Portraits of Ethiopia
My visit to Ethiopia shattered the 1980s image of an impoverished nation wracked by famine. Today it’s a thriving, bustling place with a population in excess of 100 million people.
It’s very easy to make contact with Ethiopians as a Western visitor – they’re enthusiastic and want to talk to you. Kids are delighted when you take their photograph. Like Cuba, life is lived outdoors in the warm climate, so it’s easy to come away with candid shots.
They’re a proud bunch, with young people taking great pride in their appearance. Their elders are often serene with wisdom-etched faces. If, like me, you tend to shy away from capturing humans, Ethiopia may shift your focus.
Click first image to view the gallery
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Gorgeous images, Mike. The ones that draw me in immediately are Candid Pose and Camel Market Man. It’s an unexplored region and, as you say, as a Westerner, my ideas of the country are tainted by the Michael Buerke shots from the 1980s. A lovely summary, therefore, of a warm and welcoming people. :)
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Thank you Richard, I see you were drawn to the two attractive young men ;) It’s a very dynamic place and easy to take portraits. It’s hard to do elsewhere or there’s particularly strong interest in the people here.
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Haha! I could easily have said Little Guy or At The Market too… They’re all lovely images. Tsk! ;)
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Hahahaha!
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A country that is definitely on my bucket list…
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It’s really worth ticking it off!
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There are some great portraits, Mike!
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Thanks Koos :) It wasn’t quite the same as one of your sessions, though!
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It’s street and travel photography and it’s beautiful!
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Thank you :) I’ve found some countries are much better for this than others… especially when the faces are compelling and unfamiliar.
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