Workers in Kerala, India (Part 2 of 3)

3 CommentsThursday • November 12, 2009 • by Donnie

These photographs were made shortly after my series with the workers in part 1. I saw this construction site from the road and decided to go inside and introduce myself. As in part 1, I wasn’t simply looking for “pretty” pictures or documentary photos. I was looking for content and beauty. Story and soul.

I first started photographing a teenage boy who was catching bricks. I tried different focal lengths and eventually came to this composition (see photo 1). After that, I had to capture the brick at just the right moment. This brick serves the same purpose as the large rock in part 1: it’s the counter-point of interest to the worker’s face.

Second, I started photographing this older man who was carrying bricks to the wall, and then throwing them up to the roof (see photo 3). I could tell by his calm and pleasant disposition, that a nice portrait was waiting to be discovered. Richard Avedon, one of the best portrait and fashion photographers as far as I’m concerned, mentioned how he works from a series of no’s: no distractions, no exquisite lighting, no props, etc. The no’s eventually lead to the yes! I find this to be a great approach as well. I positioned myself where the composition would be simplest: no trash bags on the floor, no workers, ladders, or wheel barrels in the background. I then waited for the worker to return. When he did, I quietly asked him to look at me for a moment (see photo 4).

In looking back on that afternoon, I’m surprised by how many portfolio shots came from that short period of time. These three photos—the rock carrier from part 1, the brick catcher, and brick thrower—remain as three of my favorite shots taken during a six-month trip! What’s interesting is that this happens numerous times in my portfolio. If I hadn’t been prepared during certain moments, I would have missed out on some amazing photographic opportunities and meaningful experiences. In this case, what if I’d decided to go home after my Hindi class instead of exploring this nearby village? Thinking about that almost makes me shudder.

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