Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

A London street market.

Perhaps not a conventional composition but does it say more this way?

Graham

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

when you are on an airline leaving the imaginary line that is a certain distance from mecca, the women go to bathroom remove the burka, an they come back wearing a designer dress.

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

A wonderful picture, printed with long scale and maximum definition (you can count threads in the cloth). Definitely unconventional, and for me it says all sorts of stuff! :!: :!: :!:

The woman in the niqab may be shopping for herself, or her daughter. She is clearly intent on examining the frock. We can see her eyes. Beneath her niqab and abaya she may be wearing the latest fashion, but only her family ever sees it, only in the home, but there is no reason why should should not be shopping for herself.

What's really interesting is the utterly inscrutable expression on the woman half into frame behind her. Her eyes are clearly intent on an obviously observant Muslim woman, but we cannot read her expression because it's pretty much neutral. She is not scowling (exactly), but neither is her look exactly approving either. What is she thinking? Is it curiosity? Hatred? Complete indifference? Is she wondering how any woman in any culture can allow herself to be so unliberated? Is she wondering how bloody hot that thing must be? Is she thinking "Muslims go home!" Or is she merely thinking, "I like that dress. I hope she doesn't buy it." And that's what makes the picture. Does it say more this way? Oh, my goodness, does it ever. A picture to linger longer over! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Two women shopping. Now this I can relate to, though I hate clothes shopping. I like the contrast between what she is wearing and what she is shopping for. I like the mannequin in the background, and the woman in western dressing looking on. I too wonder what she is thinking. I also notice that this appears to be an outdoor market. Is the woman in western dress a tourist? She looks like she can't find anything that she wants to buy.

Nightski

A very thought provoking photo, Graham. It makes one wonder what is in the minds of these 2 women. It's a quick thinking capture of 2 women who came from vastly different cultures, but for the moment are so close to each other.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

I understand your intent with the image, and believe I would understand it without the descriptive title. My eyes have trouble finding an initial resting place, however, jumping from the larger darker shape in the center to the lighter shape split by the right edge of the frame. I also find the background to be distracting, especially on the upper right. I do like the story, but find there are too many competing focal points for me. Thanks for the post Graham, I enjoy your work immensely. 8-)

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Trust Chuck to know the difference between a burka and a nigab.

I'm glad Graham used f/2.8 to give us a DOF which squarely focusses our attention on the ladies in the foreground and nicely blends away the clutter of the shop. Compositionally, the mannequin in the black dress serves well as a virtual dividing line between two cultures, contrasted with the Eastern woman who seemingly would be "breaking the rules" if she purchases that particular garment. But then, we at UHH know all about breaking the rules.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

And you just described shopping. Too many focal points competing for your attention.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

That's exactly how I saw the mannequin Bob.

Graham

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Hahahaha.......how very true. :D

MtnMan Loc: ID

I interpreted the second woman as the sales lady.

charryl Loc: New Mexico, USA

Contrary to most comments I do not like the second woman in the frame. I do not feel she adds to the story. If the image was cropped to exclude the second woman but keep the mannequin, then you have story. Two black forms...one formless the other strongly female hovering over the decision-making. This makes for very strong subtext.

MtnMan Loc: ID

It makes a more clear story. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, though.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

So maybe she is worried she won't make this sale.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I think including the western woman makes the division between the cultures greater than just the mannequin and the western dress. Though I agree that excluding her the photo still tells a story.