In Gentleness, Strength: Mother, December, 2007 III

Comments are welcome, especially those comparing the three versions ofthis shot.

--Lannie

I like this one very much, and I think it's the best of the three. I think the color of the sweater works well with her lips and her eyelids. I like the warmth of the predominant colors, and how they make her blue eyes stand out all the more.

 

To me, the B&W one with the greater contrast looks like something Ansel Adams might have done with the bark of an old tree - You're not trying to make her look young, but the high contrast goes too far in emphasizing her age. I think perhaps the softer B&W one may go too far in the opposite direction - like you're trying too hard to soften the wrinkles.

 

Regards, Tom

Thanks, Tom. I will probably keep manipulating the original file for a while yet, since I am sure that I can get a better monochrome treatment than I have so far.

 

I do think that the one with exaggerated contrast would work better if viewed across a room--rather than as a close-up--in the same way that stage make-up looks good from a distance but is far too heavy to look good up close or on the "silver screen."

 

As for the true B&W version, it also had contrast increased and so was not really softened at all. The color version is the softest and thus the least contrasty, thus showing the fewest wrinkles.

 

--Lannie

as biased as I am towards b&w I have to say I prefer this one because it's the most natural looking. As a photo don't mind those wrinkles, in fact I think they do add a lot of character and why try to hide them? I'm sure it works even better in b&w. Actually I did convert it myself and am sure of it. I am surprised though that you upload as many versions of the same photo.

Thanks, Ton. Far from trying to hide the wrinkles, the other two versions emphasize the wrinkles. I did a simple desaturation, but I thought it looked a bit flat.

 

Uploading three versions harks back to the days when the site was primarily a critique site and one could actually get loads of comments.

 

--Lannie

Lannie,

This is a beautiful portrait of your mother, I bet she was proud of this picture. A very kind, gentle looking lady. You captured a treasured moment. I lost my mother last year. If you still have her you are a lucky man. Regards, Patsy

I'm sorry for your loss, Patsy.

 

Yes, my mother is still with us.

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

--Lannie

This reminds me of my mother who passed away in 1999 at the age of 89. She was a woman of character and determination who never gave an inch to age and was always right in the center of things. A wonderful portrait and a tribute to your mom.

Thank you so much, Jack.

 

--Lannie

I prefer this one as it is much more alive with the real skin tones and what life has plowed on her face till her old age. It is a strong and true portrait, well executed, and a nice dedication to your mother.

Thank you, Pnina. If you like it, then I am okay with it.

 

--Lannie

This has the stronger impact (on me at least). The red color gives the image depth and brings out her eyes more than the B&W version. An excellent image.

 

Jim Phelps

 

 

a solid portrait --- gentleness and strength is pretty much what the picture shows, the character I sense from this fine looking woman --- a resolute spirit animated by kindness.