1st Place The Bread Maker Vikas Malhotra by Canon DSLR Challenge

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The Bread Maker
Vikas Malhotra


21-OCT-2007	Vikas

Taken on the streets of old Delhi, this man was busy making Chappatis (Indian Bread) for his clients, oblivious to the rest of the world.....

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Canon DSLR Challenge		30-Oct-2007 00:00
I loved this since you first posted it Vikas but only now have I found time to comment. I think my very first vote in these challenges was for a stunning B&W image of an Indian man with amazing wrinkles on his face and textures in his clothes. I think this actually superior to that for the reasons Michael mentions. It's amazing to think you are still improving. 'bulous. -Najinsky

Canon DSLR Challenge		28-Oct-2007 23:45
You are the MAN. Great job. theFly

Vikas Malhotra		28-Oct-2007 17:09
Michael, thank you.... Trav, you make me smile :-) Yes, I guess the Indian Gurus have their hands full ..... me, I just press the shutter button and thats it. Not much to it actually :-) Thanks! Debbi, you are too kind, thanks a ton! Ann, welcome back, sorely missed you in these challenges and thank you so much for liking this photograph. Bob..... ooooops, forgot about the handicap. I only remembered the hand tied behind the back bit and this was the result ;-) Michael, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.... your extremely kind words mean a lot and really appreciate them. Thanks for revisiting and adding these comments, will treasure them. Elena, many thanks. Cat, bahut bahut shukriya, aapne humara din bana diya. Dhanyawaad :-) Aussiedog, thank you, that is indeed a great compliment. Thanks. CJ, THANKS! Alastair & RK, thanks a lot. Appreciate it. Cheers, Vikas.

Canon DSLR Challenge		28-Oct-2007 01:21
Yes, stunning. - RK

Canon DSLR Challenge		27-Oct-2007 23:17
Stunning, as always, but this time even more so. Alastair

Canon DSLR Challenge		25-Oct-2007 04:45
Nothing more I can add - wonderful image - beautifully composed, shot and processed! CJ

Canon DSLR Challenge		25-Oct-2007 03:17
Outstanding. I showed it to a co-worker and he said that's not a real picture, is it? AussieDawg

Guest		24-Oct-2007 18:57
Vikas! Thumara Jabab Nahin!! Bas hum to fida ho gayein! Ditto what Mr. Puff said! -Cat

Canon DSLR Challenge		24-Oct-2007 12:33
Fantastic image, Vikas!!!!!! Elena

Guest		23-Oct-2007 05:15
OK, so I need to revisit this. You left me virtually speechless upon my first viewing and comment. This is gorgeous fine art work. The nuances here are as important as the overall composition. Light on simple folds of fabric, reflected light off the table up onto the wall, deep shadow textures visible in the background, every element a meaningful part of the whole. No matter how you arrived at the finished image, Vikas, it is an important crown jewel of your portfolio. The more I have to say, the more I am at a loss for words...the image speaks for itself and eloquently so. -Michael

Canon DSLR Challenge		23-Oct-2007 04:06
Ah yes Vikas, this is really magnificent but.... remember your handicap???? Was this taken between the hours or 22:00 UCT and 24:00UCT without the aid of artificial lighting? (I removed the additional requirement: ... and with one hand tied behind your back"... thought that was a bit unfair?) ;-) ~ Regards Melbob, you totally unbiased host!

Ann Chaikin		22-Oct-2007 23:13
Is it too late to add my comment? lol As usual you have found a wonderful subject, waited patiently for the right moment, and taken a memorable and emotionally meaningful photograph. You are a true artist Vikas! Ann

Guest		22-Oct-2007 19:35
Vikas, I bow to the master! WOW! Debbi

Canon DSLR Challenge		22-Oct-2007 19:23
Hi, Vikas, and here I thought that I was going to learn something profound, something deep at the foot of the master, (rather like the West has often approached India and maybe to everlasting slight irritation of Indians themselves). Instead, I learned take your time, find your shot, have patience, wait, don't rely on externalities like Photoshop...find The Picture and then take it. Hummmm...maybe there is something profound and deep in this....lol Best Wishes, Traveller

Guest		22-Oct-2007 19:13
Fantastic - as always in a different league altogether.

Vikas Malhotra		22-Oct-2007 10:22
Thanks a lot Gerry and Lonnit, much appreciated. Thanks Nico, you are way too kind and thank you for your comments. Thanks. Michael, Kelly, Julie, many thanks. Trav, thanks a lot, much appreciated. Regarding lighting, I tend to do minimal post processing and this one essentially was conversion to B&W in PS and thats it. The lighting is completely natural. Here is how I took this one. I was walking the streets of Old Delhi looking for shots, when in one of the tiny bylanes, I noticed this gentleman preparing bread for his customers. At that time the sun was too high in the sky and was only lighting up his shoulder and one leg, the rest of him was in a shadow as was the room since it was dark green in colour. Made a mental note to go back in an hour when the sun would have sunk slightly lower in the sky and when I did, I was fortunate enough to have the sun lighting the gentleman along with the stove he was working on and then it was a matter of exposing for the light and the rest was naturally all dark. So no flash, no dodging or burning whatsoever. Hope this helps. Cheers, Vikas.

Canon DSLR Challenge		22-Oct-2007 10:07
Humph! When you're on your game, Vikas, no one is better. Interestingly, I don't think I've seen you post many boring or bad entires over the years. But seriously, this may be your best ever...Nico's got it right, you're going to win this Challenge or come in second at worst with this image. But, having finally ordered the 580EX II last night, (painful, but something that had to be done), I am curious if you used any flash in this shot or how you lit it...or, is this just lots of dodge and burn? Curious. Best Wishes, Traveller

Julie Bird		22-Oct-2007 02:35
A masterpiece, Vikas. Julie

Canon DSLR Challenge		21-Oct-2007 23:35
This is wonderfully well done Vikas - inspirational and humbling. - Kelly

Guest		21-Oct-2007 23:22
Exquisite. -Michael

jnconradie		21-Oct-2007 22:05
Vikas, just in case you win... any clues in the interim of the direction you are thinking in terms of new topics, perhaps? :-) :-) Simply astounding contrasts give depth, accentuate textures and evoke emotions. Compliments and regards jnconradie

Canon DSLR Challenge		21-Oct-2007 21:41
Wonderfully done, as usual! ~ Lonnit

mcbit		21-Oct-2007 19:57
Wonderful photograph! -mcbit