Cochin 0001
by salmiakki

Comment by ubique:
Drat! I knew there was a drawback to my taking my commenting on these essays one day at a time; it means that I have to agree with the bloke who agreed with Don. Third banana I am. Nevertheless, my comments, or really it's my purloining of their comments, are no less sincere for that. Hear, hear! and thank you.

Cochin 0001
by salmiakki

Comment by daisydavid:
Don is spot on with how you have personalised these images showing your open and thoughtful interaction with these beautiful people. It says a lot about you, and it is a precious talent. It seems that you have reached their inner beauty and they have reciprocated, what a wonderful feeling that must have been. It is very much an essay, and a very good one at that.

Cochin 0001
by salmiakki

Comment by posthumous:
This is most certainly a photo essay. You've forced me to consider this as a genre of photography: the *un*candid street portrait. The contrast with mark wiley's essay could not be more apparent... it's the difference between unawareness and awareness. Mark gives us the peace of unconsciousness, you give us proud confrontation. There is a timeless quality to these photos. Any time in photographic history someone can be taken aside and photographed like this, but these are not "posed". Clearly, this is a respectful, honest interaction between two people, subject and photographer. You're on a fine line here, but you never lose your footing. They are aware enough to look you in the "eye" but not long enough to become self-conscious. The expressions are as varied as the people themselves, as though you've caught something essential about each person instead of having them act out your agenda.

Really, this collection stands up against any of the others here.

Cochin 0001
by salmiakki

Comment by insteps:
Beautiful collection of environmental portraits. What's amazing is that you captured all these photographs during a 24 hour visit to Fort Kochi. I rarely ask to take somebody's picture so it's a treat to see this form of street photography. A very nice addition to the February photo essays. Your efforts have helped keep this side challenge going. Thanks

Cochin 0001
by salmiakki

Comment by markwiley:
A wonderful series of environmental portraits. Love the colors and faces -- and I can only image the smell of spices in the air.

Cochin 0001
by salmiakki

Comment by 2mccs:
I am no expert on what is and what isn't an essay but this is certainly an entertaining and beautifully photographed collection of portraits. I seems to me that this is a perfect essay on the characters that inhabit the spice markets in Fort Kochi. And although I really like all of the images I particularly liked 7 and 9. I appreciate your sharing these with us.

Cochin 0001
by salmiakki

Comment by PennyStreet:
Beautiful, colorful and personal portraits, Sarah... I envy your travels and ability to capture life of the people. I'm wondering if a smell is attached to the colors (and smiles).

Fierce
by salmiakki

Comment by posthumous:
such an expression. apparent ferocity resolves into something more ambiguous.

Fierce
by salmiakki

Comment by Dennisheckman:
Just missed the eye focus. Also some blurred spot on the bridge of his nose. Close down the aperture one or two stops and it would be perfect.

Fierce
by salmiakki

Comment by streetpigeon:
A winning, endearing portrait.