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Cecilia Lim | all galleries >> travel >> kenya >> the samburu > Tradition and Change
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21 July 2004 Samburu National Reserve

Tradition and Change

The Samburu have been living the same way for hundreds of years and they find modern life very undesirable. They are very reluctant towards change, more so than the Maasai, opting instead to graze their cattle and goats, and live in small mud huts. As soon as the tourists leave, life I imagine, will be back to normal the way it has been for generations, like it is here for this old man. I converted this image into sepia because I wanted to portray a sense of antiquity and timelessness of this world. However, the Samburu are not totally immune to change. Even in this extremely traditional home, you will see signs of modern conveniences creeping in. Perhaps it is just a matter of time before the Samburu eventually adopt a more modern way of life, but even in this age of clones, computers and convenience, I think the Samburu are very proud of their cultural heritage and identity, and will remain largely traditional in their way of life for a long time to come.


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Phil Douglis04-Aug-2005 17:00
The caption is much improved -- you use words to add context, and you let the picture express meaning on its own as well, fueling the imagination of your viewers. A wonderful combination, Celia.
Cecilia Lim04-Aug-2005 11:53
Thank you Adolfo and Phil for your most encouraging feedback on this image. This image was originally made in colour but I felt it didn't portray the sense of tradition and timelessness until I converted it on photoshop.

Thank you Phil also for your advice on caption writing and reminding me about redundancy. Sometimes I fear people will miss the story I am trying to tell with my image, hence my overzealous explanations! In this case I did overstate the obvious in my previous caption, but I have edited it now to leave more room for the viewer's imagination to explore and interpret the image, and let the image project the meaning itself. Thanks once again Phil ~ Celia
Guest 04-Aug-2005 02:11
This my favorite from this set. It makes me feel that I just entered his enclosed quarters. You transported me to that moment with this picture. This is quite an accomplishment. The choice of the unadulterated counter light, it is what, in my opinion makes this picture a success.
Phil Douglis02-Aug-2005 02:14
Your strongest image, Celia. It leaves the most to the imagination, because of the degree of abstraction. Your use of a sepia tinged black and white conversion makes it timeless. This image could have been made for National Geographic Magazine in 1905 as well as 2005. I almost wish you were not as comprehensive and thorough in your caption writing, because you repeat in words pretty much what this picture says on its own. Allow your images to project meaning on their own, Celia Trust them to activate the imagination of your viewer. Use your captions to add context for meaning, not to duplicate the message of the image.