Boy Wearing Shamma
Lalibela, Ethiopia 2013
A slender boy, wrapped in his white shawl called a shamma, allows me to take his portrait as I make my pilgrimage to the stone churches of Lalibela on St. Gabriel’s day. To be honest, I don’t remember taking this photo. It was instinctive to shoot. I love his expression; he is somewhat amazed but pleased and I love his little feet which say to me that he feels shy.
Here, because I am shooting from a height, his forehead seems a bit large. That is because whatever part of a person’s face is nearest the lens becomes a bit distorted. I don’t think this detracts from this boy’s looks. He is still beautiful and his Ethiopian almond-shaped eyes with their direct gaze is riveting.