Just got back from Kenya....

[payn817]

Well, kinda.. maybe, who knows. After taking some of those animal pics in africa the other day, I stopped by a village. Anyway, whatcha think?? Too contrasty? Do you get that third world feel? Does it tell the story? I know a person would make it better, but no such luck. Any comments appreciated! I know the sky sucks, but you can't have it all, and I'm not sure it takes away from them.

[dbutler]

Personally, I like the contrast. For me, it pushes the starkness of the image on the viewer. There's no denying that we should see the poverty and not just some interesting image. ANd it brings forth the variety of textures: The wood, the corrugated tin, the gravel.

My favorite is the second. This takes it beyond simply having indoor furniture on porch. This is outdoor furniture that can't even be used outdoors!

[ChowChi-Ching]

I like the last picture. The bike lets you know that someone lives there....or did. And it makes you realize how lucky you are.
I also like the contrast. You did a good job.....it feels so desolate. Sad feelings when looking at this......and no reason for it......i.e. a good picture!

[Loupey]

These images are great in explaining the human condition. B&W is definitely the way to go here and I like the level of contrast you used. I think the sky being featureless/lifeless adds to the feeling coming from the shacks.

Other than the toy lawn mover, you really can't put a time stamp on them. Could have been shot yesterday, last year, 20 years ago. Timeless.

[Ronnoco]

I like the shapes and textures, but you take the black part of black and white a little too literaly. I would tend to shoot in raw format with the histogram in my viewfinder and bring up more detail in many of the black areas. Compositionally, you did use some good diagonals.

Ronnoco

[payn817]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I am pleased that the images provoked thought and emotion. That has been a goal for a long time. Loupey, such a comment from someone who has practiced in PJ makes it all the better.

D, thanks, you are too good to me!

Chow, you made my day.

Ronnoco, I shoot film. However, I am glad to know your thoughts. I think it may be web viewing at this size or something, the full size shows plenty of detail. I prefer very contrasty images, and I thought some may see it as too much black here.

This was hard to do, it was extremely sad. I left wondering what I could do to end this suffering. Thanks again to you all.

[Alison]

The third image does the most for me.
I love the way the houses and road/pathway disappear round the corner. Lovely tones and great depth.
And the toys, although in-animate, give a nice feeling of life there.

[CLKunst]

Payn

No room for innuendoes here! ;) I think your first and second images are very good. The flat sky adds to the look of desolation I get when I look at these. The contrast and textures of the building materials is the most interesting part of these scenes for me. While a human form would tell a story I think the lack of people tells a story too. The third is the best of the three IMO. It definitely looks third world to me.