Ras Nungwi Beach

I love the colors and the subject matter. I think it would be better without the dark stuff in between the camel and the boat (seaweed?). I also get a little confused on what to focus on, but I don't think it would be as good without all of the elements (minus the seaweed) provided. Nice photo.

Congratulations Marielou! You captured a scene that could have been observed hundreds of years ago or yesterday, and that contains great beauty. Everybody is entitled to their opinion on how this or that detail could have been rendered differently, but no technical nitpicking can take away from the timelessness and aesthetics, and those two aspects, for me, make this a great image.

You wrote: "Why are the others "better" to me? If I may be so bold, this one didn't wow me because I believe that if I was at this location at the same time I could also have made this photo."

 

Fair enough. First, how sure are you that you would have been fast enough to grab this ? But this doesn't matter anyway. Then, shall we conclude that the value or quality of a picture depends on the difficulty involved in taking it ? Now that's a much more interesting debate...

"It's a contrast that does not fit unless perhaps the goal is a somewhat humorous one. And even there, it's not much of that either. I would guess waiting a few more seconds when the posse is completely out of the way would open up a better opportunity for something worth keeping." - Vincent K. Tylor.

 

So, it's nothing much - oh wait... unless it's humorous, perhaps. And yes, it happens to be quite humorous (and to actually SAY SOMETHING), but then "not much of that either". So why not make it look a bit more like....... yet another postcard.

 

In order to do so, all we need to do is to kick the camel "out of the way" - or we can be kind and let it go away by himself...:-) And then, finally, we'll get "something worth keeping", meaning: something 100 times less original, yet another of these romantic beach shots that float all over the sacro-saint TRP. Great idea, really. :-))

And yes, it happens to be quite humorous" Marc G.

 

It is?? Perhaps you'd like to tell me what's so funny. Oh yes, there is a camel on the beach... aaaahahhahahahahahaahh

 

"all we need to do is to kick the camel "out of the way" - or we can be kind and let it go away by himself...:-) And then, finally, we'll get "something worth keeping", meaning: something 100 times less original" Marc

 

Okay then how then would you use this image? No stock company that I can think of would want it. Fine art?? Not a chance. On Marilou's wall? Doubt that too. Just because an image is different, or "less original" does not make it in any way better. In fact there is a probably a good reason why this is more original than 100s of others as you say: It's not really worth shooting in my opinion. (No offense Marielou, I do think you have an outstanding portfolio too by the way!) Without question, I would probably like shooting the sailboat with the nice turquoise layers quite a bit. If this mini-caravan walked in front of my lens, I'd also probably be looking to find another shot. Technically it looks fine I guess if that is the goal (with the exception of line through the head). While it is different than what you would might typically find, I just don't think it works as anything special. If I'm shooting Yosemite landscape and a cop on a horse walks in my view, have I really improved that shot just because "it's more original" Don't think so marco. Sorry to disagree with you.

"No stock company that I can think of would want it. Fine art?? Not a chance." - Vincent K. Tylor.

 

Wanna bet ?

 

But if you say it's not worth shooting in your opinion, that's fine too. You may continue shooting the usual postcard of the same beach without the camel and the men - which all stock agencies have thousands of...:-)

"You may continue shooting the usual postcard of the same beach without the camel and the men - which all stock agencies have thousands of...:-)" Marc G.

 

Interesting, though there are "thousands of the same", as you say, I wonder why I sold the rights to 15 earlier today, to two different marketing agencies. The bottom line in my opinion, is that the camel posse adds no real value to this image. In fact quite the opposite. It takes away from a very marketable, aesthetically appealing image, for the sake of being different? We have gazillions of roosters on Kauai. I have plenty of very good images of them by the way. Guess how many travel brochures showcase these roosters. Guess how many requests I get for stock usage. I doubt the camels on the beach would attract visitors to this place. Perhaps they would attract you though. Go for it!

"Interesting, though there are "thousands of the same", as you say, I wonder why I sold the rights to 15 earlier today, to two different marketing agencies."

 

Let me help you find the answer on that one: that's just because your beach pictures are so much better than the thousands of others. :-)

 

"The bottom line in my opinion, is that the camel posse adds no real value to this image. In fact quite the opposite. It takes away from a very marketable, aesthetically appealing image, for the sake of being different? We have gazillions of roosters on Kauai."

 

You know the difference between a rooster and a camel, don't you ? Well, if you don't, just never seat on a camel, ok ? :-))

Here is a version I might find workable. After looking it over during our fun conversation (and in between 14th World Series baseball), I guess I have a problem with the PEOPLE in this scene, much more than with the camel itself. Without the people, I actually find this quite interesting. Perhaps moreso than even roosters...

I think the 2 guys walking on 4 feet with roosters on their back would be ok...:-)

Cheers to that!

Try attachment again.

seems like capitalizing on a moment to make a very enjoyable photograph, what could be wrong with that.

One of the best travel shots in PN! Colours of the sea water are really great; composition too.

 

Cheers!

Very interesting shot. Here is my version. They might rent a camel, but don't know how to get on it (or, get back on it).

The lone, but loaded camel becomes incongruous. How did he get to that place fully loaded and why there's no one looking for his stuff?

 

It also ruins the thoughts and emotions generated by the opposition of ships, directions and layers. A lone camel, loaded, but with no apparent purpose and no masters is no more a 'ship' than driftwood in the ocean.

first off, marielou, hats off, this is a great image, congrats.

yongbo's version seems to have a tiny edge over the original, imoho. the only thing i really

miss here is the holy virgin descending from the clouds, though.

also, thanks to Marc G for instructing the less gifted on this show.

Big surprise !

First of all, thanks to the PN staff for choosing this picture of mine.

Second, thanks to all for visiting, commenting and rating this picture.

 

Few words about the conditions of this picture.

 

Zanzibar is an archipel belonging to Tanzania, on the East coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean.

This is a rather poor country and tourism is a (potential) great source of income.

So, many people try to get some money with this activity.

This explains why a camel on a beach.

They cross on the beach in a way and re-cross all along the day waiting for clients.

This for explaining the camel alone is an incongruity because it's impossible it could be there alone, without guys leading it. Seats on its back are enough to justify its touristic purpose.

 

Many of you spoke about the rope on the neck of the first guy. I do not understand why it could be found disturbing... how would you explain his hands position without this rope ? mmm....

 

For those who know, it's true the boat is a DHOW, the typical boat of this region. And not only in Tanzania but also along the Kenyan coasts. This boat is now used mainly for fishing. But in the past for ivory and slaves trade....

 

I agree with those who said this is not the picture of the century lol but a pleasant view of a wonderful place I invite all of you to be able to visit one day. Not necessary to use a camel for travelling. They have good 4X4 cars. (!)

 

Someone has noticed the nonchalance emanating from this picture... This is maybe the best perception of it....

"Many of you spoke about the rope on the neck of the first guy. I do not understand why it could be found disturbing... how would you explain his hands position without this rope ? mmm...."

 

I may be wrong, Marielou - I'm french too after all -, but so far, I thought the line that received so much criticism was the one behind the man on the LEFT of the photo. Whereas your reply seems to be about the ropeon the right.

Ok, Marc ! you're right ! Autant pour moi !

 

I just want to add this picture asked me to wait a very long time. I've seen this "caravan" crossing many times... But I did wait for THE boat ! and when I got it I pressed on the button ! I was ready with my F801 gun and 300 mm lens !

But was a good time, under a palmtree, with a lovely warm breeze....

Time in this kind of place has not the same value...

Time in not money, time is pleasure.....

You see ?

You see :

Let the good time roll...

"this picture asked me to wait a very long time." "Time in not money, time is pleasure"

 

You used your time well Marielou... let the good times roll indeed! :)

Wow ... I missed a lot of discussion today! I love how these discussions always lead into places I would never think of. Thank you Mark and Vincent! BTW, Vincent you have an AMAZING portfolio. Every shot is a postcard (probably literally also). But ...! Does every shot have to be a postcard or have commercial value or even artistic value? This shot shows that particular moment in the world, and does so very well. Isn't that enough? To some people it may seem strange, but I've seen that boat and I've seen those guys. Those guys are in Alexandria and Tangiers and Mombassa and Brazzaville and every place I've ever been in Africa (well, actually that is every place). As Marielou points out, these are just two guys trying to make a living in a place where sometimes that isn't so easy. Isn't it a bit heartless to cut them out of the picture? :-) To me, the peopleless version looks odd and sterile. The motion of the first man makes the picture for me. I LOVE the hand position. It just looks happy. Would a stock agency want it? Maybe, maybe not ... I could see it in a travel brochure. I agree that agencies are experts and their judgments certainly have merit, but they are not the sole arbiters of taste or usefulness. They look for certain things ... this photo may not fit, but that doesn't mean it's not good. It could certainly have a place on my wall.

I was shocked to see Nungwi BEACH! I recognized it as soon as I saw the picture! What a lovely place and of course great picture capturing the place flavor!! I really enjoyed finding it and remembering this impressive phenomena when tides are down and the "beach" runs 300meters into the ocean from the "normal" coast!

 

Post more from Zanzibar!!!

 

Congratulations and regards. Max

As a photographer whose main interest is travel I find it disappointing that some dismiss this POW as a snapshot. This area of photography is difficult because of the lack of control over your environment. When I am travelling I usually do not have the luxury of waiting around for the perfect moment or returning to a site. As a travel photo it works as it certainly depicts a place of interest and shows a scene holidayers may want to snap themselves. Yes Marielou has a superb portfolio with many more examples of 'photographer's photos' but this POW is a great example of an effective travel photo.