Girl playing with rocks, Phakding, Nepal 13th December 2006

5 Responses to “Girl playing with rocks, Phakding, Nepal”

1
MC:
Fantastic photo. One of my new favorites. Well done!!!
[Reply]
December 13th, 2006 at 09:53
2
April:
One of my favorites, too! And thank you for the commentary — I really needed this message today. Clarity is always nice.
[Reply]
December 13th, 2006 at 16:34
3
Neela:
Wonderful shot. The color of her clothing against the rocks and dirt around her is great. But it\'s the true joy that comes through in her smile that makes this such a special photo.
[Reply]
December 17th, 2006 at 00:44
4
Niladri Mukherjee, India:
I\'ve just loved this pix, the inocent bright face & candid expression of joy in her face. Really really awesom pix & Gr8 photography. Just Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
March 2nd, 2007 at 13:57
5
ferenc ecseki:
beautiful innocent face … great colors .. you might have lost the rock tossing game but got the photo! :)
[Reply]
November 25th, 2007 at 04:47

modelCanon EOS 5D
exposureTime 0.005 s (1/200) (1/200)
fnumberf/2.5
exposureshutter priority (semi-auto)
isoEquiv200
DateTime2006:03:26 11:52:02
meteringModematrix
focalLength50.00 (50/1)
exposureModeAuto Exposure

The story behind "Girl playing with rocks, Phakding, Nepal"

What if you are born in a society where electricity and clean water are not things that come out of the wall? Where Playstations & Nintendos are not sold by the thousands and people do not sleep outside – by choice- to buy one?
Well, if you are a kid in Nepal, you play with what is around you. Pieces of dirt, branches, your friends or just a few small rocks.

I watched this girl for many minutes playing with the handful of rocks and pebbles. Throw one up, grab the rest and catch the one in the air. Again. And again.
She noticed me, but did not let me disturb her play and she was amazingly cheerful and dressed in the wonderful Nepali style. Only when I sat down next to her, she smiled directly to me. Her smile went to a full-power laugh, when I tried to join her in her game as she was much better than I was.

I sucked at the simple game, but being there with some kid who did not understand my language, my toys or my colour of skin but who shared her joy for some minutes without doubt or reserve anyway, made me smile deep inside…