BLACK II

WONDERFUL!!!

Tante grazie Maurizio!

It is remarkable how personality shapes the facial features and expression. I have often wondered if it works both ways and whether subjects also learn to build on the body language they display, giving rise to the pecking order we are so familiar with, not just in the animal kingdom but in man.

The role of a portraitist is to elicit and then capture this display, something you excel at and do without any of the artifices that so many others of us use when photographing people. Your subjects are often shaded, shown in silhouette or positioned almost as an afterthought, yet the essential character and how they refer to those around them always shines through.This is truly a remarkable gift and it cannot be learned. It implies a certain deference and empathy towards others, qualities that are rare but essential to an artist.

This is a powerful image, I read several messages, some personal some not, I am very touched by it. An intimate and beautiful portrait, bravo.

About if the subjects learn to build their body language following orders or if they just are exposing as they are -obliging us to be clever and fast enough as to capture a glimpse of the elusive character created- still being an interesting issue to discuss. Perhaps a bit of both extremes, mixed in different proportions depending on the circumstance, the situation, the atmosphere or simply the humor of both parts, model and photographer.

In this particular case, along this session she was wishing to expose her inner face in front of the camera, like following a mysterious impulse, a certain need to preserve her expressions until the end of times. A kind, intelligent, and beautiful young woman.

This task (to photograph) still one of the most magic and fascinating I ever knew. When I take the camera in my hands a transformation starts boiling inside myself, and when I look at through the viewfinder then the transformation is roaring silently, suddenly I am hidden inside the VF, now I am invisible, watching, observing, capturing, even hunting from another world, and a lot of feelings and strange facts take place in my brain. The magic of the photography.

Today I am flattered by your words about my work, I am blushed because I recognize myself like an eternal student with a huge curiosity, lack of skills, and a camera in my hands. But no more.

John, your time and comments on my pages are the best prize for me.

Carlos

Of course first I open this photo portrait and had a strong visual impact of what it is face(soft and clean white grey)and the eyes(sharp crystal,light where need it).Is like me and your model are looking directly each ones eyes,splendid feeling.The black scarf comes to give a nice contrast line.

I read John comment that is from my opinion a very good connoisseur in this subject and just feel what he want to say and your answer too.This is the part that I like  a lot here on PN and from what I think we have to benefit for next step we want.

my best regards

Querido Sweid (qué nombre tan misterioso ),

las fotos de blanco y negro son maravillosas. La mirada de la mujer, que bien la has captado. Algo de veras magnético. Un buen trabajo, amigo mío. Que tengas un bonito día.

Saludos cordiales de Miriam 

I agree with you about the connoisseur talents of John (a photographer that I admire), but you are one of them as well. And I agree with you again about the opportunities that PN give us to exchange points of view, knowledge or just sincere opinions, what is too much indeed.

Your comment about this work is very important for me, because you're a true photographer and your detailed observation is giving me several clues about the path I must step. You know, sometimes the final work is the result of our will and knowledge, and sometimes it is just a strike of luck, something that I never forget. Anyway, thanks a lot Radu.

Miriam

Querida amiga, que gusto verte comentar en mis páginas, aprecio mucho tus palabras y la calidez con que te expresas. Espero que algún día podamos encontrarnos en algún lugar del mundo y compartir experiencias y conocimientos, ya sabes que admiro mucho la precisión, la delicadeza, y el romanticismo de tus trabajos, algo que debo absorber aunque sea sólo un poco. Muchas gracias!