Majdi Naser, PPSA, BPSA  


Hamer Woman by Majdi Naser, PPSA, BPSA

March 2025 - Hamer Woman

About the Image(s)

This portrait is from my trip to Ethiopia in 2015, where I had the incredible opportunity to connect with the Hamer tribeā€”a community known for its deep-rooted traditions and striking cultural expressions.

What drew me to this moment was the sheer presence of the woman in front of my lens. Her face, adorned with white tribal markings, carried a quiet strength, each line seeming to tell a story of resilience and heritage. Her elaborate headdress, made of dried yellow and brown fruits, felt almost regalā€”a symbol of identity, tradition, or perhaps even a personal narrative woven into the fabric of her culture. The curved horns framing her face added an undeniable sense of power, reflecting the tribe’s close relationship with nature and their deep respect for the land.

The warm, golden light of the late afternoon wrapped around her, blending seamlessly with the earth-toned beads draped around her neck. There was something timeless about this momentā€”an unspoken connection between subject and photographer that transcended language.

Looking back at this photograph, I’m reminded of why I love photography. It’s more than just capturing an image; it’s about preserving a piece of someone’s world, a fleeting moment that holds history, culture, and humanity all at once. This portrait is a small window into a beautiful, enduring way of lifeā€”one that I was honored to witness firsthand.

Metadata:
Nikon D3s
AF-S NIKKOR 85MM F/1.8G

f/5 1/4000 ISO-800


3 comments posted




Dr. Isaac Vaisman   Dr. Isaac Vaisman
(Group 4)
Majdi, indeed an amazing image of the person showing ethnicity and perhaps particular characteristics of the culture, but it does not follow the PTD definition # 4:Portraits or other close-ups of people or objects, in addition to meeting the above paragraphs as applicable, must include elements depicting some of the surrounding environment to make it obvious that the image was not taken in a studio setting;   Posted: 03/10/2025 18:34:35



Susan Lincke   Susan Lincke
This is a gorgeous portrait (as usual) Majdi. Submitted to a portrait competition it could be a real winner. The blurred background helps in a portrait category. Her expression shows emotion and the international flavor also generates interest. To me, it does not appear posed and thus increases its value considerably.   Posted: 03/11/2025 10:57:13



Leslie Larson   Leslie Larson
The portrait is captivating and well done. I also would like a bit more of the surroundings, at least the rest of her head a some more of the body and costume.   Posted: 03/11/2025 14:10:36



 

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