Kirsti Näntö-Salonen  


Portal by Kirsti Näntö-Salonen

November 2024 - Portal

November 2024 - Kirsti Näntö-Salonen

Original 2

About the Image(s)

Here is "Portal". I have been dwelling in the images from the photo workshop about abandoned houses that I participated in September. I was deeply touched by the overwhelming sadness and untold stories hanging over these places, and have tried to find a way to mediate the feelings. - This image was taken in what used to be a community hall in a mining town in its heyday. There was a door that was half open into a dark closet, and light fell from the dirty windows making patterns on the floor and on the wall. - Fuji X-T4 on tripod, 18 mm, f/11, 1/35 s, ISO 160. Capture One and Affinity Photo. There are several versions with different crops, brightness and contrast, but this is the one I like best at this moment.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted




Jeff Manser   Jeff Manser
Hi Kirsti - To me, the black and white conversion makes the image have an air of mystery about it. I wonder what's hidden in the darkest areas. I thought your pre-conversion image conveyed more sadness. It seems that image showing all the details of age, wear and tear, and holes where objects used to hang feels sad to me. That said, the "mystery" element of the black and white certainly ties to the untold stories side of the equation you referred to in your write-up.   Posted: 11/17/2024 20:58:52
Kirsti Näntö-Salonen   Kirsti Näntö-Salonen
Thank you, Jeff, I agree in all counts!   Posted: 11/18/2024 07:25:58



Robert Cordivari   Robert Cordivari
Hi Kirsti - this image evokes similar feelings to your photo from last month. The partly opened doorway gives the feeling of foreboding, and the lighting on the floor works perfectly to lead the viewer's eye to the subject (door). You used the technique very effectively!

The original photo makes me think more about what the open space was once used for. More nostalgic than foreboding.   Posted: 11/20/2024 01:08:46
Kirsti Näntö-Salonen   Kirsti Näntö-Salonen
Thank you, Robert! This is exactly how I feel, too, about the difference between the color and the BW versions.   Posted: 11/24/2024 07:40:07



Albert Zabin   Albert Zabin
This picture is very intiguing and encourages the viewer to use his imagination to create a narrative. My only suggstion is to tone down the light on the floor. It is too bright and is, in my opinion, a distration from the mood of the rest of the image   Posted: 11/22/2024 22:00:08
Kirsti Näntö-Salonen   Kirsti Näntö-Salonen
Thank you, Al! I'll do that!   Posted: 11/24/2024 07:41:48