Living in the Mountains (Bagrot Valley)

People are living in this world in the Karakorum mountains. They cultivate fruits and agriculture crops in some irrigated plots and they keep animals. They are famous for their hospitality. They still suffer from the impact of 9/11.

In these mountains the contrast between light and shadow is extreme. I shot this photo with low contrast setting but this was not enough. I had to use shadows/highlights in photoshop to get a more or less acceptable contrast.

For me this photo means a lot. I would like to get your comments, critiques and suggestions. What works, what not, how to make it better etc.

Thanks. Karl

Hi Karl!

Wonderful photo! What takes my eyes is the great detail on the magnificent mountains. You mentioned that the people still suffer of 9/11. The detail suggests their hard life for me, and capturing the shepherd in the bottom is a bonus.

Thank you for noticing, that I've come back. I live in Qazvin and attend university in Tehran. At Qazvin, PN is filtered. I assume you could guess why. At university the internet is less filtered. Thanks god they give students some freedom. The new semester is starting in 2 weeks or so. I hope to be more participative from then. Now I've come to set my courses, and so I am at uni.

I read that you are in search of the soul. You might have heard of Jiddu Krishnamurti. He asks a clever question. He said, one searches for the things he has at least once seen, have you seen the soul? I have thought lots about it, and yet I have no complete answer.

Sorry for the long comment. I wasn't expecting anyone to notice me.

Regards. Ali.

Life is very hard for the farmers in this region. The area is very dry and there is not much fertile soil around. The people transport soil from wherever it is available to the irrigated terrasses to produce some crops. To find foodder for the animals they have to go long distances high up to the mountains. Before 9/11 some of them found jobs in the tourism industry and others were involved in handicraft production. With the sharp decline of tourism in this areas after 9/11 many of them have lost their additional income opportunities.

About "search of the soul": Photos are only facade. But behind the visible picture there may be stories, history, culture, something typical, emotions. This is what I am looking for in my pictures as well as in photos from other photographers. There is a lot of soul in your windows picture.

Iran is a great country for me. I met many tourists who travelled through Iran and were full of prise for the diversity, beauty and hospitality of this country. My hope is that it developes into an modern open society which respects human values, tradition and diversity.

Kind regards. Karl

Dear Karl!

Thanks for the extra detail on the way of life of the people.

You are very kind about my window photo. I was misguided by my own thoughts about your "search of the soul". Now I see what you mean.

I too hope your wishes come true for my country. It is getting better, yet it takes much time. I have much to say on this issiue, but it seems that here is not the place and I might take too much of your time.

Greetings. Ali.