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Cecilia Lim | all galleries >> Galleries >> mixed impressions > Packing Up
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8 October 2003 Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Packing Up

These young fishermen came back empty-handed, yet they did not show any signs of frustration - today was just one of their unlucky ones and they appear to accept their fate gracefully. As the day drew to a close, they gathered their nets with a great sense of calm and cooperation. But I on the other hand, was shaking with excitement! This was a fantastic photo op! I had not expected to see fishermen here because this was a very quiet part of the island where you would only find a handful of people at any one time - mainly tourists from an exclusive resort nearby. The challenge for me was getting a good photo shooting 1) against the sun 2) in low lighting, and 3) quickly too, because within minutes these boys had swiftly rolled their nets up and walked away. I was very thankful for my flipout viewfinder which made it possible for me to shoot from the ground, compose and assess my exposure "live" without having to stick my face into the sand. I think I did quite well - my only gripe was I could not allow more space next to the guy on the left - another tourist was standing right there as feverishly excited as I was, videoing away! Although I shot this almost 4 years ago, it was a memorable moment that has stayed with me. And it has become one of my favourite working people pictures! After sitting in my "Inbox" here for about 2 years, this image has finally found a home here, at least temporarily!


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Cecilia Lim06-Jun-2007 14:16
Ceci W, I am delighted that this image moved you in such a wonderful way. These men probably do this so often that even with the fading light, they could do their job with such ease and "grace" as you said. I love making travel photography to show the beauty and pulse of a culture or place, and whenever someone is affected positively by my story, it is the best reward I can ever get! Thank you Ceci for putting your thoughts down so beautifully for me.
Guest 05-Jun-2007 19:10
What a beautifully balanced, evocative, dramatic and somehow touching photo this is, of indiginous people attending to the details of their livelihood as the sun falls into the sea. I love the graceful possture of the closest man, pulling his sun-struck nets together in a way that will make next day's tossing out of them flow; and the attention of the two in the background, in the squat that is the "rest of the world's" answer to chairs, show how very important their task is to them. This is an exquiste shot, full of beauty, simplicity, and a kind of sweet responsibility -- with an overlay of hurry as the available light slides towards its bed for the night. Such a pleasure to see what you saw, including the bare footprints in the sand. These are tropical people on a tropical sea. And though this was years ago, I will wish them full nets in their future outings!
Cecilia Lim05-Jun-2007 15:00
Thank you Melvin for leaving me your thoughts about this image. It was a challenge indeed, and I was afraid I would blow it, but luckily the odds were in my favour that day. Starting this blog has been liberating and I'm beginning to enjoy posting images again. I enjoy learning from my viewers whether my images are effective or not, and I value your input like all the others. Thanks once again for taking the time to visit and to share your thoughts!
Guest 04-Jun-2007 15:32
This is a beautifulm awesome image.
I can understand your challenge in getting the right shot at the right timing and I think you made it turn out splendidly.
I like the soft light on the nets and the way the sun's rays seem to comfort the boys that tomorrow will be a better day.
Only fault about it is that it was in storage for 4 years :(
Cecilia Lim03-Jun-2007 19:37
Thank you Carol, Phil, Tricia and Ai Li for being the first ones to share your thoughts with me on my very first image in this photoblog! The light was beautiful and the subject matter was wonderful - many things fell into place for me and I was blessed with all the right things that made this image possible.
- Thank you Phil, for pouring yourself into this image and for letting me know how this image worked for you. I never have time to think of all the dynamics working in the image when I am making it, but with your lucid analysis, I can see more clearly how it all ties in. Your comments are so valuable as they always remind us of the principles of expressive photography! Thanks for using my examples to teach & illustrate that to me whenever you can!
- Tricia, yes that magical sunlight gave life to this whole image. Interesting that you too had an opportunity to photograph the exact same subject near a near a beach resort. I will definitely take a look at your post.
- Ai Li & Carol, thanks for your feedback too and for noting the silhouetted figures. It lends abstraction to this image so that it isn't specifically about these 3 men, but their anonimity turns them into symbolic figures for all fishermen. I am glad that you could appreciate it!
flowsnow03-Jun-2007 03:49
I went Wow..this is a beautiful shot when I first saw this picture. What drew me closer was the sunray which you framed it well with that bit of a sparkle. Your photo expedition reminded of a holiday trip I made to Pankor Island a few months back. Exactly, I never thought to see fisherman pulling up their nets to shore especially it was an exclusive beach resort. So like me, many went out with their cameras to take pictures esp. after they had hauled in their nets. Just that in my shot I had other `people in it'. This one you shot it well with just the fishermen at work! Bravo Celia!
Sample shot :http://www.pbase.com/flowsnow/image/76680768.
Phil Douglis02-Jun-2007 22:26
I certainly must agree with Carol, who is drawn to the beauty and drama you create through abstraction with backlighting. There is also a rhythmic flow of movement that pulls the viewers eye into and through the image. I love the delicate light on the nets, the way the direction of the floats counter the thrust of the fisherman's arm, and the way the lowered heads of the fishermen keep drawing us further and further into the distance. A slice of space, so rich in tension, between the head of the furthest fisherman and the point of land in the distance, energizes the entire image for me. You layer this image brilliantly -- the foreground is anchored by the delicately illuminated net, the middle ground occupied by the fisherman, and the background by land, sea and sky, all of it abstracted to the point where you leave as much to the imagination as you reveal to the eye. This is one of your most expressive photographs, Celia -- and it points up not only your talents as an artist, but the importance of having the right tools available. The flip out viewer plays a big part in creating the powerful and emphatic viewpoint that gives this image its meaning and impact.
Carol E Sandgren02-Jun-2007 21:44
Fantastic light reflecting on the empty nets, extending into the background. Too bad no catch that day, but it made for a great photo in any case. I'm sure their luck will change tomorrow. I love the silhouetted figures against the dramatic sky.