Jack Florence Jr  


Cambodian Schoolchildren by Jack Florence Jr

December 2019 - Cambodian Schoolchildren

About the Image(s)

I had the chance to photograph some children at school on my recent trip to Asia. I like the way they render in black and white, but dealing with busy backgrounds makes scenes like this so challenging.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted




Albert Zabin   Albert Zabin
The exposure is right on. The problem is not a busy background, but that the kids are all looking elsewhere and we don't see them doing something interesting. An alternative approach to trying to get a photo =portrait is to use a wide angle lense nd get many kids doing there thing,   Posted: 12/12/2019 13:55:23
Jack Florence Jr   Jack Florence Jr
(Groups 66 & 86)
That's a good point, Albert, which I appreciate, thanks.   Posted: 12/12/2019 13:58:21



 
To me the charm of this image lies in the expression of the boys, especially the one on the left. I feel you caught this well. The focus is on the boys, leaving the background slightly blurred. Maybe a wider aperture would isolate the background more. Thanks for an interesting image   Posted: 12/15/2019 08:39:47



Adrian Binney   Adrian Binney
(Groups 72 & 91)
Jack, B&W certainly is the right option. I love the lighting on the left boy whose got so much character: it's just so frustrating he chose to look away to his right at the wrong time! You needed 2 out of the three to look at you, or looking at each other grinning etc I feel. What do they say....."never work with children......"!   Posted: 12/17/2019 11:34:23



 
You have captured a moment in time. I agree children are difficult. This to me comes across busy. I agree, B&W is a very good option for the scene. It's always interesting to get a glimpse into another culture.
The technical aspects of your image, tonal range and sharpness etc. are great.   Posted: 12/19/2019 12:50:59



 
Jack,
I think this works well as a monochrome and the attention of the boy looking out of the image immediately captures my attention. It was nice you were able to get some catchlight in his eyes. For me I wish there were more detail in the hair of the boy and the other youngsters, it is coming across as quite black. Its too bad the young girl is not looking up as well; these are difficult shots to take especially if you can't engage with them to get their attention due to language differences. Still, a good try; thanks for sharing it.
  Posted: 12/19/2019 22:08:53



Ed Ford   Ed Ford
I like this image as far as the portraiture is concerned. I like the softer presentation in the complexion of their faces. Especially since we so often see a high contrast approach to so many portrait shots, particularly with respect to boys and men.

To my eye this is a nice window into another culture - one where school is so much more important than it has become in our own country these days - at least in many areas of the country.

I also like the clarity of their eyes and the softer tonality of the over all image that you chose. All in all, to my eye a very nice image.

Thank to for sharing it with us Jack.   Posted: 12/24/2019 18:11:14