Turkish Dancers, a photo from New York, Northeast

Photographer's Note

This is my last post of Western New York. My next series will be of the Big Apple (New York City) itself.

These young ladies, so richly attired in their traditional Turkish dresses, are all young Americans whose families have immigrated to America. They just finished with a traditional Turkish dance at a city of Rochester Turkish Society event. I am proud that our country allows people from all over the world to immigrate here. These kids were all very nice and were happy to share thier historical roots with curious visitors like me. Immigration has greatly enriched the United States and has given us a strong and diverse country. My wife is a naturalized citizen from Scotland.

From my mother's side of the family, I have old Purtian roots that go back to the early 1600s. Many of my ancestors have fought in wars for the Colonies and for the United States. Among them are the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI and WWII. I could become a naysayer, like some traditionalists, and bemoan the inclusion of new immigrants, but I don't. Obviously, Immigration has to have some checks and balances to it, but politicians sometimes like to do their "saber rattling" scare tactics about immigration and I tend to ignore them. I have heard from some people that the United States will eventually become a white minority country. This does not bother me at all. Life is always in a state of flux anyway. I judge people individually, not by the color of their skin, or their country of origin. I have also learned so much about other lands and cultures from our immigrants and it really gives me the "travel itch" to travel abroad.

I will be slow to respond to this post. I have a very busy three days ahead of me. I get behind sometimes, but I always make it a point to respond to each and every critique (usually with a complimetary one). I sometimes run into photographers who never respond to my critiques, and needless to say, this doesn't last for very long with me. I won't put up with this type of rudeness and I don't expect anyone to put up with it from me either.

Technically I feel that I oversharpened this compressed photo a bit, but it is still acceptable in my opinion.

avene, jwmunro, gunbud, zmey, plimrn, Photo65Net, zeca, indraajeet, isabela_sor, japiey, macondo, Didi, AROBN54, fulvio52 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

avene (12675) 2008-02-18 14:03

hi Stan,
the colours in this shot! they just jump off the page, and reflected light from the silky material of the women's clothes adds to the festive mood, I like it a lot. I also like that you left the background as it was, I don't find it distractive, quite the contrary - the lush green compliments the mood of the shot very well. really great shot, it's a pleasure to see people being happy about who they are, and your photo shows this pride and happiness perfectly.
looking forward to your NYC series,
Kristine

jwmunro (286) 2008-02-18 14:35

Hello Stan -

I don't think it is over sharpened! What I do think is that you had a ball with these dancers and it shows in their facial expressions. What else can I say - a typical STANO image that is spot on the money.

Thank you for sharing.

John

gunbud (34066) 2008-02-18 14:59

Hi Stan,
A wonderful explosion of colors is seen in the lovely portrait of the young ladies celebrating their rich culture. The incticate design to their multi colored dress in seen in wonderful details and the joy and pride in their culture is well seen in this lively composition.
Regards, Tom

zmey (7335) 2008-02-18 17:49

good evening, stan

i see, others are traveling all the way to istanbul to post turkish fotos, but you managed to do the same in the old good new york state ;) well done, a very merry composition with the girls obviously eager to pose for you. and a good foto to illustrate the cultural diversity of the US.

thanks for sharing, friend, and good luck with your busy schedule ahead.

cheers,
kristaps

plimrn (21344) 2008-02-18 18:15

Hi Stan,
Like Avene, I find the park atmosphere is very attractive in this group photo, I especially like the dappled light on the grass. The dancers are clearly enjoying their interaction with you.

Having a similar background, I have perhaps even stronger feelings. Being percieved as a land of opportunity, our country was able to lure the best and brightest from around the world.

Sorry I have been slow responding; my folks health has taken a big nosedive.
HLJ, Pat

Photo65Net (43144) 2008-02-19 2:17

Stan,
Nice dance catch.
These clothes are so colorful, it's great to see them.
I don't think it's oversharpned.
Waiting for your NYC series !
Regards,
JB.

zeca (19762) 2008-02-19 7:46

If we see artists and dancers, we probably see Mr.Obert work. Here, again, an excellent capture! The colours are beautiful, with great contrast to the green background. A very nice portrait, Stan!
Regards,
Zeca

indraajeet (1912) 2008-02-19 9:00

superb shot full of life and colour. it is a joy to the senses
indrajit

isabela_sor (47748) 2008-02-19 9:05 [Comment]

Show Comment

leo61 (0) 2008-02-19 9:07

Hi Stan!
A great shot of these ladies,full of joy.Good timing to catch them in this nice pose and greatcontrast of their nice costumes with the nice green tones of the vegetation.
Regards,Leo

japiey (10163) 2008-02-20 1:07

Dear Stan..

AS USUAL, YOUR PERFECT WAY OF TELLING THE STORY IN VISUAL SENSE...
The women are gorgeous... colourfull...

More than from a stage show, this has a natural feel...
They enjoy the pose too...
Thats the image sense...

Hat's off to you...

jp

macondo (20449) 2008-02-20 5:06

Hi Stan.
Deceptively 'simple', one might say. But the colours are brilliant against the green tonal range behind. The faces of these dancers and the pleasant pattern made by their linking make this a shot that is very pleasing to the eye. it's all very harmonious. I think perhaps it is a little over-sharp, but it's so hard sometimes to get it right in an image of this size. Better than under-sharp. It shows the detail of their outfits and faces in this one. I liked your notes. I too, get annoyed with people who NEVER respond.
All the best for now,
Andrew

Didi (61589) 2008-02-20 6:58

Hi Stan
It's very acceptable indeed as you said, because the characters, sorry the young laidies are positionned far on the background; the details are appreciable.
Cheers

AROBN54 (11475) 2008-02-20 9:11

Hi, Stan,
again these awesome colors!! I am just astonished by them. They make such a beautiful contrast against the greenery behind them. You caught such happy and friendly expressions, too. Their traditional clothing is such an interesting subject and your note is just outstanding!! Thanks and have a great week,
Shelly

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-02-20 13:24

Hi Stan,
a cheerful picture, indeed.
Although I got to admit I'm not at all into this type of traditional dancing, I like those brilliant colors and the merry atmosphere of your composition. Also : I personally don't think you oversharpened it, it looks fine to me. Excellent note too.
Have a great day, see ya soon.
Ciao,
Fulvio.