Thinking... Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

...amid a sea of life.

This photo I found interesting mainly because of the one woman in the center, just sitting there, staring, amid an endless crowd or sea of movement and life.

Taken in the Old Market, or Phsar Chas, of Siem Reap. This was the fish market section of the market. Just close your eyes and follow your nose, you'll find it.

Phsar Chas is an amazing market. Such a lively and energetic market of the kind that I think will soon disappear from the world. For such a poor country, it is amazing what you can find in this market - virtually anything that is smaller than a refrigerator.

japiey, Floydian, Flavia, oanna, asival, mphotographies, Olrik, mpdre trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

japiey (9493) 2007-06-16 3:32

Hi John.

Very lively, and here so many elements you have included....
The centre point is her curious look... sure..
WELL FRAMED AND YOUR SUBJECT IS WELL ESTABLISHED..

Why sepia?
(isn't life colourfull?)
Salutes.

jean paul
:)

Floydian (30970) 2007-06-16 4:04

Hi John,
Excellent use of the slow shutter to create a kind of rush hour in the scene. People are busy with all kinds of things, i like this effect a lot. The woman in the middle with her hand against her head is a kind of resting point int he whole image...very good.
And although i am not a sepia lover, i like the effect here very much....good work.
Have a nice weekend, Henk

Flavia (10202) 2007-06-16 10:56

Hi John,

Very nice shot, the lady lost in her toughts in the middle of this busy market. You managed to pass very well the atmosphere of this place and isolate her. Not sure about the sepia... I gues simple B&W would had worked.

Cheers,

Flavia

Davidwh (3654) 2007-06-16 15:58

Hi John,
I like your use of the long exposure.You noticed the static subject at center and cleverly caught the hustle and bustle of all those around her.You really get a sense of action here and can almost hear the noise of the market and the chitchatter of them bartering their wares.Nicely desaturated.This is good stuff....well done.
Regards, David

oanna (1196) 2007-06-17 4:33

hi john,you have captured very well the dynamic life in the market.the woman in the middle balances the scenery with her tired,reflexive posture.only her and the fish are restful in the photo,well seen and framed.you are right about sepia,sometimes the colors are too good in your photos and distract attention from other good elements:).

have a nice weekend,oana:)

asival (4285) 2007-06-18 1:54

Hi john

Perfect center focus with the movement effect surrounding your main subject.
The sepia presentation add to the scene and you choose it well

GJ

Assi

mphotographies (1976) 2007-06-20 2:01

Hey John,

When I look at images of Cambodia, I see a lot of 'grim' history behind. The country has too much scars, it is nice to see happy faces around the city. The city has lived, it has a life of its own. With so many fascinating things to see around Cambodia, it's people are the living reminder of the what history has left them.

Perhaps this kind of capture will document the simple daily lives they have, the 'blank' facial expression may mean a questionable future, perhaps a wishful thinking of a better life ahead.

The sepia adds nostalgia of what a reflective life these people had 30 years ago during the height of the killings during the Khmer Rouge period. I like the slow 'motion/movement', adds to the 'Once Upon A Time'...presenting us how fortunate some of us are in our country. This image shows an enlightening reality of history in Cambodia.

Well done!

Jom

sarahnatalie (693) 2007-06-21 22:17

Fantastic photo, John. The sepia tone is very effective here as is the focus on the woman watching the very busy world swirl around here. Excellent daily life shot which tells me a lot about a place very different from my own.
Nice work!
Sarah

prezntime (3945) 2007-06-22 23:15

Hello John.
A very nice scene. I like that you've captured all of this motion. THe slight sepia toning helps give this shot a classic feel. Upon closer inspection, this photo is even better than i thought. The fact that all of the faces are moving except for the center womans makes this an amazing photograph. I'd be happy to take a shot like this.
Regards,
Chris.

Olrik (1537) 2007-07-12 10:36

Hi John,
It seems that the "new" d40 is a good reflex.
Yes, the choice of your exposition is a good one. I like how the motion around the woman bring her out. Concerning the sepia tone, well, in a general way I like sepia but perhaps the tone here is a bit too strong. Question of taste I think...
Regards,
Olivier.

mpdre (1587) 2007-07-20 18:01

Hi John,
Excellent picture. I like very much the dynamic feeling that you have obtained in this image, with that static point in the middle represented by the woman thinking. So many details and elements to look at, and however, more than distracting are very captivating... I think sepia tone here is excellent, colour would have saturated a bit the image... An excellent shot!
Andre

AnimeshRay (8886) 2007-07-22 21:17

Absolutely superb market scene. THe slight blur and some acutely sharp combination gives the photo a very dynamic yet tranquil air. Excellent tonality. Bravo!
A
PS: did you use a tripod here?

kensimage (8543) 2007-09-16 8:59

This really captures the atmosphere of a southeast asian market very well, John. Just the right amount of blur to create a swirl of activity, except for, as you say, the one woman, who is perfectly placed in the frame. The sepia is very nicely done, with rich tones. Regards, Ken.