I was walking back home today after my usual bird round. Managed to click Hoopoe, Black Redstart, Myna and a few more. There is this construction site on the way. As I was walking by, I saw the two children on the right squeezing further to cover the third child with their shawl. I hesitate quite a lot in clicking people, but my hands moved on their own and I clicked a picture. Then decided to walk home, get a few warm clothes and give it to them. I know you too would have done the same, made a small gesture. The right most child is a girl and eldest of the lot. Handed it to her, her reaction was strange, quite disbelieving I would say.
I was not sure that I would write about this, but as much I would try to ignore, I kept think about this picture. So, I decided I would blog.
Note to self- Whenever you end up taking a picture like this, think hard about what can you give back?
now wondering what was her reaction ? if she refused to take the shawl
Poignant Picture! And I share your feeling.
I remember reading an article about a photographer who was reporting from Somalia . He has spoken about how his camera would capture images of the dead and the dying, and the angst of not being able to do anything to change the situation and the want to do so…
Beautiful,the shot and the humanity of your words.
Nilesh, I had anticipated that she may refuse, as it has happened to me a few times. But that has not stopped me from trying again if I feel I can do something, however small. And when I say the girl showed disbelief I mean in a pleasant surprise kind of a way, she let me wrap her in a jacket which was too big for her but hopefully warmer than what she had. And she walked with the rest of the clothes to her mother.
Meena, thank you, yes I thought I would walk away and not take a picture but then I just took one, felt guilty, tried to do something and still feel the situation is too much complex and bigger than me, thanks for understanding.
Derek thank you, I remember I tried giving money to some people walking on a road because they helped me get my car out of a ditch by pushing it out of it. They just waved me off, giving me that ‘crazy woman driver’ look! But mercifully they did not take offence. 😀
Good gesture Mridula, I missed some posts. as I was travelling
Reality bites…and such naked one does