Yvonne Cary Carter
November 2025 - Light Trough Window
Original
About the Image(s)
This is a bedroom in the Paul and Jean Harris Home. Paul, a Rotary Club founder, held meetings and entertained global dignitaries in the home. This was the private bedroom of his wife Jean.
I also toured the couples shared bedroom.
The Paul and Jean Harris Home was part of Chicago Architecture Center’s annual Open House Chicago a festival with tours of sites not normally open to the public.
I was struck by the tranquility of the room. I imagined the busyness of their lives and need
for privacy. This presented a whole conversation in my head. I converted the image to monochrome then cropped to highlight the shadows on the bed.
Camera Fujifilm Camera X-Pro 3
Lens XF 35mm F1.4 R
Focal Length 35 mm
Exposure 1/500 @ f/3.6
ISO 200
13 comments posted
This is truly a beautiful and compelling image, Yvonne. You achieved such a powerful sense of tranquility, which is perfect for Jean Harris's private space. I'm especially drawn to the exquisite detail of the lace curtains and the way you framed the shot to emphasize those geometric, high-contrast shadows on the bed. Your image was so inspiring that I tried a quick edit myself, aiming to push the contrast even further to create a dramatic, moody look (see attached). While I achieved deep shadows, I clearly lost some of that gorgeous lace detail. For anyone in the group, what's your best technique for achieving that high level of shadow drama without sacrificing texture and detail in the highlights? Posted: 11/10/2025 14:09:59
Linda, I like your idea of the moody look with moody shadows. I may do some research. Thank you for your comments and edit. Posted: 11/17/2025 14:24:23
Yvonne,
I love this photo. Very nice black and white. The shadow on the bed steals the show, even though I love the the detail in the curtains. Posted: 11/11/2025 15:41:25
I love this photo. Very nice black and white. The shadow on the bed steals the show, even though I love the the detail in the curtains. Posted: 11/11/2025 15:41:25
Sylvia, Thank you for your comments. The bed speaks to a peaceful space. Posted: 11/17/2025 14:27:12
First of all, thank you so much for sharing the story behind the picture.
How wonderful that you were able to visit this place.
I, too, would have been immediately captivated by its atmosphere.
I really like your black and white editing.
The absence of color enhances the sense of calm.
My suggestion would be to not crop the image too tightly; the sewing machine on the right would add another point to the picture, creating a triangle to guide the viewer's eye.
The light filtering softly through the curtains onto the bed was my first thought.
I imagine a light summer breeze, the curtains gently moving, and a carefree, almost joyful mood filling the room.
I edited the picture with this image in mind. Perhaps you'll like it as well. Posted: 11/12/2025 18:45:46
How wonderful that you were able to visit this place.
I, too, would have been immediately captivated by its atmosphere.
I really like your black and white editing.
The absence of color enhances the sense of calm.
My suggestion would be to not crop the image too tightly; the sewing machine on the right would add another point to the picture, creating a triangle to guide the viewer's eye.
The light filtering softly through the curtains onto the bed was my first thought.
I imagine a light summer breeze, the curtains gently moving, and a carefree, almost joyful mood filling the room.
I edited the picture with this image in mind. Perhaps you'll like it as well. Posted: 11/12/2025 18:45:46
Posted: 11/12/2025 18:46:37
Sabine, The sewing machine was a distraction for me . I only got part of it and why was it so close to her bed. But looking at your edit I'm tempted to go back and get a better shot since the house is in my neighborhood. Thank you for your perspective. Posted: 11/17/2025 14:32:50
Yvonne, this is a very nice B&W photo. Your composition is of simple elements, a window, curtains, bed and shelf. This composition with the light shining through the lace curtains and leaving its imprint on the beds blanket creates a peaceful ambiance for me. Sabines edit was done well, is colorful and interesting, but does not leave me with the same peacefulness as your B&W. Thank you for the story behind the image. Posted: 11/16/2025 17:43:11
Jim, Thank you for your comments. The two perspectives tell different stories. I do like the peacefulness of the B&W. For me Sabine's is a document of history showing the old fashioned sewing machine. Posted: 11/17/2025 14:38:21
This is an apt example of the artistry in monochrome photography. The timelessness quiet of the photo captures its purpose as respite from a hectic world and demanding relationship. I, too, enjoy the contrast between the stark lines of the sun on the bed juxtaposed with the laciness of the curtains.
A rare treat to see the space and you captured its essence well. Posted: 11/17/2025 13:38:58
A rare treat to see the space and you captured its essence well. Posted: 11/17/2025 13:38:58
Douglas, Your respite comment is very intuitive. That hit me as soon as I entered the room. That you for your comments. Posted: 11/17/2025 14:47:41
Yvonne, I like the way the light is coming through the lace of the curtains and hitting the bed. I also think this works better in black and white. I might lean toward Linda's crop, especially if you don't like the sewing machine in the image. I think it adds a little more context to the photo. Of course, that is just my opinion. Either way, it is a nice photo and I would imagine you were able to get many in that house. I did look it up on the internet and it looks like an interesting building. Posted: 11/18/2025 21:43:44
Randy, Thanks for your comments. I'm thinking of going back to get a shot of the whole sewing machine. It would be another perspective of the room. Posted: 11/19/2025 22:28:11