He is willing to make fun of himself a bit for the sake of the girls, rather than sitting a few meters away and staring at them as is the usual in these circumstances. Whether the photography takes place in the Middle East or in Asia or in the Caribbean, my work with girls and women brings out in men a less than desirable reaction, many times understandably so.
One interaction such in the image above diffuses such reactions and allows me to work in peace. These are after all girls accustomed to doing their chores and rarely taking center stage. Their place is that of the woman in the background, secluded and separated from the activities in center stage. During our entire session she never allowed her face to be seen, only a few times lifting her head enough to see the girls having fun and smiling in turn.
I will admit that I know very little of this culture, and the other cultures within my photography. These visual records are but clues to the larger picture, but I feel deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to make such an image, to be able to later on reflect on it and perhaps gain a slightly better understanding of the people within it.
To this village I will return soon, perhaps next year in order to see the success of the schools sponsored by Humana People to People India. I do hope that this elder and his colleagues continue to support the school in their village, to send their girls to gain an education.
We are in the final stage of funding for the five schools of 2013 and could use any support. Should you feel attracted to these faces and their stories, then you may contact me through the following links with your thoughts.
Halim Ina Photography
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