The Elder (Ivory Coast)

It's often said that "a picture should speak for itself". I posted

this picture in some other forum with a detailled description of the

story behind it and got an interesting feedback but I am wondering if,

apart from its clear technical weaknesses, it can truly make somebody

feel the way I did when I took it.

You said you were curious how it made people feel, so here's a response along those lines.

 

I feel sympathetic for the old woman in that daily life must be a struggle by now, as she looks worn and sore. But aside from that, I'm uncertain what she's doing, or what she's thinking, or even where she's at. There's not enough environment for me to get any context on the photo.

I was just curious what your thoughts were concerning the technical weaknesses? Only wanting your thoughts on it right now...

 

Drema Morgan

tdmorgan@ntelos.net

First of all thanks for your comments. Concerning the technical weaknesses, I'm glad you didn't notice them (or were kind enough to pretend so) but the focus isn't that good (I can always blame that on the rather dim focusing screen of the Seagull...) and I think I should have tryied to give more depth of field so that you could see her hands better.

What I see: Contentment. The woman's attention is focused on what she is doing. Her age is not important to her right now.

 

What I guess: Compared to elders in more wealthy countries, she probably has more respect from her village. And she is probably more active every day, since she seems to be making pottery.