Photos

bantonbuju (51815) 2007-02-17 3:40

hi steve,
this is strong! no need to write any stupid stuff praising tech side of this document!
it speaks volumes, this work!
tc, j.

     sarahnatalie (697) 2007-02-17 4:30 [Comment]

Polonaise (5802) 2007-02-18 10:15

Extraordinary photo. Very strong photo.
That photo is yearning for information rather than a cliché, and quite naïve note.
My questions are:
1. Why those kids are there?
2. Where is it ? Building…Institution..? Marble floor (???)
3. Why two kids are covered with some rags, and the third kid, naked - is laying on the sheet of fabric - uncovered.
Some of other questions I can answer on my own…
I know it is Africa, it is Cameroon, there is no food for children (usually the ADULTS are OK, thanks God! Or, at least, they are strong enough to carry the bazookas and Kalashnikovs proudly on their shoulders).
And I'm perfectly alright with all the information and images.
For, as long as I live, I watch on TV, those proud, and smart and brave people, with the ammunition belts wrapped around their bodies, fighting for freedom and democracy (with outstanding results, may I add !).
But…There are those questions I asked above.
Burning my brains…Gripping my throat tightly…
What? Why? Rags, naked, marble floor…
???????????????????????????????
If you don't know the answers Steve, and if you don't supply me with the answers…I'll be back, brother…
Trust me…I'll be back.. Be aware

s10001in (0) 2007-02-19 21:06

Steve.

PJ stuff..
You are right there.

Manamo (3710) 2007-04-03 8:56

Hello Steve,
very very touching photo. It is bound to raise questionning. Questions of all kind. Why? What can I do? How can this happen? and on and on...Very strong picture. The kid which seems ill on the left is in the light that seems to come from a window above him. His face his in the shades, but still we can see his open eyes. He is naked, ill on a red sheet. On the other side is the two other children, who seem to be feeling better, not naked, in the shades. the contrast of lighting is stunning:the one on the left well lit and the two others in the shadow. The marble? I would have expected it to be on sand, well, pretty much anything else than marble. A story is building up for sure.

My question, a technical one: it seems to be taken from too high. This one is not taken by a tall standing person, it is taken from far above. I get the sense that we would feel nearer from the scene, more touched if the point of view was lower, like at waist or knee level. Was it possible to reach them to do so? I mean, it is such a powerful photo that can help things move a bit, it has to be the strongest you can, any effort must be put in it. Just my opinion.

Have a nice day Steve,

Marc

illusion108 (89) 2007-04-16 4:36

...........! nothing to say!

happypoppeye (4819) 2007-05-26 1:41

Yes, very powerful and sad photo. It is all ignorance. That is what I believe. The marble floor is interesting...

Great note also. Not a long critique because I don't think the photo needs it. It is really good.

One question - if you don't answer no worries - Did you do anything to help? Did you try to talk to them? Or did you not have time? Had to catch a train?.....OK, more than one question. I am just remembering my trip to Cambodia where most people considered the children something other than human beings. Really all they wanted was attention, talking was worth more than money to them, as was a game of Tic-Tac-Toe. Most people just wanted to push them away as beggars who were trying to steal their money. I know this is different but I am just interested.

John

     mlmurray (233) 2007-11-26 16:06

One of the things I like best about TrekEarth is that it makes us look at ALL the world, not just the beautiful tourist sites. And there is something we can all do about these children. It's called The United Nations Children's Fund (or UNICEF). I've been thinking I need to do some sharing of my gifts and this pictures certainly got my check book out.
It's a very good photo but does not need points, I think you will agree.
Sincerely Mary

bombilla (3406) 2008-05-12 14:08

What a scene. Makes me want to throw my camera out for some reason. Not sure how to assimilate photos like this. We need to see them. Do we need to take them? What should we do with them? Who are we to be taking photos like this? Who are we to be looking at them? This photograph is the crux our modern anxiety, or dismal failings. It's also the potential engine for hope that we can still be humans. A real photograph, that carries with it all the weight and problems of a real photograph. And then, when confronted by this kind of document, I always wonder, What did the photographer do after he took it? Best, -Hugh