The Field Hand, a photo from West Bengal, East

Photographer's Note

At a jute field, seconds before a monsoon squall, a field hand washes up before dashing under the nearest tree. Shimmering in the half-light behind him are bundles of jute.

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Critiques | Translate

Furachan (0) 2007-09-07 8:19

This one is mesmerizing through the way the main character POPs out of the rural haze. Phenomenal focus on his eyes at a distance - beautifully paced work once again.
best,
Francis

SamB (1948) 2007-09-07 8:48

Hello, Animesh--
More great stuff here... after seeing your last two pictures i have a greater appreciation for this one. Very sharp for 1/30 at 50mm, nice work locking the focus on his eyes and holding the camera still enough for a very sharp piece. You also handled the background very well, matching the angle of his body with the angle of the jute, and letting the distance fade out into soft far trees and storms. This one sustains the mood well.
Thanks!
sam

bombilla (3406) 2007-09-07 10:18

To me, an outsider, this seems like the colonial gaze confronted in a single gesture of problematic beauty. A man, alone, a victim of history, strong but powerless beneath the threatening sky. -Hugh

Galeota (10352) 2007-09-07 12:06

Francis mentions how the man "pops out of the rural haze", and I on the contrary am amazed at how he seems to me like a living part of his surroundings, like if he was the column of the whole scenery. This is beautiful.

bwiti (402) 2007-09-07 15:33

Absolutely magnificent! This is a hard-hitting photo... I like its glance penetrating as well as the grain of this composition... So congratulations and sorry for my poor english...

bantonbuju (51815) 2007-09-07 23:23

the mood, the mood is what i like most here...that dark, muddy surroundings and that lonely man...
love this one, animesh...
best wishes, j.

ninaL (21348) 2007-09-08 10:51

Hi, Animesh.
First of all, a beautiful, impressive glance of man.
Then, a very good composition.
Like your BW treatement, here.
Best regards. Grazyna.

alimo3 (6854) 2007-09-09 15:32

Hi Animesh,
this is really beautiful !
stunning and strong espression of the man and fine warm tones of your BW
(unforgettable great grainy Trix)
Bravo

Tom