Living On A Boat

Critiques [Translate]

•  
• wag (388)
• [2008-06-25 22:26]

Hello Henk, great! I love this kind of documentary photographs. The POV is beautiful, also colours, suberb work!
Peter

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• jasmis (38067)
• [2008-06-25 22:50]

Interesting daily life photo. Fine double portrait.
Regards.

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• cbrman (13338)
• [2008-06-25 22:56]

Hello Henk,

This kind of image is not full of color and not a very spectacular landscape but you offer to this couple a sort of tribute. Their lives are very hard and their work too. They are dressed very modestly. They try to survive from day to day.
I find really nice that you've then asked details on their lives. It is a great brand of interest to them.

A+

Dominique

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• MarcT (13575)
• [2008-06-25 23:25]

Hallo Henk,
Er is geen woord sterk genoeg. Armoede is overal en soms vergeten wij hoe rijk we zijn.
Uw beeld is sterk maar uw WS heeft nog meer impact omdat ze blind van haar linker oog is.
MVG
Marc

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• robertosalguero (16383)
• [2008-06-25 23:33]

Hi Henk,

Images like this one are an eye opener as they show us what life is like in other parts of the world. Living on their own in such conditions and at their age, may not be acceptable in many parts of world. Here however it seem a normal and natural aspect of society. An excellent composition with a strong social aspect. Thanks Henk.

Roberto

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• SteveH (1935)
• [2008-06-25 23:50]

Hi Henk, A hard life, for sure. Regarding the image I wonder about the composition. For me, I would have liked to have seen more of the other boats and water. Perhaps a square crop including more of the water above them. That white bucket is also unfortunate. I really like the portrait in the WS. cheers, Steve

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• Vanessa132 (935)
• [2008-06-25 23:57]

Hoi Henk,
goed dat jij zulke foto's toont zodat wij terug met onze verwende beide beentjes op de grond staan. keiharde realiteit in andere landen!

mooie compositie, natuurlijke kleuren en mooi oogcontact met het koppel.
Diepte, scherpte....alles weer dik in orde!
Klasse!
Groetjes,
Vanessa

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• BennyV (1289)
• [2008-06-26 0:06]

Henk,

Wat deze foto zo mooi maakt is de liefde die deze mensen uitstralen. Het gebaar van de vrouw, de blik van de man.

Dit vind ik een respectvol portret.

Benny

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• InasiaJones (15054)
• [2008-06-26 1:09]
• [6]

Hi Henk,

Don't know what to say man... I've never been out of words, sometime I'm uninspired, but I usually find words.

Hmmmm? No great light, good subjects, strange attitude, interesting clothes, excellent set-up with the rusted boat, impeccable use of a shallow depth of field and well framed composition. Many positive points but the overall scene is a bit awkward.

I should think about it and come back later. This is not the visual punch you deliver usually. I need some reflection...
_________________________

Okay, I think I got it... I first analyzed your photo with the impression that it was a double-portrait or something like that, but when reading some of the comments you've received meanwhile from other Trekkers, I think I should have look at it from a journalistic point of view, like a document or maybe with the approach Luko can have on people, half aesthetic, half every day life.

Maybe it's because they are "posing" or that they are looking at the camera that I was under the impression it was a portrait shot. We don't know exactly what they are doing, they are standing still, not being busy at anything in particular, so this is what I was feeling as "awkward", somewhere between a pose and a documentary. But a documentary about what? If they would have done "there thing" without feeling your presence, I think it would have been a clearer, more straight forward documentary approach. If it's just about being poor an old, then that might be enough.

Landscapes are easier to appreciate and comment; human factor is much more deep and wide, therefore harder to circumscribe...

Stay cool!

André

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• faubry (27503)
• [2008-06-26 1:55]

Bonjour Henk, very sad and hard life for this old couple...;their life..un reportage photo, thanks for that
francine

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• ktanska (12003)
• [2008-06-26 3:27]

Hi Henk,
Hard to interpret their impressions, but the man seems to be more welcoming for your photography. It's also more difficult to comment your Asian portrets never having been there. Anyway the simple life by the see is interesting as it's so different. Good middle distance shot showing also a lot of details.
Kari

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• feather (40551)
• [2008-06-26 3:30]

Indeed, it is a hard life and a sad one. I see from the portrait that the woman is blind in one eye. Actually I don't think the main post looks posed at all. It seems that they were in the middle of something and then just caught sight of you and paused awhile. DOF is just right. I like your approach of speaking with the people in your shots.
Kath

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• Paolo (39813)
• [2008-06-26 3:31]

Hi Henk, fantastic portraits of this poor couple living of a boat.
excellent quality, colours and composition.
thanks, ciao

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• patdeph (7964)
• [2008-06-26 3:37]

hello Henk
it's not something we are used to see from you,but this is an intersting photo that shows how the people of this country can live,sometimes they are very poor,yes,like everywhere,even in Europe!Sad and difficult to accept!About the photo,even if the light is not the best,the vivid colours of the clothes make a nice contrast with the grey surrounding!This is very well framed,too!This is the kind of picture that disturb a little bit,because of their sad expression and because we can fill how we are lucky !
Regards.
Pascale

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• wishlist (3639)
• [2008-06-26 4:00]
• [2]

This is not the usual kind of portrait we used to see from you Henk; this time is maybe something deeper or completely different than a portrait. Once again there's a story behind the picture and this is what makes this picture special, as others from you. I think there is some similarities with the shot "Survivor", one of the best portrait from you so far. Don't need to say nothing about quality and composition you delivered here.
You'are telling us a story while we can look at the subjects as we were there. Great job.
Thank you,

Igor

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• fkokol (1428)
• [2008-06-26 4:29]

Great catch! nice composition from daily life.
greetings,

figen

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• Kris_Luxenhofer (359)
• [2008-06-26 8:25]

Hello Henk,
your "Vietnam gallery" shows me very good the life in Vietnam. That´s what I wanted, when I came to TE, to learn about taking pictures and of curse the life in other contries. Now I have a diffrent view of Vietnam.
The picture is very good! Great composition and details!
Many thanks for sharing!
Best regards,
Kris

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• gilou530 (25728)
• [2008-06-26 8:35]

salut henk
un portrait large plein de naturel ou les personnages sont étonnés d'être pris en photo, le pull rouge flashe bien a l'écran, une superbe netteté
amitiés
gilbert

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• avene (5480)
• [2008-06-26 8:57]

dear Henk,
once again you show that there's nothing in photography you cannot handle, this is definitely a great double portrait that includes enough of the environment to illustrate the story. the rusted old boat goes well with the wrinkles on their faces - both have seen tough times. her red clothes is a great colour accent, excellent work.

regards,
Kristine

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• belido (9147)
• [2008-06-26 9:04]

Hi Henk,

hard daily life always provides such interesting compositions. I need to go out more often in my city where I can find those situations. It's like a photojournalism...it is! Pertinent and well presented. Very good one!
Regards,
Carlos

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• Waylim (2653)
• [2008-06-26 9:09]

Henk,
Powerful and very emotional images for all, but for me it's even more so because I came from that area of the world, where things were worse than it is today. It's still a hard life but it's on it's way to getting better. At least there is no war, just daily survival and hardship. This image throws me back from my California Dreaming all the way to my past life. It was a long time ago since I left, but the memories are still vivid. Technically all is great as always, this nearly bring tear to my eyes. Images like this reinforces how fortunate I'm to be here doing what I do. It's such a privilege.
Way

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• Manamo (2852)
• [2008-06-26 9:10]
• [3] [+]

Henk,
everyday I go through ALL the pictures that were posted the day before. I scan them to find THE best picture that was posted everyday and I make a theme using those pic I choose. Each day that you post a picture, it could be used as my favorite. However, that way I would end up with a theme with just your pictures in it, which I don't need (for that, I just go to your gallery). So, sometimes I have to skip your pic to choose another one...like this one that which I like so much.

I like their stance and the relationship between them. They look like they're really in this together, that they're willing to work together. It's also impressive how the boat behind the woman just clears her head. It would not be as good if the boat behind was overlapping her. I also like to see the roof on the boat, which lets me thing that they actually sleep on this. that this is their house. It's really too bad the light was o flat at that moment. But since it's more of a documentary style of picture, it really does not matter. the characters and their relationship with the environment is more important. That's why I prefer this one much better than the ws.

not so long ago, we had a discussion about a trip that I wanted to make in south-east asia: http://www.trekearth.com/read.php?f=2&t=607645&m=838338&tt=flat. I gathered infos from many different people and so I'm leaving for Hanoi on october 16. I'll spend a bit more than 2 weeks in Vietnam going from north to south. Then following the Mékong, we'll cross the border to Cambodge and then go to Phnom Penh and Siem reap (a bit les than a week in Cambodge). Then we go to bangkok (2 days) to take our plane back home. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to help me. It was very much appreciated.

Best regards,

Marc

•  
• Wandering_Dan (3133)
• [2008-06-26 9:13]

Hi, Henk -

I thought the expression on the woman's face was over being photographed, but after reading your note and seeing the WS I have a different appreciation of her. Life has used her very hard indeed, and perhaps her granting permission was a way of striking back. A very poignant human interest shot, and a disturbing one - which is the point.

Best,
Dan

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• Photo65Net (30937)
• [2008-06-26 10:17]

Henk,
I like a lot these two portraits with the people environment.
Nice catch, with great attitude and this red is eyecatcher too.
Regards,
JB.

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• Cricri (28934)
• [2008-06-26 11:52]

Hi Henk,
Belle image reportage sur la vie quotidienne diffiçile de ce vieux couple qui peut se lire sur leurs visages, beaucoup de détails et de couleurs, belle image
Good evening for you
cricri

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• gneufeld (9945)
• [2008-06-26 12:11]

Hi Henk,
What a cool image of this older couple - making the best of things living on a small boat. Great capture with lots in interest and details. Excellent clarity and sharpness. TFS. Gerald

•  
• MarianneS (7288)
• [2008-06-26 12:47]

Dag Henk,
This image is full of emotion.
This couple has to face a lot of difficulties... fortunately they are together! The woman looks at you and she seems to be quite anxious. But I like here hand softly posed on her misfortune companion. Probably this contact reassures both of them.
The close-up in the ws is very impressive. Her expression, her left eyes and her living conditions are reminders that sometimes, instead of complaining about our life, we should realise how lucky we are...
With this kind of shot, the "TFS" expression finds all its meaning to me... TFS Henk!
Cheers,
Marianne

•  
• xavshot (46806)
• [2008-06-26 12:53]

Hi Henk
In spite of the grey light I appreciate the expressions of the 2 faces. Very good qaulity of the shot, as usual, specially the choice of the DOF.
Regards
Xavier

•  
• Philippe (9207)
• [2008-06-26 14:06]

Hallo, Henk. De Nederlandse woonboten zijn een beetje comfortabeler, denk ik. Ik vind dat het koppel hier zeer goed uitkomt op de achtergrond dankzij de kleuren van hun kleren. Je hebt ze op een zeer goede plaats gezet in de compositie en ik hou van de manier waarop ze beiden naar de lens kijken.
Een prettige avond verder,
Philippe

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• MayaG (2043)
• [2008-06-26 14:07]

I like the way you very tastefully desaturate the photo a bit (I think). Or maybe the light was really gloomy, in that case, perfect management. An adorable daily life scene, with such a likable (double) subject and details around them...
regards
Marija

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• azleader (789)
• [2008-06-26 14:44]

Great environmental portraiture! Color, capture and especially the BG composition is exceptionally good.

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• Gerrit (24739)
• [2008-06-26 17:16]

DAG henk,
mooi dubbelportret van dit oude stel. Mooie kleuern.
Groeten Gerrit

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• pboehringer (18531)
• [2008-06-26 18:20]
• [+]

Floydian,
this is another extremely good portrait shot with a journalisitic value taking into account your short note that gives us wealthy western people just a glimpse look into what real poverty and hard life means to be. Just a boat and all what is in there? Depressive!
The closeness of the couple has a warming gesture in this whole sadness. The single portrati shots gives an even more close up of her life that clearly is documented all over her face.
I can't say that this is an attractive shot from the aesthetic point of view, but certainly more from the journalistic one and I could easily place this here in any National Geographic Magazine. i hope you understand what I mean with that!
Peter

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• gunbud (17350)
• [2008-06-26 21:11]

Hi Henk,
Great shot of these survivors who only have a humble boat to call home. Soon they will go to their reward and the first to go will be closely folled by the other.
Great details to their weathered faces and very nice muted boat in the background.
Very thoughtful image.
Regards, Tom

•  
• Emile (16035)
• [2008-06-26 23:12]

That's right Henk, it's very hard to survive in this condition, interesting to see that they live without any family, no help and they are still alive. Their expression are of two people that had suffered a lot in this world. Your WS is also very good, sad to see something that happens not only in Vietnam but all over the world.
Well done. TFS.
Un fuerte abrazo.

•  
• UnTrained (13021)
• [2008-06-27 3:03]

Hallo Henk,
both with that view of "What is he doing there?" well placed in their daily life environment with a typical good feeling for the sharpness at the right point. I like your eye for those interesting faces showing their life.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

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• fulvio52 (4032)
• [2008-06-27 5:37]

Hoi Henk,
zoals ik al eerder zei : je fotografeert andermans gevoelens. Dat is wat ik altijd in jouw portretten gevoelsmatig onmiddelijk erken en dat is ook wat ik als je grootste verdienste beschouw. Het gaat veel en veel verder dan perfect exposure, perfect PP, enzovoort...
Chapeaux, Master!
Ik wens je nog een hele fijne dag. Tot gauw,
Fulvio.

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• Poet (48)
• [2008-06-27 5:40]

Prachtig Henk, een foto met een intens gevoel erachter. Mooi hoe je dat zo kunt verwoorden in de omschrijving. Het raakt diep, en kennelijk niet alleen mij, gezien de ontelbare reakties.
Mooi he, om "gevoelens" te fotograferen?

•  
• mark_mk (1601)
• [2008-06-27 10:37]

Hi Henk,
that`s something new, I`m not used to see these kind of shots from you, but I like it!
Well now you proofed you can shoot all kind of images, this one is really something new, but it`s great! I really like this portrait effect because of the f/4, but it`s not a portrait, it`s somehow a journalistic shot and it really shows us something about the world. I really like the expression on both people`s faces, looks great. They always say a picture says more than 1000 words and this one really does. I think most people wouldn`t have even thought of shooting such an image, but yoou did, sometimes you have to break the normal rules to create a new shot. I didn`t see you posting such an image before and therefore I find it pretty fascianting, you did a great job on this one (as usual).

Take care
Mark

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• marietom (19677)
• [2008-06-27 12:42]

hello Henk,

Great picture ! They probably have a very hard life, and we can see it on their faces. Very nice expression.
Bises
Marie

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• dareco (9969)
• [2008-06-28 22:17]

I was so sure I had already commented on this, it really is so sad to me. I deal with seniors everyday and it's heartbreaking to imagine that they would have to live like this. An excellent documentary image. Very good color and detail. TFS and have a happy Sunday!

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• leo61 (31246)
• [2008-06-29 9:11]

Hello Henk!
Nice and typical daylifescene from S.E.Asians rivers and coasts.I`m just thinking about the people in southern Myanmar,most of them having nothing except the cloth on their bodies......
It`s a great shot and a good note.I like thier curious expression and the eyecontact with your camera.The woman`s portrait in the ws is fantastic,too.
Regards,leo

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• macondo (9075)
• [2008-06-29 11:03]

Hi Henk.
A nicely composed daily life/portrait of these two. Clearly, the light was a bit dull, but you have quite good depth of colour and well set-up shallow depth of field. The white cover on the boat is a little over-exposed, but doesn't distract from the focal point. I like the way the boat in the rear leads the eye and produces perspective. Their faces are well detailed despite your distance from them. They show the effects of a hard and simple life. Nicely done.
Regards,
Andrew

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• delkoo (23916)
• [2008-06-29 23:18]

hi henk
how is possible to live on this small boat?
you have achieved two great photos , the first one describing well the conditions of their way of live and the close portrait could indicate the damage caused by this way of live.
in any case you have done a really good work.

best regards
didier

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• jhm (66480)
• [2008-06-30 3:34]

Goedenavond Henk,

Ik keek ook even naar uw WS foto, en zag de vrouw met een afstevende oog, wat jammer dat deze vrouw hier niet leeft, haar oog zou gespaard geweest zijn.
Goed uw foto met beiden mensen is zoals gewoonlijk weer goed gemaakt en als snel shot toch mooi en duidelijk op de personen zelf, altijd goed met de wazige achtergrond.
Goed gedaan.

Groeten uit Vlaanderen,
John.

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• Dpbours (7430)
• [2008-06-30 3:58]

Hoi Henk,

Wat een prachtig stel!! Het is jammer van die witte doek op de achetgrond over die boot. Die vraagt een beetje veel aandacht. Ik zou zelf misschien wel voor de close-up van de vrouw gegaan zijn als main posting en dan het stel als workshop. Ja, prachtige close-up is dat!

Groetjes,
Dennis

•  
• zeca (17490)
• [2008-06-30 18:20]

Hello Henk!
This is a very good portrait, showing the couple in their canoe. The position of them are very nice and the short DOF is also good.
Take care!
Zeca

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• plimrn (15622)
• [2008-07-01 7:15]

Dear Henk,
As always, your composition is perfectly framed...but this in a REALLY difficult, cluttered situation!! There was just one moment to catch the unguarded pose, yet your masterful instincts captured the couple in perfect focus, pleasantly off-center, just enough of their 'home' to imagine the difficulty of their life in a rainy country, and the whole of that graceful BG boat, softly blurred. The fact that yoiu cared enough to find a way to communicate with them adds many more layers to the whole as does the WS, showing the single blind eye. The WS is more classically 'you,' yet the one your selected for your PP has so much more difficulty and meaning. I concur with the concensensus. Your truly are the master.

PS, I like Peter's boat best
HLJ, Pat

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• fabio_ts (12330)
• [2008-07-02 8:10]

I woul like to give the 100th points to this one :o)
very nice daily life scene, shallow DOF and crop are superb as the way how you have captured they looks, EXCELLENT!!!

have a nice evening,
Fabio.

•  
• cherryripe (14012)
• [2008-07-02 10:34]

Hi Henk
You know I'm not a huge fan of portraits but I love this one. The expressions, sharpness and the way you composed it is superb. I also like how the boat is perfectly included in the frame and your bokeh. Excellent work my friend.
Regards
Nikki

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• noborders (11568)
• [2008-07-03 13:58]

Lovely, this old couple, really moving as a photo (the text too) - and - oooh, the WS : what an expression ! I like your interest for the people that you meet !
Compliments and best regards,
Cath.

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• kensimage (7289)
• [2008-07-03 22:16]

It's a very vivid image, Henk, high in journalistic quality. It looks as though you caught them looking up from some kind of work they were doing, which is fitting because even in old age much of their lives probably consists of work. A harsh life, but they've obviously survived a long time of it. The man sure has a friendly face, slightly...um...in contrast to his wife. Regards, Ken.

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• yedirenk (3246)
• [2008-07-04 1:09]

Hello Henk,
very meaningful photo.unfortunately life very hard for some peoples.very sad but real.thanks for sharing.greetings


Cevdet

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• ninaL (15607)
• [2008-07-05 3:27]

Hi, Henk.
Excellent story with interesting facial expressions...
Very good composition and quality.
Best regards. Grazyna.

•  
• Senk (1619)
• [2008-07-14 22:36]
• - [workshop] [compare]

hi , it amazed about you took pictures same a couple older from Hoi An like me , I will upload and you will see, this is nice one , well done

Seng

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• Angshu (24844)
• [2008-07-17 3:20]

Hello Henk
Not one of your strong portarits, not one of your fabulous landscapes, yet a picture which touches a chord straightaway. Do this couple forma part of the boat people of Vietnam? I do not know, but this daily life image is so poiugnant as is your note, enhanced by the WS portrait of the old lady with one blind eye. Coming from an Asian country, I should not be too disturbed when I see such images, but such is the power of your picture, that I actually am.
Best Regards
Angshu

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• scalerman (20629)
• [2008-07-27 11:27]

Henk: superb occupational double portrait - complete with betel-stained looks. I don't know how they can dress so warmly in such a hot and humid region. Great color and processing too. More pics from VN? c