Comment from cleo85
This is a well taken photo The boy and his "toy" are in good focus. The bangle of the shot is interesting and emphasizes the child. The sand beneath looks hot and indicates desert climate. This boy still is lucky even in the hot remote climate of Africa, because he is not to hungry to play as many others. He plays with what is available. The wood and stones change into anything he wants. He learns for a ruff life as adult, just as we did when we made ships from discarded matchboxes and old newspapers.

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 23-Nov-2018

thanks a lot cleo for your lovely comments

reply by cleo85 on 24-Nov-2018

You're most welcome. :o)

Comment from suzannethompson2
Lovely shot of this beautiful little boy playing with his piece of wood. It's funny but I have four grandchildren and despite all the toys they've had in their lives, they still find much pleasure in playing with simple things like a cardboard box or making things out of whatever is available. I think the children of today in civilised societies get far too many toys, don't you?

I love the expression of concentration you captured on his little face. Very good lighting and focus. Lovely composition. Suzanne

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 23-Nov-2018

I fully agree with you: it is better to leave children develope their imagination;
thanks a lot suzanne

Comment from seshadri_sreenivasan
OMG! This speaks volumes about the state of affairs and human misery in many pats of the world, including mine! You have shot a telling picture.The light and shadows, colours and the composition have worked out well. Good luck!

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 23-Nov-2018

many thanks sesha;
the difference from children in India: the Himba have enough food for the children; they look very healthy;

Comment from Shadow catcher
Beautiful image of this child nicely framed in your vertical format,Excellent use of natural light,great focus and depth of field. He is so very intent on his toy.A toy can be whatever a child makes it. A very humbling photo,makes us realize how caught up we are in material things;in the end,do they really makes us happy? Best wishes to you in the contest!

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

thanks a lot for your lovely comments

reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

thanks a lot for your lovely comments

Comment from Robert Plain
I just can not say enough about the power of this photograph. The initial thought is sadness for the child - yet he is probably content. Children, unlike most adults, tend to make the most of what they have. But aside from that - the lighting of this photo is superb and the expression on his face is one of curiosity and wonder. Very well done.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

thanks a lot Robert for your encouraging comments and top rating, highly appreciated;
as you can see, this child looks well nourished and healthy; the Himba have a large livestock, meaning milk and meat for all the people;they bring green vegetation from the banks of a river, a few km away; and some fish; it is all what they need for a good health;

Comment from michiganmike
It is surprising to me to see such robust and healthy looking people in such a barren land. A fine shot with great skin tones and beautiful colors.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

thanks so much mike: as you can see, this child looks well nourished and healthy; the Himba have a large livestock, meaning milk and meat for all the people;they bring green vegetation from the banks of a river, a few km away; and some fish; it is all what they need for a good health;

Comment from Susan F. M. T.
A beautiful picture of this healthy young boy using his imagination & total attention on the piece of wood as he examines it closely so in his head it can become what ever he wants it to be. Beautiful composition, framing & lighting taken with superb camera techniques & sharp focus. good luck in the contest.
Susan

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

merci beaucoup

Comment from memephotos
information very interesting and informative .
the frame is good
focus very good
use of light good
I like the colours from sand , cream & browns . the dusty toes .and his fixed look at the wood in his hands .
a very well composed view top camera work .Thank you& best of luck

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

thanks a lot meme

reply by memephotos on 22-Nov-2018

welcome

Comment from Miranda Langston
poor little thing :'( he certainly doesn't look very happy. jeez, this has inspired me to set up a donation page. i did find it really interesting that women and girls do more work than men and boys.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

thanks a lot Miranda

Comment from nikman
Quite a sweet entry into the competition posted here! Your almost central and downward composition offers us a good look at this rather unfortunate looking child. Not sure how a stump of wood qualifies as a toy, but maybe it does in Namibia? Sharpness and exposure are fine. Well done and good luck!

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2018

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018

thanks again