And the picture becomes a game
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Click on the photo to see the series.
I stayed for several days already in a Nepalese village and I stayed in a small Guest House (which was more of a homestay than a "hotel") held by two women, Loxmi 79 years old and daughter of Tiza a fifty year. I was incredibly received and stayed with them three weeks to observe and learn the lives of Nepalese farmers.
In the middle of my stay, I organized a little "photo shoot". I already had the picture in mind a few days before and I told my two models the day before that I like to make a picture of themselves in their kitchen during their "tea break" daily. Tiza Loxmi and seemed quite enthusiastic. Was an understatement.
The next morning, I left all my gear: The device, mounted on a tripod, remote control (not to keep an eye glued behind the case and communicate more easily with the models), and the ultimate, a reflector to "lead" the dark parts held by an assistant. It was enough for my two budding stars will take the game and work to readjust their dresses, their hair rearrange, hide unsightly fold, as models of real pros
.
The meeting at length about ten minutes at most, in an atmosphere of jokes and laughter!
The portrait photography and "humanist" things are not easy. For me, it is never clear to return to the intimacy of their people and pointing a camera under the nose. When I photograph a person, I still have that modesty brings me lots of questions: "Is what I did not bother with my pictures, I do not abusing its time, it must Tired of having all the time took pictures ....
It is recognized that in areas frequented by tourism, some people are highly sought after for portraits and not always the most sensitive (There are even many, many shocking behavior from some photographers but I think ... c is another matter) and become quite reluctant to the idea of being pulled yet another portrait again.
But sometimes, the picture may become a game and fun for the photographer and the (s) model (s). Taking his time, forging links, complicity, people gain confidence and become more relaxed. I think the installation of all the small items there is also a little, by showing that we want to make a serious picture and the best possible conditions, the models feel honored by all this attention and posed without hesitation. At least that is what I felt in making this meeting and a few others. It goes without saying that in this case, send some prints to people photographed !!!!! If they play the game, he must play too.
Overall I am satisfied with the result because the photo is what I had in mind as soon as I saw the kitchen, but I'm especially pleased with how this session is held and the atmosphere there was.
As I said a little earlier, I am a bit "obsessed" with ethical issues and I sometimes have difficulties to overcome my shyness. This session gave me great motivation to repeat this kind of experience and made me realize that the photo could be a game and a source of good humor, without being experienced as a constraint or voyeurism. It depends (again) how it's done and how we approach people.
Tags: Nepali women , women-Gurung , Nepal , nepal portrait , reflector , photo shoot , tripod , Nepal village







December 16th, 2009 at 11 h 04 min
That's great Julie, both pictures the story of this "meeting". You have unfortunately because as regards the behavior of some photographers. Fortunately it's not everybody ... Thank you for sharing this experience. Friendships.
December 16th, 2009 at 13 h 00 min
I still love your pictures and your text is well written with great subtlety and precision.
Proud of my cousin.
December 17th, 2009 at 10 h 02 min
I think that from the moment we consider photography as a sharing, an exchange "model (although improvised, maybe more if improvised) photographer, we can not allow itself to decent" loot "the face offered to our goal. They call it as you like, respect, politeness, sense of ethics ... it is my sense something as important as light portrait. This is felt more among some others, and among you is obvious.
December 18th, 2009 at 11 h 04 min
Yes Dawn, I'll join you in what you say, but there are times when I pass through periods in doubt, challenge and moments where I dare not go to people and get my camera out of fear of interfere ...
This small meeting me quite given back "morale" and I demonstrated that the models could really enjoy being photographed.
Thank you Damien and Daf.
December 21st, 2009 at 13 hr 31 min
They are often the faces we never see who are the nicest to capture ...
You just have to look for better look.
That's what you do and they have offered a moment of intimacy with a stranger, a paper scrapbooking.
Continue to tell us your stories Msieu Photanthrope.
December 22nd, 2009 at 13 hrs 48 min
Superb series Julien!
It's a beautiful moment that you were able to fetch and catch ...
A big Bravo!
December 23rd, 2009 at 20 h 03 min
Stellou thank you for stopping by and Pierre

December 30th, 2009 at 17 h 02 min
Hello Julien
I discovered your work and your photographic key moves me particularly in that part of humanity that you manage to convey beautifully.
A great example to follow.
Bravo!