INTROSPECTIVE

Scanned from an old BW Ilford FP4 Plus 125 negative.

Noisy, scratchy, careless developing process. I'm sorry.

This is a living still life. The objects on the window ledge ground this and the reflection in the window makes it soar spiritually, so you've created a universe in which this woman exists. At first, the darkness of her long leg is a bit jarring, but it starts to make sense. There's a bit of trouble making out the dog but once I do, there's a rewarding connection. This has intimacy and it breathes.

The original concept is based on the feminine inner world, her peaceful stance simultaneously reveals her deep thoughts, her mind is focused, her body relaxed.

In my imagination her nature is nudity, I mean, she is free in every senses, she do prefer nudity as her natural way of life, she feels comfortable and self conscious. And you're right, she does exists, but in her personal universe, a fascinating universe.

Well my friend, this pretended world is nailed exclusively in my mind, and my intention was to capture the idea trying to transmit it to the observer.

About the photographic quality, it is mediocre, not too many post process options with a low quality scan of a low quality negative, but if one take it like an emotional message more than a photo, then perhaps it could work.

Thank you very much Fred.

The technique can contribute to the impact if it helps to reinforce the message, my feeling however is that it often plays a secondary role. Vertical walls, missing limbs or whatever people sometimes worry about are not my favourite concern. Today, I received a reprimand saying that veins were showing on my model's chest, huh?!   Apologies for talking about me and not your photo, though there is a connection here. 

The camera has an amazing, almost magical ability to capture mood beyond the body language that we so often talk about. Indeed surroundings, props etc., (dog?) as above will contribute to the atmosphere in that they frame the subject and his or her state of mind.  

Some of the mystique of old paintings and other artefacts comes from the patina that settles on the artwork, likewise the scan of an older photograph or negative can profit from its vagueness and lack of definition, giving it a somewhat vintage and less well defined look. All this to say that the feeling conveyed by this photo is no lesser than it would be if it was perfectly sharp and lit, on the contrary, the mystery is enhanced as well as the feeling of privacy it evokes.  

There is a certain shyness that results from looking at your works, for they do not give the impression they are made to be looked upon by others. A naked young woman lying on a bed is easy to understand in this context, the facade of a building or a passing cloud is less easy to explain.    

you have had success with this lovely model in the past Sweid; she is lovely and natural... you have successfully here communicated a message about her inner life by capturing her nude surrounded by her personal belongings.... i think the image is breath-taking ;-} dp

The mystery of film is of the essence here I think. There is no jarringly perfect digital capture with every pimple or on view. One is forced to look at the image as a whole,and bit by bit, but none of her nudity is ostentatious.  Sexuality is inferred, in the quiet moment.

I had to look at it a few times, which is a good thing when we are drawn to review a photo more than once I think its significant that there is something there to intrigue.   Inspiring.

Well done , Sweid!

Regards,
Mário

I believe that always there is a connection between a photo as a creation, the subject, the photographer and the thoughts (expressed in words) of the observer. You don't need apologize because the connection is real, you're right.  Thank you so much for your rich comment John.

Donna

This model is very expressive (and photogenic!), she has the rare ability to capture the idea of the photographer performing almost a miracle in front of the camera, because always she adds an unexpected emotional character overwhelming my original idea. She is a great model to work with. Thanks a lot for your visit and encouraging words.

Marie

What a nice surprise to see you watching and commenting my photos! Here you've expressed a deep and sophisticated thought, I sign each word you've said, we share a very similar concept about photography. I'm a bit blush at last, you're a real photographer, I'm a dilettante!.  My gratitude to you Marie.

Mario

Another nice surprise to see you too commenting on my works, muito obrigado!