Into the rainy abyss.

Nice picture of everyday life.

Tony,  Very interesting shot in terms of subject, lighting and composition. I like it!

Well, not quite an abyss. There is always a rainbow on the other side.

Tony,

  Wonderful b/w scene with great controlled lighting. Take care, Patsy

Love the doorway with older couple going into the rain.  Curious that the woman on the left  prevents me, as the viewer, from leaving with the couple or seeing them safely off, as she grabs my attention-- perhaps because she  brings in another story

Eystein, Bachir, Emmanuel, Patsy and Donna - Thanks for visiting and commenting.

 

I usually let an image speak for itself and if truth be told, I had a split second in deciding whether to capture this or not. I was at a wedding and it was pouring cats and dogs after the church ceremony. A little background: the lady who got married was part of an Indian family that got kicked out of Uganda by Dictator and sociopath Idi Amin. She was the youngest and not yet a teen. She had two older brothers and the lady on the left is the wife of one of those brothers who is miraculously unscathed from a recent removal of a tumor in his brain. The older couple leaving are also people that Idi kicked out and perhaps are cousin to her mother.

 

They were not wealthy business people in Uganda but had 'regular' jobs. They were not allowed to take jewelry or anything that seemed to have value. In essence they had small suitcases with clothes. Armed soldiers were everywhere and some needed to be bribed to allow safe passage.

 

Some Indian people drove themselves to the airport while others were transported there by truck. There was much uncertainty and many wondered if they would make it to the airport alive. If they had a house or land, all was lost. Within the first year of being in 'Montreal' her father suffered a heart attack and died. That was the final straw that almost broke the camel's back. They struggled in the beginning but were strong and dedicated and all 'made it' modestly.   

 

Such is the life under a Dictator because power eventually corrupts.

That is quite a harrowing backdrop to this.  I've seen tapes of Idi Amin.  Wow.  

Donna - they were kicked out with nothing but many had great success - more info from a 2002 article

A wonderful article. When I was a child, my father told me that people can take your possessions, but they cannot steal your education. It's nice to read an article emphasizing a survivor instinct and grit, perseverance and community.

Thanks.

A fascinating image and story Tony.  Thank you for posting.

 

David

Tony,  Without that story this photograph is still really exquisite in its own right and I found the commentaries added very interesting indeed.  Admirable, inspiring and an example on human resilience.  Best regards,

Excellent b&w works  with a story to tell. The old  couple  and  the  car, 56-58 white chevy  at  the  background and  the  rainy and  reflective pavement,  perfect. I like the  composition, but  it  can be a second  version too. The couple only, cropped  at the black door  frame.

BLM.

Yes, Tony, you did capture a special moment with so many levels. And for heaven's sake - in high heels yet! :)

Great tonal rendition!

 

Cheers

 

PDE

David - happy to share. The older I get, I encounter more interesting stories.

Bachir - thanks. I think most people have that resilience but not everyone and that is future story.  

Bela - I do see that 2nd shot - in fact I took it.  After the couple walked down the aisle towards this door with total joy all around, here was this lady with hands folded and head bowed. It would have been interesting for her to share her thoughts.

High Heels!! That lady is quite the dresser and dancer as I discovered when we got to the restauarnt for the reception.   Her husband, on the right side, soon abandoned his  walker, threw caution to the wind on the  dance floor at the reception. And it is not that he does not need his 'walker' because he fell during the wedding ceremony much to the consternation of everyone.

 

Not quite like this video but you get the idea

Thanks.

i am glad you went with your gut and snapped the shot. street photography is risky business.. its there and then its gone.. never perfect always flawed ..but always real

Stephanie - thanks.  "Always real"" indeed.

nice portrait

This image is definitely interesting and generates interest. In particular, I would crop the image on the left side, getting a cleaner image, but obviously, everything is a matter of personal taste.
Also interesting is the story that accompanies the image. I remember when I was a girl, the stories about Idi Amin Dada, (I was shocked because they said He was cannibal).

Kind Regards,

Rosario.

Tony, top of the emotions! top of the skills, I  agree Rosario ...that be batter!  I  really like this picture !       Best regards