im not afraid

I think this picture proves that there are subjects that transcend photographic technique. The handling of the photo itself suggests that is it an actual observation of a woman attempting suicide. The fact that it is B&W and has many surface marks and scratches creates the effect of saying that the photo has lived on in spite of what happened to the subject a long time ago. My reflections lead me to have hoped for it to be the other way around.

The photo works on more than one level. On the one hand there is a model set up to look like she is serious about taking her own life. (How could one get this far in the act of dying without being serious about it?) She is safe enough and will pose for another picture. On the other it suggests real events. Both men and women have actually done the same thing as our model is shown doing. Each one has her own story. I can't tell you why someone in the model's position would not be frightened, except to speculate that perhaps a person has to get beyond fear to be able to accept and attempt suicide.

I suppose I should admit that it doesn't frighten me so much to see the photo because I understand that a photo does not require me to make a decision that would confront me if I were to witness this same thing in person. 

You can see why I began the way I did. For this photo the subject demands attention no matter what the photographer might have done to set it up. This photo gives us a great jumping off point for one of those deep discussions about the meaning of life and death.

this is a most upsetting image , why this girl sat for this photo i do not know , why is it on here ??? i am a paramedic on 09-21-11 i responded to a call once onscene found out it was someone i knew as a child. THE OUT COME WAS NOT GOOD !!!!!

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE AFTERMATH WHEN SOMEONE TAKES THE FINAL STEP ??? WHAT IT DOES TO THE PEOPLE LEFT BEHIND ... WHY IS THIS ON HERE??? THIS IS UPSETTING !!!!!!!!!!

There are upsetting photos, there are bad photos, and there are photos that should not be posted. This is one of the those. If you do not understand why, visit that big, white room with refrigerated sliding gurneys... Morgue.

Great photo. I realise some people expect this to come with a "no models were harmed in the making of this photo" disclaimer. Thanks for ignoring them.