Pygmy woman
This woman lives in Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s the only place pygmies live. She and her tribe has been forced out of the jungle by militias. As such they need to learn a new way of living. HEAL Africa is supporting them with land and skills. All profits to HEAL Africa.
This shot has been published nationally.
Pygmy woman belongs to the following groups:
Street Photography and Photojournalism and The Fine Art of Photography
markhiggins
fantastic design and colouring and i like the placement
of the woman. great shot.
Melinda Kerr replied
Thanks Mark. It was spontaneous as these candids always are. She just has such a great stance.
Kathryn Potempski
I love the direct stare, wonderful photo Melinda,Hows the book coming along
Melinda Kerr replied
Slowly :)
Courtney Goddard
love it – congrats – what colour manip did you use?
Melinda Kerr replied
Hi Courtney. I used Photoshop CS3. I converted it to black and white (increasing the yellow and red filters in the B&W option box). Then from memory I put a black/brown layer over the top and applied a soft light to it. I then erased back the black to reveal the woman keeping a slight vignette effect. Then I think I did a bit of dodging and burning on the ground. Finally I used a noise plug in to get rid of the grain.
Hans Kawitzki
great work Melinda,I like the treatment you used and thanks for the explanation.
Melinda Kerr replied
Thanks Hans. For interest sake would I be ‘allowed’ to enter this into a monochrome category of a competition? Or has there been too much photoshop work done?
Hans Kawitzki
Melinda,the answer would be NO as is,it has to be in black and white OR when it has been modified by the addition of a SINGLE TONE to the ENTIRE IMAGE.
At present your image has 2 different tones photoshop work does not come in to it as long as there is only one tone.
Melinda Kerr replied
Hi Hans, I only remember putting one tone in. What makes it suggest there’s two? (Just trying to learn!)
Hans Kawitzki
the brown (tone) and the white dress
Melinda Kerr replied
So it can be black and white but not brown and white? Is that what you’re saying? :)
greenfrog153
Melinda, this is a stunning portrait.
Melinda Kerr replied
Thanks Kirily.
David Stuart
Gorgeous photo, heartbreaking stories out of Africa.
Alan Rodmell
Beautiful detail on the dress. I Love the selective toning too. Excellent work
JimFilmer
excellent -what more to say, except that behind this wonderful looking person is obviously a very sad and hard life
Lila Alias
AMAZING PHOTO! very moving..
JudyBJ
Absolutely superb job
Melanie Dooley
I met many pygmies in the Central African Republic – Dzanga Sancha Reserve. Not DRC, but close. When I was there it was still called Zaire. The CAR pygmies do live in the forest – they hunt for duiker and live in a relatively traditional way, all things considered. It’s a nice contrast to those who have been dispossessed. They are fortunate I guess. Though a tourist only has a glimpse into their life.
This is a gorgeous photo.
ChrisHopkins
this is such a wonderful image, one of the best ive seen in RB relating to people and africa,well done
Lisa Michele B...
Amazing work