When I took this photo in 2017 I thought, at the time, it was probably the best photo I had ever taken! I still feel very strongly about it. I have it printed and hanging in my house, I look at it every day and every day I still love it. But, I am the only person who does.
My guess is, that, its because I have an emotional attachment to it, plain and simple. I love how this lady was able to live to an old age in what was, and still is, abject poverty. Aged persons are not so common in this remote area of West Sumatra - Indonesia. I love how little and frail she is in juxtaposition to the solid building and large windows. I love the strong colours, the strong lines and a soft tiny old lady draped in cloth.
Over to my group now. Please, if you hate it, that’s perfectly ok. This is the first time I have sent it outside my home.
Nikon D810 Nikon 70-200 2.8 E FL @ 102mm, 1/1000sec , f 2.8, ISO 100 -( odd settings I know, but at the time I was photographing a flying duck race. :)
Imported to LR, Cropped and treated then sent to PS to dodge, clone, for the first edit. 2nd edit I liquified her eyes and converted to mono and then used a LR filter in the Black & White tabs at 40%.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 12 comments posted
Lisa Hlavinka
I really like this image and think it is especially well suited to monochrome. With the photo in black and white the background is not distracting. As a subject I think her age and the way she is posed tells a nice story. I also like the smooth and rough textures.
The one thing I might change is the large pit on the wall along the left bottom of image edge. It is bigger and brighter than the others and kind of draws my eye to it. Posted: 03/15/2019 22:51:56
Thank you Lisa! Story telling is a very important objective to me and I am super happy that this came across. I will do exactly as you said and clone out that mark. Posted: 03/19/2019 21:34:22
Allen Tucker
A simple, softly lit, and powerful portrait. One suggestion: her hands are lost in the background of the dress. Lightening them and and adding some Clarity and Contrast add to the image of a long, hard life. Posted: 03/18/2019 13:41:45
Your edit is spot on Allen and I will do exactly that. Thanks for your kind remarks as well :) Posted: 03/19/2019 21:36:09
Bev Caine
(Groups 24 & 48 & 58)
Visiting from group 48. This is a wonderful image and I'm so glad you brought it "out of the closet". Lightening them as Allen did made a wonderful difference. Posted: 03/19/2019 15:55:16
Thank you so much Beverly for commenting on this image. I am so happy that you like it as well. Might be time to start rummaging around in that fairly full closet and see what else our group can help with :) Posted: 03/19/2019 21:39:32
Tom Pickering
(Groups 0 & 53)
I think your mono result, even without the finishing touches Allen brought to the table, is so evocative! Where the tiny woman is overwhelmed by the window and colors in the original, the removal of color and making her the focal point let us meet her face to face. THIS is the image I would like to look at each day. Bravo! Posted: 03/23/2019 12:13:11
Such touching comments Tom and I thank you. I have now the courage with the new edits to actually do something with the image knowing now that I am not the only one that likes it. :) Posted: 03/23/2019 18:27:25
Jim Hagan
I like this photo in mono a lot except for the rope and latch right next to the woman's head. So in my revision I eliminated both of these items, increased the contrast of the woman, blurred the background and cropped some off the right side. Posted: 03/26/2019 18:57:43
You have certainly made this lady stand out! I like your crop as well. I guess I was still hanging onto the building behind her and you have basically made it disappear. Which is a good thing. The lady should be the main focus. I have come to realise this now. Its a bit like trying to teach an old dog new tricks in trying to change my mind on one of my favourite memory shots. But, between you all, you have. I thank you so much for your edits, thoughts and encouragement. Posted: 03/26/2019 19:12:26
Allen Tucker
Your photo has us all engaged. I think Jim's suggestion of reducing detail in the building really focuses viewers' attention on the woman, strengthening this portrait. Posted: 03/26/2019 23:05:43
Jim Bodkin
Easy to see why you enjoy the image, Sharon. With all of the excellent suggestions I am left with only the task of applauding you all. The transformation of this image from original to final is outstanding and resulted in a work of art.
