Nos. 2 and 3 look like something possibly from Russia, but the rest just look exactly like the Oklahoma Dust Bowl pix during the depression. Not that they are bad, just that the title leads us to see Russian pictures.
I'm interested in what makes a picture taken in Russia, "Russian"? Do you mean that everyone needs to be wearing babushkas and long beards? The title says that the photos were taken in rural Russia...and they were. I don't understand the comments that they don't look "Russian". That sounds ignorant and unworldy to me when someone says that it doesn't look "Russian" simply because it doesn't fit their predetermined and skewed view of another country.
Zebra, I think the photos are beautiful and show that, though these people are in a different country, they are still people and are facing hardships and lifestyles many of us will never encounter.
DLGPhotog wrote:
That sounds ignorant and unworldy to me when someone says that it doesn't look "Russian" simply because it doesn't fit their predetermined and skewed view of another country.
Bingo.
I like this set as well, esp the curtain one, but think the images which showed more outside life and interaction in the other set drew me in a bit more.
My Favorite is #5 (Waiting). That is a beautiful picture. Captures a moment of childhood that is probably universal. The child looks relaxed, patient, and warm. Waiting for the bath after a long day playing outside probably.
I also liked the Abandoned picture. Old buildings are nice, but what makes this image so nice to me is the colorful curtain blowing OUT the window. Nice contrast and nice colorful element.
The other images are nice too. They seem very "authentic" to me.
I see them as "Russian" and yet more universal than just "Russian." That makes them very appealing and also timeless.
The image of the Babushka and the little girl with the eggs together is touching.
Thanks once again for your comments. Summer time is ahead of us, so there will be many more scenes of rural life that I'll be able to peep at and to photograph!
I bought a house in that remote village (some seventy miles from the town I live in) ten years ago. The house is on the border of the village and there is a nice view from over the fence: http://album.foto.ru:8080/photos/or/197935/585649.jpg
You can't see any signs of civilization for miles there, only medows and woods.
The water in the river is so pure one can drink it.
It's covered with ice and snow in winter so one can walk over it: http://album.foto.ru:8080/photos/or/197935/470172.jpg
and there are fields near my premises where I like to wander: http://album.foto.ru:8080/photos/or/197935/291533.jpg
I'll do some more pics this summer and show them to you.
DLGPhotog wrote:
I'm interested in what makes a picture taken in Russia, "Russian"? Do you mean that everyone needs to be wearing babushkas and long beards? The title says that the photos were taken in rural Russia...and they were. I don't understand the comments that they don't look "Russian". That sounds ignorant and unworldy to me when someone says that it doesn't look "Russian" simply because it doesn't fit their predetermined and skewed view of another country.
Zebra, I think the photos are beautiful and show that, though these people are in a different country, they are still people and are facing hardships and lifestyles many of us will never encounter....Show more →
I have to agree with that. Interesting people are interesting no matter where from. If you can't tell where they're from, it doesn't matter, as long as they are interesting., so the title doesn't matter. it's just misleading when you can't see how these people are different. It only opens my eyes to the fact that people are pretty much the same all over. Some are more "the same" than others.
"DLGPhotog wrote:
I'm interested in what makes a picture taken in Russia, "Russian"? Do you mean that everyone needs to be wearing babushkas and long beards? The title says that the photos were taken in rural Russia...and they were. I don't understand the comments that they don't look "Russian". That sounds ignorant and unworldy to me when someone says that it doesn't look "Russian" simply because it doesn't fit their predetermined and skewed view of another country."
There are distinct cultural differences between rural Russia and other places (say urban U.S.), and other things that are distinctly Russian. Mathematically speaking, no two towns, or countries are exactly the same. Identifying those differences isn't a bad thing, and is a source of interest to those who have not been there, and a fun challenge for the photographer. Urban Russia, for example, has distinct architectural styles. Perhaps watching a gathering of people in rural Russia would lead to some interesting pictures - clothing styles, dances - what are they entertained by? Maybe show some superstitions, or home remedies - which tend to vary by region. I don't know, but maybe eating a tomato and beer for lunch is Russian (photo #6)? Then again, the stuff that makes us all human makes for great photos too - emotions, human interactions, etc.
