photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Forty-Four: Photographing human response – gesture, body language, and expressions > Worries, Tineghir, Morocco, 2006
previous | next
21-DEC-2006

Worries, Tineghir, Morocco, 2006

These men appeared to be the drivers of trucks parked in Tinehir's central square. Apparently, their day could have been a better one. I used the full extent of my zoom lens for this image as well – 420mm. They never noticed me. If they had, such an image as this would have been impossible to make. I shot numerous bursts, and selected this image because of the variety of body language and gesture in it. The man in the jellaba at left has a downcast expression, the fellow with his hands in his pocket also looks down, while the man at right uses a gesture that is often associated with frustration – a hand to the head. And all of this is going on at the door to a truck. They do not openly acknowledge the presence of each other – they seem to be communing in silence.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/250s f/5.6 at 88.8mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis27-Mar-2007 17:08
Thanks, Aloha, for relating the frustration here to all of us. Frustration, anxiety, and disappointment are universal human values. Each of these men tells his story in his own way. You and I and anyone else who may look at this image can empathize with these men. They share this moment with each other, and by photographic extension, with all of us.
Aloha Diao Lavina27-Mar-2007 12:13
Human response is such a rich language, smothered with nuance that speaks eloquently to the practiced and patient eye. This moment you captured echoes so much of our own frustrations, disappointment, and the fact that it is so obviously shared stamps this photograph with a thousand stories.
Phil Douglis21-Jan-2007 03:02
So good to have you back, Celia. I am thrilled that you are the first to comment on this image as well -- it is one of the most emotional photographs I've ever made. It certainly is a strong contrast to the next image in this gallery, as you point out. I thought the truck door was important context, and I also like the off center placement of the worried drivers for the very reason you state: it underscores their frustration. Thank you for the nice things you say about my photography here, Celia. It is a labor of love -- I do it because this is the best way for me to teach.
Cecilia Lim20-Jan-2007 23:26
I was blown away by the the overwhelming emotion of sadness that you've immortalized in this image of three guys down on their luck. The fact that there is not one, but three men standing in silence with their heads hung low, amplified the emotions that were expressed here. Their unbalanced position to the left also adds to the weight of their plight. I think this is a stunning addition to your Moroccan travel imagery because it gives realism and an added dimension to the everyday life in Morocco that you are showcasing, especially next to the beaming "Art imitates life" photo below. Your sensitivity and astounding awareness of life around you sets you apart as one of the most mature and fascinatingly "colourful" photographers I've ever known.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment