photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Helen Betts | all galleries >> Galleries >> Washington, Portland, Budapest > Practicing...
previous | next
30-SEP-2013

Practicing...

...wearing my new uniform, which I am told I must wear at all times when off the Diplomatic Quarter. This is a loaner, which somebody already in Riyadh wants back.

I think my hair is not supposed to show and is a "beatable" offense by the religious police, but that's just the way it's going to have to be.

Sony DSC-RX1
1/160s f/3.2 at 35.0mm iso2000 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time30-Sep-2013 19:25:43
MakeSony
ModelDSC-RX1
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length35 mm
Exposure Time1/159 sec
Aperturef/3.2
ISO Equivalent2000
Exposure Bias-0.30
White Balance
Metering Mode
JPEG Quality
Exposure Program
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium original auto
share
Pam Houle04-Nov-2013 13:30
It doesn't matter what you wear, you look lovely.
John Hamers05-Oct-2013 21:34
Despite all the (inc. photographical) restrictions you will sure find your way there !!V
Zoltán Balogh05-Oct-2013 13:05
When in Rome... Anyway, this outfit is quite different from what you were wearing during our Pbase meet up in Budapest - I guess you prefer that kind. :) However, regardless of what you /have to/ wear, I can't wait to see your photos from Saudi Arabia Helen! V
Sandy Rich05-Oct-2013 01:39
Remember that clothes do not make the woman. Enjoy the new experience and stay safe. Looking forward to seeing clandestine images of your adventures there.
Carol Rollins04-Oct-2013 13:30
Helen, wear what you must and under it all please keep your beautiful heart, soul and spirit.
Stay safe and internally happy. With love, Carol
Denise J T Lee04-Oct-2013 00:40
Helen, regardless of what you wear, and what camera you use, you are YOU ! You have your own charisma, spirit and soul !

Good luck with the new adventure. It's a new chapter of your life.

Denise
Bill Klein03-Oct-2013 13:18
Don't take any chances and stay safe, Helen! !!!!!
Carl H. Johnson03-Oct-2013 01:29
You will do just fine!!!!
Tom LeRoy02-Oct-2013 15:51
I wholeheartedly agree with Sam's words and wish you the best of luck. However, if you should get frustrated on occasion just remember what Isabel said! V
bill friedlander01-Oct-2013 23:22
You look fine, Helen. And as Martin said tou will be able to hide a camera.
Karen Stuebing01-Oct-2013 20:53
You are really going to get to experience a different culture. It looks good on you. V.
larose forest photos01-Oct-2013 20:19
Well, this really brings the reality of your upcoming move, home! Was it comfy to wear, or..? I don't think I could do this, I would want to rebel (and would end up regretting it I am sure). You do look very good in this, however!
Kim01-Oct-2013 19:06
Oh my.... hope you're gonna be alright!! Looking good though:-)
Martin Lamoon01-Oct-2013 18:51
At least you can hide a camera or two in it!
V
Bill Miller01-Oct-2013 18:26
We look forward to hearing of your adventures.
Not the same, but I feel trussed up in a suit and tie.
Simon Chandler01-Oct-2013 18:12
Great portrait. Great documentary.. v
Milan Vogrin01-Oct-2013 17:18
Nice and elegant!
Mairéad01-Oct-2013 16:50
You do wear it well, and it's funny how bits of fashion creep through in the trimmings...
Aside from the obvious objections to forcing women to cover themselves up from head to toe, are these horrendous warm to wear in a hot climate or do they actually provide cover from the sun?
Be careful and don't take any chances -it's just not worth it.
Lieve Snellings01-Oct-2013 15:11
Why do you have to wear this ? Is your husband, or are you working as diplomat for Saoudie's ?
In all cases you look well and gave it a personal touch with your hair coming out...
danad01-Oct-2013 13:36
There are so many things to tell about intolerance...Well, good luck to you !
Surely the James Bond's team will be able to transform your glasses into camera...
globalgadabout01-Oct-2013 13:23
Saudi men must be quite excitable if they find the sight of a woman's hair provocative...perhaps best not to push your luck though, so a low key approach for the first few weeks would allow you to observe Saudi women and gauge the limits they get away with..best of luck with the challenging times ahead..
marko gregoric01-Oct-2013 12:18
Nice uniform..great shot. V
Being Me01-Oct-2013 12:15
A lot of rules to follow but there are worse things in this world. Are there rules on the appearance or can you jazz it up?
Stephanie01-Oct-2013 12:02
Will you also be required to walk 10 steps behind Tim?
I must agree with Walter ~ when in Rome, do as the Roman's do!
Great and cute shot Tim! V
Patrick Goossens01-Oct-2013 09:20
Looks not so bad ar all! Hope you manage without the beatings.
Colin Storey01-Oct-2013 09:06
You look good in your new uniform, agree with Walters comments though.
Gerard Koehl01-Oct-2013 04:42
C'est honteux de vous obliger à porter cette tenue. Je vous souhaite beaucoup de courage pour ce séjour et j'espère sincèrement que tout se passera bien pour vous.
joseantonio01-Oct-2013 04:11
Wow, Helen you look quite elegant...Best of luck in your new destination.V
Will Hoskins01-Oct-2013 03:39
You look good in it, Helen. Although the point is that you're not supposed to, and like Bob says I'm not sure you're meant to smile. Please be safe over there.
FrankB01-Oct-2013 03:31
And on top of it, you have to leave your D800 behind!....Somebody has to do it I guess...... :-O ....good luck over there....
Jim Coffman01-Oct-2013 02:54
Helen, I sure don't envy you your trip! I hope everything goes well for you!
Walter Otto Koenig01-Oct-2013 02:49
Well, you do look good in this, but I find it outrageous that diplomats are required to wear a particular type of dress not representative of their own country at all and having to do with Religion. Anyway, you are brave and look at it as another adventure. When you're back in DC though, I'd go out of my way to tell Saudi Diplomats that they should really be wearing U.S. type clothes, out of respect.
Gary Hudes01-Oct-2013 02:16
It would be nice if the coverings were made of coolmax or some other breathable material for the hot days, which I imagine is most days! Stay safe, Helen!
Barry S Moore01-Oct-2013 01:53
Looking very regal. It might be hot but at least the you won't need sunscreen or get sun burn.
Isabel Cutler01-Oct-2013 01:40
Ah...what you do for love!
janescottcumming01-Oct-2013 01:21
You actually look very royal with that bit of purple! I know this will be a challenge for you but you are strong and up to the task. I'm sure you will have many tales to tell upon your return. Be safe.
Gill Kopy01-Oct-2013 00:35
Well, this really will be an adventure - hopefully the full face cover isn't required - I bet that black will be hot. Is your husband required to wear Muslim style clothes too ?
Sam Rua01-Oct-2013 00:17
Well, you look much better than I expected (perhaps it's all that hair). Wouldn't it be nice if there was a special color reserved for diplomats that would enable more tolerance? Actually, I think it would be much nicer for more tolerance towards women in general. But I digress and don't want to be an accessory to rebellion that jeopardizes your well being.
Jola Dziubinska01-Oct-2013 00:04
Practice makes perfect... :) Anyway, I guess it must feel comfortable in this kind of clthes.
pkocinski01-Oct-2013 00:03
Oh my - I don't think I could do this...