heart of the dance, a photo from Koulikoro, South

Photographer's Note

talking about Mali

I was talking about Mali with a friend, one of my best travels ever. The foodie traveller in me had to take a definite backseat, but the people really stole our hearts. And there's always the music...

the location

I know the technicalities here aren't perfect, but I like its soul. This picture was shot on what was only the second day of our trip, when we were invited to attend a wedding party. Just imagine three foreigners turning up at a wedding party in Belgium...well, let's just say it'd be different!

The wedding party took place in open air in the middle of the street.

Have you noticed the UNHCR tent canvas?

---

the picture

This is one from the archives. It was scanned from an analogue print.

The title refers to an excellent book by Dieter Telemans, one of my favourite photographers.

I hope you like it.

delpeoples has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Waylim (25436) 2010-06-29 9:38

Hi Benny,
The spirit of TE is not just technical perfection, but also the spirit of the photo subject. This is a great moment, the motion blur make it seem like they are still dancing and I can almost hear the music, I wish to be there on day.
Way

sayeed_rahman (6461) 2010-06-29 10:37

i can hear the noise and the burst of euphoria in this place, the energy running right through the room. what about you, didnt shake a leg ?

but a good read in the travelogue, not much into writing one, reading is just fine for me at the moment.."eating with our hands" - two reasons, to measure the temperature of the food and second, there is a sensual pleasure of eating with the hands..that we dont feel it anyone, blame the gene that once controlled it !

sayeed

eversmile (11636) 2010-06-29 21:28

Hi Benny

Funny, how each of us will feel something different from a same picture. I also like the mood, but at the difference of Sayeed, I imagine slow motion, something insistent, with a deep tone. I like very much the colors and saturation. The low POV, combined with the frozen movement creates a strange, dramatic sensation. I wonder with what she is dancing with, in her hand? Her cell phone or her purse? Lol! Congratulations.
Regards
Marine

delpeoples (60342) 2010-07-02 6:33

Hi Benny, well this is a wonderful graphical sight. The ladies are forming an almost abstract shape. I like the vertical frame which adds to the vertical lines and the shapes on the ladies' dresses. Great job, it's a very unique and eye-catching photo. TFS and I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Lisa

tusharkmandal (3173) 2010-07-03 8:16

Hi Benny,

A nice travel picture. A great collection I would say. A nice vertical presentation. Traditional dance with those traditional attire. Wedding at the middle of the street. You must have enjoyed a lot.

Have a nice time.
Tushar

marietom (34611) 2010-07-09 12:35

hello Benny,

cela me rappelle un mariage crois� par hasard � Korhogo en C矌e d'Ivoire. Les costumes sont superbes, belle photo.
Bonne soir嶪
Marie