An entertaining healer

A dancer/performer in a discussion with an animated expression while waiting backstage for the show to begin. The performance is a traditional Sri Lankan dance ritual called 'Daha Ata Sanniya' which translates to 'eighteen kinds of ailments'. Most traditional rituals are connected to sicknesses and healing through spiritual beliefs. 'Daha Ata Sanniya' is a little different in that it is aimed at entertaining rather than healing. It keeps the spectator humoured throughout the entire show through satire although each performance talks of ailments and their related traditional spiritual beliefs. There are various devils connected to various illnesses similar to most other dance rituals.

In shows such as these, the best photographic opportunities come on backstage. You get to see these talented artists in a different light. These are age-old traditions and in most cases the tradition is passed on from father to son (or daughter). In Sri Lanka, there are entire families of traditional dancers and the students treat their teachers as gods. As such, it is important when you visit them backstage, to honour them and to remember they are highly honoured veteran artists of the country. If you want to photograph them, ask their permission. Almost always they will oblige willingly with a smile.

Anneka and her talking eyes

My dear friend and brilliant photographer Anoop Negi once wrote this about my photography at a time I did not think there was anything extraordinary in my portraits:
"What really is the definitive artist in Hiranya Malwatta is her heart stopping portraits. She captures these with a rare sensitivity that shows up in the image. Her portraits speak to you, eye to eye."

I still do not really know if I do any justice to my subjects. No matter how people always compliment the photographer, something I strongly believe when it comes to photographing faces (closeups) is that 90% of the work and credit belongs to the subject and it is very little that the photographer has to do in natural portraits. Identifying a good subject is mostly the tricky part and once you have this with you, rest is pretty easy for a photographer.

My subject here is a little girl who's blessed with a beautiful face and incredible talking eyes to go with.