Brunch with Battutah
Palm tree trimmer
Posted by Michael Skorulski (Cigel, Slovakia) on 25 April 2008 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.
Saudi Arabia - Trusting to cable and rope, this tree cutter from Bangladesh climbs up a palm tree in his bare feet to cut off branches. A friend touched his feet and they are as tough as leather.
Michael Rawluk from Prince George, Canada
Just looking at that hurts my feet. Ouch.
25 Apr 2008 5:39am
Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life from Provo, Utah, United States
Amazing shot, Michael. Isn't it amazing how people all over the world do things we would not dare do and they do it so effortlessly? Including you. Your photography is wonderful.
25 Apr 2008 5:56am
@Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life: That's such a kind and generous comment. Thank you.
Mandy from Johannesburg, South Africa
Great shot Michael - you've captured him perfectly, he's so intent on his job and climbs so effortlessly.....I can believe that his feet are like leather, especially considering the hard exterior of that pine tree. Great shot!!
25 Apr 2008 6:27am
@Mandy: Thank you, Mandy. That's a great comment.
@Eleftheria, 9 years old,: Thank you, E9. I appreciate that.
Viewfinder from Bradenton, United States
My feet would be bleeding. This is amazing.
25 Apr 2008 8:32am
@Alun Lambert: Thank you, Alun.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
Fantastic capture Micheal..incredible photo as always :)
25 Apr 2008 8:45am
@Lorraine: Thank you, Lorraine. I appreciate that.
@Rhys: A agree. that's tough work. thank you, Rhys.
Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom
Just goes to show there’s always a job to be done if you go looking! He looks well-practiced at this plus the proof of his feet. Excellent documentary shot.
25 Apr 2008 9:06am
@Ronnie 2¢: Thank you, Ronnie. I appreciate your remark.
@Marie: Merci, Marie.
@Betty: Many thanks, Betty.
MaryB from Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Oh goodness, I didn't realise that the palm trees were so tall!
An amazing capture Michael.
25 Apr 2008 11:49am
Observing from Chester, United Kingdom
How hard it must be to climb bare foot up the tree. You've got the action very well.
25 Apr 2008 11:59am
@Observing: Thanks so much, O.
givethemhell from Germany
That sounds like a great job, "palm tree trimmer", but probably he gets paid only a few pennies, if anything at all ...
25 Apr 2008 12:36pm
@givethemhell: Yes, we are really only talking about $100 a month. thank you, Eva.
pLusOne from Cheonan, South Korea
he looks exhausted...
how many times he has to climb up the trees to get paid to live with..
25 Apr 2008 2:18pm
@pLusOne: It is hard work for very little money. thank you, P1.
Steven from Chicagoland, United States
A great composition with great lighting and color. It was the first thing that came to mind when I saw his feet before reading the text was how hard his feet must be. It has to be exhausting work.
25 Apr 2008 2:25pm
@Steven: Very exhausting. thank you, Steven.
Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States
Incredible shot of a more than incredible occupation!
My feet hurt just thinking about it.
25 Apr 2008 3:47pm
dpm from Maalé, Maldives
wonderful composition and perspective
these guys from Bangladesh work very hard to support their family
25 Apr 2008 6:54pm
Oswegan from Lake Oswego, United States
Cool image, it looks like a rather dangerous job.
25 Apr 2008 9:57pm
MadScientist from Düsseldorf, Germany
This job needs real dedication (or urgent need for money) - I wouldn't touch this rough stem with my feet! But now it's clear that these cuttings are for aesthetic reasons, there's no danger of heavy fruits falling from a date palm (unlike with cocos palms :-)
25 Apr 2008 10:26pm
standley from Brou-sur-Chantereine, France
Great capture. His feet must be sore!
25 Apr 2008 11:04pm
Aayawa from Edinburgh, United Kingdom
I like it. Of course had it been an electricity worker up a pylon in an indentical pose I think most people would find it less interesting.
26 Apr 2008 10:11am
Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan
Good capture this one and very interesting, too! I had no idea that palm trees needed barbering!
4 May 2008 2:15pm
Pentax Optio A30
1/200 second
F/8.0
ISO 64
38 mm (35mm equiv.)