marklchaves

maldivian landscapes

the other side of posh https:--www.marklchaves.com-other-side-of-posh

the other side of posh https:--www.marklchaves.com-other-side-of-posh
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X100S

Aperture 28/5 ISO 400 Shutter 1/2500 Focal Length 23/1

upload_date

Nov, 2016

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Behind The Lens

Location

This new topographics landscape photograph was made on the island of Maafushi in the Maldives. Maafushi is an 'inhabited island’ in the Kaafu Atoll. Before the island was officially opened to tourists in 2010, it was an isolated island. So, in 2013/2014 I witnessed the tourist ‘boom’ that ensued shortly after. This time was a rare opportunity to document the early transformation of Maafushi from a sleepy fishing village to an international destination.

Time

It was about 7:00 in the morning.

Lighting

At 7:00 in the morning, I knew that the sun would be high enough to shine its rays through the palm trees at this particular beach. This meant I would have interesting patterns of light and shadow and tonal contrast to play with. Luck also plays a big role in photography. Here, I was lucky that the table was still in the shadow leaving only the torn umbrella illuminated.

Equipment

I used my trusty FujiFilm x100s rangefinder. This is my go-to camera for traveling, street photography, and macro. As we can see, it takes beautiful landscapes as well because of its 23 mm focal length lens.

Inspiration

This photograph of a lonely and tattered umbrella is part of my photo essay, The Other Side of Posh. Typical photographs of the Maldives depict the private fantasy island-like atolls and the lavish lifestyle that the exclusive resorts cater to. This essay (turned exhibit) offers scenes of Maldivian life ‘behind’ the luxury resorts. The Other Side of Posh captures the daily routine of the people and landscapes, which are married to the Maldives lucrative tourist industry. So, this umbrella is the embodiment of the essay--a sort of Yin & Yang of paradise and squalor.

Editing

This image required very little editing--I love it when this happens ;-). I leveled and cropped slightly. I applied a standard black & white filter with a medium S-curve.

In my camera bag

It really depends on where I am, what the assignment is, and what the goal is. For street photography, I carry my x100s and a spare battery. For portraits, modeling, events, and lifestyle, I'll bring along some analog cameras (e.g. Canon FT/QL with 200 or 400 ISO film) and a DSLR (Nikon D610) with a 50 mm and 80 mm lens. For interior gigs, I bring a sturdy metal-based tripod (e.g. Jusino), a DSLR, 50 mm lens, 20 mm lens, extra batteries, and battery charger (will also bring my x100s for impromptu lifestyle, macro, and for a backup). I'll also pack a speed light with extra batteries if limited light is a factor.

Feedback

Like artists, photographers view the world differently than most people. This is important. When I was creating The Other Side of Posh, I photographed many things that were overlooked--that most people would ignore let alone photograph. Especially when it comes to the New Topographic style of photography, it's vital that an atypical view of the mundane enters your consciousness. Otherwise, images like this lonely umbrella would be missed. Timing, of course, is a major player. Photographers are generally more aware of their surroundings and the lifecycle of natural light. Be open to the extraordinary. But, don't forget that the extraordinary can be hiding in plain sight.

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marklchaves

marklchaves

maldivian landscapes

the other side of posh https:--www.marklchaves.com-other-side-of-posh

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow marklchaves

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