Cobbler, Cobbler, a photo from Rajasthan, West

Photographer's Note

Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe. Get it done by half past two. An English nursery rhyme. A customer watches intently as the cobbler repairs his shoes. The cobbler surrounded by his tools of the trade, an anvil and pieces of leather sits in a classic position using his feet as grips. We can see by the cross he wears he is a Christian, as are many Indian cobblers, Hindus would rather not work with leather.

pajaran, kasianowak, jean113, jemaflor, Royaldevon, aliabazari has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

lousat (139400) 2022-02-27 2:12

Hi Elaine,in fact, religion has a great influence on this profession and on others related to the use of cow skins, a very informative post, I had never thought about it. And the photo is, as always, a composition of everyday life transformed into black and white art. Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

kasianowak (17676) 2022-02-27 4:45

Hi Elaine
Wonderful daily life shot well presented in black and white. It's strange how these kind of professions seem to be left to certain religious or ethnic groups across Asia, including in much westernised Japan.
Thank you for sharing.
Kasia

jean113 (27901) 2022-02-27 8:56

Hello Elaine, like Luciano it had never occurred to me re Hindu people preferring not to work with leather.
A lovely study of the man at work being observed by the man with the turban; only the child is aware of you. There is a nice triangular composition.
Thanks for sharing.
Kind regards, Jean.

Silvio1953 (221813) 2022-02-27 10:10

Ciao Elaine, beautiful B&W with nice scene, excellent clarity, fine details and splendid light, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

willperrett (14215) 2022-02-27 13:38

Hello Elaine

A black and white street scene: just my cup of tea. Beautifully observed, with just the child aware of your presence, and the others completely absorbed in the work. Composition is excellent too, using thirds very effectively. Nice.

Regards

Will

ifege (48291) 2022-02-27 20:08

Hi Elaine
It is amazing what crafts people do in the street with very basic tools. A good street photo and I guess that is his daughter behind him.
cheers
Ian

jemaflor (147330) 2022-02-27 23:34

Hi Elaine,
Very good street photography, well seen and taken, excellent quality, sharpness and contrast, tfs.

abmdsudi (95869) 2022-02-28 6:18

Hi Elaine
Nice study and some excellent details in here! Love the fact he hasn't spotted you except the girl, and is just going about his daily business.
Best regards

Royaldevon (85932) 2022-02-28 7:48

Hello Elaine,

Cobblers did traditionally have tools and products all around, when I was a child, but I have never seen such work undertaken in the street! It's a wonderful, daily life shot, which may soon become a museum shot!
I wonder if the older gent was his teacher or just interested in seeing a skilled craftsman at work.
I love the third person in the trio, who is far more interested in the camera lady!

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

emka (158204) 2022-02-28 23:33

Hello Elaine,

An interesting note about the cobblers in India. I am quite sure that the Jainists would not work with the leather, they can't have any leather items, maybe Hindus also. Beautiful street scene. I like to observe cobblers, tailors, barbers in Indian streets.

Best regrads MAlgo

mkamionka (74669) 2022-03-01 6:02

Hi Elaine,
I didn't know that there is a connection between the religion and type of job. Interesting note. By the way the note was corrupted slightly.
Great scene with the man at work with the customer waiting next to him and the child watching you.
Very well done
M

aliabazari (22377) 2022-03-01 20:39

Hello Elaine
A beautiful view of the daily life of this cobbler. The client and the cobbler stare at one point, but the girl's direct gaze at the camera brings the image to life. Good sharpness and exposure.