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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twenty Four: The Workplace -- essence of a culture > Steam table, Kiev, Ukraine, 2009
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18-OCT-2009

Steam table, Kiev, Ukraine, 2009

A Ukrainian cafeteria worker, surrounded by hot lights and clouds of steam, is caught in a moment of decision. A crowd of customers waits just beyond my frame for their food and she is the person who must deliver it, and deliver it now. The image is all about pressure in the workplace, and how people respond under that pressure.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
1/60s f/4.0 at 51.0mm iso400 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time18-Oct-2009 07:58:27
MakePanasonic
ModelDMC-G1
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length51 mm
Exposure Time1/60 sec
Aperturef/4
ISO Equivalent400
Exposure Bias-0.66
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

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Phil Douglis04-Nov-2009 23:18
Well said, Celia. I made this shot while standing in a line of about 50 Ukrainians who all wanted their steaks and sausages immediately, but the cook could only do so much at one time. She stands helplessly watching stuff fry, so yes, it is no wonder that things seem urgent at this moment. And yes, she looks as if she could have stepped out of a 1930s Stalinist propaganda film hailing the grit and courage of the Soviet worker.
Cecilia Lim04-Nov-2009 23:03
There is a sense of urgency about her--As if she's always on her toes, constantly looking over her shoulder, looking after details and needs of her customers. The steam and harsh lights don't seem to distract her one bit. She's completely in her element! It feels like a very traditional establishment where nothing has changed much even in recent years. Her traditional dress also makes her timeless - she could be doing this today or even a hundred years ago! Your image allows us to read so much into this 1/60th of a second that you selectively froze. Great job!
Phil Douglis03-Nov-2009 17:12
Good to hear from you, Chris, as always. The steam is as important as the expression. Here working environment and costume add critical context to the intensity of her expression.
Chris Sofopoulos03-Nov-2009 06:44
I like her expression as well as the atmosphere from the steam around her!
Nicely composed Phil.
Phil Douglis03-Nov-2009 04:05
It's the head scarf that makes that suggestion, Rose.
sunlightpix03-Nov-2009 02:59
This image reminds me of Vermeer's 17th century painting of "Girl with a Pearl Earring"!
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