Photography Thailand Forum

[Marc Schultz]

Here is another Thai fisherman photo of a fisherman clearing shells out of his fishing net. It is far more static than some of the other shots I posted which had some movement, but I liked how the textures came out on this one in B&W and for the pictorial element of the image. Questions, comments, and critiques welcome as always.

[SimonP]

Another great photo Marc.  As well as the other photographic elements I like it because of the look of concentration on the fisherman's face.  He is really absorbed in what he is doing.  How did you get this natural pic?  I'd like to hear your story about taking this - were you quite closeby, had you engaged the fisherman in any interaction beforehand? 

Simon.

[Marc Schultz]

Thank you Simon. It was actually frailly staged, but what he is doing represents what a net fisherman must really do if he got some shells and things caught in his net other than fish so to that extent it is very real. Anyway, I better not tell you too much about it my involvement in this picture or it might ruin all of your enjoyment of it.  :-X

His expression actaully made me think that he appears a bit unhappy and I was concerned it ruined the mood of the photo in some way. But if he appears to be absorbed in what he is doing, which he is, then maybe it is OK?

[SimonP]

lol, well thanks again for posting - it's always enjoyable to see your stuff.

[Marc Schultz]

Thank you Simon. It is kind words like that which inspire me as well.

[geoff]

Marc,

I always enjoy looking at your photos and this one is no exception!  Even without the motion, it is a very captivating photo.  What I find myself thinking about, after I've enjoyed taking in the photo, is where you when you took the photo and why.  Did you have a low vantage point, how close were you to the subject, what lens were you using, what were the camera settings, why did you choose to tilt the camera, etc.  Before I know it, I've been looking at your photo for 20 minutes!  Thanks for posting this one and keep posting.

geoff

[anna]

I always look forward to your postings.  I don't see the fisherman as unhappy, but more absorbed in what he was doing - being very careful not to ruin the net.  It was his expression that appealed to me more than anything else in the pictures.

[SimonP]

Yes, I agree - unhappy is not the word I would use to describe the fisherman.

From a compositional perspective I also think the look on his face draws the viewer in first, then you follow his line of sight down to the nets and then to his sarong/longi (the juxtaposition of these patterns in B/W is also a nice touch) and back up again.  So in some ways it is not a static image and adds to the overall effect.

Simon.