Christmas is For Children (4), a photo from Manila, NCR

Photographer's Note

Another one of many shots in the children's playground in Manila. These two kids are the cutest that I've seen there. I felt so lucky to share some of my graces to them (I ate and played with them) and to capture their innocence and beauty through this shot. I hope that somehow, I have contributed something to make their Christmas happier. The naked boy's parents, I asked the other kids, was nowhere in the playground. They said that he's probably from "there". And yes, the background is a "slide".

BTW, I also have another shot of them that I psot in the workshop. I like both of this shot. Any comment, technical or otherwise, will be greatly appreciated.

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Critiques | Translate

clodreno (0) 2003-12-30 3:44

I can see you are not wasting time in Manilla. Nice catch.

boof (634) 2003-12-30 3:44

nice framing and focus on the subject DOF as well is well done. In particular what I like about this photo are a few things. 1. the dirt on thier faces. 2. the expression on the boy on the left has a feeling of somethign sad. 3. the child on the right you can really see a look of curiosity and a slight hint of being happy for having her photograph taken very well done.

femkevdh (2633) 2003-12-30 3:45

that's interesting; in the workshop photo their expressions are exactly the other way 'round! I prefer this photo. The girl looks like she had a good time with you and looks very confident. That naked boy, you can bring it to me any time. I'm sure your attention made them feel important, at least for a little while. Did you tell them you were gonna make them famous? ;-)

nwoehnl (122) 2003-12-30 3:59

Another very beautiful photo, Manny. I think boof in his critique summarized very well what the kids' big brown eyes seem to be telling us. Yes, the girl does look kind of confident. I like how in all your pictures from this series, you always make sure to direct full attention to the main topic - the kids - yet always manage to include few, but very telling detail in the background as well. The workshop has kind of the inverted mood but is also great - between your posting and the workshop, I would probably have made the same choice as you. Well done!

avigur_11 (22553) 2003-12-30 3:59

It's really hard to decide between tehse two great photos, Manuel. It's that shine in the eyes that makes shot, although the technical parameters - colors, brightness, DOF and sharpness are excellent as well.

iamxa (3103) 2003-12-30 5:00

Perfect framed. Like always, children say everything with the expresion. Dirty face, hopeness eyes.
Very good year for you.

richtersl (3546) 2003-12-30 7:33

Their eyes are so expressive. You must have had a great rapport with them for them to feel so comfortable around you. The photo is perfectly framed and very well done.

Opus (0) 2003-12-30 9:12

The power of those young eyes shines through. Gorgeous detail and capture of the innocence in their gazes.

Ebbe (9625) 2003-12-30 14:27

You are a fine portrait photographer but you must also have a fantastic hand with children. Glad to have met you, even though only on TE.

SavioCastro (601) 2003-12-30 19:34

Grande foto. O olhar das crianças é profundo e inocente, elas estão olhando para você sem medo, sem pose, apenas olhando. Você conseguiu fazer poesia retratando a dura realidade. Parabéns.

Feliz Ano Novo.

joseelias (0) 2003-12-31 4:02

I see that the little guy keeps the inquisite eyes... Again it contrasts nicely with the more open expression of his partner.

Well balanced composition with good clarity and colors.

martin (1242) 2003-12-31 6:11

A very powerful portrait, Manny. Their eyes and expressions are particularly compelling.

jrj (34843) 2003-12-31 7:01

A very fine portrait Manuel, and yes let's hope you could bring some joy to this children who surely is not born on the most sunny side of this globe.

dmartnyc (0) 2003-12-31 10:54

What an incredibly simple yet effective and powerful capture. Truly, an astounding effort -- very emotive. Bravo.

claudiaf (4438) 2004-01-01 13:32

Excellent!

MissyMissile (0) 2004-01-22 10:37

Wow, Manny, I just love your photos. This one is another great shot. You just always seem to be there at the right time to capture not just the surface but also the depth.

maciekda (19895) 2004-02-04 2:23

wow, here everytnihg is really fine, what a nice portrait of two kids, great expressions... well focused.. oh, I see some artifacts around them - blurring the background in PS? anyway, it is such a nice scene!

bharat (474) 2004-02-16 9:39

Nice catch and wonderful expression on childresn's face.great photo.

eleparc (24063) 2004-03-07 8:32

just great! bravo again. your compo is really striking and very yours...just love the DOF too. the eyes and the blend of colors are drawinf all my attention. re. your other pic in the Ws, I must admit that I prefer this one cos the framing and the compo I guess.

Darren (6823) 2004-03-07 8:40

I am coming in late on this one Manny. Nothing to say, but this is a really great shot. One of your best and an excellent capture of the kids you see in Manila all over.

cmartos (242) 2004-03-24 8:10

So strong expressions... I think your images reveal also the relation you have with people you shot. I like mu^ch better this one than the workshop.

xadnadjev (508) 2004-10-14 4:35 [Comment]