HIMBA GIRL - NAMIBIA

Artist: Michael Sheridan
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HIMBA GIRL - NAMIBIA

The Himba people live in Northern Namibia and Southern Angola. This Himba lady was photographed in her village in far Northern Namibia. The smooth reddish skin effect is achieved by daily applications of a reddish clay mixed with ash and butter. These ladies apparently never bathe in water.

Tessa Bishop, 2 months ago

Wow, such beauty. awesome shot!
Robyn Carter, 2 months ago

Wow – beautiful. The lighting is great too :)
Chris Willis, 2 months ago

Awesome shot…what a beautiful profile she has…is that the same clay mix in her hair as well? Whatever it is…it’s one amazing headdress.
Michael Sheridan in reply to Chris Willis’s comment, 2 months ago

Chris -

I was told that the Himba ladies begin making these long braids early in life. They apparently collect cuttings of their own hair, fashion them into braids with clay and butter, and apply the braids to the scalp with the same mixture. Whatever the case, they make for a striking portrait if the photographer can figure out a way to control the harsh light.

Regards,

Michael Sheridan
Chris Willis, 2 months ago

thanks Michael….very interesting…I think I shall stick to my shampoo for now :-) You say that they don’t wash, but use the clay butter mix every day…does it have the same effect as washing…or do they have an interesting ‘perfume’ about them?
Christopher Bi..., 2 months ago

this is a stunning shot
Barssel, 2 months ago

Great concept and result…..............well done.
inge, 2 months ago

i’m jealous and I WILL go there :)
HELUA, 2 months ago

A very beautiful woman and great photo of her !!!
debsphotos, 2 months ago

Amazing image …excellent Michael!! *-)
Allison Lane, 2 months ago

Stunning!
gothgirl, 2 months ago

classic
Shelly Hiebert, 2 months ago

Looks like you figured out how to control the harsh light quite nicely! Fantastic photo!
Michael Sheridan in reply to Shelly Hiebert’s comment, 2 months ago

Shelly -

Thanks for the input. This lady was a real challenge. She was sitting in a tiny patch of shade on a very bright day – but that’s the way it usually is with tribal people. You can’t really position them because then they stiffen up, the spontaneity is lost, and it becomes just another posed snapshot. The best situation for this type of photography is bright overcast.

Regards,

Michael Sheridan
Bob McKain, 2 months ago

Very well done, excellent light and such an expressive image.