THOSE FACES Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

...Back in England now. Its been 7months.

As I visited my sisters in the slum for the last time, many of them asked me whether I would think of them when I go back to "London" (most of the people refer to the UK this way).

...I'll never forget those faces. This is dedicated to them.

(p.s. That yellow blanket behind her is really bothering me, but I cannot seem to get rid. pls. can anyone advise me?)

Project: Underexposed - Lights in Dark Spaces

indoka28, designsoul, eleparc, PeterC, Galeota, KevRyan, chc, luisafonso, Giedra70 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

broglia (3379) 2007-06-03 10:38

Hi Kaj, good to hear you're back in UK safe & sound. The whole series has been wonderful - and this too is a little gem. The ragpickers of Ramapir Tekra will live long in my memory. Best regards, Roberto

kenmac (529) 2007-06-03 10:50

Quite a compelling image...made more so by the 'straight down the lens' look of the central subject. I never noticed the yellow blanket until you pointed it out..the other elements in the photo held my attention.
KMc

indoka28 (5187) 2007-06-03 16:10

Hello kajal,

I really love this shot..for its impromptuness and also the way it has been picturised..!!!the dark parts of this pics is a mystery and that is amazing...I love the way you have been there in between them and I can assure u one thing..you are really wanted by them and be back soon...

well, as far as the blanket is concerned..I really did not see it otherwise..but now that you have mentioned that its bothering you, I have tried a WS..which, I find is the only way to get rid of it..

Hope u like it..!!

Regards,

Indro

[workshop] [compare]

designsoul (21394) 2007-06-03 20:03

Beautiful homage, Kaj, very beautiful and gripping. The frontal stare is more intense than I would dare to try to comment on... and again, the light, this dramatic, intense light, is throwing the subjects in clear focus.
I am not bothered by that yellow blanket in this context that much, but have made a Workshop as well. I can see that here is another one there already by Indro.
I love your India works VERY much. These women, their glowing eyes, the beautiful, intelligent gazes and wonderful spirit they have are etched in my memory. How has the exhibit been?
sasa

[workshop] [compare] +

everlasting (10942) 2007-06-04 2:03

Welcome home Kaj, what a seven months you have had. The strong light here radiates their strong spirit. I am sure you will not forget these women, as I am sure they will not forget you.

eleparc (24059) 2007-06-04 6:47

This shot is strong and beautifully human! you paid a great tribute to these women!
COngrats!
Eric

vapours (7933) 2007-06-04 7:27

Very engaging image Kajal, with the eyes so strongly linked with the viewer. Quite a beautiful looking woman as well, who looks like shes had more than a few life experiences. The blanket is fine to me, I think the slight flaws in the odd photo add to character of ones work.

PeterC (2242) 2007-06-04 7:41

Kajal,
This series really does go from strength to strength. I would have love to have seen this nicely printed and framed. The computer screen just doesn't do your work justice! A fantastic tribute to these wonderful women. The blanket it's fine for me not too distracting. I was just wondering if you had seen the documentary 'Born into Brothels' A documentary about a photographer living in Calcutta's red light districts. She teaches the kids photography as a way of getting out of the brothels and into school. Its hard to watch in places but a wonderful documentary. Try to look for it I'm sure you'd love it.
Thank you for showing us these images they are some of the strongest, moving and cohesive piece of work i have seen on TE. Inspiring stuff for everyone im sure. I hope you were able to help these amazing women.

Cheers
Peter

Darren (6819) 2007-06-04 9:12

Hi Kaj. Very nice and quite impactful shot here. As a general observation for your India photos, it is obvious how you bonded with the people; there is a real intimacy in many of them that only could have happened from gaining trust and working in close. This one is very nice, my only thought is that I think it might have been a bit better with less space at the bottom and a little more on top. The woman in the back seems slightly cramped and I don't care for how the hand is cropped at the bottom. Minor stuff though and another really nice one from you.

Galeota (10334) 2007-06-04 13:01

Yeah those faces, and I'll add those overexposed bodies, those underexposed thoughts and lives. Beautiful hommage,and very good mastering of light (but that's not new...)

KevRyan (22422) 2007-06-04 13:46

I think that Ken sums it up when he says compelling - there is a look here that I have seen so often on the faces of the urban poor in so many places - this part of your life with these sisters will never be forgotten Kaj - they will come to mind in so many ways over the rest of your days......even if you don't see them for ten years they will welcome you as it it was yesterday.

It's good to have you back though!

best wishes Kev

Polonaise (5638) 2007-06-07 8:03

You're getting there, girl.
To the very depth of humanity...
To the abyss of existence.
Splendid photography in every aspect possible.
There is no flaws in it.
Just the pure, visual perfection.

g.

Furachan (0) 2007-06-08 3:15

Two quyick comments, Ms Spice:
Overall great, like many in this series - you are a color continuation of Sohrab in some ways.
1. texture of the main lady's face is a little granular somehow, don't know how to express that, sort of a question mark in my mind...
2. i'm sure you'll agree with me but Sasa did quite a job on the workshop.
Bravo,
Francis

AnimeshRay (8886) 2007-06-10 3:00

Here is one of those that I thought works extremely well. Straightforward, tense, solid faces. Toughness of life writ loud in their tightly cramped faces in the rectangular space, arms and shoulder join to form an intricate pattern of humanity. A brave image. You have a brilliant eye for protraiture.

luisafonso (858) 2007-06-19 4:08

Beautiful. The trio of heads in the upper section of the image is very good. And Sasa's workshop really enhanced the view (probably as you perceived it). The exposure on the mother's face is amazing. Incredible texture there. Your control of light is once again very good. You really are an incarnation of the whole Flemish masters. And those deep eyes... You really have a deep connection into their souls. "Will you remember them when you get back to London?" I have no doubt you will...

Giedra70 (597) 2009-03-12 8:17

Hello Kajal,

Very very impresive shot. I like the colors and composition.

BR Giedrius

figenya (1715) 2009-09-23 1:44

Hi Kajal,

Amazing photo with its emotional composition and successful framing. Very special moment for a mother, I accept that it is your warm relation that made this shot possible. Cheers,

figen