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Details

Submitted: December 26, 2012
Image Size: 2.8 MB
Resolution: 1920×1280

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Statistics

Comments: 126
Favourites: 571 [who?]
Views: 5,739 (1 today)

Camera Data

Make:Canon
Model:Canon EOS 600D
Shutter Speed:1/800 second
Aperture:F/2.0
Focal Length:50 mm
ISO Speed:200
Date Taken:Dec 26, 2012, 5:01:41 PM
Software:GIMP 2.8.2
Sensor Size:8mm

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Scavenger's Solaceby *MARX77

Photography / Photojournalism / People

An estimated 1,800 scavengers are currently employed by recycling companies in the U.A.E. for collecting discarded cardboard boxes and soda cans from public waste dumps.
The collected cardboard is then recycled into new cartons and shipped to India and other parts of the Asian subcontinent so it can be used for packaging.
Covering anywhere between 15 to 25 km / 9 to 15 miles on his bicycle, a scavenger normally collects around 150kg - 330.7lbs of cardboard material everyday, earning just 11 fils - (4 cents) for every 1 kilogram/ 2.2 pounds of cardboard that is collected.

Even though a lot of these men hail from the south Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, I have come across many Bangladeshis and Nepalis as well.

Every afternoon the men would gather under metallic sheds (which they had set up themselves), taking turns in sipping tea from a single Styrofoam cup, even sharing a cigarette or two...
I often overhear them reminiscing about their life on the farm (a majority of these men were farmers), talking about their families and friends, and their dreams about seeing them again one day, as they lay down upon their cardboard mattresses; falling asleep in a matter of seconds.

Happy New Year Everyone!

^{Dubai - U.A.E.}

What a year!
Stéphane, Ziaul, thank you so much for the suggestion. You guys ROCK!!!
And thanks a lot for the feature, Sebastian!

Daily Deviation

Given 2013-01-02

Scavenger's Solace by *MARX77 also suggested by ~ZiaulKareem ( Suggested by *JakezDaniel and Featured by `xbastex )

Critique by =Mivala Dec 26, 2012, 9:56:48 AM

I'm taking the time to "critique"/review this piece because I believe it's incredibly touching.

What's truly wonderful about this image is the photographer's choice not to show the face's of those photographed. Restraint is exercised and thus, the overall impact is intensified. The osseous legs of the "scavengers" evoke a certain weariness -- sometimes a trademark image of photojournalism in developing worlds. However, the simple fact that this image focuses solely on the feet and uniform disorder really intrigues me.

I also like the perspective at which this was taken; I am the viewer, at ground level, neither above or below the subject... we're on a level plain and I feel as though I am there. The floor is coarse and unforgiving, but life is still present -- there's some unusual comfort to be found when one finally relaxes on a rugged surface.
They've removed their shoes and become one with their surroundings -- perhaps ripened into a common site for passersby.

Captivating photo -- very though-provoking, great title, story...all of it. Beautiful work.

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Critique by ~Madhatterscat Dec 26, 2012, 9:08:35 AM

This is very bold and very moving, it goes to show how some people have to live and stay alive at any cost. It is a very sad sight to see that this really does affect millions of people everyday and sadly sometimes people die. This is not only an insight into the world of Hunger and people's pain its a gate way on how we can all learn to help others in poor country's.

The power this photo has in its own right of Extraordinary bot only with its pain with its colour and passion for the photo itself.

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*batmantoo Jan 20, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

Congratulations Khuram my friend!

... I just noticed now.

Going through your gallery I feel like I have missed out on a whole year!
Man you got active!

*MARX77 Jan 20, 2013 Photographer

Thank you so much, my friend!
It was quite a surprise.

Just making the most of Dubai winter season while I can, Bassem.

After that it's 8 months of heat waves, humidity and inactivity all over again.

Say, how are you feeling now? Are you off the meds yet?

*batmantoo Jan 21, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

Thank you for asking my friend. I am off of the Antibiotics for a while now, but I still feel some injuries and still see the scars form the fight... most will be gone in a while longer.