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Caro Tribesman
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Caro Tribesman

by Richard Sandor

Gallery: POP PhotosPosted June 3, 20182,134 views4 comments
In the tribal area of southern Ethiopia, it's pay to play for photographers. Adults charge 10 Birr per photo (40 cents US) and kids charge 5 Birr. It's definitely not an authentic experience, but I understand it as we have the money and they don't and charging tourists has become the norm. 
Nonetheless, I was able to establish a bit of connection with this man working through a guide/translator. I told him that it looked like his AK-47 was in excellent condition as compared to the condition of others. This struck a responsive chord with him and he actually looked  a bit pleased with the compliment which was when it took his photo. Total cost 30 Birr.
Olympus E-M1 and 25 mm lens at f/2, 1/6400 and ISO 200 at way too late in the morning. Richard

Comments

4 comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 4, 2018 at 3:19 AM
My gosh, you've gotten some incredible human+ human-interest images!
This is another exceptional one!
Not the tiniest nit from me - superb!
Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on June 7, 2018 at 5:23 PM
Richard, this guy getting 30 Birr for the modeling fee was plenty cheap and more importantly he kept the business end of the AK-47 down range.....frown
A very scary but intriguing take on this tribesman? or just plain local person?
Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Sandor on June 8, 2018 at 10:22 AM
Sandy and Paul: thanks for the comment. Paul, as best as I can tell, the man is a member of the tribe. When in the village, he wears body paint to attract photographers. When in the bush with livestock, traditional garb of loincloth, beads etc. is worn, but no body paint is applied. This was relayed to me via the guide/interpretor. Richard
Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments
Comment posted by Harley Goldman on June 10, 2018 at 6:52 PM
Very cool image. Nice of the gent to cooperate and pose so nicely for the 30 Birr. Very well done. 
Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments