@Rhys: Afghans are very friendly people and many love having their picture taken especially if you show them the image afterwards. I often go back with prints if its feasible and these are greatly appreciated. Boys - can't keep them away, always jostling to have their picture taken! Girls - sometimes say no, so one respects that, though their curiosity often takes over especially when they see their brothers having their picture taken! The street worker picture from a few days ago asked me as I was passing, then all his friends asked... so I had to go down a line of about 15 guys cleaning out an open sewer to take their picture... got a nice set!

Teresa Durães from Montijo, Portugal

a lover of motos. nice shot

11 Mar 2008 10:28am

ManuelaR from Hainburg, Germany

I bet you have by now an enormous collection... ;)
Particularly like the tones on this take apart from it being a great portrait - and yes - one can really feel how proud he is!

11 Mar 2008 1:41pm

@ManuelaR: Many thanks for your comments! I took some close portraits too and they worked out very well - always difficult choices! Yes, mega enourmous... it would take 7 years at one a day on Aminus3 to show all just from my last trip :-)

Pavla from Saint James City, United States

Interesting question from Rhys. I've also wondered how you approach the people and so I'm happy for the explanation.

11 Mar 2008 1:56pm

@Pavla: With this guy, asking if I could take his picture was all non-verbal! There are ways to communicate that transcend spoken language!

Earth from Lisboa, Portugal

can I take a tourt???......... good! :)

11 Mar 2008 6:19pm

Earth from Lisboa, Portugal

I mean a tour....:)

11 Mar 2008 6:22pm

Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal

Absolutely fantastic.

11 Mar 2008 6:22pm

Earth from Lisboa, Portugal

or a lift...

11 Mar 2008 6:22pm

@Earth: I'm sure it could be arranged! :-)

Himera from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Interesting, I was wondering the same thing as Rhys and Pavla. :)) Your photos are always great, and you take the best out of all poeple. Great photo!!

11 Mar 2008 8:15pm

@Himera: I didn't have too much luck taking portraits of Afghan women... In 3.5 years I only got two, and for one of them I had to promise I wouldn't show it to anyone!! :-)

Michael Rawluk from Prince George, Canada

That is a wonderful shot. He has a great expression.

12 Mar 2008 1:11am

Pied Crow from Nairobi, Kenya

The "I'm a cool dude on my motorbike" facial expression really seems like a universal concept. I love the contrast between that look, and the cool headscarf, and the rather uncool slacks and shoes. A man in two worlds.

12 Mar 2008 4:55am