Chatchers on the Mekong II, a photo from Champasak, South

Photographer's Note

This is a follow up from the same location as previous post of the local villagers in the Island of Don Khone, catching fishes near Li Phi Waterfalls.

Some of you were wondering and thought that the Mekong is a large river and brownish in color and you are right. In the rainy seasons which is about 9 months in a year, the river are brown with high soil content, as the rain water wash down soil and carries with it soil from the land. Another reason that the water here look more greenish and blue is because, they is where the river is going through some rocky areas, splitting up in many different streams and small waterfalls and cascades. All these streams will eventually merge back into one big river which you know as the Mekong.

ilvao, Philippe, fulvio52, KLB, eversmile, dta, bj40, pauloog, phwall, holmertz, adores, Deepforest, Morac, Bartleby, Wanda1, avene, rginer, sevy, riclopes, IgorDeleze, patdeph, gracious, BelCan75, mikele_pl, Sistercosmo, banaei_nikon, paololg, jhm, carper, lc4giala, mark_mk, hispic, Colombiana, zmey, Kielia, delpeoples, alainh, maximage, cam, ChrisJ, euryan, maloutim, smythdylan, plimrn, ssalonis, kiks, jwmunro, s_lush, Suppiluliuma, ingvar, fritzi007 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ilvao (2308) 2009-02-19 12:09

Hi Way,

this this a great choice of frame
and i love the colors
a top daily life shot
informative
take care
olivier

Philippe (11836) 2009-02-19 12:16

Hi, Way. A very good composition with the two persons in the foreground setting the scene and contrasting well with the light-coloured rock. The stream makes a nice diagonal line in the image while the trees in the upper part of the image stand out well against the sky. Everything is well balanced in your photo.
Have a nice day,
Philippe

KLB (23723) 2009-02-19 12:19

Hi Way

Excellent daily life scene.
All is well thought : the vertical format, the way you've framed the two characters... and the pastel colors are so beautiful.
A great shot.
Thanks also for your very informative note, I learn more about this river.

Regards
Karine

eversmile (11636) 2009-02-19 12:20

Way! That's an excellent capture!
So well framed, with a beautiful light! The delicate hues of colors are lovely. I really like the contrast between the clear water and the bi-colored rocks. And the daily life scene is worth a look. Congratulations!
Regards
Marine

dta (98848) 2009-02-19 12:25

Hello Way ,
The place is nice , of course , but ,more than this , a beautiful and interesting daily life scenery . The vertical format works very well . I like a lot the soft colors , the great sharpness ... and the informative note .
Regards

bj40 (6) 2009-02-19 12:27

Hi Waylm,This wonderful image takes me right back to the island.Everything about the scene is attractive ,from the figures fishing from the rocks to the almost turquoise water,the light seem perfect.Thanks Tom.

fulvio52 (8314) 2009-02-19 12:29

Hi, Way.
Another splendid effort from what to my eyes looks like a very special location. Your exposure provides all the right ingredients to enhance its features and reproduce a unique, highly engaging and dynamic atmosphere. Lighting, colors, and definition are simply outstanding in a picture that transcend technical boundaries to tell us many untold stories... TFS! Have a good day, buddy. I'll be seeing you.
Fulvio.

yquem46 (38752) 2009-02-19 12:37

Could not imagine that the Mekong might look this way in some parts. Very dynamic with the vertical framing. quite delicate colors
Regards
Patrick

pauloog (11751) 2009-02-19 12:37

Hello Way,
A real TE view that is both beautiful and informative. Very well composed and brought sharply and in natural colours.
Well done.
Regards,
Paul

phwall (6787) 2009-02-19 12:48

Hello Way,
Lovely shot, you've captured this daily life scene perfectly. I like the different colour of the strata(?) layer running through the rocks, the pinky hue reflects the beautiful colour of the sky.
I too am amazed at the colour of the water, I've seen the Mekong and never imagined that it would be anything other than brown and muddy.
Superb capture, very well done.
Regards
Peter

pabau (488) 2009-02-19 12:53

Bonjour Way
Thanks to show us the childhood of a big river in such subtle light and colors. And also for this people living near/from its turbulent water.
Pascal

holmertz (103694) 2009-02-19 12:57

Hello Way,
This one is even better than the earlier picture from the same place. You have found an excellent POV and the green water looks rather dramatic. This is a beautiful picture and also quite educational.
Kindest regards,
Gert

Jeppo (17645) 2009-02-19 13:13

ciao Way,

this is quite uncommon...green mekong!
I experienced the big river from Phnon Pehn to Vietnam...and it was everything else but green!
it's a nice daily life shot...with the women providing with some livelihood

thanks for bringing us with you on your journey back to those innocent days

ciao
silvio

MarcT (20964) 2009-02-19 13:15

hi way,
Superb daily life picture. You were lucky to visit such places.
Best wishes
Marc

bracasha75 (24591) 2009-02-19 13:52

Helo Way
The famous river Mekong and nice people portrait and nice day life photo
Very impresive picture from a intresthing place next river
Thanks for sharing
Bratislav

GLEM (3004) 2009-02-19 13:58

hi Way,
superbe image de vie, le pov est parfait et la couleur d'une grande richesse.
bravo

gaetan

adores (46979) 2009-02-19 14:15

Hi Way!
Surely a different vision of Laos, mainly because of the dry trees at the top and the waters. Good composition with the people fishing in foreground. I like the light here.

faubry (35447) 2009-02-19 14:20

a great daily life photo with people at the down, i love vertical presentation with a big place for sky
well done
francine

Deepforest (9260) 2009-02-19 14:21

Hi Way,
very interesting daily life scene and good vertical composition... Interesting rocky formations in the background. The trees on the rocks in the background look amazingly. Good quality of photo; nice colours, especially colour of the water.
Well done Way, as usual.
Best regards,
Andrzej

Morac (27725) 2009-02-19 14:24

Hi Way

Excellent daily life scene.
Thanks to show us the childhood of a big river in such subtle light and colors.
Regards
Marc

jonathan_hart (21276) 2009-02-19 15:12

lighting is perfectly managed, excellent colors, i like the framing too, optimal !
very nice one
jc

Bartleby (13552) 2009-02-19 16:04

Hi Way,
the level of details, the light and the exposure are top-notch in this wonderfully-captured daily scene. Interesting notes as well, I'm glad to learn more about this country I'm about to visit in two months time.

Philippe

cebe (1491) 2009-02-19 17:05

Bonjour Way. Well composed, well exposed and informative photo. Overall, a very nice daily life scene. Right in the spirit of TE. Regards. Claude.

jimkilgallon (0) 2009-02-19 17:07

Beautiful Way, Laos looks like a beautiful country, a lovely warm sunset with the rocks in cold shade and same with the water. Detail and sharpness look bang on here, ill add this to my favs.
Jim

gneufeld (15890) 2009-02-19 19:17

Hi Way,
A fine daily life shot and the vertical perspective is perfect to show the rugged beauty of the landscape. Great work and TFS. Gerald

Wanda1 (15142) 2009-02-19 20:46

Hi Way,
This is a great continuation from your other post! The people closer by so we can see their nets, baskets and how they go about fishing in these rough waters. Wonderful details from the trees on the rocks as well as the rocks, the choppy river and of course the people themselves, from a well chosen point of view.
Regards
Wanda

avene (12675) 2009-02-19 21:09

hmmm.... I think I like this one even more than the first post. the shape and texture of the rocks together with the strong line of the river adds a sense of restless motion, I find it creates a fascinating contrast with people in the foreground that do not seem to be in a hurry. again the clarity and details are impeccable, another great shot.

regards,
Kristine

rginer (881) 2009-02-19 22:08

Hi Way,
Surprising Mekong .... Wonderful photograph, color, composition. I like thed rocky area and the trees behind. You are right, we know the Mekong River, large, brownish, but even so splendid, but you have shown us this unknown side of the river. Beautiful !

wolf38 (30) 2009-02-19 23:44

Hello Way. A really masterful picture. Compliment. Regards, Wolfgang.

sevy (58) 2009-02-19 23:46

Hello Way,

Nice composition with the fishermen well put in the foreground with a right visibility on their work. Moreover, there is this special soft lightning which is well drawing the details on the water flow and on the stones.
A pleasant way to show one face of Mekong.

Yves.

riclopes (35577) 2009-02-19 23:51

Sabaidie Way, this is a great daily life capture of a place I know although I'm not recognizing this exact spot. I have so many photos of Laos I never reached the south with my posts...I thought Don Khone was written without the 'e' in the end and I just found out another post of yours of this woman in FG, in Don Khon location. I guess you improved much the technical skills in pp since then...Your previous post was more about the sun and the landscape - the people were not much visible. But this one pleases me much more because of the close approach on the people and the landscape is no less atractive. The whole set is fantastic. Congratulations.
ricardo

delkoo (68) 2009-02-20 1:08

hi way
I love those "everyday life" scenes... showing the true face of the life of those people... what I like the most about your picture is how you have perfectly managed the lightand colors, it is very impressive.

didier

IgorDeleze (585) 2009-02-20 2:13

Hello Way,
Very nice scene and great tecnical skills!
The exposure is realy impressive.
Greetings.
Igor

patdeph (35750) 2009-02-20 8:53

hello Way
this photo is wonderful ,I think I still prefer this one that the previous one!I like very much this closer view on the women,and I like the harmony given by the turquoise pullover with the turquoise water!And the landscape is so beautiful,with this river running through the rocks under a magnificent sky!Splendid!
Regards
Pascale

gracious (20025) 2009-02-20 9:40

Sabaidi Way,
Great section of the Mekong well captured with it's true beauty of nature!
perfect pov with good perspective, awesome colour and good lighting indeed!
very pleasant and joyful image that shared
take care and my warmest regards
a hug from Tony

npecanhuk (79329) 2009-02-20 9:45

Hello Way!
Such a great moment captured in here! Perfect timing! You waited for the best second to shoot!
Besides that, the place looks so beautiful in this image! A superb photo job, with excellent and pretty adequate sharpness and exposure! Colors are also a true highlight! Vertical format was the best choice to include all those incredible elements in the frame!
TFS - Congratualtions!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan

yaya13baut (3344) 2009-02-20 10:49

Hi Way,
fantastic portrait/daily scene of these fishermen on the edge of the river, pretty good composition and most of all great light, that gives these colors.
Yannis

BelCan75 (2201) 2009-02-20 11:34

Hello Way,

Great shot of this beautiful river betweend these jagged rocks. I like the colours in the photo very much and the depth you have created. I like how by this photo is framed by the two people and the rocks. Wonderful details as well! Great work!

Greetings,
Ann

mikele_pl (2400) 2009-02-20 11:42

Hi Way,

outstanding colors here, combined with nice warm light the make the image look gorgeous. Like most of the rest I am quite surprised that this actually is Mekong. Also interesting to see is this daily life scene. You managed to combine all this into one image. Well done!

greetings
michal

Sistercosmo (242) 2009-02-20 12:12

Hi Way,
another great capture of daily life back home. The colors are beautiful, as are the many details you show us here. Wonderful composition!
Thanks and take good care!
Linda

banaei_nikon (755) 2009-02-21 4:41

Hi Way,

this this a great choice of frame
and i love the colors
a top daily life shot
The vertical format works very well
Very impresive picture from a intresthing place next river
Thanks for sharing
**MAB**

baba_flies (8829) 2009-02-21 8:53

Hello Way! Despite the busy waters, the picture is silent and full of harmony, it brings something out that is long forgotten in our worlds. Sometimes, very rare now, I see similar situations in the mountains, not fishing but farmers eating rural foods that I love so much meaning maybe a piece of bread and some cheese. Somehow this picture makes me a little sad how far we have come but like my last words, we cannot compare. Wonderful photo, just wonderful. Have a peaceful weekend ... Barbara.

paololg (31448) 2009-02-21 14:15

Ciao dear Way,
unbelievable sharpness and definition of the details! Very beautiful the light that filters among the rocks and that it softens the chromatic tones. You have done a photo with an excellent quality, compliment!
Ciao, have a nice Sunday!
Paolo

leo61 (0) 2009-02-21 23:40

Hi Way!
Excellent quality and a nice daylife scene.The lightmanagement is perfect and I like these colors.A great shot!.
Regards,leo

jhm (211738) 2009-02-22 2:15

Hello Way,

Thank you very much for your note.
I like the big rocks and the stream of water in the river.
You did very well add the two fisherman.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

carper (96) 2009-02-22 11:17

marvelous action shot here Way,
good atmosphere, fine compositions fantastic atmosphere good format, I like it a lot, have a nice day.
regard jaap

emka (158932) 2009-02-22 14:34

Hi Way, beautiful photo of the fisher men in Mekong. I prefer this one as we can see here these strange nets and basket. Very nice composition and splendid colours.

Regards

Malgorzata

lc4giala (2190) 2009-02-22 14:36

Hi Way
Απίστευτα όμορφη φωτογραφία, άριστη γωνία λήψης, απόδοση χρωμάτων, κίνησης και τοπίου, συγχαρητήρια!
regards
George

mark_mk (266) 2009-02-22 15:02

Hi Way,
for sure a great one! The light is lovely here, as well as the whole scenery. Everything is top notch here, the people are of course the most important part and fit in well. Just beautiful, many thanks for sharing with us!

Take care
Mark

hispic (9658) 2009-02-22 19:06

Hello Way,
Splendid composition, really wonderful. the chatchers on the Mekong have been very carefully caught with good balance of light.
Regards, Hisashi

Colombiana (2957) 2009-02-22 19:41

Hi Way,
For some reason, I love this one even more than first post. The local villagers are minding their own business in the middle of a gorgeous scenery. Thanks for the useful note, it explains very well the beautiful palette of colors we appreciate in this image. Perfect!

Best regards Way !
Maryori :)

macondo (20449) 2009-02-22 22:28

Hello Way.
What a fantastic daily life shot, and what a dramatic setting and quite risky position for these catchers from the village. A superb composition, too, and lovely capture of the pale light. The placement of the catchers' piece of rock as a triangle in the bottom right corner is a piece of photographic brilliance. Quite likely the greeny-blue colour of the water owes something to some limestone rock that it has passed through. Anyway, it's a superb picture.
Regards,
Andrew

zmey (7335) 2009-02-23 7:35

hi way
the pristine color of water amazes me in your shots from this area. i almost feel like diving in with no hesitation (i imagine, the water is quite chilly; i love that).

tfs
kristaps

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2009-02-23 13:13

Hi Way,
Superb daily life composition and POV... Very good light and sharpness. Well done.
Best regards.
Ahmet

Kielia (24077) 2009-02-24 8:48

Hello Way,
this impression is even more beautiful than your previous post from the remarkable Mekong River (I read your note with great interest). The pastel colors are amazing. An image with a great atmosphere. Most of all I like how you have captured the busy catchers.
Warm regards
Harriet

dvlazar (6662) 2009-02-25 0:23

Nice to see you again too!
This is a lovely image with HDR type exposure. Works great - and interesting active subjects too.
Cheers,
DAve

Angshu (56760) 2009-02-25 23:15

Hello Way
I'm back after some short trips & I just couldn't resist this shot from your native country. Lively daily activity you captured here of the two people fishing. The turquiose colour of the water is most appealing, which shows the purity of the flowing water. Another aspect which grabbed my eye is the play of light amidst the shadows on the rocks in the other bank. Light for you may not have been the est, because this scene appears to be in the shadows, but you've done a fine work with it. Excellent!
Regards
Angshu

delpeoples (60342) 2009-02-26 0:52

Hi Way, this is a great photo. The daily life captured is intersting and timeless. But it's the POV that drew my eye. You've captured everything so clearly, the exposure is perfect, congratulations, Lisa.

alainh (33209) 2009-02-26 21:49

hello Way
Excellent !!!
a splendid Daily life captured in a famous place.
a great moment, i suppose, a great picture, i am sure !!
friendly
alain

Gerrit (62042) 2009-02-27 0:56

Hello Way,
excellent photo to show the hard work for these elder fihing people to catch the fisch from the wild water,
Great POV and composition,
Regards, Gerrit

maximage (15537) 2009-02-27 13:29

Hello Way,
Absolument MAGNIFIQUE ! Quelles couleurs superbes!!!
Une eau d'un bleu assez 閠onnant!
Amiti閟,
max

cam (9043) 2009-02-28 20:24

Hi Way
You acvhieved a very good result considering the different sections with different luminosity, getting a good reading of all the details from this photograph.
Well composed
Your note is instructive.
Have a good WE
Charles

scalerman (26900) 2009-03-21 14:03

Way ne Lim: your note 'clarifies' what looks like a mountain street. Another perfectly sharp image. regards, c

ChrisJ (172436) 2009-03-29 17:09

Sabai di Reu Way

A superb daily life scene of the fisher persons. You may want to correct the title to 'Catchers'. Good colour, sharpness & framing. Kawp khun maag krab!

euryan (8442) 2009-04-07 21:17

Very impressive image! I love everything about it. The composition is great. The exposure seems impossible but you managed it perfect. Top notch work here.
Regards,
Ryan

smythdylan (74) 2009-04-16 22:28

Great photo, excellent composition and colour. Great capture of this traditional style of life

plimrn (21344) 2009-05-25 10:01

Hi Way,
You captured fabulous light above the vibrantly active cascade of the river while still maintaining good detail in the shadows. The two fisher persons add an element of risky suspense.

I just couldn't resist this unusual photo of the Mekong, naturally knowing the river as you do, you could select the best time to visit. Should I visit the area, I'll check your trip dates to find out the best time to go.
HLJ, Pat

maloutim (13617) 2009-06-17 19:45

Hi Way!
Tis is a beautiful picture of the wild waters of one of the Mekong's affluent, along with a very interesting note!
I like the way you captured this simple daily life scene in a dramatic landscape! The coplours are beautiful and you managed the light very well, considering you had the sun in front of you!
TFS.
Marie Louise.

gmg (4202) 2009-06-20 1:10

Beautiful photo with a beautiful light
TFS
gmg

foozi (7101) 2009-06-20 5:35

Hi Way,
very lovely and pleasant shot. The river is so clean and exciting ans the people are so hardworking to support life.
Well taken in excellent presentation. i really like the texture of the rock and the leafless trees. They give an excellent effect and superbs graphical view.

regards,
Foozi

KevRyan (22956) 2009-06-23 2:23

A beautifully crafted composition - there is interest and balance throughout the frame - an image which is both delicate and strong - with contrast but also such a dynamic harmony!

all the best Kev

BilboCA (734) 2009-09-22 21:02

Hi, Way,

It is evident from the number of "big smileys" that the TE community finds this to be one of your outstanding photos.

I agree!

I didn't have enough time to read all the critiques, just your note explaining why the river is blue green.

Here is what I like about your photo.
(1) The composition is extraordinarily strong. The two sides of the river are each visually compelling. The additional two elements -- the diagonal river and the pale sky with clouds lit at a low sun angle -- complement the main elements nicely. The position of the two humans in this scene could not have been posed to better effect.
(2) The sharpness is excellent throughout the image, no small matter given the low light and the fast movement (at least of the water).
(3) Repeated colors produce a pleasant sense of harmony. The shirt of the woman matches the river water. The man's net is echoed in his shirt and headwear.

It's an exquisite image. Very hearty congratulations!

- William

Silversnow (2319) 2009-10-20 13:06

Very interesting scene you have here, a peaceful scene in superb colors brought forth by the exposure that somehow brings even the sky to reveal it's texture.
A great shot indeed.

kiks (12805) 2009-10-21 4:43

Sometimes you see a picture that strikes you and you don't know exactly why! That's what happend with this one. The landschape is awsome the colors soft and the scene touchy smoehow. The simpel hard life

jwmunro (286) 2009-10-21 19:59

Good evening Way -

Excellent daily life image. I like the light on the far side of the stream as well as the light on the one fisherman in the FG. These subtle things make this image pop. Well done!

Thank you for sharing

John

InasiaJones (31566) 2009-11-08 1:04

Hi Way,

Scrolling down the latest favorites, I'm discovering this striking image of yours, a top quality shot that impress me very much.

This seem to be such an insider's view, like if you were embedded with villagers and following them in their secret spots.

The location is amazing, I mean seeing that stream taking that curve and coming on strong and beautiful through these rugged rocks. The water is indeed looking better at this time of the year, and photographically speaking, it's gorgeous.

Good light management, colours are natural and appealing, a very catchy shot that goes straight in my favs.

Cheers!

Andr�

oncel (1407) 2010-02-18 22:21

Hi way;

Very nice composition with great pastel tones.Excellent daily life scene.Good job.

cong.

oncel.

mkamionka (75197) 2010-02-25 1:25

Hi Way,
fantastic scene. The light wasn't easy and yet the result is fantastic. I wonder is it thanks to the L-lens. The scene is in shade and yet there is no noise but plenty of subtle colors and details. Very beautiful place as well really impressive.
Excellent work,
M

fabianoleite (13575) 2010-02-25 12:56

Amazing colors, with great management of lighting. The subjects are well positioned and their activity well shown. Very rich composition. Congratulations!

emilbo (22616) 2010-04-09 12:46

All� Way!
Excellente prise de vue et merveilleux environnement. J'adore les rochers et cette sc鑞e est de toute beaut�. Un beau tableau qu'il ne reste qu'� signer. Les p阠heurs rendent la sc鑞e des plus int閞essante et les couleurs sont fantastiques.
Merci de partager de si belles photos,
Amicalement,
Emilius

abulafia (4900) 2010-04-12 1:34

Hi Way

You are getting better and better!
This is really stunning, wonderful light, colors and composition.

Very professional
Harry

jasmis (58653) 2010-06-30 22:44

Superb photo. Wild scenery, amazing composition in smart vertical frame.
Splendid.
Regards.

s_lush (16602) 2010-11-15 22:42

Hello Way,
This picture completely changes my idea about this famous river. Thanks for the comprehensive description in the note! The shot itself as usual is a very good example of well thought-out composition and ideal photographic quality. Absolutely masterful job!
Best regards,
Sergiy

Suppiluliuma (3931) 2011-03-09 23:26

A perfect day life picture, showing scenes untouched by large tourist flows. The angle and the colours are perfect.

TFS.

Erdem

ingvar (2106) 2011-08-01 9:32

Hello dear Way,
The composition seems to be an illustration for the old folk tales that describe the lives of fishermen. Very well done, as usual, by the way :o)
Have a nice day!
I.

sacimar (38173) 2012-02-26 7:05

Hello Way,

this is an excellent picture, I like the scene, the way you show these men doing their job in this beautiful place, well done,

Best regards,

Sergio

serp2000 (47063) 2012-03-21 20:10

Hello, Way,
Another interesting presentation of a daily life in Laos.Superb quality, nice colors, clever composition. TFS!
Hope to see these places very soon.
Serghei

fritzi007 (14698) 2012-12-15 16:25

Hello Way,
just great, the wildness of the river, the simplicity of the people, and the very good comment, congratulations!
Wish you a nice Sunday
Wolfgang

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2013-11-02 6:11

namaste Way, a very attractive picture from your archive. Great light and depth. Composition is superb with the fishermen with nets. Great colour tone. Excellent result got by this high angle... Excellent one. Tfs.
S

nikkitta (17070) 2013-12-11 11:38

Hola Way

I like this capture for the presence of the busy fishers, one with the nets and the other trying to catch some fish
Your informative note made me concious of the almost green color of the waters and some small waterfalls as well
A great composition with the contrasting soft colors

Hope to see soon more photos from you

Maria

ikeharel (114691) 2014-07-13 0:49

Hello Way,
The strong stream draw first attention when looking at this impressive photo.
Yet, lookingh at the couple bussy fishing tell a lot about the way of life in this area.
Color of the water indicat ice melted some place up-stream and as you wrote, we use to see this river in brown.
Cheers for a fine photo, have a nice sunday,
Ike

kasianowak (17676) 2014-08-14 1:19

Hi Way
This photo was featured on the home page today! It's a beautiful image showing a moment of the daily life of the local people. Well-chosen point of view and time of the day. The colours of the river and the clouds are amazing.
Best wishes
Kasia