The Family Discussion
Luxor, Egypt 1998
We hired a caleche, which is a small horse-drawn carriage. I wanted to get some shots of un-touristy places. Luxor isn’t very big, and after only a few minutes, we were trotting down country roads. Our driver really had no idea of where to take us although he had assured us back in Luxor that he could take us to the home of snake charmers, camel drivers and a myriad fascinating sights. He’d stop along the reed lined road to question farmers or milk-maids, then he’d wave his whip at his rather woebegone horse and off we’d go. It was fun.
I don’t remember exactly where I took this shot. People in warm countries live outside. It’s easy to get photos of them going about their daily tasks. I used to call this photo “Discussing the Marriage Contract” because the two older men have such serious expressions. And the young man is listening intently. He’d better if the man in the middle has anything to say about it. I like the baby in the background, puttering around in his own little world. He adds a sense of home to the scene and, if you think about it, his head forms a triangle with the men’s heads. I like the men in the galabaya, a long cotton gown with a full, swinging skirt and wide sleeves. It is only worn by common people.
The heads of the men form a diagonal line which gives the photo a feel of “connectedness”. They also draw the eye from one end of the line to the other. You know where to look. The diagonal line tells you.