p.1 #1 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
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I took these pictures at a festival in Northern India over the span of eight days. During that time I got to watch the interactions of the Roma street vendors with the public. They are generally invisible to pedestrians, although on a few occasions they interacted quite sweetly. They generally sell balloons, toys or trinkets. They have lively personalities which make them natural subjects for photography. They wear their emotions on their sleeve. The men were less inclined to be photographed, perhaps out of a sense of pride. The women almost seemed flattered.
All images of children were taken with permission of at least one parent.
p.1 #4 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
Excellent use of the background blurring to make the subjects stand out so well. Often, I see it overdone, with parts of the subject blurred, but not in your shots. Well done.
p.1 #5 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
The Romani, Roma, Sinti, or Kale, all part of the Indo-Aryan ethnic group have got to be one of the most beautiful people on earth. Right up there with the Pacific Islanders IMO. This is a wonderful collection. I assume you are quite charming in person, because of the connection you obviously had with most of the subjects. Well done.
p.1 #6 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
Jim Rickards wrote:
Excellent use of the background blurring to make the subjects stand out so well. Often, I see it overdone, with parts of the subject blurred, but not in your shots. Well done.
Thank you, Jim. Actually I used a manual lens (the Zeiss Biotar 75mm f1.5, wide open). This lens was manufactured in 1949 and is known for its great bokeh, resulting in a 3D effect. This was a challenge because the streets were very crowded and the background quite busy. I also used the Techart AF adapter, which facilitated some of the work here.
p.1 #7 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
James Markus wrote:
The Romani, Roma, Sinti, or Kale, all part of the Indo-Aryan ethnic group have got to be one of the most beautiful people on earth. Right up there with the Pacific Islanders IMO. This is a wonderful collection. I assume you are quite charming in person, because of the connection you obviously had with most of the subjects. Well done.
Thanks, James. Actually, I agree with you. Most are stunning looking, and when you add their charm and liveliness, they make for amazing photographic subjects! They actually were flattered that a foreigner wanted to photograph them. They are mostly ignored by passersby. They particularly appreciated my efforts, as I would crouch or kneel to get a good picture, and that seemed to give them honor.
p.1 #8 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
Extremely well done Charley! Yes that old "relic" still produces a fantastic bokeh!
Your subjects are always not just a "snapshot" but a biography of a life most Westerners only hear or read about. They do NOT experience it up close and personal!
Extremely well done brother!
Dan
p.1 #9 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
Danpbphoto wrote:
Extremely well done Charley! Yes that old "relic" still produces a fantastic bokeh!
Your subjects are always not just a "snapshot" but a biography of a life most Westerners only hear or read about. They do NOT experience it up close and personal!
Extremely well done brother!
Dan
Thank you for your kind words, Dan! I feel very privileged to have such experiences. They have really expanded my horizons!
p.1 #12 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
charley5 wrote:
Thank you, Jim. Actually I used a manual lens (the Zeiss Biotar 75mm f1.5, wide open). This lens was manufactured in 1949 and is known for its great bokeh, resulting in a 3D effect. This was a challenge because the streets were very crowded and the background quite busy. I also used the Techart AF adapter, which facilitated some of the work here.
-Charles
I thought that when I saw that bokeh, at first I thought Helios. nice shots all.
p.1 #13 · A Study of Roma Street Vendors & Their Families
Detroitable wrote:
I thought that when I saw that bokeh, at first I thought Helios. nice shots all.
Yes, I also have the Helios, but it is much heavier than the Biotar. I am using an autofocus adapter, which can't handle that kind of weight. The Helios bokeh is about 90% as nice as the Biotar, and also a tad warmer in tone.
