Monday, February 2, 2009

Ann 22/100

I don't know this woman's name because, as her family explained, "it's too hard for you". She spoke no English (although they live here) but agreed to let me take her photo. Unfortunately, she then adopted the classic pose. I thought black and white would suit this one but I think it makes her look extremely harsh. I was having a very good day, in my down periods there is no way I would approach her.

The more I look at these, the more I like the black and white.

9 comments:

bitingmidge said...

I've seen this expression many times, in the context of all sorts of emotions being reported by photo journalists at the time, and have always marvelled at how they have managed to get so close to the anger/grief/contempt/dispair (insert emotion of your choice here.) Now you've explained it, it's just the classic pose!

I really like this picture even though it's not perhaps the person you thought you were showing. It's interesting too that the ethnic origin of the subject becomes more blurred in black and white as the subtle skin colour is removed, Sari or not!

Is it worth hanging with the group for a few more minutes and having a second crack after they think the photo session is over? I wonder!

Joan Elizabeth said...

What a great classic portrait. They both work ... I think the choice would depend on the context in which you wanted to use the shot.

Ann said...

I would have liked to, I did get one of her adjusting her sari and almost smiling but there were erant arms all over the place. Would really have liked to get one of the guys in a turban (they were sikhs) but it was evident they were getting a bit uncomfortable.

bitingmidge said...

Some years ago I was struck by a photograph of a boatman rowing the photographer across the Ganges, he had a hollow expression which was interpreted as hopelessness with his lot in life.

I am convinced it was simply that expression, and feel comforted by the fact that he was probably a jovial person behind that facade!

Ann said...

Go back to my African woman with baby - someone said it showed the hardship of her life etc. She was one of the richest people in the village and she and her baby were very well fed indeed compared to the people around her. That baby is much, much fatter than your average rural Malian child. She owned and ran an indigo dying factory. But because she adopted that pose what you see is something else altogether.

Julie said...

For a while now, I have been looking for a young Asian girl to photograph. My daily life is populated predominantly by young, Asian women including the sub-continent. However, they are camera shy and I simply know they will adopt a "lock-out" pose. So I am looking for one with bleached hair and a nose-stud. They will give me the natural pose I am after - natural for them, at any rate!

bitingmidge said...

I suspect that finding a way to engage the subject while going about the business will get easier around shot 103.

cara said...

The black and white is a winner. It's got real atmosphere. To me, it doesn't really matter that she assumed this pose...

freefalling said...

I really love this one.
Definitely in black and white.
I try not to analyze why I like photos - for some reason, I think they will lose their magic.
I do know though, I like her eyes, eyebrows and chin.