The Observer, a photo from Aileu, West

Photographer's Note

East-Timor is located geographically in Oceania, although it is sometimes assigned to Asia instead. Consists of the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave of East Timor situated on the northwestern side of the island, surrounded by West Timor.

Since East-Timor became independent, no serious photographic work has been done. At least not an in-depth work, because simply it's not easy. Thus, this image and some more I'll post here are, in a way, unique and are the result of many hours and effort to mingle. Some moments where registered only because, at some point, I started to be seen as one of them and not a mere foreigner.

This man was at Aileu market, using a concret column to hide and discretely observe what was going on.

I hope you enjoy!

PS: I appologise for the 500px larger side and watermark in the frame, but some unauthorized use has happened before in other websites (including mine)

alford, Luan, Albrecht, chc, Milos, Marche has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

alford (4063) 2006-04-04 5:48

Hi Joel! I saw your personal website first before discovering you also had one here at TE! Your photos are very impressive!
The sharpness and bokeh here are excellent! The old man has that mean look in his eyes, very natural! Very good catch! rgds.

Luan (12971) 2006-04-04 5:49

Superb, well composed, I like it. It is a beautiful portrait, the face is perfectly hilighted by the low DoF. I just would like to see it in 800 pixels ;o)
Excellent
Luan

Albrecht (11283) 2006-04-04 6:42

Hi Joel
Great shot;wonderful use of DOF and light and well cropped. Good colours and POV.
~greetings Albrecht ~

chc (1468) 2006-04-04 7:25

Hi Joel,
What a portrait! Very interesting point of view and composition. It gives me an impression of Western movie (specifically a Sergio Leone Western). Not relating to the geographical area of East-Timor however! Salut Christophe

ayobami (1353) 2006-04-04 9:04

Fabulous! Such a wonderfully clear image just where it's needed! Great light and DOF as well! Well done!

recepyuksel (18640) 2006-04-04 12:51

wonderful portrait....

Framboisilla (5277) 2006-04-04 13:27

Bonsoir Joel,

Belle photo de ce monsieur que l'on voit de profil. J'aime beaucoup le mur de droite qui donne de la profondeur au reste, la lumière qui délimite bien les contours du visage et le fond orangé qui donne de la couleur. Bref, c'est réussit !

Bonne soirée,
Stéphanie.

jussipee (10) 2006-04-04 13:29

He is watching between vertical lines, and in mans looking side its only a background darken line.
I think, this is so good, that no need any white frames.
Thanks Joel

celinaconroy (717) 2006-04-04 14:30

Hi Joel.
Great photo. There is something so haunting about the man's expression - which I think is more regretful than mean looking, but that's just a personal view. It's structure and art would not be amiss in any portrait gallery. Great stuff.

Celina

Marche (4307) 2006-04-04 15:40

Bonjour Joel,
Magnifique cliché, avec un éclairage venant de côté, ce qui dessine merveillement les contours du visage. J'aime beaucoup l'expression du visage de cet homme, que vous avez su capter. Pour le texte, je n'ai pas tout compris.
Très grand travail. Je me permets de la mettre dans mes favoris.
Amicalement
Martine

jjcordier (79299) 2006-04-05 4:58

Very, very good portrait, Joel. Great photo!
Best regards
JJ

cepekdong (3676) 2006-06-22 14:08

mysterious and great ... nice composition, i like that the pic is divided... good work

dan

aralda (1240) 2006-06-24 11:01

Hi Joel,
Superb clarity and portrait! It's an arresting picture.
Nice play of orange and blue, and very good use of light!
Raluca

paulalex32 (4) 2007-04-16 6:31

Amazing capture!

ruisc_pt (11594) 2007-05-11 14:23

Luz e contraste fabulosos.
A nota soberba.
è mesmo um olhar timorense a observar sem saber que está a ser observado? (será?).
p.s.
pena o tamanho da imagem.
TFS

Sharee (312) 2007-05-11 14:59

Joel,

what a fanulous shot!!! Colurs and dof field really bring your attention to the face.

Tracey

pascalrouget (393) 2008-09-21 9:47

Excellent picture: colors, POV, subject... everything is good in this one. It show us perfectly the beauty of this country and its people.
Congratulations!

kyrneucciu (1390) 2009-02-14 0:45

Hi Joel, the fantastic work for the superb shot, congratulations. JO

marcocig (781) 2010-07-18 6:53

What a portrait!
intense, intriguing, great lighting.perfect sharpness.
I great satisfaction for you, i guess. Congratulation for your job, which is precious
Marco