Temple Child

[yogestee]

Photograph of a young Lao girl selling floral tributes in a temple near Luang Prabang Northern Laos..She has the most beautiful eyes but there is a sadness in them..

Canon 350D/Sigma 18-200
1/60th @ f5.6 400ISO

Jurgen
Australia

[SmartWombat]

I think the bright red detracts from the overall mood of the image.

[GB1]

Might appear as sadness, but I'm not sure that this isn't a cultural difference. The window and wall material seem very basic. It is almost like a shot back into ancient times. I wish we could see more of the surroundings to confirm that. Otherwise, nice mood photo.

I do agree that the red (which appears to be added or enhanced) is distacting; also that this is probably unnecessary for the photo can stand on its own. Just a simple shot works for me.

GB

[payn817]

Agreed about the color. I would like to see it either in all color, or just b&w. The lighting and mood you captured is nice.

[Seb]

Jurgen,

I think that this picture is pleasing in many ways (nice comp and lighting) and I am not necessarily against the "colors and b&w" thing. That being said, I feel that the colors are too flashy and that the contrast seems to be lacking even if there is a wide tonal range.

Here is my take on it. I hope that you don't mind.

Seb

[SmartWombat]

Yes, that's more what I had in mind.

[yogestee]

Here is the plain black and white version of Temple Child..I noticed a comment on "cultural differences" or words to this effect..Laos rates as one of the ten most poorest countries in the world,,up there with some of the West African countries..40% of children under 5 are malnourished and the countryside is littered with UXOs (unexploded ordinances).The people in rural areas scrape out a living as best they can.
This little girl was selling foral tributes to anyone who would buy them for a few cents each..Once the floral tribute is placed by the Buddha she would regather the tribute and resell it..Yes there is sadness in her eyes but also a fierce pride!!

Jurgen
Australia

[payn817]

I like that straight b&w better. Nice editorial type photo.

Intent may play a part in which is best for you though.

[dbutler]

I prefer the subdued color. In the straight black and white, the flowers look stranger. In the original post, they were definitely too strong. But in the subdued SC, they offer detail without detracting from her beauty. Sad or not, she's an incredibly beautiful little girl!!

I would love the black and white if the flowers were not in it at all. But to crop it that severely would leave it off balance.

Well done by the way!