Hello,

I am a man of few words.

Maybe this is only the written word, my grammar is terrible as Tim will testify

A big thank you to everyone who supports my multiple postings and experimentation. I am truly grateful for stumbling upon FM and the characters I have met here. BW is still the friendliest and most education forum within FM.

I have taken many images in the last couple of years, maybe fifteen - twenty thousand my hard drives indigestion warning keeps reminding me to delete a few.

This picture, I feel, represents a personal message I have been trying to portray for many months. It contains my feelings and emotions for the moment in time. The economic level of China is evident. I hope you can all relate to this image in your working lives. Ever worked hard but been kept in the dark "Me Too"

What do you think about while doing that mundane job you do every day.

I have seen the great joy in China on the faces of people who have never seen snow or felt it land on their tongues.

Life has many mysteries. However do not judge these people as they are in the dark, they are unaware of you or me or where we live.

How would your life be with censored tv and radio. It would be insular and narrow.

However could you get up in the morning with nothing and still spare a smile for your neighbor.

Sorry for the rant, however I do not have political persuasions just appreciation of human nature.

This picture is possibly my all time favorite hope you enjoy it. I know Charlie and Lazlo will.

All the best Alan

Certainly not my favorite "Alan Young" image, although a gem of an image nonetheless. Your documentation of China's industrial and cultural life has been a visual experience I will cherish for a long long time and I want to thank you for that.

Fabulous intro, Alan! No grammar police here!

You've nailed the most important thing I get from your shots. I see life as it exists for so many whom I would never have this kind of exposure otherwise. It nearly always gives me cause to reflect on my blessings and lot in life, no matter what my own personal battles may be.

I like to look at shots with a critical eye for composition, etc., but my main interest in photography is evoking feelings. Your shots do indeed succeed in this respect.

I only comment on a portion of your shots, but I do study them all.

-Tim

Thank You Steven and Tim

all the best Alan

Hey Alan,

I notice that you are a man of few words here on the board, but I feel a ton of emotional outpouring in your words which carry much weight.

I feel that personal favorite images don't necessarily have to be the best composed or even the most miraculous images. Personal images somehow (for one reason or another)strikes a chord somewhere in your heart which really sings to you.

Judging from what you wrote about your feelings towards China and the people who work there, I feel that this image does indeed portray how many of these people are "living in the dark" with very few freedoms.

I often find it difficult to get good shots in the dark because I'm always playing with shadow recovery and whatnot. But you definitely nailed the exposure here which gives it that gloomy feel (which is strengthened by your words).

You are indeed a great asset to this forum, as well as all the other members here! To your selfless sharing of your workflows as well as giving help and advice to others.

your friend,
eric

Thank you very much Eric those are very kind words.

Alan