Laundry-Time,-Iba-Estates.

It never ceased to amaze me how many people positively loathed me

taking their pictures in public places in Nigeria. In fact, so high was the

mistrust that as soon as the camera came out, there will be a shout

from someone, usually far away from the intended target: "hey, he's

taking your picture" in the same tone one would say, "he's stealing your

purse". The most ridiculous example of this was on our road trip from

Lagos to Aba, a journey that began at 4:20 a.m and ended at 9:30 p.m.

This was somewhere near Benin City where I photographed a vendor

hovering over our window hawking dried plantains. Another vendor, far

removed from my camera vision was so incensed by this that he

sprinted 200 yards--I kid you not--to come screaming to the police

officer at the checkpoint which caused the holdup: "he took a picture,

officer; I saw him do it." The officer looked at him for a second like he

was soup stain on his tie, blinked in the hot sun, and went back about

his business. It was, as you can imagine then, a pleasant surprise that

these two young men actually WANTED to be photographed. As luck

would have it, of course, my battery was about dead and had just this

one frozen moment left in it before it kicked the bucket, literally.

Hello Emmanuel, I enjoyed reading the write-up for this image. You've captured the spirit of these guys very well. I find the reaction to your picture taking very interesting, another photographer may have been daunted into perhaps not shooting. I am prompted to look at the entire series of images because of this one. So good work and keep em' coming.

Sincerely,

Holger

I enjoyed your background story quite a bit. I have run into some intense stares as well here in Texas. I have only been nervous one time just a couple of days ago.

 

Your photo is very well captured and I'm glad yo were able to get a shot after all of the ruckus.

Beautiful colours and nice framing. Good work! saluti alex from milan italy...

Beautiful and nice framing. Good work! saluti alex from milan italy...

Emmanuel...  I have never had a tree complain about my camera, and that is why I love landscapes.  However, for the intrepid street photographer I offer my full support and urge you to continue.  Otherwise we would not have these excellent slices through time and social fabric.... Mike

Great picture and story to match. As a fellow street photographer, I'm aware of the possible pitfalls of the candid photo but the reaction in Nigeria seems a little over the top. Even in Japan people rarely go to that extreme. As for the shot, you've caught these two in full youthful exuberance and the setting has so many interesting details that it really gives the picture a sense of place.

Great street shot, and the story is even better. Always enjoy your narratives.

Great street shot & story, nice people.

Cheers.

 

I enjoy the write up very much, as you I get some slack some times from people, who get very up set when I take their image!  I continue but very aware of others!  If I am alone I take more risk that if I am with family members.  Resetly I was with my grands and a young woman screem pervert! I ignore her and only my oldest grand ask me what happen and I say nothing and that was the end of it. Oh another woman with the screamer laugh out loud and say he found us gorgeous!  This is a great composition of friendly people!  I got a kick out it! Warm regards my friend.

Hello Emmanuel,

Nice shot, I wonder why people are camera shy in Nigeria. 

Ben

Perhaps it is a sign of the Political Times Emmanuel. You would notice it during your travels. I'm glad you managed to obtain this capture as it is very interesting and the young men seem more than happy to entertain you. The entire image is very interesting. I think it is an excellent capture in the 'street' and lucky for you they were happy to be photographed.

Excellent presentation Emmanuel.

Warmest regards, Gail

nice docu shot

Good one. I like it.