a morning stroll

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I woke up this morning at 5, the jetlag still lingering. I tried to go back to sleep but it was useless. Outside of my cracked window there looked to be a beautiful dawn breaking. Being the photojournalist i am, i decided i would take a rare occasion to capture some street scenes in the morning light. Morning strolls of this nature have become one of my favorite travel experiences. There is something very calming and dreamy about watching the world wake up. The air is not yet thick with exhaust fumes, the cars aren't yet beeping incessantly at eachother. People are opening their shops and market stands. The air is cool and inviting. One of my first encounters was the chicken place. Guys were pulling chickens by the threes and shoving them in small cages---off to the butcher. I wondered, "do the chickens have large talons?" They were squawking something fierce and the black birds that were looking down from the electric wires were doing the same, as if to protest their fellow foul's fate. I always find it enjoyable to watch people observe me as i set up my tripod. They always stop dead in their tracks and scrutinize my operation, unsure whether i'm going to paint a picture or gun them down with heavy artillery. After a while of shooting, several people approached me and asked if i would photograph them. This is where the digital thing is nice. They marvel at their self portrait, ask for another, and go wake their siblings to have them pose as well. This makes it easy for me, as it's always somewhat awkward and morally questionable to approach someone and ask if you can place their existence onto film. I was really happy with some of the results. Photography is a sort of theraputic way for me to seek out the beauty of a place. It reminds me to look closer, and it's a gateway to interaction with the local community.
I've become something of a serial market photographer. I can't help but be drawn to the vibrant colors of produce and the smells. It's the little things. Anyway, i'm getting absolutely eaten alive by possible malaria carrying mesquitos so i'm gonna sign off. Hope you enjoy the pics.

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Photos

Relax
stop and smell the roses

Market
The essential market photos 1

I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts
deedel ee dee

Comments

[Teddy]

Pictures look great lynz, keep us posted with more updates! Remember: 1.) Lord loves a working man 2.) Don't trust whitey 3.) See a doctor and get rid of it

[g'pa & g"ma]

wonderful pictures
lynz: the pictures and commentary are wonderful, keep them coming. we can enjoy your adventure with you. love you'