LIFE'S HELL BUT SMILE'S ON, a photo from Siem Reab, West

Photographer's Note

The Tonle Sap Lake with its many floating villages is an experience one must not miss, despite the state of poverty it advertises. It is a mixed community of Khmers and Vietnamese who flocked here to exploit the fishing in the early 1980s. These villages are amphibious. From some time in May to January or so, they float, tethered to the lake bottom but unattached to the mainland.

Gardens, pigsties, chicken coops, schools, petrol stations, clinics, restaurants, all float upon the lake, serving the population and eliminating the need to go ashore except to exchange goods with the mainland markets It is here that many of the fractures in Cambodian society are most visible. Most of the lake villages are a mix of the Islamic Chams, Vietnamese, and Cambodians.

Indistinguishable to many visitors, the villages which are mixed are divided into very clear sections, and there is astonishingly little interaction even among neighbors of differing community.

Fishing is responsible for the livelihood of most of these people, and each blame the others when the catch decreases. The only unifying characteristic of these groups is their shared poverty which can be seen everywhere. Each tourist boat is flocked by these little kids expecting alms of any kind. Many of them are physically handicapped, their legs or hands blown up by mines. They float around the lake on tiny tubs yet I wonder how they can manage a smile.

bhorerpakhi, snunney, steveryan2006, isabela_sor, lucasdasilva, Paolo, james-r, lacroux, atus, Silvio1953, erdna, plimrn, singuanti, Angshu, bertolucci, jjcordier, ramesh_lalwani, ahmetgedikli, Cormac, Wanda1, ALIRIZA, renerob, cengiz, Henryk_Bilor, VeeJayCee, john_c, Photo65Net, Dragonheart, stego, Benedict, riclopes, Cretense, Marche, bakes888, a_i_ren, partha, gunbud oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

bhorerpakhi (559) 2006-12-03 6:23

A very moving picture with touching note. I can see the boy in the centre has an arm missing but as you said he is still smiling. What a shame about the poverty but a top class picture all the same.
Poulomi

snunney (130967) 2006-12-03 6:28

Hello Sabyasachi,
An excellent picture of these children who seem so happy despite that background that you paint so well in your notes.

steveryan2006 (439) 2006-12-03 6:30

You are my favorite photographer on this site and its coz of photos such as this. Its a pity about their life and for the mines you know where he fingers can be pointed. But they still still smile, dont they. Thats life, get on wit it.
S.

lucasdasilva (557) 2006-12-03 6:56

Olá Sabya!
A veri good picture as has become expected from you. The water current is strong I think but they dont seem afraid, maybe they need money is more than fear.
Abraço!
Lucas

isabela_sor (47748) 2006-12-03 6:58

The smiles are the best medicines for us,for me ....Again a perfect composition,dear Sabya,you are an incredible artist!!!
Namashkar
Isabela Andreia

Paolo (41258) 2006-12-03 7:20

Hi Sabyasachi, excellent portraits, with fantastic smiling faces and excellent POV, quality and colours.
also the note is excellent.
thanks, ciao

james-r (676) 2006-12-03 7:30

You know, I may have an image of the very same child...

This is a great capture and the look of joy on your main character was something I saw frequently in Cambodia - I found it a very humbling experience.

On a sad and shocking note I was told that many of these children are deliberately maimed in an effort to gain more sympathy dollars from tourists. I have had this subsequently confirmed by charity and aid workers in the country. Heartbreaking.

mdetay (4929) 2006-12-03 8:12

Ciao Sabyasachi,
Great shot of the smiles.
Very nice colours. Well done. Great portrait.
Congratulations. Great composition.
Cheers from Hong Kong.
Michel

lacroux (4562) 2006-12-03 9:34

Bonjour,
A very good picture.
A very good note.
All the children of the world resemble each other, they live time present, and they dream. These children of the lake smile to the present.
The dream is, maybe, the only immediate future for these boys.
I add this picture to my theme :"navigation enfantine"

Thank you for this shot.

Pierre.

atus (15878) 2006-12-03 11:17

Hello Sabyasachi,
very well captured close-up shot of a nice perspective. It's great to see these boys smiling despite their unbelievable, poor and very sad life conditions. Nice work!
Tfs and greetings from Italy, this time.
Attila

rhizomes (15343) 2006-12-03 12:04

Hi Sabyasachi,
Very nice picture ! These kids smiling and playing are great ! Nice framing...
A little more on the top and you'd catch the child in entire...
Christophe

sothy81 (9646) 2006-12-03 12:45

Hi Sabyasachi, I love this scence from Cambodia. I was there before, but I did not have chance to take this good picture. The colors, as I said, always fill with mood. You did a good job. Sothy

Silvio1953 (220637) 2006-12-03 12:52

Hi Sabyasachi, wonderful photo of daily life, well composed, inteesting subject, good note, very well done, greetings from Italy, ciao Silvio

cessy (13647) 2006-12-03 17:47

Hallo Sabyasachi
I remember seeing these boys on the tonle sap when I was there
vrey nice cature of them, I like the expression and the composition really good

erdna (5713) 2006-12-03 19:22

Very nice photograph of these kids. Your note is revealing, as I do not know of these information. Tfs these, I learn something everyday at TE.

Thank you for your comments on my photo, "Lone Fisherman-Antioch" I appreciate it.

Andre'

plimrn (21344) 2006-12-03 22:04

Hi Sabyasachi,
Great compo with the line of boys in their tin tubs.
There's something about living on a boat, moving around in a boat that makes life better. I lived on a boat for years. Our son grew up on a little 30 foot boat; it's hard to feel uderpriviledged on a boat. I think perhaps it's the movement of the water.
Regards, Pat

Angshu (56760) 2006-12-03 22:46

Hi Sabyasachi
A very powerful picture, especially because of the oustanding contrast & thes standout texture of the water. It appears more like a painting..beautiful smile especially of the boy in the middle. Excellent
Regards
Angshu

singuanti (15250) 2006-12-03 23:00

Hi Sabyasachi. That's neat how you have them all so neatly lined up. You've got a nice depth to it as well as good flow for the eye through the picture. The sharpness on the water is a bit high for my taste. Still a very nice one Sabyasachi.

bertolucci (14052) 2006-12-04 2:16

Hi Sabyasachi, striking portrait. I like the alignment of these floating kids in the compo. These kids are smiling, thank god, but there's lotsa dramatism in this capture. The contrasty and oily quality of the water is a big factor in this. Very good and together with your thought provoking note and some comments here a bit shocking. Very good documentary photography again.
Have a fine day,
Bert

jjcordier (79299) 2006-12-04 2:43

Very great shot,Sabyasachi!Fantastic light
Best regards
JJ

ramesh_lalwani (3213) 2006-12-04 2:54

Boys in small bath tub look cheerful.You have captured lovel smile .TFs
ramesh

vincz (19113) 2006-12-04 3:35

From a very hard and tough subject you have made a masterpiece. I remain wordless on the strongness of the picture, i remain wordless as well at his quality, light management, texture of the water, everything. Right in my favorites.

faubry (35447) 2006-12-04 3:58

hello Sabya, very beautiful shot from thes children a lot dynamism here and like usual beautiful contrasts. bravo
take care
francine

Cricri (176) 2006-12-04 4:24

Bonsoir Sabyasachi,
Deux beaux portraits et jolie scéne de ses garçons souriant, belle lumiére caressant leurs visages,
bel effet de l'eau dű au mouvement des barques, bon cadrage et trés belles couleurs.
amitiés
cricri

vinicio (23423) 2006-12-04 5:56

Nices smiles of these boys, image with beautiful high contrast, well done, compliments.
Ciao
Vinicio

elmec (12210) 2006-12-04 7:22

Hello Sabyasachi!
It's very strange photo!
I like perfect composition and great light there!
Very good work, intersting note.
Best regards!

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2006-12-04 9:08

Merhaba Sabyasachi,
Wonderful shot! Excellent POV, double smiles and beautiful title. Great work.
Greetings from Türkiye.
Ahmet

Fis2 (169759) 2006-12-04 10:53

Cześć Sabyasachi!
Your photo is interesting. I like the composition, colours and light. Well done.
Greetings from Poland.
Krzysztof

Cormac (26565) 2006-12-04 11:43

I'm just looking through your portfolio for the first time now - you have some incredible stuff. I don't know how I could have missed it before now (maybe a sign that TE is growing too large!). If you're not a professional photographer then you should be, because you have a true talent for lighting, composition, and timing. Here you have shimmering water and two boys with such joyous expressions - really beautiful work!

Wanda1 (15142) 2006-12-04 13:12

Hi Sabyasachi,
An excellent shot of these boys. The light and compostion are wonderful, and their smiling faces make this photo special.
Regards
Wanda

Scharan (14144) 2006-12-04 17:50

Olá Sabyasachi
Linda foto...lindos sorrisos desses meninos; a felicidade pela aventura está estampada em sem seus rostos. Boa composiçăo, luz e cores ótimas também. Parabéns, belo trabalho!
Grande abraço,
Vera.

renerob (601) 2006-12-04 19:25

Hello Sabyasachi,
Your pictures always tell a good storey, even if you didn't do a good white up, you can certainly tell what your photo are always about, because your portrait are so good, its a pleasure too look on your site, well done Sabyasachi,
Regards Irene

vidrone (97) 2006-12-05 0:54

I've been to Lake Tonle Sap too, and I saw and took a photo of a little boy floating in a bucket on his own - seems that you went at a time when the kids were out playing! Great picture.

cengiz (3593) 2006-12-05 3:30

excellent work my friend
compliments
cengiz

Henryk_Bilor (20803) 2006-12-05 3:58

Hi Sabyasachi
Again a perfect capture. Great light, colours and expression on the faces.
Regards

sayan (2617) 2006-12-05 4:02

Hi Sabyasachi!

Were you on some of the tubs? I like the pov here very much. The expressions are great as usual. But I am not sure about the cropping. Did you crop this one? Then you might have include the third child also, or did you crop it purposefully? I like the moody expression of the middle one too!

Regards

Sayan

VeeJayCee (2410) 2006-12-05 10:34

A moving picture and a compositionally and technically, excellent one. Their sense of joy in simple pleasures comes across very well. Your notes are as always, very educative.

sayat (2949) 2006-12-05 10:43

Excellent light on their faces and great, happy mood captured Dear Sabyasachi. The composition is just perfect.
Sayat

ALIRIZA (16423) 2006-12-05 10:46

Hi Sabyasachi,
Superb portraits with fantastic smiling faces. Marvelous POV, quality, composition and colours. Well done my friend...
Best regards...
Ali Rıza

kensimage (8563) 2006-12-05 10:53

Very nice composition, Sabyasachi. I like the fact you framed tightly to emphasize the three in a row, and you caught those smiles, too! Poverty doesn't mean misery at every moment, but the suffering is there, too, sadly. Regards, Ken.

Photo65Net (43144) 2006-12-05 12:40

Hi Sabyasachi,
Great dynamic in this pic, I really like your POV.
Very sharp too.
Excellent job,
JB.

Albrecht (11283) 2006-12-05 13:08

Hi Sabyasachi
A lovely picture;joyful and great compo and POV;the colours are special with the dark water and the late sunlight upon the kids.
Well done.
grs.Albrecht

Dragonheart (8434) 2006-12-05 14:14

Hi Dada!,
Amazing shot! wha a vriliant composition, and what a lovely expression on the faces, outstanding shot!
Thanks for sharing
Best regards
Vivek

Benedict (7076) 2006-12-06 0:19

i cannot find the right adjective to describe this work!
again, two thumbs up..way...way up!
benedict

markstaples (15670) 2006-12-06 4:16

Indeed, wonderful smiles despite their suffering and again, the image is well framed. Very nice work Sabyasachi.
Best wishes
Mark

riclopes (35577) 2006-12-06 5:36

Olá Sabyasachi, despites the sadness described in the note about the lives of these children, you got a very joyful action shot. A magnificent triple (or almost triple...)portrait lined up in depth, which is very original. The quality is impressive, as usual. The lighting coming from the left and the water motion are very beautiful.
Best regards,
Ricardo

Cretense (68709) 2006-12-06 7:57

Hi Sabyasachi!

The quality of your pictures never falls below "excellent". Perfect title and note for this one. Congratulations once again!

With regards from Greece,
Hercules

Budapestman (82620) 2006-12-06 19:13

Dear Sabyasachi!
Stunning and very impressive shot. Its an expressive POV and refined composition. Suggestive details and excellent note.
Thank you, nice days
George

zips (1958) 2006-12-07 5:58

One of the best shots on TE as it shows the human spirit at it's best. The fact that the child is having fun is a powerful message to people around the world who may have more physically.

We should all be inspired by this child...and inspired not to to do the crazy stuff which may lead to this type of thing in the first place.

Great Job.
Aloha, JB

john_c (24666) 2006-12-07 10:49

Hi Sabysachi,
A poignant, close-up view of these children having fun. I love the tones and hues here, as well as the special lighting on their faces and clothing. The animation and dynamism make the shot compelling, with the inky black waters full of ripples, swirls and indeed life. Very well captured...later.
John

Marche (4307) 2006-12-07 13:24

Bonjour Sabyasachi,
Excellente prise de vue de ces garçons qui voguent dans leurs bassines et riant aux éclats.
Joli sujet trčs gai et bien cadré.
Amitiés
Martine

bakes888 (18499) 2006-12-08 14:47

Hi Sabyasachi. Great photo. I love the texture of the water and of course the smiles of the irrepressible children. Nice work and thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

a_i_ren (1315) 2006-12-14 15:51

This is a very fine photography, Sabyasachi! It's just great to see the smile on their faces...Great illustration of the fact that happiness comes from inside without being attached to the material world.
Very interesting composition.
My compliments!
Inna

partha (14023) 2006-12-23 4:24

Hi,
This is a terrific shot. Full of joy and emotion. I like the warm tone and the saturation of colour.
Regards.
partha

gunbud (34066) 2007-02-15 20:05

Hi Sabyasachi,
Wonderful capture of these youths in their joyous trip along this waterey highway. Very touch note of the strains of poverty.
Regards, Tom

Photo Information

Copyright: Sabyasachi Talukdar (sabyasachi1212) (19779)
Genre: Ludzie
Medium: Kolorowe
Date Taken: 2006-10-16
Categories: Życie codzienne
Naświetlenie: f/6.3, 1/200 sekund
More Photo Info: view
Wersja zdjęcia: Oryginalna wersja
Temat(y): Navigation enfantine..., Interesting Transportation [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-12-03 6:20
Ulubione: 4 [Widok]