Cleaning Lady at the Temple, a photo from Siem Reab, West

Photographer's Note

I am sorry, I don't know the name of the temple this was taken at, but it is an small but active temple on the grounds of the Angkor Complex. The temple really is nothing more than a large buddha image along with other smaller related items, under a canopy. In front of this, is a flat area, probably created centuries ago by laying slabs of sandstone down on the ground. This lady, and two others were busy pulling weeds growing up out of the sandstone. She stopped her work long enough to flash this terrific smile.

Her clothing is very typical of rural Khmers, and the scarf she is wearing around her head is called a Krama, something Cambodia is quite well known for.

rjamin, hispic has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

olli (2091) 2003-08-22 4:08

Great portrait. Nice subject, great light and DOF, beautiful colors, excellent framing. Very-very well done.

gringofil (0) 2003-08-22 6:05

This is simply magical, Darren. The composition is very simple, but I myself prefer this kind of shot (and am trying myself to compose this way). Her expression is simply wonderful. She is looking at the camera, but for me this does not seem as a huge problem. Everything is great...wonderful work.

Aegean (2571) 2003-08-22 6:43

A great portrait with excellent use of DOF Darren...The light and colors are very pleasant and lady's face expression very expressive...Very well done!

AdrianW (2274) 2003-08-22 6:51

Lovely shot! As Olli says the technical side is perfect. My only criticism is that it's hard to tell what she's doing in the shot...

ninadev (5377) 2003-08-22 12:00

This is a great shot, so sharp with a nice DOF. Love the light on her cheek and this little spot on the ground. Hard work pulling weeds with her hands ? and still smiling so nicely ? Love it.

evilren (1395) 2003-08-23 12:56

u have areal talent of taking people pictures!
for me this shot is perfect..the location of the woman in the picture..the box cropping.wouldn't change a thing!
nicely done

zorro (530) 2003-08-24 21:20

good exposure and use of DOF Darren...very well seen.

greg (2835) 2003-08-28 7:51

yes, simple composition, but extrememly successful. I like the effect of the patches of light.

CoolDan (2516) 2003-10-30 13:34

Great shot Darren.
Vous avez fait une superbe composition, l'angle et la lumière sont parfait. Et que cette femme vous ait souri: c'est la cerise sur le sundae. Thanks.

rjamin (1169) 2003-11-07 3:51

To me the lady's expression is what makes this great photo. Like the DOF too.

fotofreak (1677) 2003-11-12 0:47

Remarkable. The expression that you caputred on her face is amazing.
This should be in a National Geographic magazine! No need to improve anything!
Great job!

maciekda (19895) 2004-02-03 6:45

another discovery, you have a lot of good pictures I haven't seen yet....
beautiful composition with the women on the side, great light, great focusing, great smile... very good technically and ...artistically? ;-)
very nice!

ianmcall (1213) 2004-03-18 6:03

I lkie simple, everyday task shots. They tell so much more than posed portraits. The cheerfulness she shows while facing an obviously endless task is heartening. I also like how this old woman is so casually crouched into almost a tight ball while performing her labours.

kinginexile (2598) 2004-11-11 1:42

great luminosity, that favors her face, all lighted up by her smile too. Great background horizontal plans too, which straightens the composition. A masterly done daily life portrait which deserves "favorite" status.

faubry (35447) 2005-02-21 17:44

very good protrait of this woman, her smile isn't terrific.. she are looking your camera and she seems glad of your interet.
good picture
thanks

Captain (514) 2005-10-07 13:09

Darren
This is a wonderful portrait. Such a nice expression. Well done, sharpness and DOF are spot on and the colors although they possibly could be a little stronger are never the less fine.
Ian