@jfka> Merci infiniment!

@Kyla> Cheers!

@King> thanks very much for the kind praise, coming from you it is not taken lightly. As for the crop, I was shooting in a pretty tight space in this small classroom. I was also trying to be discrete as the camera was a major distraction and garnered much attention. I only wish I had shot more and had the chance to open up the angle a bit.

@Ana> Thanks for the comment.

Congratulations, Brant! You explanation was about what I expected, and as I said, brilliant.

Tell us the whole story! What were you doing there?
Do you know these kids?
What city/country/year/time of day?
What were the constraints and restrictions under which you were working?
Digital? Film? What lens?
Were you paid to do this?
Did the class get a print?
Did the parents of the little boy in the center see this beatiful photo of their child?

What makes so many W.S. photographers think that photos speak entirely for themselves? We have words in many languages that can communicate things we can't see in the photo. Are we not interested in the process? the artistic decisions made? the challenges faced and overcome?

Not picking on you Brant, just encouraging folks to communicate more.

If you are not comfortable writing in English, write in your native language. If I don't read French, that's my problem. I'll use a translator program or ask a friend or learn to read French. Same with Portuguese, Hungarian, etc.

Si vous n'êtes pas écriture confortable en anglais, écrire dans votre langue maternelle. Si je ne lis pas des Français, c'est mon problème. J'emploierai un programme de traducteur ou demanderai à un ami ou apprendrai à lire des Français. Mêmes avec portugais, hongrois, etc.

Wenn du nicht bequemes Schreiben auf englisch bist, in deine Muttersprache schreiben. Wenn ich nicht französisch lese, ist das mein Problem. Ich verwende ein übersetzerprogramm oder frage einen Freund oder erlerne, französisch zu lesen. Selben mit portugiesischem, ungarischem, etc.

Se você não for escrita confortável em inglês, escrever em sua língua nativa. Se eu não ler franceses, aquele é meu problema. Eu usarei um programa do tradutor ou perguntarei a um amigo ou aprendê-lo-ei ler franceses. Mesmos com Portuguese, o Hungarian, etc.

Se non siete scrittura comoda in inglese, scrivere nella vostra lingua madre. Se non leggo i francesi, quello è il mio problema. Userò un programma del traduttore o chiederò ad un amico o imparerò leggere i francesi. Stessi con portoghese, ungherese, ecc.

Congtrats on the feature. Well deserved!

Are you using Rosetta Stone, King? Or is it just Babel Fish?

Hey Brant - I told you this shot was a winner. Excellent work and congrats on the feature - well deserved.

I'm not quite getting your last few paragraphs there King. ;-)

I would add, it would be nice if you indicate what language you're using if you do post in something other than English. I can recognize most of the big ones, but I don't know if I'd know Hungarian or Swahili if I saw it typed here.

@psychodudu...just Google translate.

@King> You raise a very interesting point as usual. I would be more than happy to share the story behind this image and to answer all your questions. Your interest and inquisitiveness are admirable. However, not sure this is the best forum for that kind of exchange. Maybe a personal email would be better suited. I have had many discussions with other photographers about the concept of leaving an image to speak for itself vs. providing some background, a setting, or a story. I'm generally for the latter, but I appreciate its not for everyone.
Dan Seguin referred me to the following site to shed offer another view on the subject:
http://blog.magnumphotos.com/2007/02/what_exactly_do_you_want_to_say.html#more
Jury's still out.... (and apparently some think this image is pretty straightforward, so...)

@Steve> ;-)

Thanks as well to Mar00ned and taikrixel

The WeeklyShot Google group would be a nice place for shop talk, but only the geeks and goons go there.

Ever try to teach anyone anything by just looking at pictures? Anti-intellectuals give me a tummy ache.

The best place to talk about this photo is right here where people can see the photo, read the comments, ask questions and leave their own remarks.

Okay, so what's your favorite f-stop, dude?

Brant,
Perhaps you could post a relevant quote from the article that Mr. Seguin referred you to.

As for beginning an e-mail exchange, suddenly I find this photograph less interesting than it was earlier, so never mind.

Obviously, I'm peeved. I'll get over it. Dont' mind me.

Hope it wasnt my last reply that put you in this mood King...
As I said, more than happy to share, just say the word, that is if you care anymore.
Favorite f stop? the one that works best for the image.

Brant, Don't worry. Yes it was your last remark, especially the part about what Daniel Seguin (whose work I respect very much) wanted you to read.

The question about your favorite f-stop was sarcasm...I always ask anti-intellectuals what their favorite f-stop is. It puts an end to all philosophical discussions about photography and art.

But really, it's not you. You are A-OK in my book. I'm just grumbling. Old guys do that sometimes.

OK, Ill take your word for it.
Sorry to set you off. And if you feel the need, grumble away...
I got that about the f-stop question, I guess my tone in response wasnt translated (I was playing along in case it didnt come through).
As for intellectualism, ?
My initial response to your request was probably the result of previous negative experience with editorializing an image, so I apologize if my lack of 'response' hit a nerve on your end.
Hope your Friday picks up and turns for the better.

Brant,
I'm in a jolly mood, actually, but anti-intellectualism is a pet peeve. Really, don't worry, I'm just using your space for my soapbox...rather rude of me, wouldn't you say?

The thing main thing that sets us apart from the great apes is human language. Photographs aren't precious, erudite, inaccessible art objects. Next to dance, photography is the most accessible art form.

Not to be willing to discuss a photograph is, to me, and absurd example of vanity and knuckleheadedness.

King,
I dont mind the rant at all and no I dont take it as rude.
But are you implying that I consider my images 'precious, erudite, inaccessible', or that Im not willing to discuss?

Brant,

You don't appear to be willing to discuss this photograph in this forum. You didn't take the time or trouble to answer even one of these sincere questions:

What were you doing there?
Do you know these kids?
What city/country/year/time of day?
What were the constraints and restrictions under which you were working?
Digital? Film? What lens?
Were you paid to do this?
Did the class get a print?
Did the parents of the little boy in the center see this beatiful photo of their child?

On the WeeklyShot Google group, under the thread, "What's the Story (Theme)," I (as author of the theme) encouraged folks to tell the whole story, to get into some of the questions I posed above. If you are not willing to do that, then, in my opinion, you are not participating fully in the theme.

I don't take the time to leave long comments on photographs for my health. It takes time and effort, as all those who leave thoughtful comments no. How many out there would like to see a nice discussion such as this over one of their photos? Quite a few, I imagine.

Is it a language problem? Is English not your native language? If so, then that is perfectly understandable, and I stand by my remarks above: reply in your native language. If we don't understand, that's out problem.

Brant,

You don't appear to be willing to discuss this photograph in this forum. You didn't take the time or trouble to answer even one of these sincere questions:

What were you doing there?
Do you know these kids?
What city/country/year/time of day?
What were the constraints and restrictions under which you were working?
Digital? Film? What lens?
Were you paid to do this?
Did the class get a print?
Did the parents of the little boy in the center see this beatiful photo of their child?

On the WeeklyShot Google group, under the thread, "What's the Story (Theme)," I (as author of the theme) encouraged folks to tell the whole story, to get into some of the questions I posed above. If you are not willing to do that, then, in my opinion, you are not participating fully in the theme.

I don't take the time to leave long comments on photographs for my health. It takes time and effort, as all those who leave thoughtful comments no. How many out there would like to see a nice discussion such as this over one of their photos? Quite a few, I imagine.

Is it a language problem? Is English not your native language? If so, then that is perfectly understandable, and I stand by my remarks above: reply in your native language. If we don't understand, that's out problem.

Brant,
In case you've gone to bed or are taking a break, I'm not meaning to criticize you or to be harsh and I have absolutely no ill will toward you. We are just having a discussion here.

And no, I am not suggesting that you consider your images precious, erudite or inaccessible. I know that's not true. My remark was a generalization.

Take it outside boys.

O.K. this is getting a little crazy.
My reluctance, as stated in many previous answers, was based purely on my perception that (in the past) some people did not seem to want to know the details. Clearly I am wrong in this case. I did not read the topic in the google group discussion. And, no it is not a language thing, English is my mother tongue. So, I apologize to you King and all the others who had to wade laboriously through the last 10 or so comments.
Here goes...

This image was taken in a small village on the outskirts of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, at the end of 2006. While on vacation in Zimbabwe, I befriended the caretaker of our lodge, who was also the 'adopted grandmother' to the neighboring village. I was fortunate to be offered a personalized tour of the homestead and this amazing little school.
I shot this while sitting in on one of the morning classes. These children, while timid at first, were gracious and proud, despite the fact that they really subside on next to nothing. The determining factor in their access to education is whether they can afford a pen and simple notebook. The only constraints, besides the cramped space and low light (no electricity), were my own sentiments of not wanting to offend anyone or make them feel as if they were being objectified. You've never seen anything like the looks of sheer awe on their faces or the incredible smiles and laughs when I turned the camera around to show them their images on the 2.5" LCD display.
As for the technical stuff, this was shot digital, I believe with a 24-85 lens. I have emailed the images to the lodge (who I sincerely hope has distributed them to the kids and families) in addition to sending care packages of basic school supplies.
As for what this image is about to me, it's the boy staring out the window. What is he thinking about? Does he lost in the usual things kids day dream about while in class, is he counting the minutes until recess? Or does his world, one cursed with corrupt governments, severe poverty, HIV/AIDS impose different distracting thoughts on him.

This is the best story I've read in this theme, and very well written...you appear to have a talent for writing. Good for you, for what you did.

Thank you.

No bad feelings at all King!
I only wish there was no misunderstanding from the outset, of either of our intentions and that the discussion could have focused more on the image itself and constructive things in general.

My utmost pleasure.
Thanks for asking and caring.

I echo King's words. Thanks for that whole story. It sets the picture in context. I wish we did this all the time. I have a much more complete understanding of this picture now.

@Kadenajack> Thanks very much for the comments, I am really glad this turned in a positive direction.

And thanks king for the last compliment.

Great image, and I for one was really glad to hear the background story here (as well as the technical nitty gritty). Thanks for sharing.

Nice story Brant, the added context adds to this already brilliant image.

Thanks very much again Steve, glad it was well received.
Thanks as well to SeekingFocus.

Your story and the picture together say so much more than just the story, or just the picture.
Sometimes, probably often, it is the image and the story that bring the scene alive and create something beyond the aesthetic.
I'm glad that King persevered with his concerns and questions, and that you eventually responded in such a positive way. I feel I've learned something, thanks.

Thank you very much Tony. Very kind of you.
I grew up on National Geographic and for me, no matter how good the image, and I hold them up as the finest, the narrative always added a compelling element to the whole story. Not only that, but the story behind the capture of the image was even more interesting. Im glad after a bit of misunderstanding of intentions the response to this particular image has been so good. Thanks again for the comment and sorry for making you read through all the nonsense.