Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => Street Showcase => Topic started by: KLaban on January 26, 2025, 08:25:20 am

Title: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on January 26, 2025, 08:25:20 am
Morocco, three hours from London but a world and time apart. The world of authors Paul Bowles and Mohamed Choukri can still be found, as can the time of photographer Harry Gruyaert.

That said, in photographic terms, Morocco is the most challenging destination I’ve haunted, the mere presence of a camera can induce apoplexy.

As I’ve said in the past, I’m not keen on pigeonholes and labels, but post this image in the ‘Street’ section in the knowledge that it could be considered as misplaced. I see it, along with much of my work, as simply 'of the street'.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Woman_Cane.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: RSL on January 26, 2025, 12:14:48 pm
Gorgeous, Keith.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: francois on January 27, 2025, 04:54:11 am
Excellent composition, perfectly timed and rich colors and geometry. It's a wonderful shot.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Arlen on January 27, 2025, 09:14:01 pm
Wonderful image. I appreciate your sharing it here.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: MattBurt on January 29, 2025, 10:37:54 am
Very nice. Love to colors and atmosphere.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on January 31, 2025, 06:20:43 am
Many thanks to all for the feedback, very much appreciated.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on May 12, 2025, 02:41:43 pm
One from last week. A worker at a tannery in Fes, Morocco. These guys work twelve hours a day immersed in noxious chemicals and pigeon shit often with no protective clothing in the blazing sun and the immense heat. We were privileged to be allowed on the tannery floor amongst the vats, certainly the most dangerous shoot of our lives, precariously balanced on the narrow concrete walls of the vats, jumping from one to another. One slip and we would have joined the workers in the mire.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Tannery_Shorts.jpg)     
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on May 13, 2025, 10:21:23 am
Morocco, three hours from London but a world and time apart. The world of authors Paul Bowles and Mohamed Choukri can still be found, as can the time of photographer Harry Gruyaert.

That said, in photographic terms, Morocco is the most challenging destination I’ve haunted, the mere presence of a camera can induce apoplexy.

As I’ve said in the past, I’m not keen on pigeonholes and labels, but post this image in the ‘Street’ section in the knowledge that it could be considered as misplaced. I see it, along with much of my work, as simply 'of the street'.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Woman_Cane.jpg)


I don’t know why, but appear to have missed seeing this one!

Beautiful photo; absolutely belongs in this folder/pigeonhole/showcase. Those colours are fantastic - as are the many shades and textures you nailed. Her stick makes it complete. Congratulations!
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on May 17, 2025, 05:22:11 am
Camel head is considered by many to be a delicacy and is sold in butcher shops and food markets throughout Morocco. Somewhat of a shock though for those of us with
our Western European sensibilities who buy our cow, sheep and pig in little sanitised packages in our supermarkets. Leica Q3 43, ISO 250, f/2, 1/125s. X posted to Leica Q forum.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Camel_Head.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: francois on May 19, 2025, 05:11:07 am
Great set of photos although I wouldn't put a large version of the camel head in my living room :-)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on May 25, 2025, 08:57:13 am
Tannery worker in Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Tannery_Worker_Fes.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on May 30, 2025, 11:12:56 am
He Shoots, Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/He_Shoots_Fes.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on May 30, 2025, 12:14:35 pm
Lingua franca!
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 02, 2025, 04:07:30 am
Tannery worker, Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Tannery_Worker_Fes2.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on June 02, 2025, 05:11:29 pm
It’ll all come out in the wash! ;-)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 04, 2025, 05:17:06 am
Lingua franca!

Football, the second religion.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 05, 2025, 06:53:17 am
It’ll all come out in the wash! ;-)

I somehow doubt it!

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Tannery_Worker_Fes3.jpg)

 ;)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on June 05, 2025, 10:33:05 am
For me - the best one yet.

Rob
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 08, 2025, 08:26:30 am
Copper Workers, Fes.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Copper_Workers_Fes.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 11, 2025, 07:52:37 am
With Attitude. Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/With_Attitude.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 20, 2025, 04:17:29 am
Biblical scene in Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Tannery_Fes.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 22, 2025, 05:15:17 am
Big Brother's Hand-Me-Down Sweatshirt, Meknes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Hand-Me-Down-Sweatshirt.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 26, 2025, 06:45:25 am
Blacksmith, Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Blacksmith_Fes.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Frans Waterlander on June 26, 2025, 12:17:29 pm
Awesome photos, Keith. On the last one, I would have cloned out the bright white area (window or wall opening?) just above the man.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 26, 2025, 03:34:08 pm
Awesome photos, Keith. On the last one, I would have cloned out the bright white area (window or wall opening?) just above the man.

Thanks Frans, appreciated.

Frankly I couldn't decide if it added or detracted. I did consider removing it but it just felt a step too far. I'd be fascinated to know what others here feel about it.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: degrub on June 26, 2025, 06:00:47 pm
i think it is needed as it shows where the light from the back is coming from on the interior of the shop. Since it is washed out hi key, it doesn't detract to me.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Frans Waterlander on June 27, 2025, 12:06:36 am
i think it is needed as it shows where the light from the back is coming from on the interior of the shop. Since it is washed out hi key, it doesn't detract to me.
In my opinion, the light is overwhelminbly coming from the front.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 27, 2025, 02:56:31 am
i think it is needed as it shows where the light from the back is coming from on the interior of the shop. Since it is washed out hi key, it doesn't detract to me.

Thanks, opinion has been divided when I've shown it to people in person. It would be easy to remove but I tend to be happier with authenticity.

Jury is out.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 27, 2025, 06:17:26 am
OK, here is a version without it.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Blacksmith_Fes2.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Frans Waterlander on June 27, 2025, 12:13:02 pm
Yes, that's it!
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 27, 2025, 01:19:32 pm
It's marginally better without the window; I think a decent compromise would to darken, without completely removing, it; it is a little distracting in the original.

It's the age-old dilemma: are you a photojournalist, debarred from significant alteration to the scene as it was, or a photographer working only towards a final image which pleases you (and, perhaps, your audience).

I confess I tend very much to the latter.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 27, 2025, 03:54:31 pm
[quote author=Jeremy Roussak link=topic=144377.msg1265925#msg1265925 date=1751044772

...It's the age-old dilemma: are you a photojournalist, debarred from significant alteration to the scene as it was, or a photographer working only towards a final image which pleases you (and, perhaps, your audience).

I confess I tend very much to the latter.

Jeremy
[/quote]

Thanks. Moi aussi
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on June 29, 2025, 06:08:59 am
Hmm, Tiger...What Tiger? Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Tiger_What_Tiger.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Chris Kern on June 29, 2025, 09:19:54 am
It's the age-old dilemma: are you a photojournalist, debarred from significant alteration to the scene as it was . . .

Or, perhaps more accurately, as the mechanical contraption of camera sensor and lens (and optionally in-camera processing) happened to record it.  I'm appalled by news photographs of buildings that exhibit severe cartoonish keystoning that could easily have been corrected or at least ameliorated in post.  Nobody's eyes and brain perceive vertical lines that way.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 05, 2025, 05:06:12 pm
On the Streets.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/On_the_Streets.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: degrub on July 06, 2025, 11:09:37 am
i think Russ would approve. Some interpretation left to the viewer.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 07, 2025, 04:19:05 am
...Some interpretation left to the viewer.

Agreed. So far, of all the images I've posted to this thread, I believe only two would then qualify.

Perhaps any definition of 'Street' would need your observation to be included? I'd be happy enough with that.

I have to admit that most of my work wouldn't meet my own purist led definition.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: degrub on July 07, 2025, 09:11:15 am
IMO, usually, there is some sort of dynamic, a tension, a question, a mystery,  between humans either both in the scene or maybe one/something off camera
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on July 07, 2025, 10:07:12 am
That’s some friggin’ mosquito, hanging up there in the left upper corner of the arch! I hope they don’t cross over to Spain…

;-)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 07, 2025, 03:51:55 pm
That’s some friggin’ mosquito, hanging up there in the left upper corner of the arch! I hope they don’t cross over to Spain…

;-)

That'll be John Hurt's Alien, now residing on the streets of Morocco and in rude health.

;-)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 09, 2025, 10:00:31 am
Profile.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Profile.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Chris Kern on July 09, 2025, 10:18:02 am
Profile.

Brilliant composition.  Maybe mask the figure and enhance the exposure ever-so-slightly, to make him stand out from the background?
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on July 09, 2025, 12:53:35 pm
Well seen.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 10, 2025, 03:10:34 am
Brilliant composition.  Maybe mask the figure and enhance the exposure ever-so-slightly, to make him stand out from the background?

Chris, thanks. I was aiming for the parts of the figure in the shadow to merge into the shadows, a shadow within the shadow, and the parts of the figure in the light to come forward, emphasizing the man's profile and hand echoing the 'profile' at the top of the image.

Slobodan, thanks, appreciated.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 11, 2025, 07:44:24 am
A haven of peace amid the chaos that is Fes. Definitely not street ;-)

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Le_Calife.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 15, 2025, 05:08:07 am
The Support of a Friend. Essaouira, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Friends.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: francois on July 22, 2025, 05:07:42 am
Perfect title!
What a nice set of images from Morocco.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 22, 2025, 05:18:16 am
Many thanks, Francois.
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 22, 2025, 05:59:15 am
Wash Day, Meknes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Wash_Day.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on July 22, 2025, 10:21:12 am
A haven of peace amid the chaos that is Fes. Definitely not street ;-)

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Le_Calife.jpg)


Great balls of friggin’ fire! Just imagine how that would look if the ghost of the late Jerry Lee Lewis was to come a-haunting… ;-)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on July 28, 2025, 09:11:17 am
The Bone Worker, Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Bone_Worker.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on August 21, 2025, 08:41:43 am
Tannery Worker, Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Tannery_Worker_Fes4.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on September 13, 2025, 02:23:17 pm
Squatters, Fes, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Squats.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on September 13, 2025, 05:30:10 pm
The cats steals the show: natural actor.

;-)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on October 23, 2025, 06:18:43 am
Living Statue, Essaouira, Morocco.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Living_Sculpture.jpg)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: Rob C on October 23, 2025, 09:32:19 am
One second time exposure? I wonder if those guys have a great sex life: holding it must come as second nature. ;-)
Title: Re: Morocco
Post by: KLaban on November 14, 2025, 01:10:15 pm
Weaver, Essaouira, Morocco. Leica Q3 43, ISO 3200, f/5.6, 1/50s. X-Posted.

(https://www.keithlaban.co.uk/Weaver_Essaouira.jpg)