ldavidson

Very cheerful. I had to smile.

Thanks for commenting.

Very nicely composed image. A beautiful woman, looks great in B&W.

Thank you!

Thanks!

Thank you Fred. I understand that the boy in Central Park had become very annoyed with Diane for taking so long to take the shot. She was probably trying to get it just right, telling him to move here, there. His expression showed real frustration and annoyance. The impact of that crazy little face on that small, thin body was something that stayed in my memory since I first saw it, early or mid sixties. I was truly shocked to find out a few years ago that it had been completely staged. Apparently he was just a normal happy kid playing in the park. I have great respect for Arbus as a fearless artist. I suspect she herself felt like an outcast, someone who lived on the fringes of society. I know she became deeply involved with some of her subjects and I agree with your comment, "The sensibility she had toward her "characters" and her unflinching presentation of them is what distinguishes her." Well said. I think it is interesting that Josuf Karsh's portrait of Winston Churchill, shows another unforgettable expression. Karsh fussed and bossed Churchill around trying to get the right pose. Churchill had a cigar in his mouth, he was becoming annoyed. Karsh ripped it out of his mouth and clicked capturing that real annoyance, indignation, almost anger in one of the most memorable portraits of all time.

In case you aren't familiar with Diane's photo, here's a link. http://blog.mutewatch.com/2011/09/02/adrenaline-junkie/diane-arbus-child-with-toy-hand-grenade-in-central-park-new-york-city-1962/

Thank you! This was one of those serendipitous moments, they started to dance just when I happened to be walking past them in the park. I was so happy I had my camera with me. A good reminder to never leave home without it.

I am immediately drawn into this image. The diagonal lines of the table and repeated on the ceiling really pull my eyes in, I want to see what they are looking at with such intensity. I like your well-chosen POV, the stream of light coming through the window creates an effective back-light on the two men. The high contrast really creates a feeling of drama. Wonderful story, wonderful image!

Thanks, nice to hear from you!

Thank you for your lovely comment. I was so lucky to be walking past them as they began their performance in the grass. With the sun behind them, illuminating their white costumes, they were breathtaking as they struck one beautiful pose after another.

Thanks for your thoughts.

The photo by Diane Arbus "Child with a toy hand grenade in Central Park, NYC" - 1962, shocked me when I first saw it. It haunted me. When I look at Diane's original photo I still feel a slight bit of shock and sadness, even though I know now that it was staged. I had my son pose for me as a man with hand grenade. Not so disturbing in today's world. I wanted to show the long lasting influence and impact photography can have on people, and also give a small tribute to Diane Arbus in thanks for her unforgettable work.