Smithsonian.com

I like the somber atmosphere that this photo creates. It's as if he looks resigned to the fact that his lot in life is to shuffle tourists around on a land that belonged to his people.

Hi Guys. This is my photo of the Navajo guide, so I'm sure I'm a little biased. What immediately caught my eye was the sadness of the moment. It was if he realized that he was pretty much stuck in this demeaning job. It also seemed that he was somewhat embarrassed to be doing it. Compositionally, I liked the layers of the shot, especially the window in the back that opens up the background. I was also caught up in the idea of this guide taking visitors back to the "Old West" with his dress, horse and the backdrop of many John Ford Westerns that were filmed there in the park over the years. I was caught by the contrast of this and the modern car behind the corral.

This glimpse of Americana not only captures the sense of burden but feeling of lost hope. Of course the camera work is superb, beautiful colors, contrast and depth of field. Simply awesome!

This photo speaks volumns without saying a word.

I think there can be a more positive interpreteation of this. Perhaps he has chosen this path. One of the by-products is that he has the time and capability to contemplate and appreciate simple things in life unlike a growing portion of American society which is racing to achieve higher material success. The later class of people probably can't relate to his choice. Who is more successful? Who is more hopeful?

To me, this photo shows a man resigned to his fate, waiting on tourists who have no real sense of what this land really means to him. The execution of this shot with the colors, shapes, depth of field, and contrast is a work of art.

I also see a more positive interpretation. Perhaps contemplating what and who he was going to teach today. Or perhaps even his life choice of being able to be free to ride and be with nature on the beautiful day. Or thinkingof stories that his ancestors have passed down. Beautiful photography! And I was also very interested that there was an American/Native American flag hanging in the background proudly proclaiming part of a heritage being respected and remembered.

As a traveler AND a resident of a state that lives on tourism, I am puzzled by many of the previous comments. If you find this sad and demeaning, why participate in the activity which demeans? Seems to me, as Karen says, he is immersing himself in his culture and thinking about those who will listen and understand what he is trying to share and preserve. I have found over time what is most memorable about other places is the people who live there and the connection one makes with them. If we cannot or will not bond with people who are not like us, we will end up destroying each other. Peace be with you all.

We are very impressed by your being chosen from so many. We are partial to western themes. The new perspective makes it a winner.