A quick post from Bhaktapur in Nepal, from where I should go early December. I thought I had time to post some articles before my departure, which has unfortunately not been possible. I would take seriously the dissemination of current articles in December ...
A bientot
PS: sorry this post without accents, but the keyboards are of the Nepali Anglo-Saxon.
I was walking near Pokhara, the lake is Phewa "in Nepal. I walked aimlessly, or intention to shoot anything. this was already several hours I hiking when I arrived in a small village bordering the rice fields.
A break was well deserved and I decided to stop in a kind of coffee. I enjoy a quiet "Masala Chai" and then, a great lover of tea, I ordered a second. I let myself gently rocking back and forth by the incessant passing of all kinds: carts loaded with straw, rice, cycling, men and women returning from the fields, kids stalking poor dog who was peeled on the way back from the school ... I scrutinize relentlessly the sweet effervescence that still soothes me.
Not far from me, stands a small audience. Some elders are gathered around a tree and actively discuss I do not know what subjects. Even if I try to jabber bases of the local language, I am unable to identify the subject of argument. But I'd give a lot to understand what it is.
Among the members of this mini senate, a man seems to stand out. It seems to be the oldest, and seems to have the respect of others. I'm already on my third Masala Chai when suddenly assembled dispersed leaving only the old man enthroned by his tree. Then it extends on the carpet on which he sat and began a nap. So i had a bunch of questions: Is it wise of the village, how old is he, he always lived here? Certainly. My imagination is bubbling.
After a while of reading (I always have a book with me when traveling), I decided to continue my journey and go quietly. The man has done with his nap and now sits in a squatting position, like the Asians do so well know for hours, smoking a cigarette with two or three friends. Certainly, the former seems to be a person of importance in this town.
While I get up and gather my things, I noticed that the man seemed puzzled by my person. I understand now that my hair's the subject of questioning. I will pay my consumption, and leaving the small "coffee" man calls me. Surprised at first, I look around me if we speak good words, silly reaction because all the attention of the man seems to be focused on me. Frankly intimidated, I approached the old man. It beckons me to approach a little more, looking for me he would look at my hair. Even more intimidating to be inspected by the "wise" of the village, I lean, leaving him plenty of time to satisfy his curiosity. analysis and capillary theories seem to be on track between the former assistants, while sketching a smile, amused by the spontaneity of my observers.
Once the results and conclusions drawn, the kindly old dismisses me approvingly. I lr wagging (so to acquiesce Nepalese) as a sign of respect and then, using all my insolence, I asked him if I can take a picture. The man accepts without hesitation and without delay I leave my camera from the bottom of my bag. I frame, trigger, the former pose like a movie star, I'm thrilled. The latter, concerned about his image asks me to see the result. I turn the camera, consult the wise man once more these assistants and returned the case with me once more approvingly. I thanked him respectfully, then went back to my destination.
I especially like this picture because the former is an expression inspiring assurance of a man of experience (as I felt on seeing one else) and an air of star that I adore ...
But what pleases me most about this picture is that it is the result of a shared curiosity, an exchange where everyone has found his account.
This is how I conceive of travel photography, and I try to practice it.
When I started photography, I practiced mainly landscape and was especially interested in photographers 'Landscape' as Olivier Grunewald . However, there are a photographer "humanist" whose images were deeply affected (and touch me still), it Föllmi Olivier. I must say that if I am then directed to the portrait, this is due (because?) To his work.
Of course, other portraits of photographers had already selected my attention, but I felt the images of Olivier few things I had never experienced until now: a sort of calm, serenity (that of Besides the title of one of these works), well-being that gives you hope in humanity.
Oliver attempts to photograph the beauty of the human values and the most altruistic. Away stories bloody flaming we poured the tabloids (or press any court), it shows us the peaceful side of man.
This inspires a photographer from the beauty of his pictures, but also by his approach to people, life and the world. A true lesson in humility that I personally greatly advanced and photographically.
I suggest you spend time on his website and discover his great work " Wisdom of Humanity "whose purpose is to compare the picture of Oliver with quotes from wise men around the world. ... nothing more! September year's work and Opus 7 (365 and 365 photos for each item thought!) which was released in September last editions of Lamartinère.
Do not miss ...
A quick link to its site , and another to his old site , more pleasant to watch most of his work I think.
Enjoy your visit.
A bit of sweetness to start this September with the glow of muted northern Laos. I took this picture during a trek a few kilometers from the Chinese border. It was just before going to bed and I noticed this particular light with the light bar. I was no explanation for this band, I just took my camera, framed and fired ...
The last two months have been pretty busy for me, and I spent very little time (see very, very little) to the photo. The storm is past, and I can now resume my projects including my next trip to Nepal.
Stick around, there will be a little more article from this week. 
