Proud Khampa, a photo from Sichuan, Centre

Photographer's Note

Khampa men are known to be taller than other Tibetans, they are fierce warriors, good horsemen and independent. Apparently Khampas escorted the Dalai Lama fleeing out of Tibet in the early 1950s. On their traditional dresses, the Khampas look beautiful especially the women. Both in men and women, red seems to be the dominant colour, perfectly contrasting with their thick, black hair. Ornamentation and jewelry, for very pratical reasons, are an essential part of their lives and culture. Rich Khampas have for centuries needed to invest in gold and precious stones to store their wealth - simply because it's the most portable form of wealth. So Khampas for centuries have invested all they have into jewelry.

The rugged, handsome Khampa men in Western Sichuan are famously direct and plain-spoken, in contrast to the more formal, oblique manner of the Tibetans in Lhasa. Most Khampa men have long hair braided with red yarn and tied up around their heads. They wear rings with big stones, gold teeth, wears a single earring made of turquoise, which is especially popular as personal adornment and often decorate their hair with ornaments. Stand a good six feet tall, ware great heavy boots and cowboy hats and flowing khaki robes that flapped like whips as they walk, advancing with their feet slightly apart as if to trample the grass to extinction. Unlike Tibetans of Lhasa, their features are not Mongoloid, but straight, with large fierce eyes set beside beak-like noses. They love riding horses, and almost always carry silver-sheathed daggers dangling from their waists. When Khampas stray outside their homeland they make a fearsome impression on outsiders.

Like Buddhists from other parts of Tibet, Khampas are highly devout. Some bid farewell to their families and prostrate themselves all the way to the Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet or even to Mount Kailash in western Tibet, a journey that may take years or even a lifetime. They believe this act will generate the necessary merit for a better rebirth. A number of famous reincarnated lamas who live in the West, such as Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche are Khampas and this makes Khampas even prouder of their homeland.
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Khampa man with a single earring piece and cowboy hat at Tagong Tibetan town, Western Sichuan

corjan3, plimrn, siamesa, korbee, siolaw, shevchenko, Wanda1, SnapRJW, annjackman, jhm, Longroute, Budapestman, danos, williewhistler, delpeoples, vasilpro, adramad, patdeph, saxo042, janusz2054, geoant68, Angshu, jafadabret, gildasjan, Atousa, quillo, axiotea, COSTANTINO, aliabazari, iainsp trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

siolaw (38294) 2011-03-28 19:08

Hi
You have a great subject and picturesque character here. His expression is so "Khampa like" Great details such as the coral beads earrings, the symmetric golden teeth and typical hat.
Excellent
Laurent

RhodieIke (11752) 2011-03-28 21:19

Hi Abmdsudi, Wonderful photo, you have captured this well.Cheers Iain.

eldancer1 (36343) 2011-03-28 21:39

Very nice portrait with soft light and good dof with sharp details. Great colors. Well done, tfs.

wolf38 (30) 2011-03-28 22:29

Hello abmdsudi. An excellent portrait. Traditional hat and jewelry. I like the self-conscious look. Very beautiful colors and high technical quality. Overall, well done. Rgds, Wolfgang.

shevchenko (20560) 2011-03-28 23:49

Hi Abmdsudi,
Clear to show his handsome face, he have a beautiful hat, ornaments and golden tooth, interesting composition, informative note, thanks for sharing.
Ally

mauro61 (53429) 2011-03-29 0:16

ciao Abmdsudi,
una grande espressività quella colta dal tuo scatto con una perfetta definizione sul volto dell'uomo.
Ottimo lavoro.
saluti
maurizio

Wanda1 (15142) 2011-03-29 0:32

Hi Abmdsudi.
Wow, great close up portrait with so many fabulous details on his features and jewelry as well as his hat. Sharpness is perfect and him filling the frame to capacity I think is great. Nicely done.
Regards
Wanda

yquem46 (38752) 2011-03-29 1:23

Hi abmdsudi
An excellent close up portrait
Nice skin hues, expressive eyes, original local blue hat and ear rings, golden teeth, excellent definition, good luminosity... what else to be asked ?
Bravo
Patrick

SnapRJW (31631) 2011-03-29 2:00

Hello Abmdsudi - Good tight crop portrait. The detail is really very good and imparts so much information; the suede hat with the heavy leather chin-strap, the earrings and again the gold teeth. The man's eyes are quite penetrating, I wonder what he's thinking? Excellent quality. TFS and best regards Rosemary

annjackman (23019) 2011-03-29 2:03

Hello Abmdsudi,
An excellent close-up portrait with fine detail captured. The colours and exposure are both first class.
Kind Regards, Ann

jmdias (116579) 2011-03-29 3:08

abmdsudi

this man could be in bolivia and we could say he was a bolivian citizen of the highlands.
excellent portrait once again, the model is perfectly illuminated, sharp and his pose is natural and we can feel his proud . excellent job.
yes, neymar is an excellent player, but he should to improve his attitudes, anyway he is too Young yet, but money and fame can spoil many people.
hugs

jorge

jhm (211738) 2011-03-29 3:42

Hello Abmdsudi,

Great details such as the coral beads earrings, the symmetric golden teeth and typical hat.
Wonderful portrait.
Sharpness and clarity are perfect.
Very well composition, nice presentation.

Have a nice day,
John.

Longroute (19600) 2011-03-29 13:13

Portrait is really your genre!
Evidently you know how to approach people and convince them to pose for you, a thing I cannot do! (:-)
Very fine again, really a proud person with a challenging look. I like how you framed him and the lovely smooth light which allowed you to have everything well exposed. Another high quality photo and a very expressive image.
Best compliments,
Donato

Budapestman (82620) 2011-03-29 13:18

Hi Abmdsudi,
a splendid portrait with beautiful composition and details, the quality of the photo is excellent, Tfs! Have a nice evening! Kellemes estét kívánok!
György

Waylim (25436) 2011-03-29 18:01

Hi Abmdsudi,
This is really fine shot. The super tight crop really makes it feel like being right there in front of the charactore. Superb details, every line of wrinkles, every dots of pumples and blemish...and the gold teeth, classically Asian, my mother used to have a few of them.

I will be really mad if you photograph me. You show too much details including the many flaws on my face :)
Way

danos (110407) 2011-03-30 0:41

Hello Abmdsudi,
excellent the portrait of the Khampa man with the tight frame and the gold teeth to make the image perfect.I like the light and the colour management as his pose that looks like as a star.

Regards,Danos

dkmurphys (79209) 2011-03-30 1:52

Hi Abmdsudi,
Very fine portrait, an expressive figure. Well done, perfect shot.
Have a nice day.

williewhistler (16606) 2011-03-30 3:22

Hello Abmdsudi,a portrait that any one would be proud of.That you have captured this proud mans character so well is superb.His pose and firm gaze says everything for me
My best regards Les.

delpeoples (60342) 2011-03-30 4:31

Hi Abmdsudi

What a fascinating face, I can see why you were drawn to him. It's interesting you note that this man is from a race of warriors, because he reminds me of an Incan or Peruvian with that look of absolute fearlessness. Great colours and sharpness (a Chinese person with freckles? Amazing!) Interesting how you cropped it so tghtly. Did you mean to do this? The effect is quite fascinating.

Have a good day and TFS
Lisa

rodgerg (55767) 2011-03-30 7:54

Hello Abmdsudi,

Excellent and very intertesing portrait with a very efficience framing. you have very well colcetd the expression, the details nad especially the glance of the subject.
Best regards,
Roger

Cricri (176) 2011-03-30 11:17

Hi Abmdsudi
Superbe expression de douceur dans son regard et son léger sourire, intéressant la longueur de sa boucle d'oreille, son chapeau qui fait penser a un acteur, très beau portrait
Belle soirée
cricri

corjan3 (2109) 2011-03-30 11:46

Hello Abmdsudi,
A VERY striking image with great definition, colours and various interesting components all making up this wonderful picture. And a very informative note too. Thank you.
Neels

vasilpro (41801) 2011-03-30 11:55

Hello Abmdsudi,
Great portrait, wonderful details, excellent light management, natural colors!
Warm regards, Vasilis.

adramad (73484) 2011-03-31 7:45

Hello Abmdsudi.
An interesting note, which gives us very interesting data on this people.
Great portrait which has made a component of Khampa people, has captured the strength of their expression and the pride of their race.
Great sharpness on the image to view neatly both textures, wrinkles, skin spots, such as details of its ornamentation, the color is perfect, as is the sharpness. The viewing pleasure of this portrait is valued more with good info.
Best regards.
Luis.

patdeph (35750) 2011-03-31 8:47

hello Abmdsudi
I like this close framing on this proud man very much!Each details are superb,the jewels,the teeth,the hat,this kind of picture that I prefer,and perfectly done.
Regards
Pascale

saxo042 (38078) 2011-03-31 10:02

Hi Abmdsudi,
A very sharp and exact portrait of this man, surrounded by many interesting details in his dress. Beautiful colours, a well taken picture!
Kind regards
Gunnar

janusz2054 (2) 2011-03-31 11:26

Hello abmdsudi,
A lovely, interesting and captivating portrait, Very wellcaptured in excellent colour & detail.
Best regards
Janusz

ciakgiak (30) 2011-03-31 13:09

Ciao Abmdsudi,
un ritratto davvero superbo, il soggetto scelto con grande sensibilità, i dettagli sul suo volto sono impressionanti, gli orecchini, gli occhi, i denti d'oro, tutto molto bello ed importante nella connotazione dell'uomo. Complimenti.
Un caro saluto.
Giorgio

geoant68 (331) 2011-03-31 13:18

Hi Abmdsudi,
excellent the portrait of the native man with the characteristic hat as his pose too.His earnings are so impressive and elegance.

Peter

Bluejeans (64251) 2011-03-31 16:03

Ola Abmdsudi ,
Um belo retrato a este homem de dentes de ouro , gostei muito dos detalhes , boas cores e luz , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Alfoja (676) 2011-04-01 8:44

Beautiful portrait.

I like the shot so close.

Alfoja

holmertz (103694) 2011-04-01 10:43

Hello Abmdsudi,
I remember meeting a number of Khampa people in Lhasa and was very impressed by their clothes and attitudes. I really like this close-up, tightly cropped, showing in great detail the man's distinct features. The light is superbly handled.
Kind regards,
Gert

Bartleby (13552) 2011-04-01 13:04

Hi Abmdsudi,
a fine portrait. Sharpness is excellent. The frame is a bit tight maybe but other than that well...congrats!

Philippe

Silvio1953 (223027) 2011-04-01 14:07

Ciao Abmdsudi, splendid portrait with intense expression, excellent clarity, splendid light and colors, very well done my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

Nard (6972) 2011-04-02 4:02

Hi Abmdsudi

What a beautiful and natural close up portrait. Excellent sharpness. I like his look, how the blue hat adds a nice constrast, the little smile and the 2 gold teeth...
Regards
Bernard

tusharkmandal (3173) 2011-04-02 5:05

Hi abmdsudi,

With everyday your gallery is getting more impressive. I like this portrait very much. Perfect frame and natural skin tones and light.

Congratulations.
Tushar

Ninello52 (7576) 2011-04-02 6:44

Ciao Abmdsudi!
Magnifico ritratto! Straordinaria definizione e ricchezza di dettagli! Bello il cappello ed il sottogola, gli orecchini i denti in oro! Molto ben caratterizzato il personaggio, ottima interpretazione!
Saluti e buon weekend! Nino.

wawa (692) 2011-04-02 13:36

Hi Abmdsudi
Brilliant portrait & well detailed note.
You have it all on this one: the earings, the hat & the gold tooth.
Keep on posting

Angshu (56760) 2011-04-02 23:08

Salam Aabmdsudi
Your notes are too good & your posts (combined with the note) is in the truest spirit of Trekearth. Your photographs are of the highest standard & quality & this is no exception!

With f/4.2, your focus seems to be on his lips & golden teeth. His face is proud & also shows the toils of the harsh climate. His earring is made of, what appears to be coral.

The crop is good, but IMHO, maybe a bit too tight? Its a matter of personal preference of course, but I am once again applauding the quality of the picture, which is excellent as always!

Best Regards my friend!
Angshu

jafadabret (56501) 2011-04-02 23:43

Bonjour Abmdsudi,
Ce portrait est une pure merveille. J'aime le regard et l'expression de ce visage. Tu as su placer l’œil gauche au milieu comme l'auraient fait les grands portraitistes. Les bijoux et le chapeau mettent en valeur le visage.
La note explicative est des plus intéressantes.
Excellent !
Amicalement
Jacques

gildasjan (43826) 2011-04-03 11:56

Bonjour Abmdsudi
Un portrait en gros plan dont les textures sont parfaitement rendues.Une excellente netteté sur les yeux.
Amicalement
gildas

BennyV (34780) 2011-04-04 2:05

Hello dear Abmdsudi,

Very sharp and ultraclose portrait. The framing is very tight (the chin below perhaps even a bit too close), but this makes the portrait just that little bit different and even more interesting.

Have a fine week out there.

Benny

Atousa (7131) 2011-04-04 6:49

Salam Abmdsudi,

Very nice portrait with great details.. the quality is superb as always n You captured his expression beautifully.. thanks for the informative note too.. excellent presentation.
Best regards, Atousa

aryazies (2) 2011-04-04 20:43

Salam mas Abmdsudi,

Berjumpa lagi setelah 1 bulan tidak update TE.
Potret yang sangat kharismatik, semua detailnya terlihat dengan jelas dikarenakan lighting management yang apik berikut juga dengan warna yang ditampilkan dari anting2 yang unik dan topi koboinya beserta note yang sangat informatif dan bermamfaat.

Terima kasih,
Ary

jtreue (212) 2011-04-07 10:18

Reminds me of my visit to Western Sichuan in late 2007.
We were driving to Sertar on the Tibetan Plateau in the corner of Sichuan, Tibet and Qinghai provinces. Getting close to winter, the Khampa were comming off the plains and settling near the townships and villages. The landscape was dotted with black felt tents. Our Tibetan/Chinese translator asked directions from a man herding his cattle.. He looked very similar to the image you posted. Incredibly dignified and proud to be Tibetan.

Sorry about the long post, but it brings back great memories.. Wonderful image.

stevesaba (8167) 2011-04-17 3:40

Hi Abmdsudi!
Some excellent uploads from China. I have been off travelling in Myanmar for some time, but back here more often now. This portrait if wonderful with many interesting details, and a marvellous look. Perhaps slightly reminiscent of the people of Ecuador or Bolivia with this hat? Maybe the comparison is stretching it, but that was my first impression. Fine work as always, warm regards,
Steve

quillo (11858) 2011-05-02 7:14

Hi Abmdsudi .........

Excellent photo and one with great emotion and expression.
Nice smile and great contact with the man.
I like the good lighting as it adds impact.
Great expression around the eyes and nice emotion.
Well done.

Enhorabuena.

Saludos.

axiotea (21651) 2011-07-24 8:32

Hello Abmdsudi
Indeed, this is a great portrait! I like the strong eye contact between the man and the photographer... some nice details to look at, such as the silver&coral pendant (maybe an earring), the golden teeth. Good choice of the vertical framing which works well here!
Thanks for the interesting note
Well done!
Cheers
Marilyn

CanmoreKevin (2111) 2012-08-28 17:52

Abmdsudi,
This is going back quite a while, but I love this photo. Wonderful expression and clarity. Nicely cropped. Excellent work.
Kevin

COSTANTINO (117884) 2014-07-17 13:08

Hello my dear fiend
I visited your gallery now and I chose
this portrait so impressive for me
the whole scenery has a great originality
and those gold teeth draw our eyes
directly to him
everything is impressive here
the ornaments the golden teeth and
the hat too
have a nice new day
regards
Costantino

aliabazari (23335) 2015-02-04 23:24

Hi dear abmdsudi
Portrait of a beautiful woman. Exposure was the best. I love the color and sharpness of the image. Thanks for sharing.

iainsp (3298) 2016-12-25 5:36

Greetings Abmdsudi,

This is a stunning portrait - you have found an interesting subject and worked your magic to present them in the best possible light. Good, sharp detail on the face and nice management of the colours. Iain.