Galib-as-nas..heart of the people, a photo from Western Sahara, South

Photographer's Note

The Erg Chebbi dunes stretch out to the Algerian border and offer one of the most authentic desert experiences. i decided to have a private desert experience, called on a guide who showed some of the ruins of the French occupations back in the days, an abandoned copper factory in the middle of the desert.

The tour was energy sapping, we were the only tourist around in the middle of the desert, first because it was the off season and secondly because most tourists opt out of this day tour particular tour which starts around Merzouga, it is time consuming, very hot and requires you to makes regular hikes up to view points.

It was a fantastic tour primarily because of the isolation, the lack of any human presence, the wild intimidating desert, the minimal, the rugged landscape, the ruthless Saharan sun..

A must visit if you have calories and a good pair of shoes.

The hike up to zero point....

The abandoned copper factory....

while this guide spoke of many things including the arabian nights..he used a phrase to describe this region "the heart of the people"..I remember that strongly.

jhm has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

No_One (4) 2015-06-20 13:05

Hi Sayeed
An interesting portrait to go with an interesting note. This feels very real and your choice of black and white suits the image very nicely. I would love this kind of tour with no other people
Beat wishes
Noel

willperrett (14215) 2015-06-20 15:16

Hello Sayeed

Great environmental portrait here! I assume this was your guide, and what a fine man he is. The unusual ruins in the background are an interesting and appropriate secondary focal point. Good work.

Regards

Will

lousat (140070) 2015-06-20 16:01

Hi Sayeed,a great memory for me too,i been there 4 years ago and this place is one of the most photogenic in the world for me.A very nice portrait of this guide with some ruins in background.A brave choice of a black and white version,and a very interesting post about the ruins in the 1st WS too.Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

daddo (28748) 2015-06-20 17:08

Salam Sayeed. There is an epic sweep to this image (a la "Lawrence of Arabia"). Very effective B&W treatment with a creative POV and composition. There are native people around the world who have a sense of where the heart is on their ancestral land, whether a river (Ganga), or a monolith (Uluru) or the mountains (Black Hills) or the sea of many Mediterranean peoples. As for those who have colonised another's land- I don't know where the heart is. In most cases it's in the wallet clinging to their backside. Regards. Klaudio. May the month of Ramazan bring you peace and contentment.
PS Fascinating (and creative) shot of the copper factory.

jhm (211738) 2015-06-21 4:20

Hello Sayeed,

Your note is very interesting I learn something new everyday on TE.
An excellent portrait of your guide.
A nice composition, excellent presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Kind regards,
John.