We know where we're from, a photo from Tigray, North

Photographer's Note

I guess I prefer street photography to site/sight photography.

Axum is a massive attraction in Ethiopia - there are pre-Christian (which in Ethiopia makes it at least 1500 years old) stellae and archaeological sites in and around the town. The Ark of the Covenant (think Indiana Jones movie #1) is allegedly kept in one of the churches in town - but not available for tourists to have a peek at. Also at the allegedly en of the spectrum - The Queen of Sheba's Palace is located close to the town.

Worth a walk around in the poorer and scruffier ends of town - where my photograph was taken.

dta, holmertz, pajaran, Royaldevon, danos, clic, GyurMaster, Hansaphotos, delpeoples has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dta (98848) 2017-01-16 8:01

Hello Iain ,
What a great composition ! Of course , this is a poor district (the street ...) , but the painted houses , the cart , and the little girl in red have a lot of charm .
Regards

holmertz (103694) 2017-01-16 8:07

Hello Iain,
Such fantastic walls and such a fantastic girl in such a .... environment. What a strange mix of beauty and misery. The buildings would attract any photographer but it's the girl that makes this composition all on her own. I wonder if the Queen of Sheba ever lived in that palace, or if she actually lived in northern Yemen, or if she ever existed at all.
Kind regards,
Gert

GFSSD-1 (5888) 2017-01-16 8:26

hello
Both people and buildings are dressed in vivid colors...
for a photographer this is a paradise..
(googletranslate)
tfs

sacimar (38173) 2017-01-16 9:40

Hello Iain,

interesting image, I like the combination of elements we can see here, colors, and the presence of the girl create a good picture, well done,

Best regards,

Sergio

macjake (98544) 2017-01-16 9:52

Hi Iain
we don't get to see many photos from this country, especially in the towns and cities. this is fantastic for us on TE.
love these poorer areas, they offer up great views and photos.
cool to see the sign on the downward angle on the right, the bold colours on the left, and the rough nature of the 'road'.
the girl adds alot too. sad but true life experience.
wonderful photo, hope to see more like this.
cheers
Craig

No_One (4) 2017-01-16 10:47

Hi Iain
It may be old and scruffy but the colors are amazing and shows something that ties ell with your title, there is pride here and I see that in both the buildings and the girls clothing. She is very interesting in the scene, that basket looks heavy and the way her eyes are closed, it looks like a struggle. Her pose though could have been caught while dancing.

I like the realness of street photography, though I don't really practice it. This is a great example of the art. And the ark of the covenant? The palace? Wow, such sights to be seen. I hope you might share some of the palace if you age them. Do they know which church the ark is in? Fascinating place and great post.
Cheers
Noel

Tue (93530) 2017-01-16 11:10

Hello Iain,
A wonderful and truly interesting impression of this street. I really like the contrast of the colourful facades on the left and the older and seemingly less well maintained houses in the centre as well as the litter in the street. The girl in her red dress stands out perfectly against this background too.
Lars

lousat (140046) 2017-01-16 11:48

Hi Iain,a beautiful daily life scene from this poor corner of Axum,a very important place for the italian history during the colonial domination era. I like a lot the colorful facades on the left and the girl too is very nice,perfect sharpness as usual. Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

abmdsudi (95869) 2017-01-16 17:47

Hi Iain
A glorious full frame image, how gathering of patterns and colours are really appealing to the human eye and this is certainly no exception. A brill display of colour - riot of colour precisely, presented before a sharp shooter. Blend of human element is so vital here, else the pic is meaningless....

Delightful to view, Congrats
Best regards

dkmurphys (79209) 2017-01-16 23:46

Good morning,
Interesting scene from that old place, I've read about Ethiopian history and religion. Good colors, well observed moment.

Daniel

Royaldevon (86520) 2017-01-17 1:35

Hello Iain,

I have seen this place on TV, in a documentary, and it must be fascinating to visit!

It looks as if there are centuries of debris in the street but the colourful surroundings and the animated, equally colourful, young lady make that of little interest other than adding to the setting!
The whole photograph is charged with 'sense of place', everything being useful in a photographic sense.
I like it very much!

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

danos (110407) 2017-01-17 1:48

Hello Ian,
nice the daily snapshot from this poor and scruffier ends of town with the colourful painted houses to are the eye catching of the image with the little girl to be a bonus to the composition.Excellent the colours as the light management of the image.

Regards,Danos

BennyV (34780) 2017-01-17 4:31

And a fine street shot it is, Iain.

Strikingly colourful. A poor part of town sure, but that doesn't mean it has to be dull and grey!

Cheers

Benny

clic (76) 2017-01-17 8:24

Hello Iain "Never look back and always go forward", they say!
Nevertheless if the lady in red had complied to the saying, she would have noticed the perfect visual balance composed by her dress color compared to the vibrant decor at left! Cheers.

kasianowak (17676) 2017-01-17 13:37

Hi Iain
Two different genres and yet, just like in your previous post, what we first notice when we look at the thumbnail, and then, the moment we enlarge the photo, is the exquisite mastery of colour photography and thorough understanding of the relationships between colours. I don't really need to say it, as you well know it is the case: perfect timing to keep the two red elements on the opposite sides of the image thus creating balance and harmony.
On another matter you hint upon in your note - the opportunities for the photographer in those parts of towns overlooked by tourists (either for their lack of obvious "attractions" or outright warnings that label those places as "dangerous") are endless. Well done on reaching further than most visitors do.
Best wishes
Kasia

Cricri (176) 2017-01-18 10:21

Hi Iain
Beau portrait naturel de la jeune fille au panier rouge s'accordant a sa tenue, un coin pauvre 間ay� par le mur color閑 et la vielle charrette
belle sc鑞e de vie
belle soir閑
cricri

GyurMaster (25049) 2017-01-19 12:13

Hello Iain,

I don't know how I missed this shot as it is really stunning thanks to the beautiful colours: the vivid colours of the girl's clothes highlight her excellently, why the also vidid walls on both sides create a nice frame.

Excellent work!
Gy.

gervaso (28437) 2017-01-25 2:04

Hello, Iain!

Interesting street scene captured, with the strong colors of the fa鏰des and of the girl's clothes making a very nice contrast with the rest of the place! Excellent colors and sharpness! Beautiful job!

Hansaphotos (11381) 2017-01-30 7:22

Hello Iain

Despite it obviously is a poor area, it has very charming elements and wonderful colours. The girl is well placed in the frame. I also like the tilted sign. Very nice work:) TFS.

Greetings, Erling

delpeoples (60342) 2017-01-31 3:19

Ciao Iain

A wonderful example of street photography. Between you up close portraits, wildlife photos and performance photos, you really are getting some varieties out of your genres. Well done, you! I love the colours which belie the poverty that this little girl no doubt lives in. Who knows, her life is probably a lot happier than many who have everything material they could wish for. At least I'd like to think that.

Cheers and thanks for sharing this thought-provoking photo
Lisa