Vinaya Mathews, PPSA
April 2024 - Laterite Mine
About the Image(s)
Exif : f8, 1/100, ISO 100 Canon R6, 24-105 mm
Workers are working in the Laterite mine. The sun was harsh. The method of removing stones from mine is, first two persons make vertical cuts, of course using a machine & then with another machine, two other persons make horizontal slices of stones. The toughest part is the dust which gets created by the cutters. These workers have to keep working in that dust.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted
Vinaya, I just learned that a Laterite is a soil type rich in iron and aluminium and is commonly considered to have formed in hot and wet tropical areas. Nearly all laterites are of rusty-red coloration, because of high iron oxide content, which is what your image is showing us. Again, it also shows the poor and safe less working conditions in third world countries, here specially the noise, red thick dust and risk of being injured by the cutting devices of this man controlled machine. There is what looks like a CocaCola botle on the ground with a plastic tube, and I am guessing it is for lubrication of the worn down machine. I like as how you included in the composition the lines of the already cut ground, and looking around it shows that the walls around are probably made with the same cut material. Interesting indeed. Posted: 04/06/2024 17:28:12
Very impressed (as usual) with your study of Laterite stones & the analysis. It's astonishing that you could hear the sound of machine in the image too. Yes, that cutting process is very noisy.
It's a mine, so they keep cutting the stones from top to bottom, till the layers of stones got over. You rightly said, the walls get created because of cutting & taking away stones.
Thank you v much for your wonderful analysis & good words for the photo Posted: 04/07/2024 02:11:28
It's a mine, so they keep cutting the stones from top to bottom, till the layers of stones got over. You rightly said, the walls get created because of cutting & taking away stones.
Thank you v much for your wonderful analysis & good words for the photo Posted: 04/07/2024 02:11:28
I agree with Isaac that the strong colors and the red dust that fills the image with the cloud from the machine and all over the clothing of the workers makes this a very strong story, and the viewer can almost feel the heat. I think it could be cropped in from the sides slightly to make the workers fill the image a little more. Posted: 04/07/2024 09:18:41
Thanks Ardeth, thanks for good words. I will consider your suggestion Posted: 04/07/2024 22:33:36
Hello Vinaya!
I really like this image, I wouldn't take away or add anything to it since the story tells itself.
I really like the shadow in the background that indicates that the sun was strong, the lines of the floor and the wall give a dynamic visual component to the image and the dust like the soda bottle are important details that add a lot of value to this photo. Posted: 04/09/2024 15:08:07
I really like this image, I wouldn't take away or add anything to it since the story tells itself.
I really like the shadow in the background that indicates that the sun was strong, the lines of the floor and the wall give a dynamic visual component to the image and the dust like the soda bottle are important details that add a lot of value to this photo. Posted: 04/09/2024 15:08:07
Thanks a lot Sergio, for your analysis & all good words Posted: 04/10/2024 00:47:08
(Groups 2 & 4)
Hello Vinaya, this is a very strong HI image with a good story about harsh working conditions. The colors, the dust and the activity all combine for a strong story and a technically excellent image. Its one of these images that makes me feel very humble. Posted: 04/11/2024 01:50:25
So so nice of you for such good words. I am feeling humble to receive them Posted: 04/11/2024 01:57:40
Vinaya
I think your composition including the blue cloudless sky and barren trees is effective in telling your story. My eye is riveted to the coke bottle which forms a strong triangle with the men, moving the eye from one man to the other and then the bottle. It also keeps the viewer's eye into the lower part of the image. The color palette contrasting the warm yellows and cool blues is effective. Posted: 04/11/2024 06:06:09
I think your composition including the blue cloudless sky and barren trees is effective in telling your story. My eye is riveted to the coke bottle which forms a strong triangle with the men, moving the eye from one man to the other and then the bottle. It also keeps the viewer's eye into the lower part of the image. The color palette contrasting the warm yellows and cool blues is effective. Posted: 04/11/2024 06:06:09
Each photographer's observation is so different & that's the great learning opportunity of being in a group.
Thanks a lot Judith, thanks for new analysis and all good words. Posted: 04/11/2024 07:34:22
Thanks a lot Judith, thanks for new analysis and all good words. Posted: 04/11/2024 07:34:22
What a good job you did to show what a hard job these men do the Laterite Mine in the heat. All the dust and dirt behind the second man shows part of the job that is completed in this very interesting photograph. Karen Kohn Posted: 04/15/2024 18:27:55
Thanks a lot, Karen, for all your appreciation Posted: 04/16/2024 00:31:31
Very interesting and well taken photo! It is a strong story and evokes many emotions. Love the colors and how the rusty colors are complemented by the blue sky! Well done! Posted: 04/16/2024 10:05:14
Thank you, thank you v much Posted: 04/17/2024 00:21:35