Esther Steffens
January 2026 - Making tea,Tunisia
About the Image(s)
This was taken June 29th 2009, and if I was part of this group then, I imagine I submitted it much earlier. I’m looking for images to submit to PSA through the Delaware Photographic Society so comments from you will help me make the photo better. I was with Overseas Adventure Travel and a group of 16 or fewer.
Canon EOS DIGITAL Rebel XTi
Canon EF 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS USM
ISO 250
135mm
F14
1/5000s
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
A very interesting photograph, particularly with the colors of the woman's clothes contrasted against to white background of the walls. I thought that maybe cropping a little from the left might bring the woman more off center, using the rule of thirds, but am not sure if cutting some of the platform might not be advisable. With the discussion about PTDD and PTDW ongoing, although you were traveling with OAT, I am assuming that this activity was staged for the group. I'm not sure which category this fits best, maybe both. Posted: 01/12/2026 09:44:37
Michael, why I didn't think of this as a "set up" I don't know. I imagine that it was and it wouldn't do well in PSA travel composition. I do like the photo, but the woman IS in the middle. It doesn't bother me but perhaps I should have taken it from a different and maybe I did. This photo popped up but I should go to the CD and see if I have others. I do have to get a CD reader. Posted: 01/15/2026 18:58:57
I should have taken it from a different viewpoint . . . . . Posted: 01/18/2026 16:17:02
I don't think OAT sets up photos for their groups. I assume they took you to the place to see the activity and you photographed the woman as she was demonstrating. Judges may assume it was a setup and that can be a problem. I like the shot. Cropping on the left would improve the image, Posted: 01/20/2026 09:23:42
I agree with you, Judy. They may have had people demonstrating how they make tea, but OAT doesn't do specific photographic setups in my experience. I assume this is how they do things. Posted: 01/29/2026 11:36:17
To me taking a photograph in this situation - when a group arrive in a settlement should NOT be defined as a set up! If we - as a group turned up at the Taj Mahal and all posted images in identical light etc. I would be gutted to have my photograph disqualified in a PTTD salon!!!!!
Back to your image Esther - I too would be tempted to trim some of the l/h side, but I just love the contrast of colours of the tea maker and her surroundings, and I am going straight downstairs to put the kettle on!! Posted: 01/20/2026 15:59:13
Back to your image Esther - I too would be tempted to trim some of the l/h side, but I just love the contrast of colours of the tea maker and her surroundings, and I am going straight downstairs to put the kettle on!! Posted: 01/20/2026 15:59:13
I love the colors and contrasts in the image with the background and agree with several who suggested cropping on the left. David's crop gives it a perfect 1/3 crop. Lovely image and should be good for either of the PTDD or PTDW. Posted: 01/29/2026 11:38:19
Very interesting image - her colorful dress, her pose, and the surroundings. I want to see more of the buildings in the background, as well as the structure she is standing on. So rather than cropping, I wish you had included more background/surroundings. Posted: 01/29/2026 12:16:44