Is That You Mr. Chairman?, a photo from Hong Kong, South

Photographer's Note

This was taken in a marketplace in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. The guy in the background was the proprietor and some of the goods he sold were copies of Chairman Mao's Little Red Book and the Proletariat type hat you see in the foreground. I like how the man was standing in a not very welcoming pose. I chose to focus on the book to sort of give the impression that it could have been Mao himself looming large in the background. I just wish he was wearing more traditional clothing.

I really don't use my 28mm lens often, so I view this as a bit of an experiment.

bgladman has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bgladman (1153) 2004-04-01 8:27

Hi Darren. The 28mm has allowed you to get reasonably close and still have a nice angle to work with. I really like the strong framing effect by the diagonal line of the roof. The note was useful also as it gices the shot more context. Well done

Luko (14000) 2004-04-01 8:37

I believe this is Temple street and agree with the interest of the shot, Darren but you should have been BOLDER !
Cut the man's head out and also that unaesthetic dark upper triangle, simply leave the body up to his hand resting on his arm (which is a good feature).

I've bought lots of small tacky gifts in Temple street, mainly Maoism paraphernalia, such as watches showing the great steering leader salute (with an ever moving arm, very funny), original little red books, ...

So how does a wide angle feel Darren? this is my everyday lens...

[2] +

gringofil (0) 2004-04-01 9:06

Interesting shot. I myself am a fan of all this Mao propaganda stuff on sale throughout China (I collect like crazy), but the stuff on sale in HK is below par...the goodies are to be found on the mainland especially in Mao's hometown in Hunan.

As for the shot: a bit too dark, Darren, or is it my screen? Seems the focus is on books, but the one with the reflection works against you here and disturbs the compo a bit. Something different from you, Darren, but not as effective as your people shots.

kourosh (2346) 2004-04-01 11:30

different shot this time. the idea of focusing on the books and having a blurred image of the man in the back is good.
i think his position, right behind the books, is not ideal.