woman seems to have for her children. You do your 'work' with respect, giving her dignity. I appreciate that a lot.
I agree with Darren's second part of his critique. I think it would have been better, if it was possible, to have taken more on the left side and less of the right, letting go of that overblown part. But, was it possible? I don't agree with the noise being distracting. For me, at least. There is something of a painting in this that I especially like.
You know me... not a big fan of that white frame on your colors photos. Especially this one and the one before...
Keep in searching Kaj. Though I am not often leaving words, I look to your work.
Claire

Polonaise (5638) 2007-01-21 9:31

Madonna...?
Not as powerful (photography speaking, that is), but still...
Two great posts.
The colors, the capricious light...

george

ktanska (16695) 2007-01-22 3:50

Hi Kajal,
This is serious photojournalism. Touching photo. Dust in this place spreads the light of the sunbeam to illuminetate this. Sad but beautiful.
Kari

greg (2835) 2007-01-22 20:05

Wow! what rich colour. And beautiful light.