photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twenty Four: The Workplace -- essence of a culture > Early to work, Tozeur, Tunisia, 2008
previous | next
13-NOV-2008

Early to work, Tozeur, Tunisia, 2008

Every now and then I find an expressive travel image only a few feet away from my own hotel room. That’s what happened here. I was on my way to breakfast (camera in hand, of course) and saw a housekeeper walking past the windows of the hotel’s glass enclosed indoor swimming pool. The windows were dripping in condensation and made opaque, a perfect target for the morning sun that illuminates the window from behind. I was able to contrast the dogged body language of the housekeeper -- head down, striding to work, and dragging her equipment behind her -- to the golden promise of the new day.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/500s f/7.1 at 59.2mm iso100 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time13-Nov-2008 07:41:48
MakeLeica
ModelV-LUX 1
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length59.2 mm
Exposure Time1/500 sec
Aperturef/7.1
ISO Equivalent100
Exposure Bias-0.33
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis20-Jan-2009 19:05
Thanks, Claudia, for appreciating the linkage between words and picture here. I tried to illuminate my intentions and I am delighted that you appreciated my effort here.
BleuEvanescence20-Jan-2009 03:41
This is a very moving and powerful picture perfect image
enhanced by few penetrating words:
"...I was able to contrast the dogged body language of the housekeeper -- head down, striding to work, and dragging her equipment behind her -- to the golden promise of the new day".
Phil Douglis08-Dec-2008 22:25
Thanks for pointing out the contrast between the energetic glow of the sun-splashed window and the slow, deliberate movement of the housekeeper. The exterior world seems full of promise, yet the day for her begins as all the others do, a routine of hard, repetitive, work necessary for survival.
Paul L-R08-Dec-2008 18:21
I love the light, created by the condensation filtering of the sun, which appears to be so full of life. The contrast with the subdued body language of the girl is utterly compelling. V
Phil Douglis03-Dec-2008 06:02
We associate gilded glowing walls with the gods, and here, as you note, even a chambermaid can take on a divine aspect. Thanks, Jenene.
JSWaters03-Dec-2008 02:45
Were it not for her trailing broom, she could be a gauze clad goddess before shimmering heavenly windows.
Jenene
Phil Douglis01-Dec-2008 00:41
I think it is the downcast gaze that suggests defeat. Actually, she has yet to even start to sweep. The morning is still new for and for all of us.
Tim May30-Nov-2008 23:49
It is almost as if she is defeated by the light - she has stopped sweeping.
Phil Douglis30-Nov-2008 00:27
You are right, Vera -- the sunrise behind that window is the driving force here, bathing the image in golden tones and abstracting the subject in the process.
Guest 30-Nov-2008 00:19
The lighting and framing are great here. You can feel the sun rise.
Phil Douglis28-Nov-2008 22:17
Thanks, Carol -- the swimming pool window was wonderful at dawn. And it wasn't a matter of luck. It was simply a matter of being aware of what was around me. Many tourists would focus on their journey to breakfast, but to me, the journey is all about imaging. The camera is never out of my hands, and I never stop looking for pictures, even where we would not expect to find them.
Carol E Sandgren28-Nov-2008 22:13
that condensation makes a perfect lighting diffuser, but also adds mystique to this image. I love the design the windows make, and adds sheer and soft light to the maid. Lucky you to find such an image so close to where you sleep!
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