Wagah Pride, a photo from Punjab, North

Photographer's Note

Wagah - the only border crossing between India and Pakistan - during the flag-lowering ceremony. Every day houndrets of people from both countries arrive to the border just for see the 15 minutes of the bizarre ceremony. After more marching in Monty Pythone style and yelling, a bugle sounds, the flags are simultaneusly lowered and folded up and the gates are slammed shut. It is a real fusion of orderly, colonial -style pomp and serious national rivalry.
The ceremony has been performed daily since it was first enacted in 1948, shortly after Partition.

ryno, g1210, vagabondtravels, ksvijayb, thaprem has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

anducina (8407) 2006-11-09 13:49

Very nice portrait, beautiful costume. Excellent colours.

Andreea

ryno (6869) 2006-11-09 13:51

Great shot, Wojciech. I also like your note - I've been to this ceremony and agree that it tends to be Pythonesque at times. Still, what an interesting spectacle. You've caught something of the pomp of the event in this man's pose and expression. Perhaps you could've cropped it somewhat on the right though. Great sharpness! Regards, Ryno

nemesiss (2979) 2006-11-09 14:08

Nice portrait and verry sugestive !

Albrecht (11283) 2006-11-09 15:34

Hi Wojciech
Indeed a pruoud looking man; good POV and DOF though the compo is not so strong.The man is to central and would be nicer to a side and leave more open space at one side.
grs Albrecht

fc22 (746) 2006-11-09 16:15

Nice colors, excellent clarity and interesting character. Perhaps a small problem of balance, both the man and the colored spot are on the left, making the photo to "weight" more on that side.

Best, Florin

g1210 (415) 2006-11-09 16:23

As soon as I saw the thumbnail, I guessed what this shot was about.
I haven't seen the ceremony in real life, but I did watch the BBC series "HIMALAYA" with Michael Palin (of Monty Python fame) and agree that it must be one of the most bizarre ceremonies going.Your photograph instantly reminded me of the TV programme.
You have managed an excellent capture of the mans expression - it sums the proceedings up perfectly. Pomp & Pride...
Regards,
Neil....

vagabondtravels (6511) 2006-11-09 21:25

Hi Wojciech

Great color and very sharp. This is an unique ceremony to witness. People get into it a lot more on the Indian side that the Pakistani side. It would have been nice to see the man on the left side of the picture gazing out but it probally would have effected your background. Anyhow well done.
Ben

partha (14023) 2006-11-09 23:42

Its a wonderful portrait.Full of emotion. The background really enhance the subject.
An useful note.
Well done.
Partha

ksvijayb (385) 2006-11-10 1:25

Hi,
The sense of pride, the confidence in his job are all very well documented in your picture.

TFS,
Vijayabaskar.

ramesh_lalwani (3213) 2006-11-10 3:13

Lovely sharp potrait of a handsome sikh Jawan at wagah .This place was in news as Indian BSF has decided to tone down the retreat ceremony.
Ramesh

goodwill (4274) 2006-11-10 15:17

Marvellous shot.
The pride and the chivalery is visibe through out the photograph.
Its expressions all the ways.
TFS
Rajeev

photographer123 (6248) 2006-11-16 9:18

NOT WELL BALANCED,LEFT SIDE IS TOO HEAVY..THERE SHOULD BE MORE BLANK SPACE IN LEFT SIDE..EXPRESSION IS VERY NICE& UNUSUAL.COLOR & SPARPNESS GOOD..BEST WISHES..SUBIR