Survivor

Critiques [Translate]

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• bibiweb (32115)
• [2008-05-21 20:14]
• [+]

Hi Henk,
And I thought that I was getting up early.... ;o)
Interesting note. I was a bit too young at that time to remember such episodes of the Vetnam War, and as usual, a great portrait too. I love the way she is looking at you, straight into the camera, and one can tell by her eyes that she has gone through many things in her life... all is said!
Have a nice day.
Bibi

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• Bruno40 (4929)
• [2008-05-21 20:32]

Powerful portrait Henk, amazingly sharp, the details on the face are extraordinary. Nice face expression. Good photographic work.

Terrible reminder of atrocities of war. I have read about it. Sickening.

regards

Jorge

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• thea0211 (3633)
• [2008-05-21 21:28]

hi henk,
unfortunately in all these armed conflicts innocent people suffer most - it's always been like this through human history.
this might very well be the portrait of any mother or grandmother who violently lost her family in wars she (or them) had no other part in.

she is beautiful, as beautiful as a human being can get and your portrait does her justice.

dora

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• plimrn (17346)
• [2008-05-21 21:52]

Hi Henk,
Those sad eyes are truly haunting, as is the episode. Especially in the light of our total inability to learn from our mistakes.
HLJ, Pat

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• bertolucci (11594)
• [2008-05-21 22:10]

Een prachtig portret Henk en wat een verhaal vertelt haar fraai weergegeven getekende gezicht. Treffend ook is haar blik. En wat een tragedie ...My Lai...Lt Calley....
Heel goed werk!
Fijne week,
Bert

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• barrufeto_77 (21602)
• [2008-05-21 22:21]

Hi Henk.

Excellent, as usual, portrait. The details and the contrast with the background is excellent!

Rgs, Oscar

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• bobocortis (8229)
• [2008-05-21 22:41]

Hello Henk.
An amazing portrait, clean and high sharpened, rich of meaning considering the subject's condition explained in the note.
I do like it a lot.
Best regards.
Bobo.

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• cbrman (15105)
• [2008-05-21 23:07]

Hello Henk,

I see you have made a beautiful collection of portrait during your Vietnam trip.
This story is impressive and like many other war story, it is captivating. It shows the stupidity of the men and braveries of some.
Thank you for the post.

A+

Dominique

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• testmaniac (10662)
• [2008-05-21 23:32]

Again impressive job Henk! Perfect photo quality!
TFS and regards,

Philip

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• MarcT (16948)
• [2008-05-21 23:34]

Hallo Henk,
Schitterend portrait met heerlijke zachte kleuren.
I love it! See you in Lille... :o))
Cheers
Marc

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• JPlumb (3125)
• [2008-05-21 23:54]

Wow Henk, she would have been just a young lady then, no doubt with family in the village, and she still sits there. That is one very hurt lady. You have captured this very well. The composition is excellent with very excellent depth of field for this shot.

Thanks, John

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• dareco (13001)
• [2008-05-22 0:36]

A very heart-wrenching note!! A very beautiful portrait once again, a face which tells a story. Well done!! Have a great day!

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• vincz (17534)
• [2008-05-22 1:10]

Very strong portrait with such a great light under the hat. You did marvel here. So many details on the skin. Excellent.

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• gilou530 (28129)
• [2008-05-22 2:02]

salut henk
un portrait ou l'on voit bien l'oeuvre du temps sur le visage de cette vieille dame, une lumiére douce rend ce portrait trés agréable et d'une belle simplicité
amitiés
gilbert

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• PixelTerror (76546)
• [2008-05-22 2:07]

Hi Henk,
Agin here a nice senior portrait from which we can feel lot of dignity, well measured Dof and good lightening of her face. If you go for portraits next week they are likely to be a bit different, I'm curious to see what the whole dream team will achieve in that respect... ;-)
Have a nice day jY

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• carper (57439)
• [2008-05-22 3:18]

Nee, zeker geen politiek,
wel realiteit Henk. Ik vind het toch een zeer fraai portret en de note, ja die is zeker passend bij een foto als deze, zeer goed werk.
groet Jaap

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• Greg1949 (6425)
• [2008-05-22 3:41]

Henk, a worthy photo for a tragic event. Your details are awesome, the pain is in the eyes though there is a glimmer of a smile in the cheeks. Well done.

Greg

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• patdeph (11102)
• [2008-05-22 4:00]

hello Henk
nothing to add on this superb portrait of a beautiful and worthy woman!It's excellent,as usual,with a splendid colours,framing,light and background!I like very much!
Kind regards.
Pascale

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• wishlist (4125)
• [2008-05-22 4:26]

The eye of the woman beside your last 2 lines of words makes this portrait pure poetry, so deep and with a delicate touch of softness. I think this must have been a great moment for you and your amazing trip. Thanks for sharing this with us Henk.
Regards,

Igor

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• belido (11013)
• [2008-05-22 4:46]
• [+]

Hi Henk,

at first a great portrait as usual but the bonus is to read the note. I can see in her eyes she suffered in her life. There is a half-smile that's not convincing me. Backing to the compo what attract me most is the clarity on her face. Where are the shadows? Great one!
Regards,
Carlos

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• avene (7428)
• [2008-05-22 4:52]
• [+]

hello Henk,
another great portrait, I keep admiring how the focus changes from razor sharp on her face to softer on her right shoulder and tip of the hat, I feel that I've grown to appreciate the subtle elegance of the art of focusing. the pastel colours and soft light create a very strong feeling of calm, may be with a little sadness, taking into account what you have included in your note. powerful work, nothing more to add.

with best regards,
Kristine

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• jhm (71185)
• [2008-05-22 6:01]
• [+]

Dag Henk,

De hoed overheerst de foto, maar het gezicht en de ogen zijn zeker mooi, ik denk dat ze zich meer laat fotograferen, want de blik in de lens laat zoiets vermoeden.
Alles lijkt zeer zacht en aantrekkelijk, ik denk Henk dat we de echter Nederlandse mensen ook eens moeten presenteren, en dan liefst in tradionelen kledij.

Groeten uit Vlaanderen,
John.

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• Dyerco (6430)
• [2008-05-22 6:50]

Well done Henk. The portrait of this lady says it all. It was not America's finest hour.
Phil

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• ChrisJ (58749)
• [2008-05-22 7:24]

Hi Henk

A superb portrait, of this elderly Vietnamese woman, with excellent facial texture, & outstanding sharpness. Good colour, too. Tfs!

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• feather (43376)
• [2008-05-22 8:01]
• [+]

I remember being there myself and the impressions I had. Apparently no-one was ever brought to account for the atrocities. It seems from your note this lady was a rare surviver of the village. Although she has seen and experienced much suffering she has a lovely gentle face; more serene and beautiful than the earlier portrait of the old lady in Hoi An(?) Excellent portait Henk; one of your best imho.
Kath

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• pboehringer (19604)
• [2008-05-22 8:09]

Henk,
the note is gripping and especially because I work for the health of american veterans. Quite often I wonder what these veterans did and had to experience during their combat time. I always use the principle don't ask don't tell. Asking my lead obviously to witness a story of bravery or huge frustration and anger as your story shows both sides of it.
The face and eyes of this person and her gesture prior of you taking the shot speaks volumes and is heartbreaking. The image is superb with an extraordinary light management giving us all the detail from under her hat.
Peter

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• zmey (6118)
• [2008-05-22 8:30]
• [2]

hello henk

another fantastic, technically impeccable portrait! i think, i understand why you posted this note along with the shot. she must have experienced (or lived close by) the events the note describes. her eyes must have seen these events or hear ears heard very close echoes of them... a side note, not justifying the deeds of the soldiers, but just to bring in closer perspective of similar times: in modern guerilla war, the line between civilian and warrior is unfortunately very blurred. if, just a couple centuries ago, it was very unrealistic a child could do harm to a professional soldier, nowadays, it's just the trivial matter of aiming and pressing the trigger. i know this from the experience of my high-school classmates who had the misfortune to end up serving in afganistan. their stories was about their comrades being shot in the back by 8 year old children who just had gladly accepted candy from the same soldiers; also, stories of ladies (old and young) bringing food to camps and blowing the tents (with the soldiers) up. so, yes... guerilla war can play nasty tricks on soldiers' resolve. my respect for the nobility of the heroes in your story who managed to stop their comrades from going mad in those conditions.

warm regards,
kristaps

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• Bartleby (2107)
• [2008-05-22 8:59]

A great expression, well-captured. The green of thee bokeh brings out the color of her dress.
I liek it a lot.
Philippe

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• xavshot (52499)
• [2008-05-22 9:48]

Bonsoir Henk
une très belle photo avec une belle expression de cette vieille dame. La note est intéressante, la photo émouvante. Bravo.
Xavier

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• Photo65Net (36991)
• [2008-05-22 10:20]

Henk,
Wow, what a face !
Your job with this woman is beautiful, exposure, sharpness and DOF are perfect... Superb one,
Regards,
JB.

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• leo61 (35523)
• [2008-05-22 10:51]

Hello Henk!
The image has an amazing high quality.Fine details to view at her face and hair.
It`s a wonderful poetrait with very nice colors.I like the tight framing and the green blurred background.
Regards,Leo

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• Cricri (32750)
• [2008-05-22 10:52]

Hi Henk,
Intéressante note qui accompagne cette charmante dame au visage ridée par le temps et de son regard doux et fixe, bon DOF, trés beau portrait
Have a nice evening for you
cricri

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• Waylim (5085)
• [2008-05-22 12:54]

Henk,
This a portriat of a woman with so much history, heart breaking one unfortunately. What a charactor she is. Great job on this shot with so much details, So much that you can see sadness in her eyes. I'm speechless. Reminded me of my mother. Thanks
Way

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• MarianneS (10548)
• [2008-05-22 13:36]

Henk,
This is an amazing portrait. The lady is beautiful, each wrinkle of her face has probably a story to tell...
Of course, the remind of Vietnam war in your note was impressive. But most of all, the way the lady explained to you, with a simple gesture, her belonging to the devastated village is very emotional. We can imagine the scene through your note.
As far as I am concerned, this is the kind of post which really deserves a 'TFS'.
Groetjes,
Marianne

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• azleader (793)
• [2008-05-22 22:34]

A great portrait from a pure photographic sense.

Your photo and note is a sobering reminder of one of the lowest points in US military history. :(

But these things must never be forgotten lest they be repeated. We hope and pray such atrocities will never happen again.

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• delkoo (27378)
• [2008-05-23 0:42]

HI HENK
Great note and beautiful portrait, sometimes is important to remind all atrocity which have been committed in Vietnam.
gentleness and quiet of this portrait, contrasts, obviously with the hardness of the note.
technically perfect it is a very good documentary.

didier

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• jemaflor (32950)
• [2008-05-23 4:18]

Hi Henk,
Excellent portrait, perfect light on face, good attitude and sharpness, a good example ...

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• baba_flies (5585)
• [2008-05-23 8:42]
• [+]

Lieber Henk! What a sweet woman, she looks so tender, I wish I had a grandmother like this that was still around and I could listen what she had to say. My father has a good friend that was a young soldier in WWII. In a strange way I always loved to listen what he had to say when I was little and my eyes grew bigger with each sentence. But I have also met a man that was in the Korean War and we became friends (he was a pilot) over the years when we returned to Vermont. When he talked about what he saw his eyes were always full of tears and several times he showed us the photo album he made and we always looked, I mean what else can you do. Wonderful work, Henk, tender is the right word for me. I am almost on my way ... next week ... take care, have a wonderful pre-summer ... Barbara.

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• Paolo (40251)
• [2008-05-23 8:44]

Hi Henk, i well know the history of My Lai, i studied it at university some years ago. a great portrait for a terrifiant history.
thanks, ciao

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• faubry (29411)
• [2008-05-23 8:44]

bonsoir Henk, i like these life lines... true protrait, emotion, wonderful light and your note is very interesting, remind us ths sad time..
soon
francine

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• Wandering_Dan (3829)
• [2008-05-23 10:29]

Hello, Henk -

An excellent portrait, and a great note - perfect for the American Memorial Day. My Lai is an indelible stain on our history - one which I regret to say we are mimicking in Iraq. I am reminded of Lt. Calley's infamous justification: "We had to destroy the village in order to save it." A true summation of a confusing and disastrous war.

Enough. Have a good weekend.
Dan

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• Jonas_Schmitt (2934)
• [2008-05-23 14:13]

Hello Henk!
Really nice picture, a fantastic portrait.
The expression in her face is brilliant, you took the picture in the exactly right moment.
The background matches perfectly to the scene and the picture is composed great.
Well done Henk.........:-)
Regards,
Jonas

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• Pascale (8635)
• [2008-05-23 23:28]

Bonjour Henk
Un magnifique portrait.Le passé et l'Histoire ont marqué son visage,un regard très profond mais j'aime beaucoup la douceur de cette photo .Une douceur en opposition avec cette terrible note
Bon week end Henk
Amitiés

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• gary91 (14955)
• [2008-05-24 0:54]

Dag Henk ;-)
I am just stuck by the reading of your note and I can understand much better the look of this woman and all the sadness she wears in her eyes. Your technical mastering of such pictures makes it possible to forget this "mechanical" part and concentrate on the essence and the message within the image.
This is great work, my friend, and I wish I were able to translate people's soul as you do with this shot.
All my compliments for this incredible image.
Have a great weekend.
Best regards, Christian

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• albertz (2103)
• [2008-05-24 8:38]

Hi Henk,
You have just given a voice to this old woman who lived in the shadow of war who have often been voiceless. You should be proud of this one as we listen.

Regards
Albert

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• BennyV (2434)
• [2008-05-25 1:31]

Dag Henk,

By naming and rewarding the "good" individuals (rather than punishing the anonymous majority who comitted the attrocities) this tragedy was turned into a good American story. This is a political statement from my side.

Great picture, the final three sentences of your note are heartbreaking.

One love!

Benny

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• Rosa (4376)
• [2008-05-25 5:27]

Hello Henk,
I find very this photograph moving with a beautiful expression by l' old of this lady, excellent colors, superb image and an interesting note.

PS: thank you to take news of Thomas it left the private clinic yesterday and we will be has Lille Friday.
Regards,
Rosa.

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• UnTrained (0)
• [2008-05-25 7:13]

Hallo Henk,
very much sadness in her face. Based on her personal experiences? I don't know, but it would not wonder me as I heard from relatives their personal stories of war experience. There is something in her face I could not get, some expression not able to be described, you caught that in a magnificent way. It is a bit around her lips and also in her eyes. Strong impression in high quality.
As I feel a bit afraid in looking at her it might be that it is some fear I see in her face.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

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• Tobias__Ortmann (1993)
• [2008-05-25 11:06]

Hi henk great potrait
very good quality perfect sharpness and good contrast
I really like the eyes of the woman the right is turning to the right abit
great work
well done
Toba

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• Philippe (10013)
• [2008-05-25 14:04]

Dag, Henk. Een gezicht dat veel heeft beleefd, vol zachtheid. In je portretten is de belichting altijd zeer geslaagd, zelfs onder een hoed. De scherpte is ook daar waar ze moet zijn. Een goede achtergrond met veel groen die het gezicht goed laten uitkomen.

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• bostankorkulugu (27968)
• [2008-05-25 17:05]

your portraits are always top class... yet another one henk, with a nice bokeh... the dress matching the lips is a very lovely detail...

all the best...

korkut

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• sothy81 (8209)
• [2008-05-26 0:15]

Beueatiful portrait. Good work Henk. Man, to this point, I dont dare to capture right in front of the face of people. I usually use my 200 from afar for portrait, and that way I am safe :-) This photo is great with light in her face. Good exposure. Sharp as always. Well done. Sothy

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• Dpbours (7895)
• [2008-05-26 14:49]

Hoi Henk,

Hahaha, prachtig die note en aan het einde dan een voetnoot dat je hier geen politiek statement maakt!
Mooie plaat. Moet wel even wennen aan de vlekkerige lichte delen in de blurred background.

Enne, de tas al aan het pakken hoor ik? ;-)

Groeten! Dennis

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• Merline (5871)
• [2008-05-31 9:23]

Hi dear Henk,
I don't feel like saying much about those atrocious events...but thank you for reminding us...
And this is again one of your wonderful portraits, made to be looked at with taking time for it...wonderful soft colors, perfect focus gently softening around her...I love the gentle connection, the acceptance of being photographed by a stranger...As always, masterful work.

Have a great weekend!
Michèle

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• Wanda1 (8981)
• [2008-06-01 7:28]

Hallo Henk,
Ik heb een paar van jouw fotos gemis, en ik het deze een gekosen omdat er iets bedroefds in haar ogen is, en jouw nota blijk geeft van medelevenheid. Ik denk dat sij veel in haar lewe beleeft heeft, hetgeen wijst op je foto. Heel goeie kwaliteit zoals altijd voor dit aandoenlijk portret.
Groetjes
Wanda

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• scalerman (21985)
• [2008-06-04 18:51]

Henk: more stunning work and unparalleled detail. Up to your usual fine standards with an exhaustive note. best, c

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• everlasting (10062)
• [2008-06-05 11:21]

She looks like a survivor. An excellent portrait Henk, its in the eyes as you keep telling me.

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• robertosalguero (14771)
• [2008-06-07 22:23]

Hello Henk,

The look in her eyes is very kind. She seem pleased you are taking her picture and at the same time she inspires the humility of village people. Excellent composition with an effective framing of the subject. The war was a tragedy not only for the people of Vietnam but also for many Americans who lost their loved ones. Nice note Henk.

Roberto

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• Emile (17366)
• [2008-06-09 21:49]

Hola Henk.
Superb portrait of the old lady where you can see her eyes looking at you and a nice expression on her face, colors, POV and sharpness are very good, the light on her face is great, also your blurred DOF produces a good effect. I was in Philadelphia doing my medical training when this terrible atrocity happened, it is a sad moment to remember, thank you for your note.
Well done.
Best regards.