italians in roma (xxxvi)

Hey Donna, I've just spent a great hour or so looking through your portfolios and they are great. There were too many to comment on and so I chose this one for today, as it really stood out to me. I'm a Rolleiflex user and so I loved the square format here. It really helps frame the woman in an awkward but beautiful way. Just my kind of thing! The low f stop has helped the woman to come to the fore of the picture, otherwise she may have got lost in the background. And the texture of her jumper creates a great contrast to her face and the background. I think it's a picture that doesn't tell the truth about the woman, but leaves us curious as to who and how she actually is. She has such an interesting face and the way you've captured her look is great. One negative, sorry, but maybe the face is a little over-exposed, or more mid tone is needed?? But that's just me. I think that would get more detail in her face.

A great photo! I love it. All the best in the future and enjoy your trips onto the streets!!!   David

David, i'm so glad for your enjoyment of my pictures, and for the thoughtful commentary... all the Romans pictures were on the fly, which i do with all my pictures. i have a backround in the arts, but i picked up a Nikon just 3 yrs ago... and my intent is for my images to become as cinematic as possible... you're a natural for the cinematic, David.. really.. and with your Rolleiflex! awesome, the the authenticity, the drama, the movement, the definitive no nonsense tones in your work... please, i am a raw photographer, and so much welcome your commentary on any of my work. suggest what i might have done to do more justice to the subject. i yearn to learn, and very happy to meet you and your work ;-} dp

Donna, With this portrait you' ve captured that internal silence as HCB would have said. A thoughtful expression, that says everything about the lady at that specific moment.  The composition also is good with interesting details on the subject, glasses, scarf and so on... Image with a purpose!  All the best,

thank you so much, Bachir, for appreciating this picture! I like to portray the broader drama of a scene, so I don't do a whole lot of portraits... but thank you for realizing that when i do shoot a portrait it's because i feel that a compelling drama envelopes the subject, and will stir the viewer's imagination. and thank you so much for noticing the HCB influence! ;-} dp