Alan Lichtenstein, QPSA
June 2025 - The Karen Peopl
About the Image(s)
The Karen People are originally from Laos, who fled Myammar (Burma) for Thailand. Here, they live a relatively simple life in thatched huts in peasant conditions. The Karen have a tradition of stretching the necks of women by placing brass rings around their necks increasing the number of rings each year until the neck is stretched out a significant distance, as the weight of the rings both elongates the neck by depressing the collar bone Here, in this serendipitous instance, I captured the image of a young girl only recently beginning the neck stretching process.
Gear: Olympus E-500, Zuiko 18-180 mm open to 51mm
Data: ISO 100, F 5.1, 1/100 sec
Metering: Pattern
WB: Auto
EV: 0
Date image created: March 18, 2012
5 comments posted
One wonders why the child is a happy one as she looks forward to 50 or 60 years of neck stretching. Really a barbaric custom but still very much alive today. Priceless expression of the little girl. Looks like you flashed it and avoided red eye. Posted: 06/02/2025 15:25:43
No flash. Her thatched hut home was open at the from allowing sufficient light to shine through. The image itself was taken at serendipity as I captured her just at the right moment. I had feared that this image would be judged a set-up and submitted in sparingly in competition, but now with the new PTDW star path come January, which I can best describe as "anything goes," that will no longer be a problem Posted: 06/03/2025 05:56:02
Cutie Pie! loved her! Very lively, sweet smile captured by you, Alan, 500% marks. No sensible judge can think it staged, it is such a candid smile / shot.
I found the composition too tight, b/g bright & disturbing. One good thing is that b/g colour is matching with the drink colour, creating colour integrity.
But her smile, expression is priceless. Loved her!
Posted: 06/06/2025 07:24:13
I found the composition too tight, b/g bright & disturbing. One good thing is that b/g colour is matching with the drink colour, creating colour integrity.
But her smile, expression is priceless. Loved her!
Posted: 06/06/2025 07:24:13
Alan, image is sharp. Colors are vivid. Agree with Tom's and Vinaya's comments. Posted: 06/07/2025 14:38:27
Alan, very nice image capturing a child's smile in traditional setting. Posted: 06/09/2025 11:56:17