Colours Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

During the winter of 1981/82 I spent several months in West Africa, starting by crossing the Sahara from Algeria to Niger. The few weeks I spent in Niger resulted in very few pictures, because of strict rules that a written photo permit was required in every town or province. It was not to be taken lightly, because there were many men in uniforms everywhere ready to demand to see the permit.
Even with the permit it was not easy because most people objected strongly to having their picture taken. These people were not posing for me, they were inspecting this colourful cloth when I passed by. First they got angry, like most did, but they cheered up when I told them what a nice picture it would make.
This picture is from Niamey, capital of Niger, and was scanned from a Kodachrome slide.

saxo042, fanni, mafegan trouve(nt) cette note utile

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saxo042 (16164) 2008-01-13 7:34

Hej Gert,
Yes, they seem happy enough at having their picture taken. The colourful cloth certainly motivates a picture, with or without a permit.
Hälsningar
Gunnar

molla (6891) 2008-01-13 23:35

Hej Gert.
Today Niger is a total catastrophy in a humanitarian way. but seldom managed in any media comparing to neighbouring.
This is also a country I wished to know a little bit more of. the remarklbe architecture and all ethnic minoritys.
They looked friendly anyway.
Anders

fanni (8791) 2008-07-02 10:02

Hej Gert,
nice picture with nice colours! It's good that there's a child on the left. It seems to me, he is a good "addition" to the balance of the composition and the colour of his shirt matches the colours of the cloth :)
good job :)
regards,
Elena

mafegan (4425) 2008-07-16 16:08

Hello Gert
A most interesting story you tell and this photo is a good scan being 27years old - must bring back memories for you. TFS,Marlene