Just a few shots, all taken within a few meters of the same spot!
Markets like this have so much material, but one must resist the urge to move around, searching for just the right subject. Rather, it helps to find some good lighting, and then stand back and observe what compositions can be made.
- Waiting for a customer
Using both my 70-200 and 17-25 lenses, I was able to capture several images without moving an inch. You’ll notice that there is quite a bit of “red” in these images, but it’s true to life….the conditions were very “red”. Overhead lighting was a mix of filtered sunlight, fluorescent and incandescent lights.
- Chicken shop
After a while, the vendors got bored of watching a “crazy foreigner, photographer, and go back to work as ususal. I often stay in one place until folks stop paying attention to me. In this instance, I waited for a transaction to take place, hoping to add a bit of interest and “action” to an otherwise static image.
- Playing while Mom works
A few meters from the chicken vendors, a seamstress/ flower vendor, was working while her son amused himself with some small items which he found in the desk. Often times you’ll find vendors “multi-tasking”, in order to maximize theire income. Most vendors in the markets are women, and many have children who play nearby. Child care centers are too expensive for all but the “rich” and mothers like the woman above, take care of children in addition to working all day to earn enough to support their families.
Tres bon, Karl! Was wondering if you see much of a difference in the way of colors and skin tones with the files you’re getting from the new Nikon gear vs. the old Canons you used to work with?
Hey Karl, these images are great! (what’s new with you?). The very first thing that came to my mind was how warm they look and meant to ask you that and then I read what you mention about the lighting in the place. What ISO speed did you use? Are you still in Cambodia? Hope to catch up soon! Best, G
Hi Gustavo!
Greetings from the airport in Bangkok, where I am waiting for my flight home. I use 800 ISO for dark markets…sometimes even 1200 now that I have the new Nikons. How’s your new photo gear working out?