One of the last Violin Makers in SA, 2005 (large files)

Peter,

That is an absolutely fantastic essay. I absolutely enjoyed it. I feel real fortunate to be apart of the Cafe in a company of such talented & knowledgable people & oh yeah.....photographers!! Thank you for sharing this!!!            

 

This is spectacular Peter. Thank you. I felt like I was watching a slow motion biography. Bravo !

 

Peter -

Your posts all have this unerring tendency to impact me in a similar way.

First, they remind me that the human experience is mostly universal; it transcends continents and cultures.

Then, I see your pictures and start to feel like I have no right to pick up a camera, much less take pictures -- you accomplish your goal more often than not with the pictures I've seen you post. Your pictures have a "soul" that shows through brilliantly.

My feeling of inadequacy is short-lived, however, and quickly replaced by one of admiration and challenge. Makes me want to go find something meaningful to shoot.

This particular post hit me with a strong punch, because music has always been a big part of mine and my family's life, and I've frequently thought of it as a universal language for all people.

How appropriate that you have shown all of these concepts (as well as that of artistry and skill) so poignantly in this post.

My sincere thanks -

 

Peter,
David has a great musical talent "Piano" maybe more.

I have to echo all of Davids words. Well said David.

Thank You Peter and David.

Best Regards
Gale Bizet

 

Just excellent Peter, and well worth the wait. I can see now why you were so devastated when you thought that you had lost these pictures.

You are absolutely right about the D2H, although it is my understanding that this camera was not specifically made for this particular type of shooting, it definitely shines in the right hands. You have certainly shown it in the best light.

Regards,

Frank

 

What a wonderful story thanks you so much for sharing, I always look forward to your posts love your style of shooting and your written words echos your shots perfectly, again thanks you these are wonderful.

 

Excellent, excellent, series of shots Peter. The composition, color, focus and quality of each image is very high. Well done and an interesting story to boot.

 

Hi Peter,

I'm at the same place as Gordon. Excellent is the word for the pictures and story. I envy your artistic talent from which I am very far. Glad to have you in the Cafe.

 

Words and Images

Peter,

I never read one of your pieces without thinking how well the words and images go together. And then I realize that the images stand very well on their own, too.

Regards,

Mike

 

Peter,

Thanks again. I am unable to see things in this fashion as of yet. I wouldn't know where to begin. I like shooting birds but this is the kind of stuff that really moves me.

With highest regards,

 

Superb pictures and story as always Peter, simply sublime.

One word of journalistic accuracy though. Mr Reddy is most definitely not the last luthier in South Africa. A quick google will show that there are a number of luthiers crafting some fine instruments in your country.  

Of course, that is a very minor point in the context of your story, your images and, most importantly, of Mr Reddy's life and that he was even ever able to ply his trade at all.

Neil

 

Wonderful story and pictures!

These wonderul pictures and story has taught me the best of lessons, it is not about pixels, it's about composition, subject, light and color. Even if you would have taken this with a point and shoot it would still have been wonderful.

If I would ever get to the point of getting to the level of professional this is the thing I would like to do.

thank you for sharing

 

Another moving piece, Peter. Thanks for letting me see a distant part of the world through your eyes.

 

Fantastic

Superb piece of words and pictures.

The clarity in the pictures and the colour is superb. Thanks for sharing.

Stu

 

Phenomenal Story

You have portrayed a very interesting man and his times with some incredible photography. I hope you can make it part of the historical record in your country. Thank you for sharing your experience and your talent.

Virginia
aka beaucamera

 

Thanks Peter.

As an Indian who read quite a bit about the Indian experience in Durban, it was a very touching story to read.

anand

 

Hi, Peter.

What a beautiful photo essay, so full of humanity from words to photos and back -- and in color no less. Very effecting and inspiring w/out needing sensationalism. Makes me at once want to go meet Mr. Reddy and learn a little more about life from his perspective, at once renew my own commitments to making the most of my own abilities, at once strive for the kind of quiet integrity and character that are displayed.

An earlier call for new member intro asked us what we love about this "hobby". Well, how can one *not* love and feel something w/ photography when one comes across work (and life) such as this from both the photographer *and* the subject?

Kudos!

Kind regards,

_Man_