Minding the Store, Pokhara, Nepal, 1988 by Phil Douglis

Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Three: Expressing human values > Minding the Store, Pokhara, Nepal, 1988

previous | next

Minding the Store, Pokhara, Nepal, 1988

A long lens helped me reach out and capture this grouping of Nepalese from across a busy street. Using three doorways at a store's entrance, I created a frame within a frame, stressing the gulf separating this man from the three women, most likely members of his family. This photo implies separation -- a very basic human value, and in this case, an insight into Nepalese culture.

Olympus OM-2 ,Olympus 300mm
Scanned from Fujichrome transparency. hide exif

Full EXIF Info
Date/Time
Make
Model
Flash Used	No
Focal Length
Exposure Time
Aperture
ISO Equivalent
Exposure Bias
White Balance
Metering Mode
JPEG Quality
Exposure Program
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto

previous | next

Phil Douglis		13-Jul-2005 22:09
Yes, it is a triptych of sorts -- the three panels convey the idea I am trying to express here. The perceived lack of sharpness does not affect my own interpretation of it. I made this image many years ago on transparency film, and the scan was not a very high resolution. If it is slightly soft, it would tend to age the image and make it seem more iconic. Unlike many technically oriented photographers, I have never regarded either sharpness or softness as measures of photographic quality in itself. Rather, I always ask to what extent that sharpness or softness enhances or detracts from what I am trying to express.

Guest		13-Jul-2005 15:37
It's very well framed, and reminds me of a type of triptych. I only wish it was more sharp, but otherwise it really conveys the separation you stated.

Phil Douglis		14-May-2005 03:25
I was there many years ago as well, Anna. This is an old slide, shot back in 1988, eighteen years ago. I don't know when you visited Nepal, but I am sure Pokhara has not changed that much in either appearance or custom. You are right -- they had very little to sell when I was there as well. These shops were mainly a place for the family who worked and lived in this place to sit and pass the time of day. It is how they sit that makes this image say what it says, and it is no accident that you single out the framing as the essence of the image. This image is really all about frames. There is the main frame of the image that establishes the cultural world of Pokara, and the three vertical frames within the overall frame that separate the man from the women. And as I said, this image is all about separation, a very basic human value. Thanks for this comment, Anna -- I am glad I was able to trigger your memories with this image.

Anna Pagnacco		14-May-2005 00:40
I have also been there many years ago and still remember "these shops" with very few things for sale... Very well framed...Anna

Phil Douglis		12-Jan-2005 03:13
Thanks, Mikel, for echoing the primary human value here: separation. You call it an abyss. Which, of course it is. A cultural abyss. I know that you have photographed extensively in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and I am honored that you have placed this image in such good company as your work. As you can see, this image has struck a chord. It has struck Nut "dumb." But after thinking about it, she adds that there seems to be lack of respect here as well. Bailey Zimmerman uses just one word to sum up the human value here that most struck her: domination. A storefront in Nepal is like a public stage, featuring body language that defines the culture itself.

Guest		11-Jan-2005 23:10
Phil, I think that you have hit right in the point of the subject, this could be by desgrace a reflex of many parts of the world. The man is on one side talking on the phone destressed even in his postures, the framing of these tree doors with the one of the center empty of human elements still make it much more dramatic then if it wold have been just a dubble door it shows real distance that is still more acused by the body position of the women. The man as I said distressed and unworried sitting on a banch while the women are all in a lower point, not even sitting on a banch or a chair. They are like half hidden away covering them selfs with their clothing and beeng part of them in the almost shade of the store entrance, while the one outside is like hiding beside the bit of the wall not too be able to bee seen so easily any public and open reaction wold be a deshonour for her, his husband and all her family, the women in public have to bee less then any animal as not to draw attention only at home and specially with the other women of the howse perhaps she can feel a bit of freedom. Makes me think of Pakistan or Afghanistan these pictures, seriously. Separation, realy an abyss of a distance between both.

Phil Douglis		05-Dec-2004 20:41
You have summed up exactly what I intended here, Nut. Men and women are not equals in this corner of the world, and it certainly shows in this image. You are very observant. And also look at his attitude, and the way he holds his body. Sprawling, casual, almost domineering. While the women on the other side of the gap are huddled, bundled, and subservient.

nut		05-Dec-2004 17:07
Neglect-Worry-Displeasure-Wait The gap between a man and women here is represent the castes and classes here. No service mind and any respect in this man, he care only himself. He has new shoes and good clothes compared with three women.

Phil Douglis		05-Dec-2004 01:23
It shows you how much you and I tend to think alike, Clara. Indian and Nepali shops are often open to the street and much activity takes place framed in doorways. It is a frame with the frame concept that attracts us both. And of course the contrasting attitudes of the people who buy, sell, or in this case, wait.

Phil Douglis		04-Dec-2004 23:42
I am thrilled that you like this picture the most, Nut. The most of all of my pictures that you have seen so far? Or the most of all the pictures in this particular gallery. Think about it, Nut, and try to tell me, if you can, what it means to you. I thank you for your high compliment. As a photographer, it means a lot to me. I have not made many images that have struck people dumb!

Guest		04-Dec-2004 18:12
This is exactly one of my old ideas, to make a large photo collection of Nepali and Indian shops shot from the street. I have always been fascinated by Indian and Nepali shops in my 3 visits there. This is a very good sample! The sales man is in a care free attitude while the women share their concerns.

nut		04-Dec-2004 14:25
I like this photo the most. I need no words to explain this photograpy. I am dumb when I saw this photo.

Phil Douglis		22-Oct-2003 19:53
Vanessa, you eloquently describe the meaning I intended here. Body language is critical. So is negative space -- the gulf between the man and these women. The three doorways (Janer called them a 'triptych') form a sequence within a single image.

Vanessa Y		22-Oct-2003 17:38
This image speaks volumes. Phil, you have succeeded in effectively representing the barriers within families. Despite this family's close proximity, they seem miles apart. The empty door frame, the indifferent man, the elderly woman with her back turned to the others exemplify this.

Phil Douglis		20-Oct-2003 02:20
BZ -- Interesting concept -- "domination". I can see where you are coming from here. But when I shot this photograph, I intended it more as a comment on the barriers that exist within families. As you know, once published, photographs can acquire a life of their own, and they can come to mean many different things to different viewers. That what photographic communication really is all about -- the great variety of thoughts that photographs can trigger in the minds of those who look at them. Thanks for adding "domination" to the list. Phil

Bailey Zimmerman		19-Oct-2003 21:27
Remarkable study.....domination!!

Phil Douglis		18-Oct-2003 19:26
Jane, this picture is all about darkness and void. The virtually empty center doorway is a both a portal and barrier in the lives of this family. Thank you for bringing your own fertile imagination to bear on it. Phil

Guest		18-Oct-2003 15:22
a triptych... creates a very strong composition. again, the darkness adds (I think) The imagination can take many directions . timeless

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

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