Steady Hand
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 p.1 #1 · Your Impressions? #24 A Father's Duty | |
#23 in a Series of Impressions Threads: "A Father's Duty"
NOTE:
To anyone seeing this image today, I hope they understand that I post it with respect and honoring those countless fathers who have made a sacrifice to protect their own families and those of others too. Happy Fathers Day. 
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Impressions Image #24 "A Father's Duty"
http://www.steadmanuhlich.com/impressions24/index.html
NOTE: I have a tentative title for this image. I posted this photo today to honor fathers on Father's Day in the USA.. But, I am interested in what you would title this image. So put your Impressionista hat or beret on and suggest a title.
NOTE: I suggest reading my goals below. This image is carefully designed with a reason for it to look as it does. It all starts with a concept. My personal artistic goals are often to find the "way" to simple design and execution to reach a "Zen-like" simple or elemental beauty. This may seem "hokey" to some photographers, but it is very satisfying to me in both painting and photography.
Here is a quotation I have always liked:
"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things but their inward significance." ---- Aristotle
My Intent or Goal:
Create a photographic portrait of this man that would reflect his care and love for his first born child.
About the Subject (The Person in the Photo):
The man is a new father, holding his first born child. The man volunteered to serve his country in the US Army Special Forces as a medic and a few weeks after this image was made, he was sent to Afghanistan. He is an amateur photographer who had visited my art gallery several times. He came in one day and said he wanted something special to carry with him. He also wanted something special for his son to have, "just in case." It was a very special session for me as I witnessed this obvious love the father had for his son and also his devotion to duty and his sense of responsibility. I can only imagine the emotions that must confront a new father that must leave his new born child on the eve of a dangerous mission that will take him far away for a long time. I asked this man about his future and his courageous decision to volunteer. I was curious about this sacrifice he was prepared to make. He sincerely told me he wanted to make the world a "safer place" for his son. When I see this image, I am struck by many feelings that go beyond a simple photo. This is because I know the backstory, and I think the story behind a photo or image can be as important as the photo image itself. They complement each other in the way I see things.
The Tool Tips:
My preference is for keeping the tools and their use very simple. The image is made with minimal equipment and processing. The most important thing to use during a session like this is...making the camera become "invisible" to the subject. This was shot hand-held. Tech Tip: Remember to exhale right before shutter release and use a very soft pressure on the shutter release. This was in a large dark room. I don't recommend anyone try to handhold at that low a shutter speed as it leads to more chances of "camera shake," but I am providing it here just in case someone is interested.
Notes:
1. This is part of my Natural Expressions series. But, this "expression" is a very 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 the look of confidence I wanted to capture. 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 exactly as it does in the actual print. In the original print (which appears a little sharper), the individual eyelashes are distinct (as an example) and the skin has a completely natural texture.
4. This was made into a life-size portrait with very nice textures of both skin and garment.
5. The "pose" is completely natural. He was comforting his baby and humming a little lullaby. I discretely positioned myself for a moment to capture this angle and expression while he was focused on his son. He did not notice me at that moment. However, this was my intended "look" or the expression I wanted to capture. After a few seconds the "moment" was gone. While this particular image does not show their eyes (and I do have other images that do), I like the expression we can see. In this case the arms and hands tell the story.
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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 24th 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
You might also enjoy reading the different "Impressions about Impressions" thread here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/653643
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.
Edited by Steady Hand on Jun 15, 2008 at 12:36 PM GMT
Edited on Jun 15, 2008 at 01:36 PM
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