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Sony Forums Challenges | all galleries >> challenge 64 - who are the people in your neighborhood? - hosted by andy >> challenge 64 - eligible gallery >

The Simit Seller
by Helen Betts

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22-MAR-2004 Helen Betts

The Simit Seller
by Helen Betts

Ankara, Turkey

This is a simitci, or simit seller, who comes around my neighborhood everyday selling his wares. Simit are probably the most common snack in Turkey and are sold virtually everywhere for TL 300,000 (around a quarter). I had just left my apartment and there he was, coming up the street. Naturally, I wasn't prepared to take a spontaneous picture, so finally got up the courage to ask if I could just take one. He said yes, of course, if I would buy a simit, so I did. I wish I had had a bit more presence of mind to have thought about my settings (and it would have been nice to have been able to actually see the LCD in that brilliant sunlight :-)) but this is what I ended up with. I have another one of him smiling that I really liked, but his heavily shaded face was even more problematic than in this one. (If you're interested in seeing it, go to http://www.pbase.com/image/27182386/medium)

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Guest 23-Mar-2004 02:54
Good one, Helen. Full of interest and color. Eric Hatch
Guest 23-Mar-2004 02:25
What an interesting picture, Helen. Love your unusual take on the theme and your commentary. I always learn something from your posts; not always about photography. Thanks! Bev
Sony Forums Challenges22-Mar-2004 23:26
Hi Katherine, Well, I've never actually seen one drop any of them, and these guys are everywhere. I hope I never do since it might ruin my enjoyment of simit! Helen
Katherine Stanback's Photos22-Mar-2004 22:26
Interesting shot - he really took care to stack those neatly. Have you ever seen one of these guys drop any?
Sony Forums Challenges22-Mar-2004 21:47
A great portrait, Helen. I too like the smiling one in your gallery. But either way, I rather like the deep shadow from the tray and reflected light from the white shirt. Very nice. -Michael Puff