Kids On The Wall

[Robert Watcher]

KIDS ON THE WALL

Walking around the poorer northern regions of the city - I noticed a bunch of children playing the game of marbles in the dirt, by the door of a building where tortillas are being made.

I talked with them about their game, and then asked if I could take their photo. Some agreed and some where shy - - - so I popped my head into the shop and asked the woman inside if it would be OK to take their picture. She agreed and that seemed to relax the kids.

They ran and lined up on the tall wall. At first I wanted them to be closer together compositionally. But it turns out that the spacing and way they positioned themselves, is far preferred to me.

 

[Maggie Terlecki]

I think it's pretty cute that they lined themselves against the wall like that. I guess that's how they are used to being photographed by their parents. Do you know what the numbers on the wall mean?

 

[Asher Kelman]

KIDS ON THE WALL

Walking around the poorer northern regions of the city - I noticed a bunch of children playing the game of marbles in the dirt, by the door of a building where tortillas are being made.

I talked with them about their game, and then asked if I could take their photo. Some agreed and some where shy - - - so I popped my head into the shop and asked the woman inside if it would be OK to take their picture. She agreed and that seemed to relax the kids.

They ran and lined up on the tall wall. At first I wanted them to be closer together compositionally. But it turns out that the spacing and way they positioned themselves, is far preferred to me.

Now this is stunning! I am forced to stop and enjoy the line up of these cute innocent kids in a poor area. The reality of life in in stark contrast to their beauty, innocence, joy at being picked for a picture and for sure much hope for their futures.

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

I think it's pretty cute that they lined themselves against the wall like that. I guess that's how they are used to being photographed by their parents. Do you know what the numbers on the wall mean?

Generally when eletric companies or house inspectors come around each month, they mark walks or doirways with chaulk - I presume to keep track of which houses have been done. But that is just my guess. All houses in Nicaragua - expensive or shacks, have such markings.

 

[Robert Watcher]

Now this is stunning! I am forced to stop and enjoy the line up of these cute innocent kids in a poor area. The reality of life in in stark contrast to their beauty, innocence, joy at being picked for a picture and for sure much hope for their futures.

Asher

Very cool. Thank you.

 

[Robert Watcher]

I think it's pretty cute that they lined themselves against the wall like that. I guess that's how they are used to being photographed by their parents. Do you know what the numbers on the wall mean?

I doubt that their parents photograph them. Maybe it was kids from different homes who were on different teams playing marbles - and that's why they separated off from each other. I don't know.

I don't spend much time with my subjects. I approached them, mentioned the marbles game, asked if I could take their picture and then rattled off 3 or 4 to get a good one _ and then no more than a couple minutes after I arrived, I waved goodbye. I am very fortunate that I never have to think about composition. I put my camera to my eye and it always seems right to me. There is no substitute for 35 years of shooting and taking over 200,000 images since we started coming to Central America 7 years ago - I think. That said I am generally mentally prepared and ready before I come onto a scene.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Sometimes such a cryptic number can refer to depth of sewer or utility.
At least that's here!

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

Sometimes such a cryptic number can refer to depth of sewer or utility.
At least that's here!

Asher

I don't know. But I do think that it adds to the photograph.

 

[Dave Butcher]

I looked at the picture and just paused and thought about innocence and the lack of hatred that we see today. It made me stop and think about a simpler time and a simpler age. It is a great picture and I hope that someday I can take a picture as stunning as this one. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[Robert Watcher]

I looked at the picture and just paused and thought about innocence and the lack of hatred that we see today. It made me stop and think about a simpler time and a simpler age. It is a great picture and I hope that someday I can take a picture as stunning as this one. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Thank you for your expressions

 

[Asher Kelman]

I looked at the picture and just paused and thought about innocence and the lack of hatred that we see today. It made me stop and think about a simpler time and a simpler age. It is a great picture and I hope that someday I can take a picture as stunning as this one. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Dave,

You are blessed by the appreciation you have for the sentiments in Robert's work. Having an ability to see and value treasures like this is the opening to a path of exploration into really fabulous photography. To have this without being a cynic is valuable. I believe this picture starts with noticing what's there and then positioning oneself, (given the lens on the camera), to compose such that only what's needed is included and what's seen is a balanced arrangement. Note the added dimension here is that everyone realizes they are being photographed and that is part of this particular successful style.

.........but the photographer happens not to be "just another tourist" - he has earned his living for decades photographing people and so what we see here is the fruit of all that now almost reflex picture making we can all enjoy.

One should be capable of being a successful photographer without need for empathy, as one can still "see" what works in a composition. However, the added dimension of emotional content we see here is the icing on the cake!

Asher