Gran And Grandson

[Tom]

I'm still trying to get through and sort out all my shots from last autumns travels. So I would value your opinions on this one.
Tom

[Stephen]

Re: Gran And Grandson

I'm still trying to get through and sort out all my shots from last autumns travels. So I would value your opinions on this one.
Tom

Tom, I don't understand why this photo has been neglected so to speak certainly by folks here , perhaps we get too wrapped up in our own stuff at times and forget to comment on others work.

Personally I think this is a great shot, and a truly sympathetic study of the two characters. They appear totally unphased by you pointing the camera at them, and consequently they do not seem embarassed or are not shying away from you. I love the way you have been able to capture them in what appears to be very much their own environment, a simple wooden building, without the trappings of modern day life.

Certainly with the little boy you have got eye contact which is nice, and I suspect Grandma too is pretty much looking at you and certainly giving some sort of secure feeling for the boy, who seems very comfortable with the situation. Love the expression on his face

The light too is excellent on their faces, giving lovely skin textures and tones. Although the highlight in the top right pulls the eye a little, I reckon you have just about got away with it and there is enough in the faces to pull the eye back with no problem

Well done Tom, I love it

[Pol]

Re: Gran And Grandson

Stephen's summed it up very nicely.

It's a beautiful shot with great 'presence'. It conveys all sorts of hidden clues about the relationship and affection shared between the litle fella and his gran.

Very nice sort of 'documentary' feel to the shot too ..... if you know what I mean. A personal insight sort of shot, a glimpse of a brief moment of their everyday life. I love it.

Pol

[Pops]

Re: Gran And Grandson

Some poverty here but not really desperate because they are pretty well dressed. The boy looks a bit sad to me and I feel that the string/cord he is playing with could well be his only plaything. Grandma looks a bit expectant, maybe you offered a reward of some sort.

[Autumn]

Re: Gran And Grandson

I think Stephen is right about our commenting. I thought it was a lovely picture and would like to know in which country this photograph ws taken.

The top right hand corner does drag my eye, and I would definitely try to darken it if it were mine.

The other thing it did for me was to make me look for a similar one that I took in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately the grandmother in mine has the tree trunk behind her head. In fact, that is why I didn't comment at the time - I was so busy hunting for mine.

[Archangel]

Re: Gran And Grandson

Very nice photo Tom.
I like generally photos of this type.
Behind that kid's sad and disappointed face, a whole story of blood and pain is written through the past centuries and who knows for how many also in the future.
Very nice moment capture, really very nice.

Regards

George

[Tom]

Re: Gran And Grandson

Thanks so much to all for your comments.
At the time of taking (or making as some prefer,must be careful ) I was aware that the top corner was always going to be a threat to the overall result. Processing was indeed in this area, where I subdued the light somewhat and added an extra bit of foliage as a camouflage if you like. But it is still a pity it is there.
As Stephen says, I thought I just about got away with it. To me the picture is about the little boys expression; I feel it is the photographs strength and it always stopped my eyes from going elsewhere. I think he is adorable and I often come back to this one just to see that expression again.
It happened in a little village called Upper Langde in the province of Guizhou in south western China. My daughter and I were backpacking through the rice fields and we just arrived at this little place and we were invited into this family's house, where we spent an afternoon, for refreshments and food.
I dont know about poverty in this instance but one thing I am sure of is that they are rich in their outlook and attitudes, rich with the environment they live in, and so far no sign of the dreaded western influences soo apparant now in the main cities in China. When I was leaving them I couldn't but think of what I was coming home too.

[Autumn]

Re: Gran And Grandson

Thank you for that explanation Tom. It is nice to be able to meet people in their own environment. As you say they are rich in their, outlook, environment and attitudes.

I always enjoy my Sri Lankan photos. The fishermen and their families had very little, but every night they enjoyed themselves on the beach, swimming and playing games. Their little shacks with tins roofs were on the beach. They all seemed very happy.