At the Yeha Temple Photo

Photographer’s Note

At the Yeha Temple

The Yeha Temple, a 2500 year-old structure of mysterious origins, is also the site of a more recent church complex. These men were sitting in the shade outside the church, waiting.
The feathery object in the man's hand in the background is a fly-swatter.

About the re-post

Korkut was right about the background, so here I've tried to tidy it up a bit, as well as improve the B&W conversion, which was a bit crap in the original posted version.

vagabondtravels, Clairedelune trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

jasmis (50799) 2009-04-22 1:28

Stunning double portrait in superb B&W tones.
Really impressive.
Regards.

koker (267) 2009-04-22 1:42

Hello Ben,
Excellent B&W shot. Regards.
Huseyin

BennyV (4835) 2009-04-22 2:52

Hi Ben,

Great portrait. The repost is far better than the original, indeed, but I wonder what exactly you did to improve it. For someone who's only just discovering the possibilities of PP (mainly through trial and error), that would have been useful information.

Another thing: I think the man in the background seems to be the more photogenic one. Even when blurred he takes away much of the attention from your main subject.

But - don't get me wrong - this is a post I appreciate!

Benny

vagabondtravels (6115) 2009-04-22 3:07

Hey Ben

I am loving your images from Ethiopia. I will be moving to Khartoum in a few month and you are influencing me to take my first vacation to Ethiopia. Some great b&w's you have executed.
Great work.
Ben

casperduppy (1464) 2009-04-22 13:14

Hi Ben,

An interesting portrait of these two charismatic looking gentlemen. I can imagine they have some stories well worth listening to. However I actually prefer the more natural original, as I find this a little too contrasty. I hope you don't mind but I performed a workshop. Hope to see some more shots from your trip, all the best, Casper

Clairedelune (4885) 2009-05-02 9:33

As much as I would like to like this photo, it seems that I can't be totally enthusiast. You fixed what was indeed disturbing in the sky behind, though personally, I would have gone farther and make 'disappear' the same gray blurred bushes between their heads as well. I agree with Casper that your contrast is less good in this version. On my screen, it is difficult to distinguish the features of the face of the second guy.
That 'fly-swatter'... I want one! ;))
Take care, Ben. TE - or at least me! - is needing guys like you!
Claire