Tom Tauber, APSA, MPSA
October 2026 - Ethnic minority festival in Hungary
About the Image(s)
Many tourists go to Budapest (quite a few of them on cruise ships on the Danube which right now does not have enough water and is not navigable) but few know that Hungary has a number of ethnic minorities that celebrate colorful festivals such as this one in a town called Mezökövesd. The people are called Matyo and their culture is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Nikon, D800E, Nikon 24-120mm@24mm, f/6.3, 1/60 sec, ISO 320
7 comments posted
An impressive image of cultural dress. Everything is in focus and well-centered. But the image doesn't appear level because I don't get the impression that the ground itself was slanted. You took the image with an D800 that should have had a leveler, IIRC. Posted: 10/04/2026 19:09:37
Alan, this was a grab shot. With a shot like this, the last thing I would do is look at the level. If I did, I would miss the decisive moment. Besides, I think it's a wide angle distortion not that the camera wasn't level. I could and maybe should have straightened it a bit in Photoshop but to me that is a detail in an image that primarily tells a story. Posted: 10/04/2026 20:04:46
I'm quite familiar with those serendipitous 'grab shots,' so I understand your additional elaboration. I gather you didn't have your SONY at the time, as the leveler in the SONY's viewfinder allows for quick leveling for those kind of shots. As far as manipulating the image in photoshop afterwards, I respect your presenting the image as it was shot, and I agree that your image does tell a story and as such, the story should be primary as opposed to the technicals. Posted: 10/05/2026 05:55:02
Tom, It is always a great photographic experience when we can visit and observe these type of festivals all over the world. when we know we are going to a particular country, we should investigate or plan according to these festival. Indeed this is very colorful, and represents a particular culture. Interesting that no young people is participating what could sign that these cultural festival may be fading together with their adepts. The image is sharp, and there is nice separation of the people and the carriage loaded with colorful pillows. I think that the man is carrying a bag full of slices of bread. Posted: 10/05/2026 09:45:58
Isaac, not so. We have been to many, many festivals in Mexico, Romania, Sardinia, Hungary, etc. etc. and found that youth is enthusiastically participating in folk dances and maintenance of their costumes and culture. The attached phot is from another festival in Hungary. Posted: 10/05/2026 12:18:57
Tom, great if that is the case. The festivals should continue to exist !! Posted: 10/05/2026 12:50:08
Such beautiful and colourful outfits! Isaac's observation is so minute, to notice the bread in the man's bag is truly appreciable.
Looking at this photograph, I too initially felt that this culture might disappear with these elderly people. But the other photograph you shared brought a happy note, it shows the younger generation carrying forward the culture with the same enthusiasm.
I liked the image very much. It is very sharp, colourful, and having full of emotional impact. I would love to capture such festivals myself. Thanks for sharing! Posted: 10/06/2026 08:34:26
Looking at this photograph, I too initially felt that this culture might disappear with these elderly people. But the other photograph you shared brought a happy note, it shows the younger generation carrying forward the culture with the same enthusiasm.
I liked the image very much. It is very sharp, colourful, and having full of emotional impact. I would love to capture such festivals myself. Thanks for sharing! Posted: 10/06/2026 08:34:26