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The Yellow Gold of Kawah Ijen

I wanted to capture the harsh daily reality of the Kawah Ijen sulfur miners while elevating their work through artistic composition. I chose this moment when the light piercing through the sulfur vapors created an almost surreal atmosphere, giving the scene both documentary and artistic dimensions. The composition emphasizes the miner's silhouette and his traditional clothing, which contrasts sharply with the hostile environment. By placing the subject in the center of a yellow vapor cloud, I aimed to create an image that tells both the raw beauty of the place and the extreme conditions in which these men work. The slightly downward perspective shows the rugged terrain and the worker's solitude in the face of the elements. My intention was to create an image that raises awareness about working conditions while paying tribute to the dignity of these miners.

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Uploaded on January 15, 2025
Taken on October 8, 2011