i went out to document the demolition of the shanties (we call them "squatters") going on at the old railroad. Tens of thousands families are now being relocated to government provided rural settlements.
these two boys were part of those families, whose parents probably were also born and raised in the "shanties along the railroads."
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A lovely image! Nicely made. The tones are superb! Technically crisp and a delight to view. The toys they hold (yo-yo's?) hint at the poverty of their situation as do the clothing and lack of clothing and the bare spots on the younger child's scalp. However, without more context, without seeing their surroundings, I am not moved. After reading the other commentators, I wonder if I'm naive or callous (though I don't consider myself either of those.)
Perhaps, what I'm missing is what the image is missing...the story. Where are they? Who are they? Why should this image compel emotion in me? Outside of the challenge, I have the benefit of the photographer's comments. If this were in the media, I'd have the benefit of a caption and/or story. But the title and the image alone do not pull at my heart strings. To me, it appears to be two poor but healthy children in the moment of a sunny day. They are distracted by different concerns which I can not see. There is no apparent danger. They seem to casually wrestle with each other, the older trying to separate himself from a clingy younger child.
Overall, this is technically lovely but lacking in its descriptive quality, in my opinion.
Congratulations on a well-placed, journalistic-like portrait.
Oh how this touches my heart! Your portraiture: you are so good at capturing the soul! I love the conveyance that sibling brotherhood is so universal -- rich, poor, and everywhere inbetween -- it keeps people's lives worth living.
i have hundreds of shots that were all taken that day. all street-type shots. i happen to pick this up as my entry. you can imagine the burst of shots i spent on these boys alone... yes, the other one is naked :).
i'm still very poor in choosing the "right" entry for DPP even after 2 years.
Very gripping emotionally..reaches to the heart. Maybe a little more dramatic tones if you're going for artistic, perfect as is if you're going for a documentary type photo.
Okay, I've thought a bit about this vote. Initially I was going to vote it down because I felt like these children were being exploited for the purposes of a DPC ribbon. The same way I felt when Librodo kept submitting the same shots of that street vendor last year. But now since you've drawn an emotive response from me, it surely deserves a good vote! Great shot. 9.
I am guessing this is the Philippines...great image...perhaps a little more contrast needed? but the nice oof background really lifts these two kids...nice 8
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