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Another two good shots Elaine. Im enjoying this Indian Journey from here in Toronto.
V1 needs a slight straightening, and with a couple of adjustments the smoke can be made more visible, mod1. Contrast strikes again!
V2 is also nice, but for me, more a tourist like shot, whereas V1 is the gritty real version showing the actual purpose of the place, and it deserves it position as V1.
I understand the issue of respect when taking photographs, however I have seen a number of documentaries on TV that are up close and personal, even so that the dead person can be seen burning, so I have to think that money plays a role in access.
Regards
Willie
V1 needs a slight straightening, and with a couple of adjustments the smoke can be made more visible, mod1. Contrast strikes again!
V2 is also nice, but for me, more a tourist like shot, whereas V1 is the gritty real version showing the actual purpose of the place, and it deserves it position as V1.
I understand the issue of respect when taking photographs, however I have seen a number of documentaries on TV that are up close and personal, even so that the dead person can be seen burning, so I have to think that money plays a role in access.
Regards
Willie

I've spent a lot of time studying V1, it's an extraordinary image. (As Willie says, V2 is much more the conventional tourist image).
V1 is about a solemn moment. It gives the feel of the scene without intruding - I'm glad you respected the dignity of the participants, I hate to see strangers' lenses poked into private sorrow.
I'm seeing so much life. The goat running down the steps...
Plus those huge piles of logs.
My criticism is that I'd like to see more at the bottom of the frame, the whole of that yellow boat, even if at the cost of less sky for balance at the top. (You had your lens at its shortest focal length.) It looks a bit top-heavy as a composition. Portrait format could have been interesting here.
Moira
V1 is about a solemn moment. It gives the feel of the scene without intruding - I'm glad you respected the dignity of the participants, I hate to see strangers' lenses poked into private sorrow.
I'm seeing so much life. The goat running down the steps...
Plus those huge piles of logs.
My criticism is that I'd like to see more at the bottom of the frame, the whole of that yellow boat, even if at the cost of less sky for balance at the top. (You had your lens at its shortest focal length.) It looks a bit top-heavy as a composition. Portrait format could have been interesting here.
Moira

Hi Everyone,
Ivor - Thanks for your appreciation, it's nice for me to be able to share my memories of India.
Willie - I'm glad you're enjoying my Indian trip from Toronto........I'm certainly enjoying re-living it from Blackpool
Thanks for the mods - a little more contrast to be added. I totally agree with you about taking photos in that area. Our guide told us a story about a tourist who was wandering around the pyres one day taking very up-close and personal shots of the burning bodies and the grieving families. One of the mourners, finally snapped, grabbed the offending togger's camera and slung it into the Ganges......that tale was warning enough for me!!. I imagine though, that if the togger had flashed the Rupees, a blind eye would have been turned and he would have come away with some fascinating but macabre images (and also his camera!).
Moira - Yes, it does look a bit chopped off at the bottom. I'm glad you've enjoyed looking at the shot. I agree that although the image is depicting a very sombre scene there's also much life there too. That's exactly how I would describe Varanasi - a city of extreme contrasts.....as a visitor you will see all aspects of life and death played out in scenes in front of your very eyes.
Jeff -
Quote: V1 - my favourite is the mental effect, the one that stays with you for ever. Smile Smile Smile
This is one of the best compliments I've ever had about one of my shots Jeff. Voting is disabled in the CG but it's lovely to know that you would have awarded it to me.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know your thought everyone

Cheers
Elaine
Ivor - Thanks for your appreciation, it's nice for me to be able to share my memories of India.
Willie - I'm glad you're enjoying my Indian trip from Toronto........I'm certainly enjoying re-living it from Blackpool

Moira - Yes, it does look a bit chopped off at the bottom. I'm glad you've enjoyed looking at the shot. I agree that although the image is depicting a very sombre scene there's also much life there too. That's exactly how I would describe Varanasi - a city of extreme contrasts.....as a visitor you will see all aspects of life and death played out in scenes in front of your very eyes.
Jeff -
Quote: V1 - my favourite is the mental effect, the one that stays with you for ever. Smile Smile Smile
This is one of the best compliments I've ever had about one of my shots Jeff. Voting is disabled in the CG but it's lovely to know that you would have awarded it to me.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know your thought everyone


Cheers
Elaine