It’s time to present the work of another participant from the eWorkshop I taught earlier this spring. Anita Otrebski focuses on her fellow human beings and on human conditions. Those of you who follow her blog have seen a lot of strong portraits and captivating street photographs by Anita, particularly from China. For her personal project in the eWorkshop she once again turned her camera towards her favourite subject. This time she had found a group of seasoned loggers that came together once a week to keep up with their traditions. They clear forest and chop logs down to firewood. Her images captured their casual and playful spirit. The images also show that age is no limitations when it comes to hard work. As a viewer you can really feel the joy and their enthusiasm for what they are doing. It’s simple work, it’s hard work, but it’s theirs. This is work they enjoy and not the least men amongst men who enjoy themselves more than anything else. There are a closely related group of friends. Anita has captured their strong connections and trusting relationships. We sense that they don’t necessarily and openly show their emotions, but nevertheless do feel strongly for each other. And underneath all the hard work, there is humour and light-heartedness. Just look at the last photo. Doesn’t it say it all?
In Flow with Otto 
Fun photo essay!
Thanks, Allen.
Otto, these are wonderful!!! Well thought-out yet honest, natural photos of these colorful men ((I say “colorful” not in the condescending sense in which the word is sometimes used but, rather, referring to their clothing). May I ask approximately where these pictures were taken? I’m thinking the Sami people but of course I could be wrong.
To be honest I am not sure where exactly the photos were taken. But no, it’s not the Sami people, but I believe they were taken in Southeastern Norway. Maybe Anita can tell us more exactly. Thanks for the comment, Nancy.
What you say really shines through in the pictures. Well done.
Thanks for saying that, Ann-Christine.
looks like there is thought behind these compositions, all of the photos show personality and the comradeship that comes from working together. I read the title then noticed the age of these men,good to see them at it and enjoying life.
I am glad you see the strong connection between these workers.
That is an amazing series of images, Otto. Well done to Anita!
Thank you – on behalf of Anita.
What marvelous images. They reminded me so much of my late husband… an old-time Oregon logger!
How nice that Anita’s photos brings up old memories. 🙂
Sono bellissime queste foto, vita vera, vita dura, vita vissuta. Bravissima Anita e come sempre bravissimo l’insegnante 🙂
Ciao, Pat
Grazie, Pat.
Mi piacerebbe tanto imparare cose nuove e credo che grazie a te ci sia la possibilità di farlo 🙂
Che il più bel complimento che ho ottenuto in un tempo lungo. Penso che tutti noi possiamo imparare – e continuare ad imparare.
Fantastic series of images!
I am glad you liked them.
Feeling light or things go easy from these pictures. She did very good to capture this emotion in the works. Another excellent one!
Thank you for the feedback.
It was really fun watching Anita’s project evolve from the inside out. If I remember correctly you encouraged her to tighten up some of her shots and get a bit more intimate with her fellas. She rose to the challenge and the end result is splendid. I particularly love the second image. It’s amazing the simple photos minus words can convey such a ranch of human emotion and interaction. Well done, Anita!
I agree Anita, rose to the challenge and made an excellent photo essay,
I agree. That second shot reaaly stands out, and the third one makes me think of Paul Bunyan.
🙂
I loved this essay, she did a really great job of capturing that bond between these men. Also, her composition, lighting, etc was on point!
🙂
You are quite right, Lynne.
Thank you so much for posting my photos and your kind words. You are a wonderful teacher and I will highly recommend your workshop! : )
Thank you, Anita.
I love the work you have on your blog:
http://akinablogg.blogspot.ca/
i work in that company too,back in the days,i am not affraid hard work friend,but now i am old ant this is only memory,take care
Thanks for your comment.
always pleasure
I so enjoyed looking at these pictures. Hard-working, fun-loving loggers. They are so very real.
They are very real, aren’t they.
These portraits capture the essence of camaraderie and the satisfaction of work. Nicely done!
It’s really a photo essay about camaraderie, isn’t it.
Terrific images of this hard working crew!
I am glad you liked them, Phil. And thanks for visiting.
These are the shots that show such a great and important part of life, and I love it that the subjects are all up in their years ~ and living life so well. Anita has a tremendous story-telling eye.
She does indeed, no. Thanks for stopping by, Randall.
The lighting in these photos is really nice. The colors are all so crisp and bright. I do like the way that the action of the work itself comes through in the photos and gives a hint of what the work itself entails. And you’re so right about the last photo. That’s a winner for sure. Pride in the work they’ve done, captured in a moment of rest. Very nice work!
Great to read you response, Debra. Thank you so much.
I would be very proud to have taken these shots. Photos of people are hard to get right. These show the perfect balance of an artistic eye coupled with being in a trusted position with a group of people.
A great feedback. Thanks, Mary.
Great to see Anita’s photoessay …she has really captured the soul of these loggers in her images. Well done Anita!
Thanks for cheering, Sue.
Respect voor deze oudere mensen die nog zo’n zwaar werk verrichtten, Goed van je om ze op de foto te zetten.
Het doet opleggen ten aanzien van die oude werknemers zien, nietwaar. Dank u voor uw reactie, Ellen.
Wonderful job capturing these “seasoned” hard workers. You would expect this to be a young man’s choice of work. These men choose to continue practising their craft long after they have given up the daily grind. The photos show how much they are enjoying themselves and each other.
Yes, they do don’t they. What makes these photo so interesting is exactly because those guys are passed their prime. Thanks for the comment, Michelle.
Instills a sense of the work that they do.
🙂
Incredible job, congratulations
Thank you – on behalf of Anita.
Anita has taken wonderful photos of these loggers… they seem so happy! 🙂
Don’t they! Thanks for the comment, Elina.
I love everything about this portrait group. Kudos, Anita! It’s powerful and playful at the same time.
Thanks for the comment, Elen.
Colorful in every way.
Indeed they are! 🙂
Great photos! Men of age but still strong and enjoying what they’re doing. They look cute too. 🙂
Thank you for the comment, Loty.
Tu sei una persona speciale…hai il profumo negli occhi.
Quello che scrivi e quello che fotografi hanno un profumo che fora
lo schermo.
Mi sei sempre piaciuto moltissimo perchè sei umile e generoso.
grazie di cuore.
vento
Grazie mille per le belle parole, Ivana.