That child I met in Egypt
Like so many other developing countries, many children in Egypt have to work to make a living. On my journey to Egypt I met and communicated with so many children and for some reason, it is these encounters that stayed alive in me till today. Children’s eyes can tell it how it is, the truth. Their gaze is penetrating and they are able to establish a connection with you and to tell you stories without words.
Going through my archive of slides and film, I saw this photograph and despite the 15 years that passed since the day I took it, I felt as though I was there now, locking eyes with this boy, seeing him stare in defiance at my lens, and remembering how later he broke into a wide smile when he realized I spoke his language.
Maybe the reason we love photography so much is the fact that it can encapsulate a memory, to store a moment in time with all that surrounded it, in the same way that a statue can, or a painting, or a work of art. One thing I am sure about: when I looked at this photograph, the Egypt journey came alive in me. I wonder where this boy who sold trinkets is now…
“Maybe the reason we love photography so much is the fact that it can encapsulate a memory, to store a moment in time with all that surrounded it, in the same way that a statue can, or a painting, or a work of art.” Oh, you are so right about this, Mimo.
Yes this is a very powerful photo Mimo. I wish I had actually seen the image you posted today of the after this image lol. I went from joyful to melancholy within 2 minutes. Again I love your work and it is clear that you have always had an eye for what would make a beautiful and interesting photograph!
Fabulous portrait Mimo…….
Powerful photos, so honest, love reading your posts, thank you Mimo.
True what you say about why we love photography. Then, when the quality of photos are so good as yours always are, it’s like they tell a story, with emotions and all!
Thank you Scott, that is a very kind comment!
Hi,
I agree photos are our memories, it is great to look back onto photos and instantly we remember that moment in time. 🙂
It certainly is sad to see some of the kids in these country’s, but still a very nice photo.
Thank you. Yes, it is sad to see working children, but so wonderful to speak with them at the same time…
Such an incredible. My personal favorite from the march series so far.
I have to ask, do you do some minor post-processing on these photos? It’s crazy to think that even after 15 years the film retained such perfect contrast. Regardless, amazing. (as usual)
^_^ (asia knows the best emoticons in the world, hands down, ha)
Yes, obviously this film is scanned and after scanning I ran it through Silver Efex Pro to correct contrasts. Thank you, it is one of my favorites too 🙂
There’s an old saying, “It’s a show stopper!”. I would say that about your portrait.
Ronnie
Thank you Ronnie!
I liked your comment, Mimo @ “seeing him stare in defiance at my lens, and remembering how later he broke into a wide smile when he realized I spoke his language.” 🙂 Yep, language can be a connecting rod!
Since it was 15yrs ago you took that photo, the same question you posed, popped into my mind: ” I wonder where this boy who sold trinkets is now…”! Hope the Creator-God has blessed and prospered him! May it be so!
It is true, language can be a great help to disarm a stranger you are trying to photograph.. Thank you for your comment
Nice photography, even nicer capture of his essence. We miss people’s essence these days when we talk to each other on various mediums without the face-to-face encounters. It is nice to have so many photographers sharing what they like and who they meet along life’s way. Thanks again for your sharing.
Thank you and it is so true what you say about people’s essence! Nothing like the face to face, eye to eye connections!
And that’s what makes photography so incredibly moving, how it captures a fleeting moment in time, how it captures a memory…What a beautiful portrait, and yes, one can’t help but wonder what happened to those eyes, what have they seen over the years? Stunning post, Mimo.
Thank you so much!
A very dynamic portrait> well done.
Thank you!!
Such a powerful image…!!!
Thank you!
the pic’s a little haunting for some reason. the boy’s gaze is so striking. and so true about what you wrote. I find myself wondering about people in my photographs too.
Thank you for your comment. Yes, I do too all the time!