First is probably my favorite Maasai image, although I suspect the crop is less than ideal. I like his expression and the large context of the background. What do you think? Go ahead and modify as you see fit.
I think the crop is probably better in the second, but the whole tone produced by his expression is dramatically different. How does the smile "play" for you?
BTW, in the background is another Maasai village or boma.
I guess these are great reminders of your trip, but they are not very interesting to me.
The comp is centered and static. The background is none too interesting and could be from anywhere. The portraits themselves are ok. I guess I like the bottom one best with a bit more expression. I think I would crop off about the bottom half of the image. The fabric doesn't seem that interesting.
Maybe I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but I just don't see the appeal of these.
+1 @ Jim ... kinda sorta ... I got up on the other side of the bed, but I think I get his gist.
That being said, I could just as easily see this as being someone out in Colorado after a trip to Jo-Ann fabric store playing around for a fun portrait session. I guess it is lacking the cultural "distinction" vibe that makes us really think foreign and exotic (to us). It probably falls into that category of image where you know more than the viewer, but on it's own (without the accompanying knowledge), it doesn't translate the same story/message.
Wow!
I am totally surprised by the feedback, a rare event. Maybe it is a had to be there thing, but the first seems pretty exotic to me. Second, not so much with the smile making it more "pedestrian'.
Thanks for the honest feedback.
Do you have any images with "day in the life" that sets up context?
Seeing multiple people wearing that style of attire could help. Also ... village, what village? All I see is brown/barren ground off in the distance.
I prefer the first image to the "smiling" one, but here again, context could be established from other shots that may change that.
Looking at these two images, I don't know if the person is naturally serious, shy, mysterious or playful. I really am not getting a "vibe" at who this person is ... if that makes any sense.
Ain't photography great! Two simple photos. Variety of responses.
I'm not hung up on back ground unless it takes me away from the subject.
What hit me about #1 was that it was I expect of a "warrior". But the smile in #2
hit me even more. If they were mine I'd hang them side by side.
Interesting in a universal portrait sort of way rather than an exotic or anthropological way. Because the subject's direct eye engagement, a tighter crop might help each deliver the message in a stronger way.
