Shelter by Jonathan Munshi

Saturday, 30th May 2009

Shelter

by Jonathan Munshi

A street girl takes temporary refuge under a tree in a sudden downpour. Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Equipment: Nikon D700; Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

Jonathan Munshi

Formally a corporate geek, I am now a traveler…and a hobby photographer. I am currently in Bangladesh documenting life in everyday places.

29 Comments

Dianne Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 2:32 am
A shiver brought on by the reality of a broken heart…alone, bequeathed by the tears of dissapointment, my this could say so much. Some run away from it, while others wait in the midst of the storm, if one could only see the light.
This has tremendous story potential. Good eye, good shot. Keep on Jonathan!
Anurag Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Very expressive shot. Technically very competent. Has a lot of journalistic potential. But, I must warn that we should not fall into the trap of glorifying the misery of the less fortunate and in the process of singing praises of the artifact, forget that people’s misery is real and requires urgent attention from all quarters, domestic governments as well as international agancies. Socioeconomic inequality is the single biggest cause of civil unrest, the kind of which we are witnessing all around the world.
James and Kelly Stone Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I agree with Anurag, that each of us should be more responsible in being aware, but with that awareness taking action in helping the less fortunate. And now that the “politics” of my beliefs is spoken, I would like to congratulate you, Jonathon, on a most excellent Photo of the Day! This is definitely a picture that speaks a thousand words. Love the technical quality that the girl is the focal point, with the pedestrians in the background and the downpour of rain is in blur. Excellent composition and great choice for POTD on Earthshots!!
Ann Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Excellent narrative shot with a good contemporary style. Very well executed
su Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 8:40 am
This shot would have been awesome whether she was a streetgirl or someone else sheltering in a storm.With the story behind it it is such a powerful shot.Congrats.
Pauline Jones Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Technically this picture is very good but photos are always better if they tell a story and this one is profound.
KeithT Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 8:47 am
There is a real energy in this image that stirs the heart and makes the viewer question why so much poverty, anguish and hopelessness still exists in the 21st century. I don’t think this or any other image that depicts people’s poverty and misery glorifies the situation. If anything at all, they shine a light into the darkness of despare so that everyone is made aware of the facts. Where the real danger lies is that we become anaesthetised by them and see only the potential for art.
owen Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Beautiful image telling a story
ziggy Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Jonathan, Congratulations on throwing off the shackles of corporate life, you were obviously not meant for it! It is a wonderful thing when a man is able to turn his life so completely around, as this wonderful portrait testifies. Congratulations on your day’s success and on getting so many people talking about a crucial reality. Pictures like yours are a great incentive for those with a conscience to gain knowledge and keep working towards real change. In all parts of the world.
Malta Photography Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Very poetic and great story. This is really a good story teller. The kind of shot that can say a thousand words.
Syed Hamde Ali Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Jon, you already know that I am an ardent admirer of your work. Apart from the technical mastery displayed, this haunting shot captures something ineffable, a moment, a situation that defies description in words. I don’t think that it glorifies anything, just makes the viewer aware of the predicament of people such as this particular girl, whose ranks are legion.
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Jonathan is reminding us of never ending street life, & how our fellow humans have to cope, in ways that we may never comprehend. Admirable shot,Jonathan.
mike Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I love it with the girl standing under the tree. Just great.
Bob Drews Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
hi jonathan:

great shot. should make us westerners stop and think the next time we complain about the everyday pleasures we take for granted.
Andrew Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Nice, finally something new and unique, not an another shot with a plastic water streaming through rocks and grass. Good capture.
Raihan Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
what a shot!!
Eradigator Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
This is just lovely.
Karri Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
This shot is phenomenal. Technically astounding and spiritually arousing. Glad you left your day job.
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Sometimes a picture is worth more than 1,000 words.
The girl is serene and beautiful. She seems to understand that the cleansing rain is temporary, so she’s ‘going with the flow’–perhaps even enjoying it. The viewer can write his own story to this image, and I choose to see a fellow nature-girl who enjoys a nice spring shower! Nothing smells better than fresh rain.
Hasan Chandan Says:
May 31st, 2009 at 4:34 am
Excellent…
This one is on my desk top from yesterday…
David Lazar Says:
May 31st, 2009 at 8:47 am
nice piece of work – the reflecting colors, the people in the rain – it’s very good. On the argument of glorifying the poor – at least shots like this stop and remind us of those people who are living on the streets.
neaz ahmed Says:
May 31st, 2009 at 10:50 am
fantastic one….
congrats winning its once again…..

eta dhakar kon rasta ta? dhorte parchi na.
Alizadeh Says:
May 31st, 2009 at 10:22 pm
magnificent. and effective shot.
Dof is so beautiful.
well done.
derek dobbie Says:
June 1st, 2009 at 9:09 am
truly a remarkable image. well done.
Beverly Says:
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
This is very beautiful, very touching
shoobie Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
ahh the true power of the D700. an exemplary example of the wonderful camera.
my personal favorite is the drastic contrast of the scattered almost neon green leaves/flowers around the sad young girl
Harold B. Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
This is astounding! Looking at the technicalities of the light and composition. Raindrops look like light drops! It is awesome.
Renee Says:
August 5th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
very excellent shot bet you got lots of wet taking it! thanks for sharing
Ellen Empson Says:
September 14th, 2009 at 4:34 am
Excellent catch!