This is a scanned image from my trip to India in 1999. (Unfortunately, I have misplaced the negative, so I have scanned it from the only copy I have of the picture). We went to the Valley of Flowers, Uttranchal (in northern India). A heaven on earth with flowers that grow like trees. Nevertheless, this image, and not the flowers, is one of the most powerful memories of my trip and even though it is a sad image, it has always been around me. Somehow, it reminds me that we need to look around and be part of the surroundings.
He was there alone, in the middle of the road. It was raining quite a lot. And all he had was his black cover and the bucket. I remember looking at those hands for a long time. He did not move. He was just there.
UPDATE: I have found the negative!!!! YES!
carlosluis, Dale Allyn, Karin Bultje, Elishams, and 27 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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obeck 85 months ago | reply
powerful.
Fano_Quiriego 85 months ago | reply
La foto expresa muchísimo por sí misma. Felicidades.
**Anna 85 months ago | reply
Such an emotive and powerful image Mamen. It speaks volumes...
~Kenny 85 months ago | reply
Incredible shot! Your story adds volume to the photo. The closest I've been to in that region was Sri Lanka but I never got any time to take photos at all. Another time I hope.
ps. I echo Dale's hope that you'll find that misplaced negatives soon!
Mamen Saura 85 months ago | reply
Kenny, I did find it today (like 15 minutes before you posted your comment... weird!), so I am just in heaven!
Mamen Saura 85 months ago | reply
Anna, is so good to see you around here. Thanks for your comment, as always special for me!
Madhu_Reddy 85 months ago | reply
What a sad but powerful image. I guess seeing the truth sometimes is hard and this picture shows instead of running away from issues we need to do our part however small.
Mamen Saura 85 months ago | reply
Madhu, so true what you say!
Oranges 'n' Lemons 84 months ago | reply
Truly stunning -- I'm looking forward to more of your scans.
Sekana Radovic 81 months ago | reply
Great image!
Dilip Muralidaran 80 months ago | reply
mamen, i redid some of my old photos using my camera in macro mode with a tripod setup. I have seen a few of richards too, you should try that.
Mamen Saura 80 months ago | reply
Dilip,
That is a great idea. My only problem, I barely have time for what I am doing now!!!. But one day I will have time for everything I want to do. Yes I will...
aditparekh 80 months ago | reply
Mamen,
What i like the most about this picture is the complete ignorance of the person whose hands they are, regarding the picture he has created. Dont really know how to explain it - just that people react with such emotion to htis picture, while the person in the picture is totally ignorant of it and would probably laugh at the commotion made about the picture.
Symbolises alot and can really identify with this - brings back memories of the rains in Mumbai
McGun 78 months ago | reply
speechless, very powerful image & beautifully captured.
Mamen Saura 77 months ago | reply
Adit, we all are some times like that. We do not know what the people around us is thinking or feeling. I am not sure he would have laughed at the emotional reactions... maybe we all should be more aware of what surounds us and look for ways to transfer that emotion back to the person.
McGun, thanks for the comment
indian nomad 73 months ago | reply
This is very strong. Just reminds you to be thankful for all you've got. Touching pic. thanks for sharing.
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Seen in your India set. (?)
Wen-Yan King 70 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Destitution through your lens [ snapshots & abstractions ], and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
subcomandanta 64 months ago | reply
esta imagen es un impresionante documento...
Te invito a que incluyas tu foto en Fotógrafas
You are invited to add this image to Fotógrafas
Payuta Louro 43 months ago | reply
Buf... que crudeza Mamen...
yukonmarty 30 months ago | reply
Great capture. How easy it is to forget that many are struggling on any given moment of any given day.