photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Thirty Seven: As others see me > Sharing, by Tim May, Can Tho, Vietnam, 2008
previous | next
05-JAN-2008

Sharing, by Tim May, Can Tho, Vietnam, 2008

This image offers a great contrast in cultural trappings – I am draped in flopping masses of green and khaki, while the monk is draped in a simple orange robe. I am giving him a two minute crash course in expressive photography, and although he might not have understood all of my words, I hoped that he would understand the universal language of photography. I am amused by seeing all of the technology I have come to take for granted when I am shooting in the field – I rely on two digital cameras, a large watch, a handy pen, not to mention all the other stuff that is bulging in the pockets of my photographer’s vest and the computer, and battery chargers awaiting me back in the hotel room. I even wear a tiny Vietnamese flag on my floppy ventilated hat – a gesture of recognition to all of the kind people I encountered in the streets and fields of Vietnam, people just like this gracious monk who so patiently observes me here at my great passion -- teaching. Thanks, Tim, for making this example showing how others saw me in the streets of Vietnam in the first week of 2008.

Olympus Evolt E-510
1/15s f/8.0 at 60.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis21-Sep-2008 01:56
You are right, Krasimir -- when I have a camera in hand, I am very much the child with toy in hand. A child's world is largely imaginary, and in expressive photography, the imagination is the most import tool we have.
Krasimir Ganchev20-Sep-2008 17:06
I can feel how passionate about what you see you are even in you facial expression. You look happy, like a little child obsessed by a toy you are obsessed by a world of imagination, impressions, stories, the world of your eye and vision, a representation of how you see things and understand them!
Phil Douglis19-Sep-2008 01:38
Thanks for these comments. I have great respect for my students, and am honored when it is returned.
JSWaters18-Sep-2008 05:09
His posture is one of respect. He senses without knowing you, how fervently you strive to impart your knowledge and wisdom about your passion.
Jenene
M Williamson Lebon16-Sep-2008 03:18
Excellent!!!!! V
Phil Douglis10-Sep-2008 19:41
Thanks, Cyndy -- I can vouch for the caring part -- sometimes I perhaps care too much and can let my enthusiasm get the better of me. As for the patient part, I do my best to be patient when I teach, but when I shoot, I am hardly laid back. Like many other photographers, I often fall prey to type A behavior.
Guest 10-Sep-2008 19:36
Very nice representation of you, Phil. Always the patient, caring teacher.
Phil Douglis08-Sep-2008 17:08
Thanks, Carol and Herve, for your comments. The monk's face says it all -- Tim's image captures his curiosity perfectly.
Herve Blandin08-Sep-2008 04:07
Hmmm, from so many trips to SEA, I recognize that look on the monk's face..... ;-)
Carol E Sandgren07-Sep-2008 20:13
I am in total agreement with Milos.... you are an excellent teacher and I would imagine, just as effective with non-English communication. I am sure this monk caught on to more than you might have thought. Thanks Tim for this wonderful glimpse into the life of a great teacher!!
Phil Douglis07-Sep-2008 19:32
Thanks, Milos, for commenting on Tim's picture. He found me doing what I like to do best -- talking about pictures.
Milos Markovic07-Sep-2008 19:02
You are a fine gentleman and great teacher, Phil.
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