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 p.1 #1 · Your Impressions? "Man #17" | |
#16 in a Series of Impressions Threads: "Title Open #17"
NOTE: This thread has a little different twist to it. In short, you can help me pick a title for this image. Details are below by the link in the Backstory section.
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Impressions Image #17 "Title Open #17"
http://www.steadmanuhlich.com/impressions17/index.html
Backstory:
This portrait photograph is going to be the basis or reference photo for an original oil painting I will paint in the future. This is a portrait of a Major in the US Air Force.
About the Title:
I have not included an actual title for this one as I would like to hear from you what YOU would title this image. This is for fun (for this thread) and can be something related to but not necessarily the same as your Impression. So...put your "Impressionista" conceptual hat or beret on, consider the image, describe and post your Impressions, and then provide a suggested title too. If someone presents a title I like better than the one I have in mind, I may use it. Remember, this is for fun. I like to enjoy my art and the process as well as the results.
My Intent or Goal:
Simply put, to create an image I would want to paint because something about it pleases me in an "art" way. This is a matter of personal taste or opinion (as all judgments of "Art" are in my opinion). The design is for a future painting I have in mind, so it is like a "sketch" in a way, but it is also a portrait too. The painting may include other things and people and so may be very different in the end.
The Challenges of the Session:
Evoking an emotion in the viewer.
The Tools:
My preference is for keeping the use of tools very simple. The image is made with minimal equipment and processing. The woman is sitting just a few feet from a large window. The lens I recall was a 50mm f1.4 and shot hand-held (in keeping with my nickname). The most important thing to use during a session like this is...patience.
Notes:
1. This is part of my Natural Expressions series. But, this "expression" is a subtle one and is intended to be such as that is what I generally look for during a session. So, while some "expressions" are very easy to see because of a broad smile, laugh, or scowl, this one is something much more subtle. I don't expect everyone to see this and it may be especially difficult if your screen resolution is "high" as the image and her eyes and features will be small.
2. This is a greatly reduced file for the web. Unfortunately, the image appears to lose some details at this reduction and also is beginning to show some jpg artifacts from all the saving for different sizes and formats I use on the web and in other media. So...the skin does not look as smooth (naturally) as it does in the actual print. In the original print (which appears sharper), the individual eyelashes are very distinct (as an example) and the skin has a completely natural texture (no smoothing).
4. This will be the basis image (reference image) for one of my future original oil paintings on canvas.
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Why is an Impressions Style Thread Used Here?
Short answer: To get a different kind of discussion going on a posted image, encourage lurkers to participate, and for the artist to learn something about the interpretations or impressions evoked by the image posted.
My Simple Suggestion for this forum: Contribute what you can in photographs, or comments or Impressions (as requested here) and this will be a richer viewing experience for everyone who visits.
IF you are a lurker, this type of thread is a very easy way for you to participate in the forum and you can contribute something and it can be fun. Go ahead and jump in. If you were a lurker before, let me know that too. I am hoping this type of discussion will get more people to participate here as that will enrich the forum.
I believe many people are just lurkers because they feel they cannot post "proof" of their expertise and they may be intimidated from posting anything that would not sound "smart enough" regarding photography and the technical aspects of it. I think the technical discussions are fine for those that want them (in their own threads). I also think there are many others who may not want to get technical and enjoy their photography a different way. This is NOT about technical stuff, so feel free to be poetic or "impressionistic" as that is encouraged.
The development of this new style of thread posting (Impressions) will give an opportunity to many people who do not feel comfortable discussing photos in technical terms.
This type of thread is NOT about technical things (that is "off topic" in this kind of thread), it is simply about how you "see" and "feel" things in the image shown. So, anyone from a rank beginner or newbie to an expert can participate on equal standing. Here is your chance.
A FUN Tip: It is more fun if you look at the image before reading any other Impressions posted by others. So take a look, get an impression, add your impression at the bottom (and please give your first name and city), and then take a minute to read some of the earlier postings. You might chuckle or smile as you see how others see the same image.
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How an Impressions Discussion Works:
This is the 15th Impressions Thread I have started in as many days. IF you have never read one of these before, please read the middle and bottom of this thread before viewing the photo or posting your comments.
This type of thread or discussion is NOT about technical critiques. IF you don't understand what I mean by "Impressions," simply spend a few minutes reading below or on the linked page where the image is shown. I give tips on this type of thread and answer some questions people have asked me here before.
I have put the link to the image closer to the top of this post to make it quick and easy to find. The other detailed text below the portrait introduction is for those who want to read it or need some guidance on this new approach to discussion threads here on the forum. Over time, I will reduce the amount of text as I believe others here on the forum begin to understand the intent of this type of discussion or "Impression" thread. You are encouraged to leave your Impressions (as described below) but I do ask that you leave "Impressions" as that is the topic. IF you missed the other earlier Impressions threads I started, simply look back in the forum or search for a thread with topics starting "Your Impression?" and you will find them.
IF you feel a need to debate the value of Impressions versus Technical Criticism, then please do not do it in this thread (as that is "off topic"), and instead do it in the thread where that debate IS the topic of discussion, here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/649345
It is very simple. Here is my request: To add positive value to this thread or discussion, please share your "Impressions" of the figure or face or expression or action or "total image" in the photo you see. Put very simply: "What do you see or sense?" Also, please tell me your First Name + City when you give me your Impression. That is important for my Global Impressions Project (A few paragraphs describing my project are found on the page linked to the image page. You will find it on the second page if you want to know more.)
Also, I encourage you to post your own "Impressions" thread with a photo some time. Reading the variety of Impressions is very satisfying and helpful to any artist who is interested in how a work of art (photo) affects a viewer or viewers. So, try it some time. My Simple Suggestion: Place the word "Impression" as the first word of your topic title for the thread and then people will know you want Impressions rather than technical criticism. The rest is up to you.
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