Death ritual

michswiss

1)

2)

TonyCooper

While I like the photographs, I think this is a instance of need for explanatory text. The bit about
the pictures telling the story doesn't work when there's a custom involved that is unfamiliar to the viewer.

If this was just a bonfire, no text would be needed. The title, however, suggests something more.

michswiss

Fair enough Tony. I'm having difficulty with writing narratives or descriptions of many of my shots. It's a struggle for me in some of the documentary series I'm attempting. Googling Chinese funeral or death rituals will provide some context.

But in this case, the scene is in the community I've been documenting for the last two years. It represents the burning of the clothes of the deceased. This comes later in the process if I understand it correctly.

bdcolen

michswiss wrote:

1)

This image is really terrific, Jen. On the one hand I agree with Tony's request for text. On the other hand, the expression you captured is so sad, I don't feel I need anything more than what you already wrote. No, I don't know the ins-and-outs of Chinese death rituals and mourning, but that man looks so bereft, that anything more is unnecessary. :cry

Scootersbabygirl

The title and photos make me want to know more - which is always a good thing!

Niepce

Fantastic captures !

I'm surprized you were allowed to get so close... In my experience Shanghainese are not crazy about people taking pics of them, so how did you manage to get so up, close and personal with a mourning family ?

Art Scott

Niepce wrote:

Fantastic captures !

I'm surprized you were allowed to get so close... In my experience Shanghainese are not crazy about people taking pics of them, so how did you manage to get so up, close and personal with a mourning family ?

A lot of times it is simply ...... attitude.
I found this so true when I was in Europe........I heard and read on a lot of ex pat type forums how americans are looked at and treated in certain countries......but I went to some of the very same places and was treated very well......I took my camera into place others could not........i have been in a lot of religious temples where no one else was allowed to photograph.........I think it is how we present our selves to the other person(s)..........

I have Chinese friends that say I should have been Chinese and friends in Germany, Czech Republic and south Africa that say no one would ever know I wasn't from their country if I just did not talk:Drofl.....but it has never brought me any grief.............

michswiss

Niepce wrote:

Fantastic captures !

I'm surprized you were allowed to get so close... In my experience Shanghainese are not crazy about people taking pics of them, so how did you manage to get so up, close and personal with a mourning family ?

I'm pleased you like them. A lot of people don't know I've taken a shot until it's too late. As Art said, it does have a lot to do with demeanor, but mostly I think I've developed some patience. If someone sees me and waves me off, I won't shoot. If I do see a scene worth exploring, I will explore it over several shots and as many angles I can without disrupting the subjects. But to get there, it might take 15-20 minutes before I fire the shutter the first time.

rainbow

I love everything about the first shot. Superb!

Niepce

michswiss wrote:

I'm pleased you like them. A lot of people don't know I've taken a shot until it's too late. As Art said, it does have a lot to do with demeanor, but mostly I think I've developed some patience. If someone sees me and waves me off, I won't shoot. If I do see a scene worth exploring, I will explore it over several shots and as many angles I can without disrupting the subjects. But to get there, it might take 15-20 minutes before I fire the shutter the first time.

I guess I'm too shy and / or not patient enough.

Richard

The first shot is outstanding. I did know something about the clothes burning ritual--I think I may have learned about it from another post on Dgrin --so I immediately got it. Well done.

Nir

Beautiful shot!