A Close Personal Friend

This portrait of a 'close personal friend' was taken 'impromptu' in a

dentist office just before an appointment, near Kyiv, Ukraine. Your

ratings and critiques are invited and most welcome. If you rate harshly

or very critically, or just wish to state an opinion, please submit a helpful

and constructive comment; please share your photographic knowledge

to help improve my photography. Thanks! Enjoy! John

not an easy task with a 70-200. Imho a bit more contrast would have been nice here. What I like most is the CPF's expression you caught. Thanks for sharing, Giuseppe

This was posted not just for this woman's beauty, but because it is a study in the 'continuation of lines'.

 

The shadow of venetian blinds cast on the wall and on her face makes striations that are effectively seen to continue in the cables of her cable-knit turtleneck sweater, as well as the smaller knit of the jacket collar (less significant).

 

Without that unusual/original element, this photo would not have been posted.

 

John (Crosley)

The problems with 'more contrast' are twofold.

 

One is it would darken and deepen the shadows across her face - that may not be a huge problem and may be an asset. That is debatable.

 

Another is that she has skin issues, particularly under her left eye, turned toward us, that was made unsightly by increasing contrast. Now, of course, that could be 'smoothed over' by good Photoshopping, but it is I who is posting (not you) and my Photoshopping skills are not only limited, but maybe on purpose. It makes an honest shooter out of me. I never depend on Photoshop to 'save me', though sometimes I have to try.

 

I know it makes great photos into stunning ones, and I hope that some day even you with your great post processing skills might show me a trick or twenty, but I live for 'the shot' and even just a moment or two of shooting.

 

(By the way, your comment snuck in while I was posting my comment above -- how unusual,--and I am to your northeast, now, as you surely have suspected -- without that thing I knew I could not bring with me, but is awaiting my return, then onward when I have instructions,

 

Oh, and my license ordeal is OVER - the State of California has seen their own folly and sent me an e-mail to that effect yesterday -- with their personal best wishes for my time in 'this country', if you can believe that. I am an effective advocate for my own cause. (with their 'best wishes' and a request to 'keep in touch' - how friendly!)

 

Needless to say, I can give you and MP some thanks for the existence of this photo.

 

Finally, a 70-200 (prior edition) with vibration reduction on, in sidelighted daylight in a dentist's anteroom at maybe 400 ISO is not so hard to hand hold, at minimum focusing distance, at least for me. (I'm a pretty rock solid holder - no tremors . . . . yet.)

 

My best to you (and M.P.)

 

And eternal thanks.

 

Maybe I should have dedicated this photo (and the happiness I feel) to you and M.P. personally.

 

The world should know of your kindness and generosity, and I'm not afraid to say 'THANKS' for that to you in front of everyone.

 

;~))

 

John (Crosley)

Great portrait. 7/7 Any personal experience with Ukrain Kiev 88CM camera?

My subject is somewhat critical of this as 'not her best', but still accepts it.

 

I am just not familiar with any Sovietskji or post Sovietskij models of cameras or knock-offs.

 

Sorry.

 

This is a dear friend. (You are free to read between the lines).

 

And you might understand why I go to Ukraine, although it is my Ukraine photography that attracted the friendship, not vice versa.

 

Best to you with health. (and imagine, in a dental

waiting room, just to pass a few moments while waiting for a dentist!!!!)

 

John (Crosley)