Ann

Some more portraits from Africa. I can't really go back and re-shoot any, so I know that photographically, they leave something to be desired. But I love the beautiful smiles these women live out in their lives and show in these photos.

I have 2312 photos from two weeks spent there. I actually could easily have taken more, but I was actually working as a volunteer, so I didn't have a lot of time to use my camera. :-) Anyway, I thought I'd start with some photos of the women I worked with. The organization is called Amani ya Juu, which in Swahili means, "Higher Peace". It is a reconciliation project, teaching marginalized women to sew so that they can have a trade and thus support themselves and their families.

Ann works in the tie dye department with Petti. She seemed very shy to me, and didn't make much eye contact (although they tell me that some subcultures in Africa consider direct eye-contact to be quite rude).

Photographically, how is the exposure of her skin? DOF? Any other thoughts?

I will look forward to hearing from you..... :-)

Any comments or ratings are appreciated! :-)

Sweet smile Lou Ann, nice young woman. Good DOF.

Only 2312 in two full weeks!?! OH, I guess since you were also working that you can be excused for being lax in taking more photographs. Just be glad that you were not using film.

 

The DOF and the color are very good in this image, the bright sun reflecting off the black hair is a bit distracting, but the girl's smile overrides it. I'm enjoying your Africa images even though I don't comment on them. Just know that I'm watching and enjoying them.

This is my favorite of your recent portraits, I think because of the way the sun glints on her hair and frames her face. Sounds like a great organization; what fun to be part of something like that! Congrats on your upcoming (?) move to Colorado...I used to live there, and Utah isn't too far away. Sounds like you're following your heart.

Lou Ann, I agree with Kim, this is one of my favortes so far of the portraits of these great women. Her expresion is so natural, the lighting perfectly highlights. Great work... Travel safe.. Cole

Lou Ann, first, I want you to know that I am very impressed with all of these beautiful portraits you've been posting from your African trip. I know you're busy, but when you get a chance feed some more to all of us. I think that you've truly captured the magnificent spirit inside each of these women; and that is a wonderful gift for us all.

 

Second, I wanted you to know that you inspired me to finally figure out how to use CS2 to size for web viewing, and it is ridiculously easy (and I am an educated man...Geez!). So, when you have a chance, please do have a look at my new folder, entitled, "New Stuff to See..." (You can make them 'larger,' Yippee!) I spent the last weekend in Joshua Tree National Park, virtually by myself, and had a marvelous time. I also think I took some of my best stuff ever, and would love your thoughts on them.

 

Stay in touch, my friend, and travel safe.

 

Cheers! Chris

To me, this one stands out the most. Even if it was just chance, the way the background kind of matches her shirt makes the portrait seem well thought out. I think you got the exposure just right on this one too, so her face still stands out most.