photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Fifteen: Making travel portraits that define personality and character. > Cave dweller, Matmata, Tunisia, 2008
previous | next
14-NOV-2008

Cave dweller, Matmata, Tunisia, 2008

This young boy lives in an ancient house built into the wall of a cliff. I found him standing in the kitchen, dressed warmly but without shoes. My 24mm wideangle frame embraces the ancient rock walls and floor, as well as the tables laden with jars, pots, and baskets. With adverted eyes and hands in his pockets, the boy seems to reluctantly accept the steady flow of strangers through his home. It is a portrait of resignation.

Leica D-Lux 4
1/80s f/2.0 at 5.1mm iso80 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis28-Nov-2008 23:27
I am glad you see real life here, Carol. That was my intention. These Berber people live very simply -- as they have for centuries. It comes through here. And yes, the boy is indeed resigned to the intrusions. I am sure the tour companies compensate these people in return for allowing visitors to explore their home.
Carol E Sandgren28-Nov-2008 22:38
That boy does seem resigned to the traffic going through his home. So primitive, yet everything in it's place, as if he straightened up the room before his "guests" arrived. I can see beautiful pottery partially covered as if they are nothing special to them but a vessel to transport water. Outsiders would appreciate different things than this boy would. Such an interesting image and I like how it shows real life and how it is lived.
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