THE PRINCESS IS FIVE

It's just a snapshot, but she is truly my princess and I could not

help but post.

What a softie! And it looks like the other people in the picture are as transfixed with her as you are. She's a star.

Thanks. And, yes, I am the hopelessly indulgent grandpa.

What a sweetie - the princess AND you! Being an 'Oma', I know exactly how you feel. Grandkids are the 'golden' part of our golden years, that's for sure. You are lucky you live close to yours, not that common in this day and age. Have a great Sunday, grandpa, and Happy Birthday to the Princess! Barb :)

Thanks. And, believe me, I know how fortunate I am to live a minute away from the grandkids. To me they are the best part of being older (well that and retirement).

What was it like to be able to be that happy? She's a real cutie, and all that, but for me the picture is really poignant. When we're that age ourselves, we are unaware; when our kids are that age, we're largely unaware; it's only when we look back and realize that what seemed like forever was just an instant that we become aware; then we can take pictures like this.

 

Now, a photographic quibble: what's happening in the lower right portion? It looks like an extra hand coming in, but it's hard to tell.

Those are words that are filled with wisdom. I guess you do know what you are talking about. And actually I think there are two hands in that picture that do not belong to the princess. I wasn't happy about that, but I didn't like the look if I cropped up above them. That is part of the reason I denigrated this as nothing but a snapshot. One packed with emotion for me, but, understandably, not particularly of interest to others. Thanks for checking it out.

Except for the hand issue (and I agree with you on the cropping), I'd put this well beyond a snapshot. Why? Because it speaks to something universal, and does it so powerfully. You may well have gotten lucky (a lot of the image is her expression, which may have just been fleeting), but I say, take that luck and run with it.

 

(And on the extra hand: the problem I have on it is that it doesn't read all that clearly. It looks like it's part of her hand; a strange protuberance. Perhaps a little Photoshop manipulation might at least separate the extra hand visually from her hand.)

Hardly a "snapshot," amigo. This captures so much of the charm, innocence, tenderness, and delight of a wonderful age. Her expression alone makes this a fine piece of work. (I think we're too often concerned with insignificant details -- little "flaws that do nothing to detract from the essence and importance of an image.) Warm regards...

I like it!

Thanks. I remember a shot I did in Cairo, Illinois, of a funeral home with a hearse parked in it. The detail in the shadows was lost and you commented upon it. I had known of the problem, but had not been able to fix it, and so stated. Then, about a month later I tried again, and I used a PS technique I had just discovered and was able to bring out some detail in that dark shadow area. So all of this long winded comment is to say that I don't think I have the skills to fix the hand problem, but maybe next month I will.

Thank you. I alluded to it being a snapshot because so many of us think our own grandchildren are the cat's meow, and we do not have much objectivity. Thus we post our smarmy pictures of them. I'm of the opinion that while this is a cherished image to me, it is not a great fine art image. I have seen many children images that are (and you have done several), but I don't consider this in that class. Nevertheless, I'm most appreciative of any and all compliments and I thank you humbly. Take care.

I'm pleased that you like it.

There are experiences that are universal, and this is one of them. There's a magical age when kids actually believe that they can become princesses, heroes, perform magic, or find other worlds in closets or under the bed. It's hard watching the life chip away at that magic, leaving only what is. Perhaps that's what religion is for--to keep the magic going. Anyhow, her expression is wonderful, truly lost in the moment and transcendent beyond a mere snapshot.

Funny thing, I was just commenting on your image and came back to see you here. I think it was Confucius who said, "The fruit of wisdom is impregnate with the seed of sorrow." Well you said it just about as well. But these few brief and magical moments do give us such hope, don't they? Thanks for your great thoughts.

for me there's nothing like true human moment...I already told you that but I firmly believe that as amateur, my most touching mages are when I truly love the subject...and it's hard to reach that level with unknown peolple unless you spend time with them...that's why I am always interested in family (or children) photos...you find such gold nugget....

This morning I keep crossing paths with so many Pnetters. I guess we all must be on line at the moment. Thanks for your comments. I'm honestly surprised at the nice response I've received on this. Well, of course, I didn't expect anyone to say it was a stupid picture and why did I post.....

 

But I guess so many of us cannot help but respond to the innocence of youth and understand its fleeting nature. Take care.

She's adorable. I love the star on her face. Nice photo.

she is a charmer to be sure! i like what Jeff said about kids believing in magic. i have sometimes wondered if magic stops happening because we grow out of believing in it.

Thanks so much.

Thanks for the look. I agree 200 percent with your approval of Jeff's comment. He nailed it. Actually, I'm pleasantly surprised by the fantastic response, not so much in "she's so cute" vein, but in the profundity of some of the comments. I should have known better than to underestimate my Pnet friends.

First I have to confess; I have noticed such many religion related discussion on your site that as I looked at the thumbnail of this photo I hastly presumed that cute little girl having a boxed miniature jesus in her hands...

 

Now, after opening this reading some more I know my bad. Her genuine expression reminds my own faint memories what it was like back in late 50s - early 60s to receive a new toy. Though not any expert (father) I only can say you surely did it very well, so I join the admiring chorus here. ;-)

Thanks for the kind comments.

The Princess' eyes tell us everything: Joy, gratification, enthusiasm, eagerness, curiosity. Just can't wait to unwrap and play. What a great expressive moment you have captured, David!

Good luck , my friend, growing older with them is THE pleasure! This is a wonderful moment captured. I don't mind what you call it, for me it is a classic childhood beauty, and an admirer as a grandpa and photographer, seen in every inch of it.;-))lovely!